Julia's bookshelf: read en-US Sun, 02 Mar 2025 02:12:20 -0800 60 Julia's bookshelf: read 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Confess 22609310
For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it—but can she do it?]]> 306 Colleen Hoover 1476791457 Julia 5 4.14 2015 Confess
author: Colleen Hoover
name: Julia
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves:
review:

]]> The Scars Between Us 35446190
Aiden Sheffield would rather go to hell than Linx. Who does Emma think she is disrupting his carefully built life? The last thing the Marine needs is to slice open the sealed wounds of his painful past. Yet, as he gets to know the lovely Emma, a woman who manages to smile even though she's lost everything, he changes his mind. He will not let her go to hell alone.

But neither is prepared for the devastating evil waiting for them at the end of the road. It might just destroy them.]]> 384 M.K. Schiller 1640631380 Julia 0 own-but-haven-t-read 4.11 The Scars Between Us
author: M.K. Schiller
name: Julia
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/01
shelves: own-but-haven-t-read
review:

]]> Twisted Desire 22095063
Penelope Santoro is alone, trapped in an empty room of what could only be a boat in the middle of a rough ocean. With no recollection of how she got there, and no escape in sight, she's quickly losing hope that she will ever find her way home.

Tag Reynolds is detached. His life depends upon it. But when the beautiful daughter of one of his biggest rivals winds up in his care, his entire world shifts. Drawn to her innocence, he desperately fights the feelings he can't have...feelings that could destroy everything he's worked for.

Penny is nothing more than a pawn in a deadly game -- a game that Tag cannot afford to lose. Can he save her without compromising his position, or will they become victims of their twisted desire?]]> 277 Laura Dunaway Julia 0 3.76 2014 Twisted Desire
author: Laura Dunaway
name: Julia
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at: 2016/10/16
date added: 2024/10/01
shelves: mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, safe, annoying-characters-plot, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, throw-away-dnf, tstl-heroine
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dark Exodus (The Order of Vampires #2)]]> 58523196
Larissa Hostetler is on the run after an arranged marriage to Silus, her abusive, immortal husband. As Silus hunts his disobedient wife, he plots her painful atonement. But Bishop King, the most powerful and eldest immortal in The Order, finds Larissa first, and he has plans of his own.

Meanwhile, a deadly vampire is slaughtering mortal women in the woods, drawing unwanted attention from the media that threatens to expose their species. The Council is hard-pressed to hunt and destroy the creature, but other upheaval is at play while the bishop is away.

Vows will be broken and lives eternally changed as appetites for vengeance grow in this ongoing saga of immortal love, eternal loyalty, and wicked betrayals.]]> 401 Lydia Michaels 1735467790 Julia 3
This installment was.... interesting. A combination of not at all what i expected and EXACTLY what i expected.

My biggest problem with this book was that the author took an overused trope and didnt change it at all. Tell me; Have you read this book before?
- Heroine escapes an abusive relationship and hides away as a stripper
- Hero goes out to find her, only to realize that they're mates/in love
- "I'll protect you always and you'll never suffer again" - our hero talking to the heroine
- Abusive ex gets mad when he finds out
- Heroine goes off by herself and instantly gets attacked by abusive ex
- Hero saves her.
The end.

Have you read this book 1000 times? 2000 times? I know I have and I'm SICK OF IT. You can dress up this trope with as much vampire/amish/fated mates as much as you want, but at the end of the day its all the same bull shit. Why have the heroine become a stripper and include in her inner dialogue that she loves dancing.... only to have it never mentioned again for the rest of the book?! Oh right, because being a stripper is for whores only and our heroine cant be a whore. She has to go back to amish land to be a submissive wife. Which is really my main problem with the series.

While I love a fated mate story, with some really good smut thrown in, this book did not meet my expectations. It felt rushed and lazy. There was also TWO other story lines going on at the same time as our MC's which took away from their romance.

All in all, I probably wont continue with this series. The next hero is a slut.

Safety:
- Heroine is previously married to a very abusive man that beats and rapes her.
- Hero is a virgin
- No seperation, no cheating, no OW drama, slight OM drama in the form of the abusive ex
- Physical violence
- Misogyny. The characters are Amish after all
- fated mates, possessive and obsessive love. CAVEAT: the hero and heroine have known each other for decades but they didnt know they were fated mates until after the heroine is married.

Merged review:

3 stars

This installment was.... interesting. A combination of not at all what i expected and EXACTLY what i expected.

My biggest problem with this book was that the author took an overused trope and didnt change it at all. Tell me; Have you read this book before?
- Heroine escapes an abusive relationship and hides away as a stripper
- Hero goes out to find her, only to realize that they're mates/in love
- "I'll protect you always and you'll never suffer again" - our hero talking to the heroine
- Abusive ex gets mad when he finds out
- Heroine goes off by herself and instantly gets attacked by abusive ex
- Hero saves her.
The end.

Have you read this book 1000 times? 2000 times? I know I have and I'm SICK OF IT. You can dress up this trope with as much vampire/amish/fated mates as much as you want, but at the end of the day its all the same bull shit. Why have the heroine become a stripper and include in her inner dialogue that she loves dancing.... only to have it never mentioned again for the rest of the book?! Oh right, because being a stripper is for whores only and our heroine cant be a whore. She has to go back to amish land to be a submissive wife. Which is really my main problem with the series.

While I love a fated mate story, with some really good smut thrown in, this book did not meet my expectations. It felt rushed and lazy. There was also TWO other story lines going on at the same time as our MC's which took away from their romance.

All in all, I probably wont continue with this series. The next hero is a slut.

Safety:
- Heroine is previously married to a very abusive man that beats and rapes her.
- Hero is a virgin
- No seperation, no cheating, no OW drama, slight OM drama in the form of the abusive ex
- Physical violence
- Misogyny. The characters are Amish after all
- fated mates, possessive and obsessive love. CAVEAT: the hero and heroine have known each other for decades but they didnt know they were fated mates until after the heroine is married.]]> 4.28 2012 Dark Exodus (The Order of Vampires #2)
author: Lydia Michaels
name: Julia
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/04
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, virgin-hero, tstl-heroine, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, series-to-wait-for, safe, paranormal, ott-possessive-hero, not-a-manwhore, instalove, hottest-sex-scenes, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, epic-love, dark, annoying-characters-plot
review:
3 stars

This installment was.... interesting. A combination of not at all what i expected and EXACTLY what i expected.

My biggest problem with this book was that the author took an overused trope and didnt change it at all. Tell me; Have you read this book before?
- Heroine escapes an abusive relationship and hides away as a stripper
- Hero goes out to find her, only to realize that they're mates/in love
- "I'll protect you always and you'll never suffer again" - our hero talking to the heroine
- Abusive ex gets mad when he finds out
- Heroine goes off by herself and instantly gets attacked by abusive ex
- Hero saves her.
The end.

Have you read this book 1000 times? 2000 times? I know I have and I'm SICK OF IT. You can dress up this trope with as much vampire/amish/fated mates as much as you want, but at the end of the day its all the same bull shit. Why have the heroine become a stripper and include in her inner dialogue that she loves dancing.... only to have it never mentioned again for the rest of the book?! Oh right, because being a stripper is for whores only and our heroine cant be a whore. She has to go back to amish land to be a submissive wife. Which is really my main problem with the series.

While I love a fated mate story, with some really good smut thrown in, this book did not meet my expectations. It felt rushed and lazy. There was also TWO other story lines going on at the same time as our MC's which took away from their romance.

All in all, I probably wont continue with this series. The next hero is a slut.

Safety:
- Heroine is previously married to a very abusive man that beats and rapes her.
- Hero is a virgin
- No seperation, no cheating, no OW drama, slight OM drama in the form of the abusive ex
- Physical violence
- Misogyny. The characters are Amish after all
- fated mates, possessive and obsessive love. CAVEAT: the hero and heroine have known each other for decades but they didnt know they were fated mates until after the heroine is married.

Merged review:

3 stars

This installment was.... interesting. A combination of not at all what i expected and EXACTLY what i expected.

My biggest problem with this book was that the author took an overused trope and didnt change it at all. Tell me; Have you read this book before?
- Heroine escapes an abusive relationship and hides away as a stripper
- Hero goes out to find her, only to realize that they're mates/in love
- "I'll protect you always and you'll never suffer again" - our hero talking to the heroine
- Abusive ex gets mad when he finds out
- Heroine goes off by herself and instantly gets attacked by abusive ex
- Hero saves her.
The end.

Have you read this book 1000 times? 2000 times? I know I have and I'm SICK OF IT. You can dress up this trope with as much vampire/amish/fated mates as much as you want, but at the end of the day its all the same bull shit. Why have the heroine become a stripper and include in her inner dialogue that she loves dancing.... only to have it never mentioned again for the rest of the book?! Oh right, because being a stripper is for whores only and our heroine cant be a whore. She has to go back to amish land to be a submissive wife. Which is really my main problem with the series.

While I love a fated mate story, with some really good smut thrown in, this book did not meet my expectations. It felt rushed and lazy. There was also TWO other story lines going on at the same time as our MC's which took away from their romance.

All in all, I probably wont continue with this series. The next hero is a slut.

Safety:
- Heroine is previously married to a very abusive man that beats and rapes her.
- Hero is a virgin
- No seperation, no cheating, no OW drama, slight OM drama in the form of the abusive ex
- Physical violence
- Misogyny. The characters are Amish after all
- fated mates, possessive and obsessive love. CAVEAT: the hero and heroine have known each other for decades but they didnt know they were fated mates until after the heroine is married.
]]> <![CDATA[Hooked on Love (Cotton Creek, #2)]]> 32061457 Avery Oliver can see the byline now. What better way to jumpstart her journalism career than to head out into the woods with a sexy guide? It’s all very Bear Grylls, but she’ll take it, even if it means ditching her beloved designer suits and handbags.

All Sullivan Reed needs in life is a fly rod and the roar of a river. Playing guide to a hot little reporter can’t end well…until they strike a deal that’s mutually beneficial. She’ll pretend to be his girlfriend to deflect an overly flirtatious neighbor, and he’ll help her with the article. It’s a win-win.

Until it isn’t. By the time a storm strands them in his cabin, Sully’s done pretending. He wants Avery—badly—but she’s a big-city girl looking for adventure, not his simple life. So why does releasing her feel like he’s lost the perfect catch?

Each book in the Cotton Creek Romance series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series
Book #1 Romancing the Ranger
Book #2 Hooked on Love

]]> 212 Jennie Marts 1633757749 Julia 4 4.06 Hooked on Love (Cotton Creek, #2)
author: Jennie Marts
name: Julia
average rating: 4.06
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/10/23
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: best-hero, favorite-5-star, hottest-sex-scenes, instalove, lighthearted-funny, not-a-manwhore, safe
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Building Bridges (Bridges Brothers, #1)]]> 49008869 308 Lia Fairchild 0986415359 Julia 0 4.03 Building Bridges (Bridges Brothers, #1)
author: Lia Fairchild
name: Julia
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Deadly Match (Bad Boy Inc. #3)]]> 36353833
Almost dying puts some things in perspective for Reaper.

One, he is getting too old to be dodging bullets.�
Two, who will mourn him when he is gone?

And three, he needs a legacy to inherit his collection of hockey cards.�
Maybe it’s time to think of settling down, problem is, exactly where does a retired assassin meet a lady? 
Charming Reaper Montgomery—the first—turns to a dating service to solve his problem, and finds himself intrigued by the owner, especially when his first date with her ends with bullets flying. 
Between her secret past, and his killer resume, they’ll make a deadly match.
]]> 202 Eve Langlais 1988328845 Julia 0 4.09 2018 Deadly Match (Bad Boy Inc. #3)
author: Eve Langlais
name: Julia
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/20
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Original Sin (The Order of Vampires, #1)]]> 53513101
Adam Hartzler has always been an honorable immortal, but the fine line between right and wrong blurs when he is called to his fated mate. If he does not find and claim her soon, he will lose his soul and humanity, transforming into a vile predator controlled by insatiable bloodlust.

Adam’s salvation relies on one mortal’s surrender. Will he find her in time or get sentenced to a tortured eternity as a vampire? Time’s slipping away, and so is Adam’s control.

Passion and emotion collide in an explosive meeting of destined souls that begins with a ruthless betrayal when Adam unapologetically takes what is his.]]> 678 Lydia Michaels 0999523643 Julia 4
There is A LOT to unpack with this book because it was, *clears throat* insightful, smart, passionate, unique and well written. Things a lot of romance lacks now a days.

HERO:
First of all, we got a VIRGIN HERO. Thats right ladies. Virgin hero. Only ever kissed one girl in his past. Adam was swoon worthy on every page. HE was completely devoted to the heroine from the moment he gets the mating call. Will do anything to have her. Are his methods always perfect? Absolutely not. Considering he's amish, it causes this beautiful drama between the hero and heroine, making the stakes of their love that much better. Since he's Amish, he obviously has outdated gender roles embedded in his brain but the heroine is strong enough to make him second guess and bow down to her.

HEROINE:
She was my favorite character. Usually when heroines fight a fated mate at every turn, I get mad at them, as its incredibly frustrating to read and it always paints them in a negative light. But with this story, her fight is warranted and justified. I WANTED her to kick and scream at the hero because she has to decide to give up her entire modern lifestyle if she wants to be with the hero. She brings this beautiful energy to the story that I love in a good heroine. One thing I wish had been different was her will to continue to live in the modern world. I wish she hadn't given that aspect of her life up. No man is worth giving up Netflix. Sorry not sorry. Thats why it got 4.5/5


Safety:
-H is a virgin
-Heroine is not a virgin.
-No OW drama
-Some OM drama. Heroine sleeps with one of her coworkers before she meets the H and OM is very interested in h and causes alot of jealousy problems with the H
-No seperation
-Slight sexual violence: hero gets more animal like the longer he goes without claiming the h. It causes him attack her in a fit of jealous rage but he snaps out of it at the last minute.
-Push and pull alot. Heroine wants to be the hero but doesnt want to give up her lifestyle to live in an amish community. She also is wary of vampires when she first hears about the transition
-Ok big spoiler time: While hero and heroine are fated mates, theres a problem later down the road. Hero has a twin brother that is also connected to the heroine but he only feels her pain and suffering. The only way he can get to her is by force through her mind. This causes the hero to doubt his connection to the heroine, making him forfeit his right to have the h as his mate. Obviously the heroine gets insanely upset by this. Hero's brother does not desire the heroine in a sexual way.

And for whoever already read this, I have some theories about future books!!!

1. The heroine mentions Cain's 'secret' at the very end of the book. Could he be gay?
2. Last chapter shows the hero's dad acting funny. Did his fated mate get called or his wife??
3. Very interested in the Bishop and Larissa's eventual book. BUT not pleased that Bishop didnt claim her and let Silas marry her instead. Not cool.



Merged review:

4.5 stars!!!

There is A LOT to unpack with this book because it was, *clears throat* insightful, smart, passionate, unique and well written. Things a lot of romance lacks now a days.

HERO:
First of all, we got a VIRGIN HERO. Thats right ladies. Virgin hero. Only ever kissed one girl in his past. Adam was swoon worthy on every page. HE was completely devoted to the heroine from the moment he gets the mating call. Will do anything to have her. Are his methods always perfect? Absolutely not. Considering he's amish, it causes this beautiful drama between the hero and heroine, making the stakes of their love that much better. Since he's Amish, he obviously has outdated gender roles embedded in his brain but the heroine is strong enough to make him second guess and bow down to her.

HEROINE:
She was my favorite character. Usually when heroines fight a fated mate at every turn, I get mad at them, as its incredibly frustrating to read and it always paints them in a negative light. But with this story, her fight is warranted and justified. I WANTED her to kick and scream at the hero because she has to decide to give up her entire modern lifestyle if she wants to be with the hero. She brings this beautiful energy to the story that I love in a good heroine. One thing I wish had been different was her will to continue to live in the modern world. I wish she hadn't given that aspect of her life up. No man is worth giving up Netflix. Sorry not sorry. Thats why it got 4.5/5


Safety:
-H is a virgin
-Heroine is not a virgin.
-No OW drama
-Some OM drama. Heroine sleeps with one of her coworkers before she meets the H and OM is very interested in h and causes alot of jealousy problems with the H
-No seperation
-Slight sexual violence: hero gets more animal like the longer he goes without claiming the h. It causes him attack her in a fit of jealous rage but he snaps out of it at the last minute.
-Push and pull alot. Heroine wants to be the hero but doesnt want to give up her lifestyle to live in an amish community. She also is wary of vampires when she first hears about the transition
-Ok big spoiler time: While hero and heroine are fated mates, theres a problem later down the road. Hero has a twin brother that is also connected to the heroine but he only feels her pain and suffering. The only way he can get to her is by force through her mind. This causes the hero to doubt his connection to the heroine, making him forfeit his right to have the h as his mate. Obviously the heroine gets insanely upset by this. Hero's brother does not desire the heroine in a sexual way.

And for whoever already read this, I have some theories about future books!!!

1. The heroine mentions Cain's 'secret' at the very end of the book. Could he be gay?
2. Last chapter shows the hero's dad acting funny. Did his fated mate get called or his wife??
3. Very interested in the Bishop and Larissa's eventual book. BUT not pleased that Bishop didnt claim her and let Silas marry her instead. Not cool.]]> 3.85 2011 Original Sin (The Order of Vampires, #1)
author: Lydia Michaels
name: Julia
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2020/05/18
date added: 2024/09/10
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, virgin-hero, series-to-wait-for, safe, safe-with-exception, paranormal, ott-possessive-hero, not-a-manwhore, instalove, hottest-sex-scenes, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, favorite-5-star, epic-love, dark, best-secondary-characters, best-character-development, best-couple-or-chemistry, best-hero
review:
4.5 stars!!!

There is A LOT to unpack with this book because it was, *clears throat* insightful, smart, passionate, unique and well written. Things a lot of romance lacks now a days.

HERO:
First of all, we got a VIRGIN HERO. Thats right ladies. Virgin hero. Only ever kissed one girl in his past. Adam was swoon worthy on every page. HE was completely devoted to the heroine from the moment he gets the mating call. Will do anything to have her. Are his methods always perfect? Absolutely not. Considering he's amish, it causes this beautiful drama between the hero and heroine, making the stakes of their love that much better. Since he's Amish, he obviously has outdated gender roles embedded in his brain but the heroine is strong enough to make him second guess and bow down to her.

HEROINE:
She was my favorite character. Usually when heroines fight a fated mate at every turn, I get mad at them, as its incredibly frustrating to read and it always paints them in a negative light. But with this story, her fight is warranted and justified. I WANTED her to kick and scream at the hero because she has to decide to give up her entire modern lifestyle if she wants to be with the hero. She brings this beautiful energy to the story that I love in a good heroine. One thing I wish had been different was her will to continue to live in the modern world. I wish she hadn't given that aspect of her life up. No man is worth giving up Netflix. Sorry not sorry. Thats why it got 4.5/5


Safety:
-H is a virgin
-Heroine is not a virgin.
-No OW drama
-Some OM drama. Heroine sleeps with one of her coworkers before she meets the H and OM is very interested in h and causes alot of jealousy problems with the H
-No seperation
-Slight sexual violence: hero gets more animal like the longer he goes without claiming the h. It causes him attack her in a fit of jealous rage but he snaps out of it at the last minute.
-Push and pull alot. Heroine wants to be the hero but doesnt want to give up her lifestyle to live in an amish community. She also is wary of vampires when she first hears about the transition
-Ok big spoiler time: While hero and heroine are fated mates, theres a problem later down the road. Hero has a twin brother that is also connected to the heroine but he only feels her pain and suffering. The only way he can get to her is by force through her mind. This causes the hero to doubt his connection to the heroine, making him forfeit his right to have the h as his mate. Obviously the heroine gets insanely upset by this. Hero's brother does not desire the heroine in a sexual way.

And for whoever already read this, I have some theories about future books!!!

1. The heroine mentions Cain's 'secret' at the very end of the book. Could he be gay?
2. Last chapter shows the hero's dad acting funny. Did his fated mate get called or his wife??
3. Very interested in the Bishop and Larissa's eventual book. BUT not pleased that Bishop didnt claim her and let Silas marry her instead. Not cool.



Merged review:

4.5 stars!!!

There is A LOT to unpack with this book because it was, *clears throat* insightful, smart, passionate, unique and well written. Things a lot of romance lacks now a days.

HERO:
First of all, we got a VIRGIN HERO. Thats right ladies. Virgin hero. Only ever kissed one girl in his past. Adam was swoon worthy on every page. HE was completely devoted to the heroine from the moment he gets the mating call. Will do anything to have her. Are his methods always perfect? Absolutely not. Considering he's amish, it causes this beautiful drama between the hero and heroine, making the stakes of their love that much better. Since he's Amish, he obviously has outdated gender roles embedded in his brain but the heroine is strong enough to make him second guess and bow down to her.

HEROINE:
She was my favorite character. Usually when heroines fight a fated mate at every turn, I get mad at them, as its incredibly frustrating to read and it always paints them in a negative light. But with this story, her fight is warranted and justified. I WANTED her to kick and scream at the hero because she has to decide to give up her entire modern lifestyle if she wants to be with the hero. She brings this beautiful energy to the story that I love in a good heroine. One thing I wish had been different was her will to continue to live in the modern world. I wish she hadn't given that aspect of her life up. No man is worth giving up Netflix. Sorry not sorry. Thats why it got 4.5/5


Safety:
-H is a virgin
-Heroine is not a virgin.
-No OW drama
-Some OM drama. Heroine sleeps with one of her coworkers before she meets the H and OM is very interested in h and causes alot of jealousy problems with the H
-No seperation
-Slight sexual violence: hero gets more animal like the longer he goes without claiming the h. It causes him attack her in a fit of jealous rage but he snaps out of it at the last minute.
-Push and pull alot. Heroine wants to be the hero but doesnt want to give up her lifestyle to live in an amish community. She also is wary of vampires when she first hears about the transition
-Ok big spoiler time: While hero and heroine are fated mates, theres a problem later down the road. Hero has a twin brother that is also connected to the heroine but he only feels her pain and suffering. The only way he can get to her is by force through her mind. This causes the hero to doubt his connection to the heroine, making him forfeit his right to have the h as his mate. Obviously the heroine gets insanely upset by this. Hero's brother does not desire the heroine in a sexual way.

And for whoever already read this, I have some theories about future books!!!

1. The heroine mentions Cain's 'secret' at the very end of the book. Could he be gay?
2. Last chapter shows the hero's dad acting funny. Did his fated mate get called or his wife??
3. Very interested in the Bishop and Larissa's eventual book. BUT not pleased that Bishop didnt claim her and let Silas marry her instead. Not cool.
]]> Good Lies (Wild Minds, #1) 34527117 Addison Wanks, rock'n'roll's favorite daughter, is good at keeping secrets.

Secret One

She's responsible for the long-standing feud between her father's band, Wanks and Janks, and younger band Wild Minds. She may or may not have let Wild Minds' sexy bad-boy lead singer Warren defile her backstage at a concert. Okay, she totally did.

Secret Two

She's supposed to be attending college but instead skips town to follow Wild Minds on their European tour. Addy adores Warren Price.

Secret Three

Europe doesn't go so hot. Her sexy lead singer turned out to be king of the assholes. He's arrogant, demanding and controlling. Addy loathes Warren Price. Oh, well.

Secret Four

Fast forward a few years and Addy is planning to attend her father's farewell tour when she hears the news—Wild Minds is back in the good graces of Wanks and Janks. The two bands will be headlining together. This is going to make avoiding Warren difficult. Especially since it seems Warren doesn't want to be ignored. He also doesn't want a divorce. That's right, Addy is married to the Wild Minds front man. Shh. Don't tell.

What will happen when all Addy's secrets are revealed? ]]> 279 Charlotte West 0998724904 Julia 3
Merged review:

Hmmm this one is a tricky one to review. This book could've have been great for had it not been the heroine and her decision making processes. The h was very selfish and cowardly. Also the fact that the following books in this series all have manwhore heros who lead the heroines on with "open relationships." Not digging that at all. But otherwise, this was a solid book. Just the right amount of angst for a Friday afternoon.]]> 4.09 2017 Good Lies (Wild Minds, #1)
author: Charlotte West
name: Julia
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2017/06/16
date added: 2024/08/13
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, best-couple-or-chemistry, best-secondary-characters, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, ott-possessive-hero, rocker, safe, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, tstl-heroine, writing-that-s-bad
review:
Hmmm this one is a tricky one to review. This book could've have been great for had it not been the heroine and her decision making processes. The h was very selfish and cowardly. Also the fact that the following books in this series all have manwhore heros who lead the heroines on with "open relationships." Not digging that at all. But otherwise, this was a solid book. Just the right amount of angst for a Friday afternoon.

Merged review:

Hmmm this one is a tricky one to review. This book could've have been great for had it not been the heroine and her decision making processes. The h was very selfish and cowardly. Also the fact that the following books in this series all have manwhore heros who lead the heroines on with "open relationships." Not digging that at all. But otherwise, this was a solid book. Just the right amount of angst for a Friday afternoon.
]]> <![CDATA[Irresistible In Love (The Maverick Billionaires, #4)]]> 30001625
Paige Ryan has always loved Evan Collins, a secret she's hugged close to her heart for nine long years. But when her sister's devastating betrayal is revealed, Paige can't keep her feelings hidden any longer.

Paige is a beacon of light for Evan. Despite believing he needs to keep the walls around his heart stronger than ever, he's irresistibly drawn to her sweet, pure heart--and the undeniable sparks flaring between them. She's the only one he trusts to help him face the darkness of his past head-on before it destroys him. But will their forbidden romance end up destroying them both?

IRRESISTIBLE IN LOVE is an exciting and emotional contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Bella Andre and Jennifer Skully! The Maverick Billionaires are sexy, self-made men from the wrong side of town who survived hell together and now have everything they ever wanted. But when each Maverick falls head-over-heels for an incredible woman he never saw coming, he will soon find that true love is the only thing he ever really needed...]]> 330 Bella Andre 1945253312 Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 4.02 2016 Irresistible In Love (The Maverick Billionaires, #4)
author: Bella Andre
name: Julia
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Burn (Songs of Submission, #5)]]> 17909617
Until you surrender yourself to me fully, I will not touch you.

Until the world can know you belong to me, I will not kiss you.

I'm going to be inches away, at your side. I'm going to whisper in your ear and put my breath on your neck, but the heat of my skin will not feel the shudder of yours until you commit yourself to me completely and without reservation.]]> 197 C.D. Reiss Julia 5 4.25 Burn (Songs of Submission, #5)
author: C.D. Reiss
name: Julia
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hiding in Plain Sight (Hellion MC, #0.5)]]> 18931799 Hellion Motorcycle Club.
*-*

Reese is on the run from the future her family forced on her.

Raised in a house of hurt, never learning to trust or love, Reese knows her future will be as bleak as her past if she stays with the abusive crime boss her father sold her to at age 21.

Without a clue of how to protect herself, she runs away, desperate for escape. But pursued by the dangerous henchmen sent to find her, she chooses to avoid exposure, and travel the back highways in order to get as far away as possible.

When her car breaks down on a desolate country road, should she trust the biker who stops to help, no matter how hot she finds him? With danger close behind, does she have any other choice?

Brand's future was stolen from him long ago.

His family cruelly ripped from his life by his country's civil war, Brand has his own painful past to forget ... and his own dangerous secrets to keep.

As a rogue member of the Hellion's Motorcycle Club, he has enough on his plate without taking on a stranded damsel in distress. Yet, when the trouble the young beauty is wrapped up in turns out to be much bigger than just a broken down vehicle, Brand feels compelled to help keep her safe ...and close.

Can these two damaged souls find a new future together? When the paths of two lost people intersect and their need for each other grows, can Brand and Reese forge a better life for themselves and each other while hiding in plain sight?

**Intended for mature audience due to graphic language and detailed sexual situations**
*-*

Hellion Motorcycle Club series:
Book 0.5: Hiding in Plain Sight
Book 1.0: The Possibility of Trey
Book 2.0: Reinventing Mel
Book 3.0: Taking a Dare
Book 4.0: A Civilian for Silo
Book 5.0: Checkmate With Bishop
]]> 345 J.A. Hornbuckle 0991239113 Julia 4 3.80 2013 Hiding in Plain Sight (Hellion MC, #0.5)
author: J.A. Hornbuckle
name: Julia
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2016/04/02
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Unveiling (Work of Art, #2)]]> 23411923
Three of his major paintings have been savagely defaced and his house left in ruins. As his friends search for him, does his muse, Ava, hold the key?

Before the hope of love is lost, secrets will be told, spirits will be broken, and a price will be paid.
From the cave dwellings of New Mexico to the shores of Malibu, Max and Ava’s journey tests them to their limits. As they render passion and pain in broad strokes, will their all-consuming love rise from the debris?]]> 260 Ruth Clampett 0989391949 Julia 5 4.14 2014 The Unveiling (Work of Art, #2)
author: Ruth Clampett
name: Julia
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[For a Goode Time Call... (Badd Brothers, #14)]]> 51737441
Nothing in my life could ever have prepared me for the reality that is Ink Isaac. He’s just so much more than anyone I’ve ever met, and my instant, inexplicable, and undeniable attraction to him leaves me reeling.

But with my life recently turned upside down, the more time I spend around him, the more I realize I’m not even sure what my future looks like anymore—alI know for sure is, my heart and my body want him in it, even if my mind is saying something else.

* * *

She's a tiny little thing, all hard edges and sharp wit. All woman, with slender curves and hypnotic eyes. She’s all fire and bravado, and she’s melting my big, bear-sized heart, little by little. I’m utterly hooked. Willing to risk it all for her.

Everything she is seems to demand that I give her everything I am. I'm just not sure if I know how to do that, if she really knows what she’s asking for when she looks up at me with those beautiful, blazing hazel eyes.

She sets me on fire, but are either of us ready for what that fire will do to both of us?]]> 372 Jasinda Wilder 1948445409 Julia 0 4.29 2020 For a Goode Time Call... (Badd Brothers, #14)
author: Jasinda Wilder
name: Julia
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/07/02
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> Wronged (Broken Souls #1) 60305706
All I wanted was to be away from the limelight, away from my parents. A perfect place where I could live a simple life.

A fresh start.
A small beach town.

That's what I thought I found, until the tortured ocean-colored eyes of the town outcast catch me off guard.

Everyone warns me to stay away from him. They tell me he's a monster.

His eyes tell another story, though, and I need to know what it is. It becomes almost an obsession.


A fresh start in a place where no one knows me…or so I thought. This place has become my own personal Hell.
That is…until her.

She’s the only one who doesn’t look at me with contempt.

She tries to force her way into my life, but she's better off staying away.

She doesn’t deserve this life sentence they’ve given me.


This book is a raw, emotional, small town romance with dark aspects to it. It contains subject matter that may be upsetting to some readers. It's about finding love under the worst of circumstances and getting second chances in life.
This book is not suitable for a young audience.
Please check trigger warnings listed in the front of the book.]]> 373 Rin Sher Julia 0 to-read 4.32 2022 Wronged (Broken Souls #1)
author: Rin Sher
name: Julia
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/05/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lift You Up (Rivers Brothers, #1)]]> 44648565 Friends of the family were forbidden fruit.
You didn't get to take a bite, no matter how tempting it might be.

And it sure was tempting when they showed up at your doorstep, soaking wet, shaking, begging for your help, your protection, when you suddenly found them hiding out from their problems in your place, in your bed while you attempted to take on their case, figure out how someone who led the quiet kind of life she did ended up on some bad guy’s radar, who wanted her badly enough to chase her through the streets, to make her need to uproot her entire life.
She was trusting me, depending on me.
There were plenty of things to keep my mind occupied.
Yet all I could think about was what it might be like to get a taste, a touch, a bite.
Maybe if I had been more focused on her case, I would have seen what was coming, could have prevented it before it was too late…]]> 244 Jessica Gadziala Julia 2 Just got really bored with this.

Youre told that the heroine isnt a damsel in distress by everyone in the story... and yet she may just be the biggest damsel ever. She literally couldn't be alone for 5 minutes without getting kidnapped.

Bruh. Over it.

Also over the use of tension when the hero and heroine are constantly getting interrupted by over eager secondary characters. How joy killing is it when the H/h are about to get it on and the bouncy secondary character (always a woman) comes barreling into the room and completely kills the scene?

Future readers beware. The upcoming books about the other Rivers brothers will all feature hero's that are known "skirt chasers."

Literally, gag me.

Merged review:

DNF @55%
Just got really bored with this.

Youre told that the heroine isnt a damsel in distress by everyone in the story... and yet she may just be the biggest damsel ever. She literally couldn't be alone for 5 minutes without getting kidnapped.

Bruh. Over it.

Also over the use of tension when the hero and heroine are constantly getting interrupted by over eager secondary characters. How joy killing is it when the H/h are about to get it on and the bouncy secondary character (always a woman) comes barreling into the room and completely kills the scene?

Future readers beware. The upcoming books about the other Rivers brothers will all feature hero's that are known "skirt chasers."

Literally, gag me.]]> 4.28 Lift You Up (Rivers Brothers, #1)
author: Jessica Gadziala
name: Julia
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2019/04/05
date added: 2024/04/12
shelves: writing-that-s-bad, worst-secondary-characters, tstl-heroine, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, throw-away-dnf, safe, not-a-manwhore, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, annoying-characters-plot
review:
DNF @55%
Just got really bored with this.

Youre told that the heroine isnt a damsel in distress by everyone in the story... and yet she may just be the biggest damsel ever. She literally couldn't be alone for 5 minutes without getting kidnapped.

Bruh. Over it.

Also over the use of tension when the hero and heroine are constantly getting interrupted by over eager secondary characters. How joy killing is it when the H/h are about to get it on and the bouncy secondary character (always a woman) comes barreling into the room and completely kills the scene?

Future readers beware. The upcoming books about the other Rivers brothers will all feature hero's that are known "skirt chasers."

Literally, gag me.

Merged review:

DNF @55%
Just got really bored with this.

Youre told that the heroine isnt a damsel in distress by everyone in the story... and yet she may just be the biggest damsel ever. She literally couldn't be alone for 5 minutes without getting kidnapped.

Bruh. Over it.

Also over the use of tension when the hero and heroine are constantly getting interrupted by over eager secondary characters. How joy killing is it when the H/h are about to get it on and the bouncy secondary character (always a woman) comes barreling into the room and completely kills the scene?

Future readers beware. The upcoming books about the other Rivers brothers will all feature hero's that are known "skirt chasers."

Literally, gag me.
]]> Don't Come 38125675

I’m not broken, tortured, or scarred, some cliched, overdone and sensationalized misconception about this lifestyle� and the men in it who control their submissives with a strong hand.
I’m just a Dom. Just a man who gets off on a woman who entrusts me with her submission. Just a man who loves to be able to show them all the ways the gift of their trust can bring them untold, never-before-experienced layers of pleasure.
But casually.
Just play. Just sex.
Nothing more.
Until I came across her.
She’s everything a Dom as experienced as I am shouldn’t want - new to the lifestyle, unsure, untrained. It should never have gone beyond those first few exchanges online. But there was something about her, something that kept me texting, calling, teaching her to trust me enough to meet with me.
After one touch, one taste, one night, I knew there was no going back. She was mine. And I was going to show her everything she had been craving from a man all her life.
I guess I just had no idea - or at least didn’t want to admit to myself - that this was different, she was different, we were different. And once I got to have her, I wanted to keep her.
You know� if I could convince her to stay�





Adley


It was just a drunken decision.
I woke up after a night of a little - okay, a lot - of ‘Thirty is just a number� drinking to find that drunk-me had decided to do something that sober-me would never have had the guts to do, no matter how much I wanted it.
I had joined a D/s dating site.
And I was totally, absolutely going to delete my account and move on with my life. A life where I had secretly been craving a hand strong enough to take the control I held onto so tightly away from me.
Except I had a message.
From him.
I could never have anticipated the pull I felt toward him, how strong the need within me would be to feel him show me all the things I had been wanting, but denying myself.
I didn’t know it could feel like it did, that it could consume me, that it could make me crave not only his touch, but him.
It was dangerous territory, slowing falling for a man who made it clear that what was between us was casual. He wouldn’t even tell me his real name. And as things started to get more intense - both physically and emotionally - I had to start to debate whether the pleasure he gave me was worth staying for if it leads to a heartbreak I was sure I wasn’t prepared for…]]> 223 Jessica Gadziala Julia 0 4.19 2018 Don't Come
author: Jessica Gadziala
name: Julia
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/04/12
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Survival of the Richest (The Trust Fund Duet, #1)]]> 210704384 And a war fought on the most dangerous battlefield–the heart.

“Skye Warren absolutely owned me with Survival of the Richest. A twisty, raw exploration of money, greed, love, and lust, you’ll be left with your heart in your throat and hooked on the pages to discover what’s coming next! An absolute must-read.� ~ A.L. Jackson, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author

“What an incredible book! Survival of the Richest has everything � Skye Warren’s beautiful writing, a sexy, compelling story; intricate characters, and a provocative love triangle that will captivate you until the very end.� ~ New York Times bestselling author Nina Lane

My story starts with a plunge into the cold water of Manhattan’s harbor. A strong hand hauls me back onto the deck of the luxury yacht. Christopher was supposed to be my enemy.

Instead he protects me with fierce determination. That should have been my happily ever after, but then Sutton appeared–ruthless and seductive. He doesn’t care that my heart belongs to someone else, because he’s determined to win. No matter the cost.

It’s an impossible choice, but I can’t have them both.]]> Skye Warren Julia 4
Merged review:

Trying something out of my comfort zone. Will post full review after the second part of the duet.]]> 3.92 2018 Survival of the Richest (The Trust Fund Duet, #1)
author: Skye Warren
name: Julia
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/09/26
date added: 2024/04/03
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, not-safe, hottest-sex-scenes, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, hero-thats-stupid-or-manwhore, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, business-billionaire-famous, best-secondary-characters, annoying-characters-plot, best-couple-or-chemistry
review:
Trying something out of my comfort zone. Will post full review after the second part of the duet.

Merged review:

Trying something out of my comfort zone. Will post full review after the second part of the duet.
]]> Taken (Taken, #1) 36624434 Rhiannon

Things change. Sometimes not for the better.

Xavier is no longer the maid’s son. Or my best friend. Now he’s wealthy and powerful--the dark don, in charge of one of the largest corporations in the world.

I never expected the boy who always saved me to be the man who kidnaps me.

Xavier

Some things never change.

Rhiannon is still as fiery and beautiful as the day I walked away. Now I'm back, ready to seek vengeance against the one man who wronged me. My rival. Her father.

If her father wants war, he'll get a war.

Kidnapping his daughter is the key to my ultimate revenge.

Standalone Mafia Romance]]> 234 Logan Chance Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 3.91 2018 Taken (Taken, #1)
author: Logan Chance
name: Julia
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/02/03
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> Midnight Hunter 38886872 382 Brianna Hale 1983957488 Julia 5 Thank you Fre06 Begum for the second great recommendation in a row!!! Seriously girl, maybe you should just pick out what I read from now on.

This book has given me something that I've given up on finding for awhile now: real suspense. Edge-of-my-seat suspense that had me second guessing everything. For the first time in a long ass time, I was worried the MC's weren't going to get a HEA even though I already knew they were.

The time setting and the location made me panic at 75% and think "oh my god these characters could actually die right now and the book would be over!!" Because in real life, they probably would have!

Idk, something about it just really captivated me from the beginning. Maybe its because the stakes were so high? Compared to other books where its just one main villain who's "out to destroy the blah blah blah" we have a whole corrupt government/country thats looking for any excuse to crucify its citizens. It made for some really great romantic suspense for sure.

The romance was off the charts. Two beautifully written characters with a lot of emotional depth. I will continue to read from this author; she's definitely caught my attention with her writing.

Merged review:

Holy shit this was so good!!!!!
Thank you Fre06 Begum for the second great recommendation in a row!!! Seriously girl, maybe you should just pick out what I read from now on.

This book has given me something that I've given up on finding for awhile now: real suspense. Edge-of-my-seat suspense that had me second guessing everything. For the first time in a long ass time, I was worried the MC's weren't going to get a HEA even though I already knew they were.

The time setting and the location made me panic at 75% and think "oh my god these characters could actually die right now and the book would be over!!" Because in real life, they probably would have!

Idk, something about it just really captivated me from the beginning. Maybe its because the stakes were so high? Compared to other books where its just one main villain who's "out to destroy the blah blah blah" we have a whole corrupt government/country thats looking for any excuse to crucify its citizens. It made for some really great romantic suspense for sure.

The romance was off the charts. Two beautifully written characters with a lot of emotional depth. I will continue to read from this author; she's definitely caught my attention with her writing.]]> 3.95 2018 Midnight Hunter
author: Brianna Hale
name: Julia
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/02/10
date added: 2023/12/13
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, safe, safe-with-exception, ott-possessive-hero, not-a-manwhore, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, instalove, hottest-sex-scenes, favorite-5-star, epic-love, dark, best-secondary-characters, best-heroin, best-hero, best-couple-or-chemistry, best-character-development
review:
Holy shit this was so good!!!!!
Thank you Fre06 Begum for the second great recommendation in a row!!! Seriously girl, maybe you should just pick out what I read from now on.

This book has given me something that I've given up on finding for awhile now: real suspense. Edge-of-my-seat suspense that had me second guessing everything. For the first time in a long ass time, I was worried the MC's weren't going to get a HEA even though I already knew they were.

The time setting and the location made me panic at 75% and think "oh my god these characters could actually die right now and the book would be over!!" Because in real life, they probably would have!

Idk, something about it just really captivated me from the beginning. Maybe its because the stakes were so high? Compared to other books where its just one main villain who's "out to destroy the blah blah blah" we have a whole corrupt government/country thats looking for any excuse to crucify its citizens. It made for some really great romantic suspense for sure.

The romance was off the charts. Two beautifully written characters with a lot of emotional depth. I will continue to read from this author; she's definitely caught my attention with her writing.

Merged review:

Holy shit this was so good!!!!!
Thank you Fre06 Begum for the second great recommendation in a row!!! Seriously girl, maybe you should just pick out what I read from now on.

This book has given me something that I've given up on finding for awhile now: real suspense. Edge-of-my-seat suspense that had me second guessing everything. For the first time in a long ass time, I was worried the MC's weren't going to get a HEA even though I already knew they were.

The time setting and the location made me panic at 75% and think "oh my god these characters could actually die right now and the book would be over!!" Because in real life, they probably would have!

Idk, something about it just really captivated me from the beginning. Maybe its because the stakes were so high? Compared to other books where its just one main villain who's "out to destroy the blah blah blah" we have a whole corrupt government/country thats looking for any excuse to crucify its citizens. It made for some really great romantic suspense for sure.

The romance was off the charts. Two beautifully written characters with a lot of emotional depth. I will continue to read from this author; she's definitely caught my attention with her writing.
]]> <![CDATA[Ransom (Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team, #1)]]> 42277819
Laurel Springs, AL is about to be hotter than a mid-August thunderstorm.

When the Moonshine Task Force is absorbed into a new entity, Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team (LSERT) new faces come to town, new love is born, old love is found again, and there’s a plethora of drama and romance happening all over the tri-county area. LSERT puts police, firefighters, nurses, doctors, K-9 handlers, and EMT’s all in harm’s way as they work to keep the area safe from any threat.

Emotions run high, passions ignite.

Come with me, back to Laurel Springs, in what's sure to be a wild ride!

Ransom Thompson

For years I’ve wanted two things - to be a member of the Moonshine Task Force and to be the man Stella Kepler can’t live without.

One out of two isn’t bad, or so I tell myself. Being the only K-9 handler for The MTF presents its own share of obstacles, but me and Rambo? We make it work. Life is status quo, until I’m called in to help with what appears to be a hostage situation and Stella is right in the middle of it.

This is my one chance, and I’m not going to blow it.


Stella Kepler

When I’m stuck in an examination room holding a hurt woman and a man with a gun, I do the only thing I can. I sneak out, call 911 and hope help comes quickly. It does.

In the form of Ransom Thompson.

He and I have known each other since we were babies. Our mother’s are friends, our dad’s work together, and we’ve always been friends.

Only, the last few months I’ve started to notice things. How mature he is, how alpha he can be, the chiseled six-pack, and the abundance of ink spreading across his body.

When I offer to cook him dinner for saving me, neither one of us know how that one moment will change the course of the rest of our lives.]]> 242 Laramie Briscoe Julia 0
The MCs first date was one of the dullest things I’ve ever read. All they did was talk about the H’s dog.

And if I can be mean for 2 seconds: the heroines dads name was Renegade.... yes you read that right.

Renegade.

Can we cool it with the “edgy� names. That name sparks cackling laughter for me, not intrigue 😂

Merged review:

No rating - DNF at chapter 5.

The MCs first date was one of the dullest things I’ve ever read. All they did was talk about the H’s dog.

And if I can be mean for 2 seconds: the heroines dads name was Renegade.... yes you read that right.

Renegade.

Can we cool it with the “edgy� names. That name sparks cackling laughter for me, not intrigue]]> 4.20 2019 Ransom (Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team, #1)
author: Laramie Briscoe
name: Julia
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at: 2019/01/13
date added: 2023/11/08
shelves: not-working-for-me-boring, throw-away-dnf, writing-that-s-bad
review:
No rating - DNF at chapter 5.

The MCs first date was one of the dullest things I’ve ever read. All they did was talk about the H’s dog.

And if I can be mean for 2 seconds: the heroines dads name was Renegade.... yes you read that right.

Renegade.

Can we cool it with the “edgy� names. That name sparks cackling laughter for me, not intrigue 😂

Merged review:

No rating - DNF at chapter 5.

The MCs first date was one of the dullest things I’ve ever read. All they did was talk about the H’s dog.

And if I can be mean for 2 seconds: the heroines dads name was Renegade.... yes you read that right.

Renegade.

Can we cool it with the “edgy� names. That name sparks cackling laughter for me, not intrigue
]]> Wrecked 49948494 Welcome home.

I left Kings Court in the back of an ambulance and swore I would never come back. Now, with no job, no apartment, and no options, I catch the late bus back to the old neighborhood.

Was I expecting anyone to welcome me back with open arms?

Hell no.

But I also wasn’t expecting Jasper Hayes.

The tattooed man-child with the unkempt hair and the bad attitude isn’t anyone’s idea of prince charming. Jasper’s the first to offer up a poison apple. He’s not the man who saves the princess—he’s the one that ruins her.

Maybe I don’t deserve a fairytale.



Wrecked is a standalone NEW ADULT bully romance. This book contains dark themes that could be difficult for some readers. ]]> 275 Cassie Kay Julia 3
What I do remember is loving the beginning and the bully aspect. Hero was a true villain.

And I also remember hating the ending. How the heroine was the one to apologize was out of this world ANNOYING. No ma'am, she should not have been to the one to grovel at the end. Hero should have been all over that.

Safety as much as I can remember:
No cheating
Neither are virgins.
Slight OW drama in the form of a jealous ex
Sexual manipulation
Lots of push and pull and mind games. ]]> 3.92 Wrecked
author: Cassie Kay
name: Julia
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2019/12/26
date added: 2023/09/13
shelves: worst-secondary-characters, tstl-heroine, safe, safe-with-exception, ott-possessive-hero, hottest-sex-scenes, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, hero-thats-stupid-or-manwhore, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, dark, annoying-characters-plot
review:
I finished this so long ago I dont think I can write a comprehensive review. I've already forgotten some of the details, so I think that says more about this book than I could say in a review.

What I do remember is loving the beginning and the bully aspect. Hero was a true villain.

And I also remember hating the ending. How the heroine was the one to apologize was out of this world ANNOYING. No ma'am, she should not have been to the one to grovel at the end. Hero should have been all over that.

Safety as much as I can remember:
No cheating
Neither are virgins.
Slight OW drama in the form of a jealous ex
Sexual manipulation
Lots of push and pull and mind games.
]]> Nerdgasm 40658422 nerdgasm (noun): an emotional climax at the peak of intense (sometimes sexual) excitement, characterized by a deep attraction to nerdy things and/or people.

My stutter makes it easy to become the center of attention for all the wrong reasons, so I try hard to stay out of the spotlight.
But when Addison Mitchell breezes into the class I TA for, she turns my world upside down, shaking me out of my comfort zone.
Confident and bold, her wandering hands set my body on fire.
She sees the real me, and she’s still interested.
I’m completely out of my element, yet I’ve never felt more alive.
Fingers crossed we're not a one-off fling.
I have a lot to learn, but I’m willing to make this work.
I’m going to give her more than a nerdgasm.
I’m going to give her my heart.]]> 202 Kimberly Reese Julia 1
Personal preference I guess.

Merged review:

Couldn’t stand the writing style. I found it to be over the top bubbly, naive and simple.

Personal preference I guess.]]> 3.78 2018 Nerdgasm
author: Kimberly Reese
name: Julia
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2018
rating: 1
read at: 2018/06/28
date added: 2023/09/10
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, safe, throw-away-dnf, writing-that-s-bad
review:
Couldn’t stand the writing style. I found it to be over the top bubbly, naive and simple.

Personal preference I guess.

Merged review:

Couldn’t stand the writing style. I found it to be over the top bubbly, naive and simple.

Personal preference I guess.
]]> <![CDATA[Midnight with the Devil (Unlikely Heroes #1)]]> 40659395 She sells herself to a brooding stranger to save her father�In Diana Kingston’s defense, it was the middle of the night in the hospital� surely it was just a dream. She hadn’t really sold herself to a stranger to save her father’s life, right? His price? Her…in his bed. This has to be a dream right?Only her father now fully recovered and a mysterious letter arrives from the tall, dark, handsome—um, Devil? Yep, it was right there on the contract, Lucien Star, aka Lucifer Morningstar.Their devil’s bargain begins, and Diana vows not to enjoy the dark pleasures he shows her. But the more time she spends with Lucien, the more she’s drawn to the angel hidden deep within his darkness. How in heaven do you save the Devil from himself?]]> 228 Emma Castle 1947206397 Julia 5
Safety:
100% Safe
-Very light BDSM; only a bit of bondage.
-No OW/OM drama or other people after meeting.
-Heroine wasnt a virgin and had "her fair share" BUT the hero was a manwhore. Its described he did "every sexual fantasy imaginable" but other than that there were no other details and you never meet any of his ex bed mates. He mentions in his inner monologue how refreshing the h is form OW quiet a few times.
- Betraying body alert, but it didnt bother me as much because the H has super natural powers that allowed him to seduce the h.
-HEA- the H gives his life as the devil up to save the heroines and then gets reincarnated into a human.

Merged review:

Wow, what a treat this was! I had no idea this was a paranormal book going in and that the H would actually be the devil. But I read the whole thing in one sitting, I enjoyed it that much. It had a bit of beauty and the beast, Phantom of the Opera and even a bit of twilight all mixed in together. I thought this was going to be alot darker, but it turned into quite the romantic novel. Highly recommend for someone looking for a misunderstood possessive bad boy.

Safety:
100% Safe
-Very light BDSM; only a bit of bondage.
-No OW/OM drama or other people after meeting.
-Heroine wasnt a virgin and had "her fair share" BUT the hero was a manwhore. Its described he did "every sexual fantasy imaginable" but other than that there were no other details and you never meet any of his ex bed mates. He mentions in his inner monologue how refreshing the h is form OW quiet a few times.
- Betraying body alert, but it didnt bother me as much because the H has super natural powers that allowed him to seduce the h.
-HEA- the H gives his life as the devil up to save the heroines and then gets reincarnated into a human.]]> 3.79 2018 Midnight with the Devil (Unlikely Heroes #1)
author: Emma Castle
name: Julia
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/08/15
date added: 2023/09/08
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, safe, paranormal, ott-possessive-hero, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, instalove, hottest-sex-scenes, hero-thats-stupid-or-manwhore, favorite-5-star, epic-love, best-secondary-characters, best-heroin, best-hero, best-couple-or-chemistry, best-character-development
review:
Wow, what a treat this was! I had no idea this was a paranormal book going in and that the H would actually be the devil. But I read the whole thing in one sitting, I enjoyed it that much. It had a bit of beauty and the beast, Phantom of the Opera and even a bit of twilight all mixed in together. I thought this was going to be alot darker, but it turned into quite the romantic novel. Highly recommend for someone looking for a misunderstood possessive bad boy.

Safety:
100% Safe
-Very light BDSM; only a bit of bondage.
-No OW/OM drama or other people after meeting.
-Heroine wasnt a virgin and had "her fair share" BUT the hero was a manwhore. Its described he did "every sexual fantasy imaginable" but other than that there were no other details and you never meet any of his ex bed mates. He mentions in his inner monologue how refreshing the h is form OW quiet a few times.
- Betraying body alert, but it didnt bother me as much because the H has super natural powers that allowed him to seduce the h.
-HEA- the H gives his life as the devil up to save the heroines and then gets reincarnated into a human.

Merged review:

Wow, what a treat this was! I had no idea this was a paranormal book going in and that the H would actually be the devil. But I read the whole thing in one sitting, I enjoyed it that much. It had a bit of beauty and the beast, Phantom of the Opera and even a bit of twilight all mixed in together. I thought this was going to be alot darker, but it turned into quite the romantic novel. Highly recommend for someone looking for a misunderstood possessive bad boy.

Safety:
100% Safe
-Very light BDSM; only a bit of bondage.
-No OW/OM drama or other people after meeting.
-Heroine wasnt a virgin and had "her fair share" BUT the hero was a manwhore. Its described he did "every sexual fantasy imaginable" but other than that there were no other details and you never meet any of his ex bed mates. He mentions in his inner monologue how refreshing the h is form OW quiet a few times.
- Betraying body alert, but it didnt bother me as much because the H has super natural powers that allowed him to seduce the h.
-HEA- the H gives his life as the devil up to save the heroines and then gets reincarnated into a human.
]]> <![CDATA[Lost Prelude (Alexander & Maya, #1)]]> 25355367
There is an emptiness I carry around in my chest now. A broken heart caused by grief.
There are also dark nights where I have trouble breathing as I feel the heavy weight of loss rushing through my veins, painful moments where I can remember my entire being scream in agony as I held onto my father's cold, lifeless hand.

Then there is always a hero to every story, isn't there? A hero who I despised from the moment he opened his mouth.

His name is Alexander. He is my inevitable I never expected to find. The one my broken heart leads me to. His existence, his touch, everything he did to make my pain bearable will leave a mark on me forever.

Yet, I know that when I'm gone, he'll only remember me as a fading memory.]]> 158 Ella Maise Julia 2 3.84 2015 Lost Prelude (Alexander & Maya, #1)
author: Ella Maise
name: Julia
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2023/07/21
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Enemies with Benefits (Loveless Brothers #1)]]> 45838076
I don’t love him. I don’t even like him. I just want him.

Eli Loveless was my nemesis from the first day of kindergarten until we graduated high school. Everything I did, he had to do better - and vice versa. The day he left town was the best day of my life. Ten years later, the day he came back was the worst. Now he’s my co-worker. Grown-up Eli Loveless is sexy as sin. He’s hotter than asphalt in the summer. The irritating kid I once knew is gone, and he’s been replaced by a man with green eyes, perfect abs, and a cocky smile. It’s bad that I want him. It’s worse that he wants me back. There are looks. There are smirks. There are smiles that make my panties burst into flame. And then there’s a shared kiss that leads to the hottest night of my life. This is no office romance. This is a five-alarm fire. What’s a girl to do when the man I can’t stand is the one I can’t stop lusting after? Enter into a friends-with-benefits agreement, of course. No dates. No relationship. Just blisteringly hot sex, because if there’s one person I could never fall for, it’s Eli.... right?

Enemies with Benefits is the first book in the Loveless Brothers series, and can be read as a total standalone. It's for fans of high-heat, low-angst romantic comedies and anyone who enjoys a rivals-to-lovers story. This book also has tons of sibling banter, a workplace romance that smolders, and a small town with tons of charm and quirk. It's steamy, hilarious, and of course it's got a guaranteed HEA. (And yes, it bangs.)]]> 434 Roxie Noir Julia 3
Wasnt on the edge of my seat reading, but I wasnt disliking it either. Just felt very Disney Channel.

Merged review:

3 "down the middle/indifferent stars"

Wasnt on the edge of my seat reading, but I wasnt disliking it either. Just felt very Disney Channel.]]> 4.01 2019 Enemies with Benefits (Loveless Brothers #1)
author: Roxie Noir
name: Julia
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2019/07/28
date added: 2023/06/25
shelves: worst-secondary-characters, tstl-heroine, safe, not-a-manwhore, lighthearted-funny, annoying-characters-plot
review:
3 "down the middle/indifferent stars"

Wasnt on the edge of my seat reading, but I wasnt disliking it either. Just felt very Disney Channel.

Merged review:

3 "down the middle/indifferent stars"

Wasnt on the edge of my seat reading, but I wasnt disliking it either. Just felt very Disney Channel.
]]> <![CDATA[Bound to the Bounty Hunter (Bound, #1)]]> 30136179
He didn't expect his heart to have an opinion.

Freedom loving private investigator Sophie Callaghan is on a mission. The daughter of a con-artist is not going to be used by a man again. What she doesn't need is hot, broody and controlling Harlan barging into her life and digging into her past. Her brain may say no, but her body craves this bad boy. After a night where both live their darkest desires, Sophie must fight their explosive chemistry because one wrong move could destroy her. She bets he has to stay far, far away.

As the stakes ramp up and secrets explode around them, both are determined to win the bet.

But there can only ever be one winner.]]> 361 Hayson Manning 1633756505 Julia 4 throw-away-dnf 3.95 2016 Bound to the Bounty Hunter (Bound, #1)
author: Hayson Manning
name: Julia
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2016/07/24
date added: 2023/06/12
shelves: throw-away-dnf
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Bear's Protection (Shifter Country Bears, #1)]]> 26308500
Rugged, sexy bear shifters Ash and Hunter are mates. Their peaceful lives in Granite Valley are perfect, except for one thing: they need a woman to complete their triad.

When Ash looks up from his seat in his police cruiser to see Cora speeding by, he has no idea that he’s about to find just the right woman. A speeding ticket turns into a hell of a lot more, and fast. Ash can’t explain the pull he feels toward the feisty, curvy reporter, but Hunter feels it too.

When Cora’s deranged stalker shows up and sets out to kill their only chance at true happiness, Ash and Hunter will do whatever it takes to protect her.

But can their brute bear strength take on the cunning of a deranged man who’s lost his grip on reality?

A Bear's Protection is a steamy romance, complete with two sexy men in love, a threesome, and more heat than a bonfire in August.]]> 115 Dakota West Julia 0 3.75 2015 A Bear's Protection (Shifter Country Bears, #1)
author: Dakota West
name: Julia
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at: 2016/08/14
date added: 2023/05/28
shelves:
review:

]]> Ripple Effect: Episode One 34324429
Episode One: Dylan will do anything to escape her current nightmare, even if it means falling into the tangled web of a ruthless killer.

Series Synopsis:

Ripley

They call me RIP.
I’m a killer. A murderer. A psychopath.
In the eyes of the righteous, I’m a monster, born of sin and depravity.
I want to protect her, but I’m not a good man.
I want to love her, but I no longer feel.
She gets under my skin, though, and has awakened something inside of me.
Something I’d kill for.
I’m not her savior—not even close. In fact, I’m worse than the hell she’s already suffered.
I’m her vengeance. Tit for tat, as they say.
And if she’s not careful, I’ll be her ruin.

Dylan

For months, I’ve watched him.
I’ve fantasized him as my savior, my lover. My ticket out of the hell I’ve lived in for the last six years.
I never dreamed he’d be my nightmare.
Had I known what he really is, I’d have never gotten in the car that night, but life is full of cause and effect.
And sometimes the choice on offer isn’t a choice at all.
It’s the result of something already in motion, and we’re merely left to survive the ripple effect.

*This is an erotic suspense/erotic romance not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to graphic violence and sex
]]> 113 Keri Lake Julia 0 4.00 2017 Ripple Effect: Episode One
author: Keri Lake
name: Julia
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/04/25
shelves: stay-away-from-bad-plot-or-cheating
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Moon Shines Red (Heart of Darkness #1)]]> 35078344 Award winning author, Pamela Sparkman's fantasy debut novel is tantalizingly wicked, drawing the reader into a world of forbidden love where nothing is quite what it seems.

Lord Lochlan was cursed in the womb, condemned by the perceived crimes of his parents. On the thirteenth year of his birth, the red glow of the moon washed over land and sea like a faded bloody stain. Everything was bathed in it, including him. A constant reminder of the curse that marked him before he was born. Every night he gazed at it like he was lured and haunted by it. It followed him, it beseeched him. It called out to him. Just once he wanted to see the moon glow as everyone else saw it. Bright and illuminating. But he knew that would never be possible.

The all too familiar feeling of despair suffocated him, like long gangly fingers squeezing his neck, cutting off his air. He fell to his knees and begged for the sky to fall on him. He had suffered long and tirelessly and he was desperate for it to end. And yet, he fought to breathe. He fought to stand back on his feet. Because fighting back was as instinctual to him as breathing. He had come too far to let his loneliness and despair get the best of him now. He was battle worn and weary, but he still had a reason to live.

Or so he hoped.

He stood back on his feet and he fought against the doom that hovered over him since the day he was born and he stared up into the darkened sky.

At the moon that shines red only for him.


I should have stayed away from him. But I couldn't.
HE was my love...my life. And he just might kill me.
So I guess that means...he may also be my end.]]> 266 Pamela Sparkman Julia 3 Oh well

Merged review:

Alright so I didnt love it. The plot and characters were both great..... but I didn't love it. Mostly because the main couple was separated the entire second half of the book and I don't like that. I guess I thought this book was going to be something different and I got my hopes up when it wasn't what I thought it was- so my bad. Props to the great writing and imagination but the romance aspect didn't just take a backseat: it's basically hiding in the trunk of the car. I need more romance and sexy times and this book had zero. Why let a perfectly hunky virgin hero go to waste??
Oh well]]> 3.84 2017 The Moon Shines Red (Heart of Darkness #1)
author: Pamela Sparkman
name: Julia
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2017/05/06
date added: 2023/04/23
shelves: best-couple-or-chemistry, best-secondary-characters, dark, epic-love, not-working-for-me-boring, ott-possessive-hero, paranormal, safe, series-to-wait-for, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, virgin-hero
review:
Alright so I didnt love it. The plot and characters were both great..... but I didn't love it. Mostly because the main couple was separated the entire second half of the book and I don't like that. I guess I thought this book was going to be something different and I got my hopes up when it wasn't what I thought it was- so my bad. Props to the great writing and imagination but the romance aspect didn't just take a backseat: it's basically hiding in the trunk of the car. I need more romance and sexy times and this book had zero. Why let a perfectly hunky virgin hero go to waste??
Oh well

Merged review:

Alright so I didnt love it. The plot and characters were both great..... but I didn't love it. Mostly because the main couple was separated the entire second half of the book and I don't like that. I guess I thought this book was going to be something different and I got my hopes up when it wasn't what I thought it was- so my bad. Props to the great writing and imagination but the romance aspect didn't just take a backseat: it's basically hiding in the trunk of the car. I need more romance and sexy times and this book had zero. Why let a perfectly hunky virgin hero go to waste??
Oh well
]]> Restore Me 59970541 Dominic Alexander is my late husband's best friend and the last man on Earth that I should want. He's arrogant, dismissive, and up until recently has only ever used those dark eyes of his to look right through me. For the last twelve years, he's taken a sick pleasure in making me feel paper thin, like my entire existence is of no consequence to him at all.

But now, things are different.

After one drunken night, and a surprisingly sexy act of heroism, he's started to be...nice. Treating me like something other than the physical embodiment of his annoyance, which would be nice if it didn't make me feel all the things I swore to never feel for another man after my husband died.


Dominic
Sloane Kent is going to be my undoing.

What's worse: I think I'm going to enjoy being unravelled by the gold flecks in her hazel eyes and the adorable little way she scrunches her nose up when we're arguing, which we've done a lot of over the past decade. She thinks it's because I hate her, and I've always let her think that because the alternative is...untenable.

But something is changing between us, and I don't know how to stop myself from breaking every promise I've ever made to myself regarding my best friend's wife. Promises that include never telling her that there's a long list of things I feel about her, but hate isn't one of them.]]> 490 J.L. Seegars Julia 0 checking-into-for-safety 4.15 2022 Restore Me
author: J.L. Seegars
name: Julia
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/04/08
shelves: checking-into-for-safety
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Desire in His Blood (Brides of the Kylorr, #1)]]> 63130733
Gemma Hara is drowning under the weight of her father’s debts. Working herself to the bone, she knows that if she doesn’t pay them off in time, the sadistic creditors will take everything: their home, their respected name, and, worst of all, her two beautiful sisters.

To save her family, Gemma agrees to do something reckless: marry a wealthy and mysterious stranger, who offers her a wicked bargain she can’t afford to refuse.

However, his bargain comes with one terrifying catch. Because her husband-to-be is a Kylorr.

One of the most fearsome alien races in the Four Quadrants, the Kylorr are beastly monsters, all muscle and menace, with powerful wings, depraved cravings, and berserker-like rages. The worst part?

They survive on blood.

Cold and cruel, Azur of House Kaalium, the High Lord of Laras, demands Gemma as his blood bride. To feed from her. To use her body in whatever way he wishes. For paying off her family’s debts, he expects her complete submission.

What neither of them predicts is how his bite doesn’t bring pain—it fills Gemma with more exquisite pleasure than she’s ever known. And as she finds her footing on a strange new planet, the one thing Gemma thought she’d never surrender might be at risk after all.

Her heart.

Too bad her new husband can’t seem to decide if he wants to break it…or keep it forever.]]> 428 Zoey Draven Julia 0 to-read 4.15 2022 Desire in His Blood (Brides of the Kylorr, #1)
author: Zoey Draven
name: Julia
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/03/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Discovery (Esquire Black Duet #1)]]> 49517329 The name alone was an enigma.
Dressed in a suit that cost more than my rent.
Green eyes that danced and a cocky smile firmly planted on kissable lips.
The rumors about him were true.
I wasn’t ready for all that was Lucas Black. I knew it. I didn’t care.
I was willing to take whatever he gave me.
]]> 307 Hayley Faiman Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 4.11 2019 Discovery (Esquire Black Duet #1)
author: Hayley Faiman
name: Julia
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/03/17
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Essence of Fear: Boykov Bratva]]> 54184253 241 Bethany-Kris 1989658229 Julia 4 4.10 Essence of Fear: Boykov Bratva
author: Bethany-Kris
name: Julia
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/07/19
date added: 2023/03/10
shelves: best-couple-or-chemistry, best-hero, best-heroin, best-secondary-characters, dark, hottest-sex-scenes, instalove, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, safe, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, writing-that-has-depth
review:

]]> xo, Zach 36533273 334 Kendall Ryan Julia 0 maybe-later 3.79 2018 xo, Zach
author: Kendall Ryan
name: Julia
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/02/08
shelves: maybe-later
review:

]]> Punk 57 41021967
Misha

I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.

It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever�

And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.

Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?

Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her.

I just don’t expect to hate what I find.

Ryen

He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.

Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should've gotten his number or picture or something.

He could be gone forever.

Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it.]]> 343 Penelope Douglas 1952646049 Julia 2 The H was kind of a douche too for no real reason but to make himself seem mentally superior.
]]> 3.76 2016 Punk 57
author: Penelope Douglas
name: Julia
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2016
rating: 2
read at: 2016/11/07
date added: 2023/02/07
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, tstl-heroine, throw-away-dnf, safe, rocker, annoying-characters-plot
review:
This is a bummer. I was so looking forward to this but i DNF'ed pretty early. I just can't stand when heroines cause their own suffering, the this h is a complete suffering-silence-type character. Someone needs to tell the world, and NA authors, that high school is no longer like the 80s and no longer has the same stereotypes. You're not a "loser" if you're in band or in art and electives are celebrated not torn down by the "cool kids."
The H was kind of a douche too for no real reason but to make himself seem mentally superior.

]]> Remedy 43088204 310 Kaylee Ryan 1949151069 Julia 0 fuck-no-pass
Thank you, next.

Merged review:

2019 is the year I stop reading over-used plots.

Thank you, next.]]> 4.12 2019 Remedy
author: Kaylee Ryan
name: Julia
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/02/04
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:
2019 is the year I stop reading over-used plots.

Thank you, next.

Merged review:

2019 is the year I stop reading over-used plots.

Thank you, next.
]]> <![CDATA[It's Not Over (Fair Lakes, #1)]]> 52240006
Lately, life definitely isn't how I envisioned it. I had it all. The house, the job, the husband. Until one day, I didn't. I don't know when exactly things started to change between us, only that it did, and in a big way. So much so, I found myself standing before a judge and signing off on the end of my marriage. To the only man I've ever loved.

Now, he's back, fighting, and ready to prove to me that we made a mistake, that our love is worth giving this another chance. I'm not sure if he's right, but I know what my heart wants, and it wants him. My ex-husband.


Harrison

Why is it that you don't know the depths of your mistakes until you've already made them? I knew signing those papers was a bad idea, but I thought that's what she wanted. The minute we stepped foot out of that courtroom, it hit me. She's no longer mine.

That's when I also realized that I would do anything to change the past. I have so many regrets. Not her. I could never regret her, but how we ended. We never should have ended. I'm in for the battle of my life to convince her to give us another shot. I have a plan, one that will prove to her that it's not over.]]> 274 Kaylee Ryan 1949151123 Julia 2
Nonsense drama and miscommunication do not make a good love story. And of course the heroine had to have her life in danger for the hero to get off his ass and go after 'the woman he loves.'

*rolls eyes*

Merged review:

2 stars.

Nonsense drama and miscommunication do not make a good love story. And of course the heroine had to have her life in danger for the hero to get off his ass and go after 'the woman he loves.'

*rolls eyes*]]> 4.05 2019 It's Not Over (Fair Lakes, #1)
author: Kaylee Ryan
name: Julia
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2019
rating: 2
read at: 2019/07/28
date added: 2023/02/04
shelves: writing-that-s-bad, worst-secondary-characters, throw-away-dnf, safe, not-working-for-me-boring, not-a-manwhore, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, annoying-characters-plot
review:
2 stars.

Nonsense drama and miscommunication do not make a good love story. And of course the heroine had to have her life in danger for the hero to get off his ass and go after 'the woman he loves.'

*rolls eyes*

Merged review:

2 stars.

Nonsense drama and miscommunication do not make a good love story. And of course the heroine had to have her life in danger for the hero to get off his ass and go after 'the woman he loves.'

*rolls eyes*
]]> Deceit (The Price Family, #1) 45998250
I needed to get away.
My ex was getting married.
So, I left.
The English countryside was a picture-perfect escape.
The dashing stranger an even better one.
And what started as a chance encounter quickly became more.
He promised to show me how to live, how to feel alive and forget a past best forgotten.
He made me believe things could be different.
That was until I found out who he was . . .
He was Oliver Blackthorn.
The 16th Earl of Lockhart. Thirty-third in line to the throne.
And a liar.]]> 371 Ava Harrison Julia 0 4.03 2019 Deceit (The Price Family, #1)
author: Ava Harrison
name: Julia
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/27
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Transference (The Montgomery Family, #1)]]> 32931649 They steal my breath, slowly suffocating me.
I’m scared.
I want it to stop.
He’s supposed to help me.
Instead, he evokes something forbidden.
I know I should run.
But I can’t.
I’ve made my choice.
I want him.
There's only one problem...
He's my therapist.]]> 299 Ava Harrison 0996358560 Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 3.83 2016 Transference (The Montgomery Family, #1)
author: Ava Harrison
name: Julia
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/27
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> Bitter Secrets (Singed, #2) 53517419
This is a business arrangement, nothing more. Once her time is up, she’ll walk away and it won’t be like the last time when he broke her into little pieces. It doesn’t matter that their chemistry still burns white-hot or that sometimes, she catches a glimpse of the man she once knew. That man is gone. In his place is a ruthless stranger with an appetite for revenge, a dark past, and bitter secrets he’ll do anything to keep buried.]]> 0 Mia Knight Julia 0 currently-reading
January 11th. I’ll be ready.

—�-

Day 624 waiting for this book�..

Miss Thang PLEASE IM BEGGING YOU!!!! Any update will do!!!! Give us something!!!

———�-

Day 480 waiting for this book in freaking AGONY...


In the meantime i'm posting my two theories. SPOILER WARNING IF YOU HAVENT READ THE FIRST ONE.

1.) I think Roth is either a sociopath or has some kind of high functioning Aspergers/Bi-polar. I think Roth being a Sociopath would explain his behavior/temper AND his fixation on Jasmine?? And i think it would also explain why he would get a vasectomy so he can't pass down any neurological problem down to his children???

2.) I think Roth killed his father and Jasmines father held that as blackmail over him. I think this explains why Roth's mother is scared of him and calls him a monster/dangerous.]]> 3.61 2023 Bitter Secrets (Singed, #2)
author: Mia Knight
name: Julia
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/14
shelves: currently-reading
review:
It. Is. Time.

January 11th. I’ll be ready.

—�-

Day 624 waiting for this book�..

Miss Thang PLEASE IM BEGGING YOU!!!! Any update will do!!!! Give us something!!!

———�-

Day 480 waiting for this book in freaking AGONY...


In the meantime i'm posting my two theories. SPOILER WARNING IF YOU HAVENT READ THE FIRST ONE.

1.) I think Roth is either a sociopath or has some kind of high functioning Aspergers/Bi-polar. I think Roth being a Sociopath would explain his behavior/temper AND his fixation on Jasmine?? And i think it would also explain why he would get a vasectomy so he can't pass down any neurological problem down to his children???

2.) I think Roth killed his father and Jasmines father held that as blackmail over him. I think this explains why Roth's mother is scared of him and calls him a monster/dangerous.
]]> <![CDATA[The Lone Wolf's Rejected Mate (Five Packs, #3)]]> 60180969
Mari
Growing up alone in Quarry Pack, I always dreamed of a mate who’d sweep me off my feet and carry me away to our very own cottage that we’d fill with pups and love and laughter. A real family.

What I got?

Wham, bam, thank you ma’am.

The pack sees Darragh Ryan as a tortured hero with a dark past, protecting the pack from afar.

I know better. He’s a jerk who can’t deal with people so he’s chosen to live in the wilderness and—I don’t know—brood. One thing I do know is that he doesn’t get to reject me.

I reject him.

Darragh
Mari doesn’t understand what she doesn’t know. She’s naïve, soft, and way too young and sweet for a life of self-imposed exile.

She’s a grown female who sits in trees, reading books, and wears party dresses to garden. Everything she owns is pink. Her wolf is probably pink.

She can’t handle the real world, and she sure can’t handle my wolf. No one can.

One day, she’ll understand why I won’t claim her, and she might not thank me, but she should.

Because my wolf? Given half a chance, he’d tear her apart.

The Lone Wolf’s Rejected Mate is the third novel in The Five Packs series, but it can be read as a standalone. No cheating. HEA guaranteed. Intended for adult readers only.]]> 316 Cate C. Wells Julia 0 to-read 3.95 2022 The Lone Wolf's Rejected Mate (Five Packs, #3)
author: Cate C. Wells
name: Julia
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/12/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Cocky F@#ker (Tangled Desires, #3)]]> 29989365
My brother’s ex should have been off-limits, but she wasn’t. Not when we were teens. Not when I married her. And definitely not now.

I thought after I walked away from her in Vegas we were done. I was wrong. This time my brother isn’t getting in the way of what I want. I’m going to fight for her, fight for us.

The girl f*cking loves me, she just doesn’t know it yet.

Friends, lovers, enemies, and now�

To say our relationship is complicated would be an understatement.

Damaged, demanding, a verifiable prick, Mace Hadley is my biggest mistake, but that didn’t stop the former marine from getting back into my panties the night he arrived home.

It was supposed to be one last screw you. Except he’s in my face each chance he gets, between my legs at every opportunity.

I’m not sure how long I can fight him when I still haven’t gotten over him. But I’ll go down swinging. If I give him my heart and he leaves me behind again, it’ll break me. But that’s not the worst part.

I’m having the cocky f@#cker’s baby.
]]> 209 Misti Murphy Julia 2
Merged review:

Yeah this isn't going to work. I don't respect heroines that are "I'm never fucking you never ever again" the one minute and the next being "I'm so in love when he fucks me blah blah blah." Like, give the girl some convictions!!! It just makes her look brainless and pathetic to do the complete opposite of everything she says/thinks to herself.]]> 4.12 Cocky F@#ker (Tangled Desires, #3)
author: Misti Murphy
name: Julia
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2016/12/21
date added: 2022/12/14
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, not-a-manwhore, not-working-for-me-boring, safe, throw-away-dnf, tstl-heroine, writing-that-s-bad
review:
Yeah this isn't going to work. I don't respect heroines that are "I'm never fucking you never ever again" the one minute and the next being "I'm so in love when he fucks me blah blah blah." Like, give the girl some convictions!!! It just makes her look brainless and pathetic to do the complete opposite of everything she says/thinks to herself.

Merged review:

Yeah this isn't going to work. I don't respect heroines that are "I'm never fucking you never ever again" the one minute and the next being "I'm so in love when he fucks me blah blah blah." Like, give the girl some convictions!!! It just makes her look brainless and pathetic to do the complete opposite of everything she says/thinks to herself.
]]> <![CDATA[Alpha Omega (The Kingmaker Saga, #6)]]> 63843860
Uilleam Runehart doesn’t just want vengeance—he craves it—and when the object of that obsession is the mother of the woman he loves, extracting the pound of flesh he’s due comes with a price.

And no one knows the heavy cost of the Kingmaker’s wrath better than Karina Ashworth.

But as furious as she might be with her mother, Karina has always thought there’s a better way than blind retribution—but that belief is tested when the world around her begins to burn.

And when it does, she has to finally choose—the life created for her, or the one that’s still unknown �

From Romantic Suspense Author, London Miller, comes the electrifying conclusion to the Kingmaker Saga where risks are taken, lives are lost, and everything is put on the line one final time. ]]> 332 London Miller Julia 0 checking-into-for-safety 4.41 Alpha Omega (The Kingmaker Saga, #6)
author: London Miller
name: Julia
average rating: 4.41
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/12/11
shelves: checking-into-for-safety
review:

]]> Perfect 32794317 172 Dani Wyatt Julia 0 3.89 2016 Perfect
author: Dani Wyatt
name: Julia
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at: 2016/11/20
date added: 2022/09/22
shelves: safe, instalove, not-a-manwhore, writing-that-s-bad, tstl-heroine, throw-away-dnf
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Rip (Elite Bratva Brotherhood)]]> 27112414
Pretty things aren't meant to be broken. But I broke her, and now we both have to pay the price. I'm her nightmare. I'm her savior. And now that I have her signature on an ironclad contract, I own her body and soul. She doesn't remember me. She will. It's inevitable. Because as much as I know I need to stay away, for fear of unlocking the memories I helped her father bury--I can't. She was the apple in the Garden, dangled in front of me, her core so tempting and sweet. A voice whispered. Just. One. Bite. I bit. I tasted. I fell. Welcome to the world of the Russian mafia, where death, is your only future.]]> 346 Rachel Van Dyken Julia 4 4.06 2015 Rip (Elite Bratva Brotherhood)
author: Rachel Van Dyken
name: Julia
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/11/06
date added: 2022/09/04
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Bound Together (Dangerous Sinners, #1)]]> 60766445
In a world consumed with corruption, greed, and vengeance, all he wanted was her until they ripped her out of his arms.

He vowed to find her and make them all pay, turning himself into a monster to hunt down demons.

For ten years Maxim Fedorov has ravaged the earth looking for Samira Hasanov, the only woman he’s ever loved.

He never expected to find her on a pole in one of Chicago’s most illustrious gentleman’s clubs owned by lethal men.

Now he must face the same predicament he faced ten years ago. Only this time, he's not a young, powerless kid.

Now he’s a Pakhan for the Bratva. The man in charge. And he’ll burn down the entire world and everyone in it for her.]]> 136 Mila Crawford Julia 0 to-read 3.44 2022 Bound Together (Dangerous Sinners, #1)
author: Mila Crawford
name: Julia
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The North Wind (The Four Winds, #1)]]> 57299301 Lush. Dark. Romantic. Introducing a newly reimagined tale written in the vein of Beauty and the Beast and Hades and Persephone.

Long before civilization, there were the gods. And before the gods, there was the earth, the celestial bodies, and air given flesh. They are the Anemoi—the Four Winds—and they have been banished to the four corners of the world.

Wren of Edgewood is no stranger to suffering. Her parents are gone. Survival is all she knows. For three hundred years, the land known as the Gray has been encased in ice, surrounded by a great barrier called the Shade, which protects the townsfolk from the Deadlands beyond.

But day by day, the Shade weakens.

Only one thing can stop the Shade's fall: a mortal woman taken captive across the barrier, bound in wedlock to the dark god who reigns over the Deadlands. He is the North Wind, the Frost King, an immortal whose heart is said to be as frigid as the land he rules.

And the time has come for the Frost King to choose his bride.

The North Wind is a standalone, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance, the first in a series sprinkled with Greek lore. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Laura Thalassa, and Scarlett St. Clair.]]> 551 Alexandria Warwick 1733033467 Julia 0 to-read 3.61 2022 The North Wind (The Four Winds, #1)
author: Alexandria Warwick
name: Julia
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Taken by the Horde King (Horde Kings of Dakkar, #5)]]> 60234618
As a fatal curse continues to spread over the planet of Dakkar, I make a deal with an alien witch who claims she can stop it.

Her price?

The heart of a horde king.

Only the horde king in question is the fiercest male I’ve ever seen, with glowing demon eyes, a god-like body crafted in battle, and a cold, cruel grin that promises destruction.

Yet when I offer myself to him, all under the premise of luring him back to the witch, his touch sets my blood on fire. His dizzying kiss makes the world spin. Instead of fear, I feel hot and unwanted desire, awakening instincts that tell me I’m his.

When he discovers my ultimate betrayal, the enraged horde king vows he will take me as his prize, that I will wear his chains, and that I will serve him in whatever way he wishes.

And as the dangers on Dakkar loom, I find myself craving my wicked, wicked ruin...all at the hands of a horde king I should’ve never crossed.]]> 491 Zoey Draven Julia 4 4.30 2022 Taken by the Horde King (Horde Kings of Dakkar, #5)
author: Zoey Draven
name: Julia
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/09
date added: 2022/07/09
shelves: best-couple-or-chemistry, best-heroin, dark, epic-love, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, hottest-sex-scenes, instalove, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, ott-possessive-hero, paranormal, safe, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut
review:

]]> Kingdom of Villains 54164103
I’d known exactly who he was—the Unseelie prince. But I hadn’t known just what he was.
I’d been fooled.

The creature I’d formed a tentative friendship with in my family’s dungeon was not the gentle, intriguing prince I’d thought him to be.
He was a monster. A bloodthirsty beast.

And I’d helped him escape my uncle’s clutches.

Such a betrayal called for severe consequences, and the price of releasing the biggest threat our kingdom had faced in hundreds of years was not one I would survive.

But upon discovering my uncle’s foiled plans for their prince, the Unseelie demanded vengeance, and an agreement was made.

My savior and my doom returned, and this time, he wasn’t leaving without me.

Regardless of how I loathed him, the deceitful and dangerous male was my last hope. Yet when he looked at me, touched me, dared to love me, the beliefs I’d worn as armor began to melt.

I couldn’t let that happen.

Though avoiding fate would prove impossible when the only way to save my life was to surrender it by marrying the monster who’d destroyed it.

-

This enemies to lovers romantasy contains mature content. It’s a complete standalone and not connected to any other Ella Fields novel.]]> 326 Ella Fields Julia 0 to-read 3.43 2022 Kingdom of Villains
author: Ella Fields
name: Julia
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Resurrect 54328610 485 Astrid Jane Ray Julia 3
I finished this months ago and forgot to write a review. And i know that if i had remembered it would have been E X T E N S I V E. I would have gone into great detail about the actions of the hero and heroine. Some parts i loved, some parts i hated, but overall i finished it. Which means a lot in 2020 when i DNF books faster than they're released nowadays.

But alas, months have passed and i need to move on. But i will put my 2 cents out there from what i can remember of my reaction to this book.

The violence the hero inflicted on the heroine was too extreme and cruel for my taste. I wish he had redeemed himself more or i wish the author had excluded the violence. He's not a man i route for, and i dont think domestic abuse can ever be explained away by an emotionally fragile man.

I actually really liked the heroine of this book. I think this is the first book ever where the heroine enacts some justice on a cruel hero, and i was all for it. I like that she stood up for herself in the end. There was good grovel when the hero finally realizes how his actions harmed the heroine.

Safety: (as much as i can remember)
- Heroine is a virgin
- Hero had plenty of experience before he met the heroine
- Rape/Dub-con. The hero assaults the heroine on their wedding night and she is unwilling for each time after. He does satisfy her sexually (if that matters to people. I still classify this as rape)
- Violence and humiliation done to the heroine by hero
- Heroine tries to have the hero killed in a car accident to save her unborn baby (she's preggers with the H's bebe)
- No cheating, no OW/OM drama, no other people after meeting.
- Possessive, obsessed hero on the toxic side, not the hot side. ]]> 3.67 2020 Resurrect
author: Astrid Jane Ray
name: Julia
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/07
date added: 2022/07/06
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, tstl-heroine, safe-with-exception, ott-possessive-hero, not-safe, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, hero-thats-stupid-or-manwhore, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, dark, business-billionaire-famous, best-heroin, annoying-characters-plot
review:
3 stars.

I finished this months ago and forgot to write a review. And i know that if i had remembered it would have been E X T E N S I V E. I would have gone into great detail about the actions of the hero and heroine. Some parts i loved, some parts i hated, but overall i finished it. Which means a lot in 2020 when i DNF books faster than they're released nowadays.

But alas, months have passed and i need to move on. But i will put my 2 cents out there from what i can remember of my reaction to this book.

The violence the hero inflicted on the heroine was too extreme and cruel for my taste. I wish he had redeemed himself more or i wish the author had excluded the violence. He's not a man i route for, and i dont think domestic abuse can ever be explained away by an emotionally fragile man.

I actually really liked the heroine of this book. I think this is the first book ever where the heroine enacts some justice on a cruel hero, and i was all for it. I like that she stood up for herself in the end. There was good grovel when the hero finally realizes how his actions harmed the heroine.

Safety: (as much as i can remember)
- Heroine is a virgin
- Hero had plenty of experience before he met the heroine
- Rape/Dub-con. The hero assaults the heroine on their wedding night and she is unwilling for each time after. He does satisfy her sexually (if that matters to people. I still classify this as rape)
- Violence and humiliation done to the heroine by hero
- Heroine tries to have the hero killed in a car accident to save her unborn baby (she's preggers with the H's bebe)
- No cheating, no OW/OM drama, no other people after meeting.
- Possessive, obsessed hero on the toxic side, not the hot side.
]]> The Queen of Aessarion 59553038
Intended for mature audiences.]]> 335 Astrid Jane Ray Julia 0 currently-reading 3.72 The Queen of Aessarion
author: Astrid Jane Ray
name: Julia
average rating: 3.72
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/06
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> Kiss & Tell 58502672 Kiss & Tell is a total rush! Perfectly sweet and swoon worthy. I loved every page! - Julie Murphy, New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin'

A smart, sexy YA novel about a boy band star, his first breakup, his first rebound, and what it means to be queer in the public eye, from award-winning author Adib Khorram

Hunter never expected to be a boy band star, but, well, here he is. He and his band Kiss & Tell are on their first major tour of North America, playing arenas all over the United States and Canada (and getting covered by the gossipy press all over North America as well). Hunter is the only gay member of the band, and he just had a very painful breakup with his first boyfriend--leaked sexts, public heartbreak, and all--and now everyone expects him to play the perfect queer role model for teens.

But Hunter isn't really sure what being the perfect queer kid even means. Does it mean dressing up in whatever The Label tells him to wear for photo shoots and pretending never to have sex? (Unfortunately, yes.) Does it mean finding community among the queer kids at the meet-and-greets after K&T's shows? (Fortunately, yes.) Does it include a new relationship with Kaivan, the drummer for the band opening for K&T on tour? (He hopes so.) But when The Label finds out about Hunter and Kaivan, it spells trouble--for their relationship, for the perfect gay boy Hunter plays for the cameras, and, most importantly, for Hunter himself.]]> 384 Adib Khorram 0593325265 Julia 0 to-read 3.61 2022 Kiss & Tell
author: Adib Khorram
name: Julia
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/03/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> As Flame to Smoke 60389923 Forgiveness won’t be enough.

Father Kent will have to do penance the moment he gets back to the rectory for the images that flash through his head.

The woman on her knees. The woman opening her mouth. Flame red hair dripping down the front of her rain-soaked shirt and onto the pew.

But these are exactly the sort of images Serah wants haunting the young priest as he tries to work and pray. She will tempt him, and he will stumble. She will corrupt him, and he will fall.

And if she does all these things just right, if she shatters David Kent’s vows into the perfect pattern of ruin, immortality will be hers.

All she has to do is betray him.

Note: This unholy journey through paranormal seduction includes graphic descriptions of sexual acts combined with religious material in a way some readers may find offensive. If blasphemous content is not for you, please turn away from this story and into the light.]]> 99 Eris Adderly Julia 0 to-read 3.47 2018 As Flame to Smoke
author: Eris Adderly
name: Julia
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Fall Before Flight 42201295
They call this place Oasis, and he's the doctor in charge.
He thinks he can save me. Heal me. Catch me if I fall...
Yeah, right.

Dr. Leo Chastain is a mouthwatering distraction.
For that reason alone, I'm inclined to play his game.
He doesn't know I'm incapable of emotions that come naturally to others -
Fear, compassion, love...
I might be a sociopath.

I warned him my kind of broken can't be fixed.
That the harder he pushes, the harder I'll push back.
Until he's broken, too.

I warned him.

The Fall Before Flight is a standalone therapist/patient forbidden romance with a happily ever after!]]> 364 L.M. Halloran Julia 0 4.26 2018 The Fall Before Flight
author: L.M. Halloran
name: Julia
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/01/20
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> Elijah (Cooper Brothers #1) 43894060
Elijah Cooper had loved Amy Brown for as long as he could remember.
She was his first love, his soulmate, the woman he adored.

Amy Brown had loved Elijah Cooper since they’d been teenagers
He was her first and the last man she’d ever love.

One night changed everything.
A night where they would both lose the most precious thing to them � each other.

Five years later and they had both moved on with separate lives.
Five years later and everything had changed but was still the same.

This is a story of young love, heartbreak, and maybe second chances, if only they would trust their hearts
]]> 304 Nikki Ashton Julia 0 3.82 2019 Elijah (Cooper Brothers #1)
author: Nikki Ashton
name: Julia
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/01/18
shelves: stay-away-from-bad-plot-or-cheating
review:

]]> Watch Me Follow 38325381 Creep. Freak. Crazy Eyes.
I've heard it all.
Over the years, they've slammed me with every demeaning name in the book.
Their taunts warped me like a steady stream of poison.
Anger replaced anxiety as I started believing the cruelty spat my way.
Until she showed up and changed everything.

Lennon Bennett is pure innocence—warm sunshine breaking apart my stormy existence.
She's everything good and maybe I can be too.
For her. With her. Because of her.
Lennon doesn’t know I’m beckoned closer with each breath.
She isn't aware that I'm completely consumed with her.
It’s become my sole purpose to protect her, by any means necessary.
But if she discovers the depth of my obsession, it will be the end of me.
So, I remain in the shadows.
Waiting. Watching. Wanting.
She'll be my first. My last. My only.

Watch Me Follow is a TOTAL STANDALONE new adult romance.]]> 270 Harloe Rae Julia 2 3.64 2018 Watch Me Follow
author: Harloe Rae
name: Julia
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2018/02/05
date added: 2022/01/05
shelves: writing-that-s-bad, virgin-hero, tstl-heroine, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, throw-away-dnf, safe, ott-possessive-hero, not-working-for-me-boring, not-a-manwhore, instalove, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, college-sports, annoying-characters-plot
review:
Could not finish because the heroine and how bland she was. One of my GR friends compared her to vanilla pudding but I would argue that and say she was more like brussel sprouts. At least vanilla pudding is palatable. Which is honestly a shame, because the H's point of view was written 4x better in my opinion. I found his character super interesting and refreshing but I couldn't get past the h and her banal and inert dialogue. And should I even bother complaint about the h's BFF, Lucy? God, I wish she wasn't a character at all.
]]> Gent (#BitterSweetHeat, #1) 40236990 With a few simple words, my reliable routine crumbles to dust.

“Is this seat taken?�

I could close my eyes and let her voice wrap around me like a lover’s caress.
But this isn’t that type of story.
And I’m sure as hell not that kind of man.

She hovers in my space, batting her lashes and smiling shyly.
The glimmer in her sapphire eyes is a promise of peace.
But I’m not falling for it.
And Raven doesn't take the hint.

What starts as a battle of wills, explodes into a turf war.
She stands directly in my path everywhere I turn.
No matter how hard I shove, she won’t budge.
Raven seems dead set on driving me insane.
But I was here first.
And I’m not going down easy.

After all, no one ever taught me how to treat a lady.]]> 282 Harloe Rae Julia 1 It wasn’t. Truly atrocious writing and asinine characters. I thought I was going to get this great heroine who was truly indifferent to the shit bag hero and yet, I get stuttering and blushing in the first chapter. And a drunk moaning and grinding girl in the second chapter. Gag me.

Heros thought process was disgusting. He needed to be punched in the face...or the dick. Heroine was exciting as a potato.

Don’t waste your time on this. ]]> 3.98 2018 Gent (#BitterSweetHeat, #1)
author: Harloe Rae
name: Julia
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2018
rating: 1
read at: 2018/05/31
date added: 2022/01/05
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, hero-thats-stupid-or-manwhore, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, not-working-for-me-boring, safe-with-exception, throw-away-dnf, tstl-heroine, worst-secondary-characters, writing-that-s-bad
review:
I’m not quite sure why I decided to read this or why I thought it would be good.
It wasn’t. Truly atrocious writing and asinine characters. I thought I was going to get this great heroine who was truly indifferent to the shit bag hero and yet, I get stuttering and blushing in the first chapter. And a drunk moaning and grinding girl in the second chapter. Gag me.

Heros thought process was disgusting. He needed to be punched in the face...or the dick. Heroine was exciting as a potato.

Don’t waste your time on this.
]]> Make You Miss Me 55923539
But twelve years later, she finds herself divorced, settling into a new home, in a new town, with a new job as an elementary teacher trying to pick up the pieces as she goes.

On top of struggling to cope with the future she always wanted versus the one she’s been dealt, she soon realizes that her new neighbor is a strict, stone-faced man she’s all too familiar with.

Lieutenant Colonel Fletcher Miller.

The man once in charge of her ex-husband’s unit.

And as if the reminder across the street of what she lost wasn’t painful enough, she also becomes his young son’s teacher.

A single dad. A divorcee. A second chance at love neither knew they’d get.]]> 249 B. Celeste Julia 2
This author was writing as if it was illegal to give the female MC a personality. Past trauma does not make a character interesting. I would zone out if I ever had to meet either of the MCs in real life. ]]> 4.09 2021 Make You Miss Me
author: B. Celeste
name: Julia
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2021
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2021/11/29
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, not-a-manwhore, not-working-for-me-boring, safe-with-exception, throw-away-dnf, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, tstl-heroine, worst-secondary-characters, writing-that-s-bad
review:
2 stars

This author was writing as if it was illegal to give the female MC a personality. Past trauma does not make a character interesting. I would zone out if I ever had to meet either of the MCs in real life.
]]> <![CDATA[Fable of Happiness Book One (Fable, #1)]]> 54903243 It’s the start of something huge.

From New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters, comes a new Dark Romance full of decadent angst, monstrous heroes, and pages chock-full of lust.

A house hidden in the middle of nowhere.
A man who’s lived alone for a decade.
A woman who trespasses on his solitude.
A love full of hate as well as hunger.

The thing about my life is...I was never in control of it.
I just I thought I was.
I thought I had everything figured out—a good career, fun hobbies, a bright future, but everything changed when I found an ivy-cloaked house, tucked in a forgotten valley, hiding a man who corrupted my world forever.
I thought I was successful, until he showed me fortune and happiness could be snatched away in an instant.
I believed I was blessed, but really, I was cursed.
Cursed to become a plaything for a monster.
Cursed to become a prisoner just because I trespassed.
Now, I know nothing.
I am nothing.
I’m just his.]]> 246 Pepper Winters Julia 0 maybe-later 4.16 2021 Fable of Happiness Book One (Fable, #1)
author: Pepper Winters
name: Julia
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/12
shelves: maybe-later
review:

]]> Chosen (Silvercrest Pack, #1) 58370627 Damaged
Chosen

When the Alpha of the Silvercrest Pack dies, I’m in line to take his place. I don’t want it, but it’s my responsibility, so suck it up, yeah? I’m not happy when I find that with the role comes a Fated Mate that I want nothing to do with. I’m not one to settle down. I like playing the field. I live for it. But when the connection becomes too strong for me to deny, I have a fight on my hands for her affection. Turns out she is as turned off by me as I was with her in the beginning. Innocent, sweet and kind, she is the exact opposite of me and the women I usually hang with. Dark, depraved and sarcastic are words I’d use to describe me. I have no way to connect with her because I don’t understand her. As I struggle to find my way ruling the Pack, along with the confusion of the Fated Mate connection, I find myself lost, alone and spiralling out of control. The only one who can save me, doesn’t want me. How will this end for me?

Read about Ryker and Bree in Chosen: The Silvercrest Pack, Book 1 to find out. This is book 1 of a trilogy of standalone, paranormal romance books.]]> 288 Eve Newton Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 3.83 2021 Chosen (Silvercrest Pack, #1)
author: Eve Newton
name: Julia
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/12
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> Death (The Four Horsemen, #4) 49491650 They came to earth--Pestilence, War, Famine, Death--four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.

He’s known by many names: Thanatos. Horseman. God’s last angel. And then, of course, there's the one I’m all too familiar with�

Death.

The day Death comes to Lazarus Gaumond’s town and kills everyone in one fell swoop, the last thing he expects to see is a woman left alive and standing. But Lazarus has her own extraordinary gift: she cannot be killed—not by humans, not by the elements, not by Death himself.

She is the one soul Death doesn’t recognize. The one soul he cannot pry free from her flesh. Nor can he ignore the unsettling desire he has for her. Take her. He wants to, desperately. And the longer she tries to stop him from his killing spree, the stronger the desire becomes.

When Lazarus crosses paths with the three other horsemen, an unthinkable situation leads to a terrible deal: seduce Death, save the world. A hopeless task, made all the worse by the bad blood between her and Thanatos. But Death’s attraction to her is undeniable, and try though she might, Lazarus cannot stay away from that ancient, beautiful being and his dark embrace.

The end is here. Humankind is set to perish, and not even the horsemen can stop Death from fulfilling his final task.

Only Lazarus can.]]> 519 Laura Thalassa Julia 3
After years of waiting we've finally come to the epic conclusion of Ms Thalassa's Horsemen series and the crowd.... yawns and shrugs.

In my opinion this installment was a mess. A lot of tell-but-not-show, overly repetitive dialogue and scenes, and the whiplash of the MC's emotions had me going "what the fuck" for a majority of it. But i should clearly state:

This is the best book I've read in some time, and it was thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. (which is saying something because reading in 2021 has been a total dumpster fire)

Buttttttttt...

I think it could have been better. I thought adding in a child felt forced and underdeveloped. The first 1/4 of the book was dedicated to the MC's killing each other, when that time could have been spent showing the audience how important baby Ben was going to be to Lazarus instead of just telling us a bunch of times.

Also, I was disappointed with Deaths temperament. I was hoping for an indifferent bad boy with a heart of gold and instead I got a total marshmallow that couldn't think for himself. It was very instalove and not in the good way. The past 3 books i found myself GRIPPING onto my ipad for dear life because the tension was THAT hot. For Death and Laz.... a big ol shrug.

And one more thing.... the author totally jipped Sara, Miriam, and Ana!!!!!! We got a decent amount of time with the other horsemen but jeeeezzzzz this author really slighted the past female MC's!!! The women have always been the stars of the show (in my eyes) and I felt without them in it, it left the book feeling unresolved.

While I was slightly dissapointed, I did still enjoy it and this series has a firm place on my favorites shelf. It's a series I'll keep coming back to just for the writing style and character development. For all the crud that gets released at this time, this book is an uncut gem amongst a bunch of dirt. It had the passion and intensity that I've been longing for. It had a smart heroine AND a respectful, loving hero. I cant ask for much more than that. I highly recommend to anyone thats looking for a solid romance.

Safety:
No cheating/no other people after meeting/no separation once they're together.
Hero is a virgin, heroine is not
No OW/OM drama
Some violence (the MC's do kill each other a few times)
HEA with a decent epilogue ]]> 4.30 2021 Death (The Four Horsemen, #4)
author: Laura Thalassa
name: Julia
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2021/11/11
date added: 2021/11/11
shelves: virgin-hero, tstl-heroine, safe, paranormal, ott-possessive-hero, not-working-for-me-boring, not-a-manwhore, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, instalove, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, epic-love, dark, best-hero, best-character-development, annoying-characters-plot
review:
3.25 stars

After years of waiting we've finally come to the epic conclusion of Ms Thalassa's Horsemen series and the crowd.... yawns and shrugs.

In my opinion this installment was a mess. A lot of tell-but-not-show, overly repetitive dialogue and scenes, and the whiplash of the MC's emotions had me going "what the fuck" for a majority of it. But i should clearly state:

This is the best book I've read in some time, and it was thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. (which is saying something because reading in 2021 has been a total dumpster fire)

Buttttttttt...

I think it could have been better. I thought adding in a child felt forced and underdeveloped. The first 1/4 of the book was dedicated to the MC's killing each other, when that time could have been spent showing the audience how important baby Ben was going to be to Lazarus instead of just telling us a bunch of times.

Also, I was disappointed with Deaths temperament. I was hoping for an indifferent bad boy with a heart of gold and instead I got a total marshmallow that couldn't think for himself. It was very instalove and not in the good way. The past 3 books i found myself GRIPPING onto my ipad for dear life because the tension was THAT hot. For Death and Laz.... a big ol shrug.

And one more thing.... the author totally jipped Sara, Miriam, and Ana!!!!!! We got a decent amount of time with the other horsemen but jeeeezzzzz this author really slighted the past female MC's!!! The women have always been the stars of the show (in my eyes) and I felt without them in it, it left the book feeling unresolved.

While I was slightly dissapointed, I did still enjoy it and this series has a firm place on my favorites shelf. It's a series I'll keep coming back to just for the writing style and character development. For all the crud that gets released at this time, this book is an uncut gem amongst a bunch of dirt. It had the passion and intensity that I've been longing for. It had a smart heroine AND a respectful, loving hero. I cant ask for much more than that. I highly recommend to anyone thats looking for a solid romance.

Safety:
No cheating/no other people after meeting/no separation once they're together.
Hero is a virgin, heroine is not
No OW/OM drama
Some violence (the MC's do kill each other a few times)
HEA with a decent epilogue
]]> <![CDATA[Just a Bit Bossy (Straight Guys, #12)]]> 56238428
Nate Parrish loathes his boss from the moment they meet.

Raffaele Ferrara is probably the most insufferable, domineering man in the world. He doesn’t seem to understand that his personal assistant isn’t actually his personal slave. He expects Nate to do his bidding with a single word. He expects that Nate’s whole life will revolve around him. He expects other, entirely unreasonable things, even though they’re both straight and there’s supposed to be a line your boss should never cross. Apparently, as his personal assistant, Nate has to assist him� personally.

Except Nate knows it’s just a game. His boss is straight. He knows Raffaele just wants to make him angry enough to quit. But Nate has always been too stubborn for his own good, and he’s determined to be the best assistant his boss has ever had, no matter how insane—or inappropriate—Raffaele’s orders may become. Before long, the two men are drawn into a twisted game neither wants to lose.

Nate knows it has to stop. He has to leave his job. It’s not good for his sanity. Except his horrible boss is like a bad addiction he can’t quit. The world feels boring without Raffaele’s intensity, and his focus on Nate might be infuriating� but it’s also something Nate’s starting to realize he can’t live without.

Just a Bit Bossy is a hate-to-love steamy MM romance that contains dubcon (the character gives his consent, but there's an obvious power imbalance between a boss and his assistant), lots of snark, a long-suffering sister, two straight men who become obsessed with each other, and a happily ever after. ]]> 308 Alessandra Hazard Julia 3
I would have liked this a lot more if it was the year 2014. Office romance boss/secretary dynamics have been done to DEATH so you better make it new and interesting if you go down this route. Low and behold� it was the same plot/trope as all the hundreds of other books that came before it. ]]> 4.20 2021 Just a Bit Bossy (Straight Guys, #12)
author: Alessandra Hazard
name: Julia
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2021/11/08
date added: 2021/11/08
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, dark, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, hottest-sex-scenes, instalove, not-safe, not-working-for-me-boring, ott-possessive-hero, throw-away-dnf, writing-that-s-bad
review:
3 just eh stars

I would have liked this a lot more if it was the year 2014. Office romance boss/secretary dynamics have been done to DEATH so you better make it new and interesting if you go down this route. Low and behold� it was the same plot/trope as all the hundreds of other books that came before it.
]]> The Royals Next Door 56145987 An ordinary summer goes royally awry when a prince and princess move next door, bringing their handsome bodyguard with them, from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.

Piper Evans: elementary school teacher by day--avid romance reader and anonymous podcaster by night. She lives a quiet, reclusive life, taking care of her mother, who struggles with mental illness, avoiding her regrettable ex, who bartends in town, and trying to make inroads in the tight-knit island community that still sees her, five years in, as an outsider.

And she's happy with how things are--really--until British royals rent the property next to hers and their brooding bodyguard decides she's a security threat. Piper quickly realizes that one person's fairy tale is an ordinary woman's nightmare as a media frenzy takes over the island and each run-in with Harrison Cole is hotter and more confusing than the last. But beneath Harrison's no-nonsense exterior lies a soft heart, one that could tempt a woman who's sworn off attachments into believing in white knights.

But when Piper finds herself smack in the middle of a royal scandal that rocks the island she'll need more than Harrison's strong arms to shield her--she'll have to do a little rescuing herself. With careers, hearts, and friendships on the line, Piper and Harrison will have to decide what they're willing to give up for a chance at their own happily ever after.]]> 351 Karina Halle 0593334191 Julia 3 3 just ok stars 3.68 2021 The Royals Next Door
author: Karina Halle
name: Julia
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2021/11/08
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, business-billionaire-famous, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, instalove, lighthearted-funny, not-working-for-me-boring, safe, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, writing-that-s-bad
review:
3 just ok stars
]]> <![CDATA[Secret Beast (Beast of Bishop's Landing, #1)]]> 57052534 The beast hides a dark secret in his past�

Leo Morelli is known as the Beast of Bishop's Landing for his cruelty. He’ll get revenge on the Constantine family and make millions of dollars in the process. Even if it means using an old man who dreams up wild inventions.

The beauty will sacrifice everything for her family...

Haley Constantine will do anything to protect her father. Even trade her body for his life. The college student must spend thirty days with the ruthless billionaire. He’ll make her earn her freedom in degrading ways, but in the end he needs her to set him free.

SECRET BEAST is a new full-length novel from USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde about revenge, family secrets, and the redeeming power of love.]]> 350 Amelia Wilde Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 3.78 2021 Secret Beast (Beast of Bishop's Landing, #1)
author: Amelia Wilde
name: Julia
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/08
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Scarred Queen (The Queens, #1)]]> 38487913
Drifting in a world of glittering diamonds, mansions, lunches and designer clothes, Casey Hernandez could happily disappear, except the life of the mafia wife demanded she remain and play her part. One misstep and she would face the monster who marked her as his own.

Reyes wanted the stunning blond with the furious eyes. He was going to ruin her life, take her from everything she knew and own every inch of her. Hard, brutal, mean. Exactly how he was. Exactly how this world had shaped him. Because he could. She was about to become spoils of war.

And when he finally had his woman, they would rise up together; the king and his scarred queen.


This books is standalone. Guaranteed HEA, NO cheating, NO cliffhanger. Sizzling dark mafia romance. Read at your own risk!]]> 294 Nikita Slater 0995862494 Julia 0 4.00 Scarred Queen (The Queens, #1)
author: Nikita Slater
name: Julia
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/06
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> Out of the Blue 58957470 Life comes at you fast and love comes out of the blue�

A small-town romance about letting go of the past and learning to live in the moment.

Blue Baldwin takes no horse crap from anybody. Well, actually, that’s not entirely true. She does take horse crap. Piles of it. The real kind that is––not the metaphorical one. It kind of goes with the job description when you run a large animal rescue. What she does not take, however, is crap from an entitled movie star who needs to reform his rotten image.

Unfortunately, the farm she manages is in trouble and if she doesn’t raise the cash to save it she’ll be homeless along with the precious animals who depend on her. So she’ll grin and bear the King of Hollywood Screw Ups, and the assistant, and the overprotective brother he brings along. I mean, she takes care of large animals for a living. Isn’t that basically the same thing?]]> 291 P. Dangelico 0578896907 Julia 0 checking-into-for-safety 3.83 Out of the Blue
author: P. Dangelico
name: Julia
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/10/26
shelves: checking-into-for-safety
review:

]]> Ivan (Out of the Cage #2) 36399236
Who would’ve guessed that a beautiful woman from a one-night stand would lead me straight to the person I’ve spent the last six years searching for.

Now I just need to find a way to get close enough to kill him.

The problem is, the closer I get to my mother’s killer, the more secrets from my past are revealed.

And no matter how hard I try to fight them; those secrets may be the death of me.


*Ivan is the second full-length, MMA romance with a HEA in this three book series. Readers are advised to start with the first book, Cain, since Ivan is a continuation of that story and contains the same secondary characters.*
]]> 179 Lane Hart Julia 0 to-read 4.28 Ivan (Out of the Cage #2)
author: Lane Hart
name: Julia
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/10/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Under Pressure (Lessons Learned, #1)]]> 56400140
The one she had a secret crush on last year. The one who refuses to let anyone close. The one she’s discovering by the day may have a softer side than he lets anyone else see�

Tyler knows stress. He’s grappled with it for as long as he can remember. And just because he has to share credit with this girl on his new psychology study doesn’t mean he has to be friends with her. Except she somehow keeps worming her way into his life. In school. In the boxing gym.

In his bed.

But everyone knows it’s safer to keep to yourself. You can't hurt anyone that way. Even if it means giving up the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

As things heat up in the Stress Lab, will this match be able to work together without disruption, or will this growing attraction between them eventually... combust?

Under Pressure is a full-length new adult contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #1 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance world, Penny Reid book universe.]]> 294 Allie Winters Julia 0
Immature writing style. ]]> 3.87 2021 Under Pressure (Lessons Learned, #1)
author: Allie Winters
name: Julia
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/10/09
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, not-working-for-me-boring, throw-away-dnf, tstl-heroine, writing-that-s-bad
review:
No rating- DNF at 20%

Immature writing style.
]]> Swallow it Down 54913899
The Captain. The unquestioned leader of this ship.

A ship I wish to be free of. A man I want to be as far away from as my legs might carry me.

The society he’s designed, the rules, the endless battle of wills...

Yes, I’ve seen the way he looks at me.

I’ve felt his fingertips brush my skin. Heard his laugh. Experienced his smile.

One that’s only for me, and only in secret.

And I know what he wants.

He told me himself that everyone has to pay; that all who survived the fall of civilization were culpable. That’s how he justifies the decisions he’s made, the necessary evils he allows to take place on this ship� all in the name of a greater good.

And it’s why I resist the starved way his gaze drinks me down. Why I can’t be had at any price.

SWALLOW IT DOWN is an angst-ridden, enemies to lovers romance, boasting a strong female lead and a swoon-worthy hero. This standalone features a HEA that will keep you turning the page all night.]]> Addison Cain Julia 0 3.79 2020 Swallow it Down
author: Addison Cain
name: Julia
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/09/14
shelves: stay-away-from-bad-plot-or-cheating
review:

]]> Coerce (Death in Bloom, #1) 58362816 Ivy

I know what love is. After witnessing its devastation, I’ve shied away from it,

Until Atlas.

I never thought I’d ignore the red flags and wave a white one.

Surrendering to Atlas in the most delectable way,

I didn’t realize he’d been playing me all along

Until I found myself at his mercy.

They say love can heal all wounds,

But what about the scars left behind?

Atlas

I don’t know what love is. I’ve never been touched by its light or fallen into its depths,

Until Ivy.

When I see something I want, I take it.

And right now, all I want is her.

Each move I make is calculated and methodical,

Until I have her exactly where I want her.

By the time she realizes it’s a trap, it will be too late.

She’ll never forgive me, and I’ll never set her free.

But I feel no guilt, nor remorse.

Not when I’ll own every inch of her; body, heart, and soul.

And not even Ivy herself will stop me.

Author note: If you’re looking for a White Knight, you might want to look elsewhere. Atlas is an Antihero in every sense of the word.

This book plays with the darker side of love such as obsession, infatuation, and the power plays made to obtain it.

*Coerce is a complete standalone novel*

Triggers: It goes without saying that this book contains dark elements that some readers may find uncomfortable including offensive language, graphic violence, and sexual situations. All readers should be over 18 so I don’t have to answer any awkward emails from your parents or dodge pitchforks when I’m doing my weekly shopping.]]> 337 Candice M. Wright Julia 0 to-read 3.78 2021 Coerce (Death in Bloom, #1)
author: Candice M. Wright
name: Julia
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/09/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[There with You (Adair Family, #2)]]> 57691449
Determined to make amends for her mistakes, Regan plans to repair her relationship with Robyn by staying close. And when an offer of help comes from Thane Adair, Regan gratefully accepts.

Widower, Thane, needs a new nanny housekeeper for his two young children and when they bond with Regan Penhaligon, he offers her the job. But as the weeks pass and the complex American reveals who she really is, Thane struggles with his growing attraction to her.

Regan never expected to feel so intensely for Thane, but she can’t deny her passion for him or her love for his children. When someone from Thane’s past threatens his family, Regan wants to be his pillar of support. However, his continued inability to trust her might just destroy their chance at future happiness� and the person who drove Regan to Ardnoch might snuff out her chance for any future at all.]]> 462 Samantha Young Julia 0 to-read 4.23 2021 There with You (Adair Family, #2)
author: Samantha Young
name: Julia
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/08/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tortured Sinner (Sinners and Angels, #1A; Sinners and Angels Duet, #1)]]> 57911773 Tortured Sinner and Fallen Angel have been combined and republished under the title Broken Like You.

My name is Johnny, and I dance with the devil.
At least, that’s what I tell people, so they stay as far away as possible.

I never meant to get mixed up with the wrong crowd, but if you want to win a war, you have to get your hands a little dirty.

The plan was to keep myself isolated, until an angel walks into my life that makes my dead heart start to beat again.

She’s sweet and innocent, and everything I shouldn’t want, but I can’t seem to stay away.

It’ll take everything I have to resist the magnetic pull between us, but what if Claire is the salvation I need?

Tortured Sinner is book one in the Sinners and Angels duet. Trigger warning: mild abuse (not from hero), language, sexual content. Meant for mature audiences.]]> 318 Tessa James Julia 0 4.05 Tortured Sinner (Sinners and Angels, #1A; Sinners and Angels Duet, #1)
author: Tessa James
name: Julia
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/07/26
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> Priceless 50291659 Are you afraid of the dark, Christina? I don't need the lights on to read you like a book.

The first time I meet the wolf’s cold eyes, we’re at a college party.

Maybe you like the dark more than you think.

I just quit the cheer squad. I’m about to dump my musician boyfriend. I’m partying harder than ever. I let money run through my fingers because I’m done reaching for standards I’ll never meet.

Soon, I’m broke. And I don’t want anyone to know.

The more you hide your true self, the more you’re going to let it out with me.

I'm bubbly and outgoing. He's icy and alone. I stay away. I touch myself, thinking of him.

When I finally seek out Patrick Caruthers, he has a proposition.

Mind games. Humiliation. Control. Schedules. Him. Me.

I think you’re going to be the perfect playmate.

I'm not perfect. I'm not stunning or noble. I’m not a heroine.

You’re priceless.

I'm just a girl . . .

You were made for me.

And he’s a cold bastard

Who is paying me for sex.]]> 391 Miranda Silver Julia 4
What I CAN remember:

This book was really sexy. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts. BUT I wish the hero has shown more vulnerability around the heroine. The heroine was constantly in distress or in a weaker position financially and emotionally, so having the hero be there for her at the end would have tied up the romance better. Since this book had to do the classic "Im breaking up with you because I dont deserve you" as the climax, their HEA felt rushed and unfinished.

Safety, as much as I can remember:
No other people after meeting
No cheating
Slight OW/OM drama
Both H/h get off on humiliation and degradation during sex
H isnt a manwhore, h isnt a virgin
You get alot of details on the hero's past sex life with his ex. She calls him and fucks with his head and his current relationship with the h. ]]> 3.81 2020 Priceless
author: Miranda Silver
name: Julia
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/01/31
date added: 2021/07/19
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, ott-possessive-hero, not-a-manwhore, instalove, hottest-sex-scenes, dark, best-secondary-characters, best-heroin, best-hero, best-couple-or-chemistry, best-character-development
review:
202o has not been a good year for writing reviews. I've fallen into a bad habit of finishing a book and forgetting to write a review until much later, on top of forgetting what I wanted to say.

What I CAN remember:

This book was really sexy. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts. BUT I wish the hero has shown more vulnerability around the heroine. The heroine was constantly in distress or in a weaker position financially and emotionally, so having the hero be there for her at the end would have tied up the romance better. Since this book had to do the classic "Im breaking up with you because I dont deserve you" as the climax, their HEA felt rushed and unfinished.

Safety, as much as I can remember:
No other people after meeting
No cheating
Slight OW/OM drama
Both H/h get off on humiliation and degradation during sex
H isnt a manwhore, h isnt a virgin
You get alot of details on the hero's past sex life with his ex. She calls him and fucks with his head and his current relationship with the h.
]]> <![CDATA[The Savage & the Swan (Fated Fae)]]> 58443294 Raised to avenge his murdered parents, he’d been trained and conditioned until nothing but violence and hatred lined the walls of his dead heart.

For nearly four years, I’d done all I could to help my kingdom as we faced the wolf king’s unconquerable evil—hardly anything at all.
As the only heir to the Gracewood line, I’d been relegated to menial tasks that would keep me and my secrets safe.

A chance to do more than fret behind our castle walls arrived when I breached them after overhearing my parents� plans for my future. Fleeing, I unknowingly raced into a fate we’d all desperately hoped to avoid.

By the time I saw him coming, it was far too late. For my family. For my kingdom.
For my heart.
Before I could staunch the bleeding, the king had me under his giant paw, and one wrong move after another caused those razor-sharp claws to sink deeper and deeper beneath my bruised skin.

I might have been trapped, naïve, and furious, but I still had a kingdom to save—and a plan. Yet when we collided, the bloodshed, the fear, his atrocities... all of it dissolved like stardust upon the night sea.

The stars had mapped out our destiny, but it didn’t matter what they or my heart wanted. I refused to see the enigmatic male, the heartless lost boy with a soul beneath the flesh of a monster.
The savage king who’d destroyed everything I loved would fall—even if my heart fell with him.

�

Inspired by Hades and Persephone, Rumpelstiltskin, and The Swan Princess, The Savage and the Swan is not connected to any other Ella Fields novel. It’s a full-length standalone romantic fantasy containing mature content.]]> 350 Ella Fields Julia 0 currently-reading 3.97 2021 The Savage & the Swan (Fated Fae)
author: Ella Fields
name: Julia
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/07/16
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> Recluse 58509398
When she’s assigned a welfare check on the local recluse, the sparks that fly would light up the Fourth of July sky. But what Melanie doesn’t know, is the man she’s sent to check on, has been checking her out since the day she arrived in town.

This reclusive stalker never believed he could catch the eye of the curvy, golden haired beauty, and yet, she’s dropped like manna from heaven straight into his world and now, he’s never letting her go.

Only, if she finds out his secret, will she understand or run screaming into the woods?


Vincent Weber has never quite fit in, and he’s given up trying. He’s satisfied living alone in the woods, until the day he sets his eyes on his own personal Goldilocks. She’s too soft, he’s too hard, but when they get together, they are oh so just right. This Daddy bear has found his little one, and he’s never letting her go. Safe, no cheating with a few swats on the behind and boom� it’s way over the top insta-love and a happy ending that feels like a fairy tale.]]> 0 Nikolai Andrew Julia 0 to-read 3.92 Recluse
author: Nikolai Andrew
name: Julia
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/07/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Savage Prince (Ruthless Warlords, #2)]]> 55919407 He's a notorious crime lord—and he’s on the hunt for her.

He’s mafia royalty. Worlds above her. Ice-cold and merciless. Driven by duty and dark secrets.
She’s property. Expected to submit. Imprisoned by ruthless criminals determined to break her for information she can’t afford to give.
Except there’s something different about Maxheim Skolov. Something that awakens long buried instincts within Tess and draws her toward the man inside the beast.
A force more dangerous than anything she’s faced to date.
So, she runs.
But she won’t get far.
For mafia prince Maxheim Skolov, hunting down the rebellious, spirited female is a certainty. He’ll do whatever it takes to have her kneeling at his feet once more, even begin a galactic war.

The real question is what he’ll do with her—and to her—when he catches her.

Savage Prince: A Dark Mafia Omegaverse Fated-Mates Romance is the second book in the Ruthless Warlords series. It is a scorching HOT standalone, though it is recommenced to read the series in order for greatest enjoyment.

Like all the books in the series, it includes:
A ruthless alien mafia boss
An innocent heroine growing into her power
A fated bond
Plenty of hot omegaverse action
Betrayal, murder, and revenge
Serious plot twists
And an epic romance that proves love will always triumph over hate.

*Book 1 in the series is Ruthless King: A Dark Mafia Omegaverse Fated-Mates Romance. *Forbidden Flame: A Dark Mafia Omegaverse Fated-Mates Romance is a stand-alone novella in the same world.]]> 357 Alison Aimes 1735456632 Julia 0
I’m so bored I can’t finish it. Heroine is annoying as well. ]]> 3.97 Savage Prince (Ruthless Warlords, #2)
author: Alison Aimes
name: Julia
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2021/07/07
date added: 2021/07/07
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, dark, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, hottest-sex-scenes, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, not-a-manwhore, not-working-for-me-boring, ott-possessive-hero, paranormal, safe, safe-with-exception, throw-away-dnf, tstl-heroine, worst-secondary-characters, writing-that-s-bad
review:
DNF at 50%

I’m so bored I can’t finish it. Heroine is annoying as well.
]]> <![CDATA[Carnal Urges (Queens & Monsters, #2)]]> 57101782 Dark, sexy mafia romance where the fast-paced tension of John Wick meets the high stakes love of Romeo and Juliet.

Carnal (adjective):
1) Relating to the pleasures of the body
2) Given to sensual indulgence
3) The man who kidnapped me

The devil has blue eyes, an Irish accent, and a hatred for me that runs deep.

He blames me for starting a war. Consorting with his enemies. Getting his men killed. Though I’m innocent on all charges, he wants his pound of flesh. With an eye on revenge, he makes me his captive.

But as we’ll both soon discover, there are more powerful urges than that for revenge.

When the devil meets his match but she’s his sworn enemy, that’s when the real war begins.]]> 356 J.T. Geissinger Julia 0 currently-reading 4.22 2021 Carnal Urges (Queens & Monsters, #2)
author: J.T. Geissinger
name: Julia
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/07/03
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> Falling for the Villain 55030084
“Play for me, Juliet…�

Those four words whispered in my ear again and again until I craved what I used to fear. Such a simple demand from my captor—the man who stole me and refused to tell me why he wouldn’t let me go.

I was his.

He made me need him, just as much as he needed me. I broke all the rules of the golden prison he put me in.

During the day he ruled his dark, seedy world. His subjects and me.
During the night—he bowed before my feet.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the villains in all the fairy tales you read?

You’ll soon find out.

It all started when he kidnapped me and made me his pet.
And it all ended with me�

Calling him master.


*This story is not for the faint of heart and may be uncomfortable for some readers. But, then again, stepping outside of your comfort zone may be exactly the thing you need� Care to play with us, readers?]]> 203 M. Robinson Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 3.61 Falling for the Villain
author: M. Robinson
name: Julia
average rating: 3.61
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/23
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Match Made in Hatred (Down & Dirty Vows, #1)]]> 57308993
My bride.
The daughter of my enemy.
She’s nothing more than a part of my revenge.

I’m the one who holds her life in my hands,
As well as her body.
And soon, her very will.

Yet, she refuses to break.
This woman disarms me, not with weapons but words
And not with a fist, but with a simple kiss.

A match made in hate can have no other ending except war.

Read the FREE prequel today:


Dark & Dirty Vows Series:
Book 1: A Match Made in Hatred (Maximus)
Book 2: I Thee Lust (Rafael)
Book 3: To Have & to Hurt (Tristano)]]> 215 Morgan Bridges Julia 1
Note: you need to read the prequel to know whats going on in this book. I have no idea why they couldnt just be the same book but whatever.

If you've read this book, then you've read this a million times over in other 'dark mafia' books. It is the *s.a.m.e. e.x.a.c.t. p.l.o.t* as everything else out there.

� Vulnerable, barely legal, sheltered, virgin heroine
� 'Bad boy,' Entitled, cruel, vengeful hero that sexually and verbally abuses heroine for 90% of the book. Oh, did i mention he's beautiful like a demigod?
� Sex scenes with heroine withering away from hero's sexual manipulation
� Hero tells heroine he'll never love her
� Heroine gets kidnapped, making hero recognize his feelings
The end

Wash. Rinse. Repeat. This same story is written over and over again and i dont understand why authors dont change it up? My main problem with this type of book is that the cruel Hero NEVER redeems himself. He does fuck all to deserve the heroines love and devotion besides give her a few orgasms. He calls her the italian word for 'whore' almost the entire book. Books like this leave me with a cold and empty feeling.

I was gonna give this 2 stars because i finished it and the writing wasnt completely terrible. But i have to go with 1 star just for the ending. The hero gets the heroine back from her kidnapper and what does he do? Immediately talks about how he needs to be in her cunt (authors words not mine) so HE can be ok. Theres no tenderness or romance or any kind of true feelings in this book. It all felt very surface level, and at this point, porn would have more depth.

Oh, and one more thing. They never say 'I love you' to each other. To make it worse, the hero's inner dialogue is "I'll never be able to give her what she needs" at 97% mark of the book. What a waste of time.

Safety:
Heroine is a virgin
Hero had plenty of experience before h.
No OW/OM drama. No other people after meeting.
Dub-con. sexual manipulation, betraying body alert.
Choking, spanking, D/s.

In short: i dont recommend this if you're looking for anything remotely original.]]> 3.88 2021 A Match Made in Hatred (Down & Dirty Vows, #1)
author: Morgan Bridges
name: Julia
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2021
rating: 1
read at: 2021/06/23
date added: 2021/06/23
shelves: worst-secondary-characters, tstl-heroine, safe, ott-possessive-hero, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, instalove, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, dark, business-billionaire-famous, annoying-characters-plot
review:
1 star

Note: you need to read the prequel to know whats going on in this book. I have no idea why they couldnt just be the same book but whatever.

If you've read this book, then you've read this a million times over in other 'dark mafia' books. It is the *s.a.m.e. e.x.a.c.t. p.l.o.t* as everything else out there.

� Vulnerable, barely legal, sheltered, virgin heroine
� 'Bad boy,' Entitled, cruel, vengeful hero that sexually and verbally abuses heroine for 90% of the book. Oh, did i mention he's beautiful like a demigod?
� Sex scenes with heroine withering away from hero's sexual manipulation
� Hero tells heroine he'll never love her
� Heroine gets kidnapped, making hero recognize his feelings
The end

Wash. Rinse. Repeat. This same story is written over and over again and i dont understand why authors dont change it up? My main problem with this type of book is that the cruel Hero NEVER redeems himself. He does fuck all to deserve the heroines love and devotion besides give her a few orgasms. He calls her the italian word for 'whore' almost the entire book. Books like this leave me with a cold and empty feeling.

I was gonna give this 2 stars because i finished it and the writing wasnt completely terrible. But i have to go with 1 star just for the ending. The hero gets the heroine back from her kidnapper and what does he do? Immediately talks about how he needs to be in her cunt (authors words not mine) so HE can be ok. Theres no tenderness or romance or any kind of true feelings in this book. It all felt very surface level, and at this point, porn would have more depth.

Oh, and one more thing. They never say 'I love you' to each other. To make it worse, the hero's inner dialogue is "I'll never be able to give her what she needs" at 97% mark of the book. What a waste of time.

Safety:
Heroine is a virgin
Hero had plenty of experience before h.
No OW/OM drama. No other people after meeting.
Dub-con. sexual manipulation, betraying body alert.
Choking, spanking, D/s.

In short: i dont recommend this if you're looking for anything remotely original.
]]> Glitter 56753301
He knew his duty to his title and he would do as was necessary.

Although Hugh Compton, Earl of Ashington, hadn't wanted his father's title at the age of nine and twenty, he gained it two years ago when his father died unexpectedly. The only good that had come of that was Hugh had been able to move his father's wife to the dowager house. Now it was time to marry.

Many disliked the Earl of Ashington but none so much as his brother.

After his mother was sent off as if she were trash to be disposed of, Nicholas swore he'd even the score. With the intent of charming the boring Lydia Ramsbury right out of his brother's arms, Nicholas discovered it was a new face that had captured his brother's attention-Miss Miriam Bathurst.

Vengeance had never looked so sweet.

Contains mature themes.]]> 185 Abbi Glines Julia 0 3.63 2021 Glitter
author: Abbi Glines
name: Julia
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/22
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> Prey (Coveted Prey, #1) 56781641 Publisher’s Note: If you’re looking for a super SWEET omega verse with enthusiastic consent before action, this is NOT the book for you. Prey is a FANTASY (not even vaguely close to the real world) book on the medium-dark scale of omega verse with LOTS of domestic discipline (think hands and belts) and consent driven by the heroine/hero response to pheromones. Trust that our heroine is a sweet and stubborn brat, and if she gets into a tussle with her mates, it’s so she can test they’re worthy. Our heroes embrace their role in claiming and protecting their mate seriously and adore their sweet charge.

I am prey.
This is not pity talking, this is an acknowledgment of a fact.
I am small and weak; I am an Omega. I am a prize that men war over.
For a year I have hidden in the distant corner of the Empire.
But I am running out of food, and I am running out of options.
That I must leave soon is not a decision for today, though, but a decision for tomorrow.
Only tomorrow's choices never come.
For tonight brings strangers who remind me that I am prey.]]> 312 L.V. Lane 0995350078 Julia 4
Color me surprised that I actually really enjoyed this. Omega verse books are such a tossup for me, but this one hit that sweet spot of D/s and smut. Make no mistake: read this for the smut and not for the romance. It’s non stop sexy times with these characters and usually that can get old fast, but this author managed to keep it fresh the entire way through.

Recommend to anyone who wants some smutty cognitive dissonance.

Safety:
Heroine is a virgin
Hero’s (3 H’s in the first half, 4 in the second half) don’t have sex with OW after meeting Heroine
Spanking, D/s, anal ]]> 3.63 2020 Prey (Coveted Prey, #1)
author: L.V. Lane
name: Julia
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/22
date added: 2021/06/22
shelves: best-hero, hottest-sex-scenes, instalove, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, ott-possessive-hero, safe
review:
4 smutty stars

Color me surprised that I actually really enjoyed this. Omega verse books are such a tossup for me, but this one hit that sweet spot of D/s and smut. Make no mistake: read this for the smut and not for the romance. It’s non stop sexy times with these characters and usually that can get old fast, but this author managed to keep it fresh the entire way through.

Recommend to anyone who wants some smutty cognitive dissonance.

Safety:
Heroine is a virgin
Hero’s (3 H’s in the first half, 4 in the second half) don’t have sex with OW after meeting Heroine
Spanking, D/s, anal
]]> Conflict of Interest 57206779
Known for being one of Boston’s most sought-after � and less than ethical � corporate attorneys, Benedict Young has always wanted the best for his daughter.

Only Benedict and Audrey’s versions of “the best� have never exactly lined up...

Just weeks after passing the bar, Audrey secures an interview at Ortega & Beckham � her father’s rival firm.

Filled with a mix of nerves and excitement, she heads to a small pub in South Boston the night before... for one drink.

Just. One. Drink.

Instead Audrey finds a bartender with a generous pour and Leo - the hot guy at the end of the bar who convinces her to stay for a cheeseburger and much longer than she planned. All the while, Audrey knows she doesn't have time for a relationship. So, she takes their flirty conversation for exactly what it is: harmless fun.

That is... until the next morning when she walks into her interview and comes face to face with Leo himself.

Fate isn’t something Audrey believes in, but if she did� this certainly would feel a lot like it.

The only problem? Leo is her new boss.

Their chemistry may be off the charts, but they both agree their careers come first.

What Audrey and Leo both seem to forget is that all is fair in love and law.

...and some lines are meant to be crossed.]]> 198 Dee Lagasse Julia 0 to-read 3.92 Conflict of Interest
author: Dee Lagasse
name: Julia
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Heart of a Monster (New Reign Mafia Duet #1)]]> 57950510
It was the monster that saved me.

The whole city called him the monster: a troubled man with demons in him clawing to get out.

His job was to ruthlessly take lives for the family.

And, yet, he saved mine.

Ever since, I was the one woman who could walk amongst the most powerful men within the Italian Mob—all except him.

To him, I didn’t belong. And he made it clear by being the monster everyone knew him to be:

Cruel, ruthless, and cold.

My gut told me to leave, but my soul wanted to stay. I gravitated toward the man no one understood because the monster in him risked it all to rescue me.

So, I opened the cage where his demons lived. I set them free.

And then I took the biggest risk:

I handed my heart to the monster to see if he’d rip it apart.

This book is the first in a duet. 80000+ words of love, angst, steam, and mafia romance. Their happily ever after will come in the next book set to release this summer.]]> Shain Rose Julia 0
Just another ‘dark� book that’s just a bunch of buzzwords/toxic tropes meshed together. Carry on ]]> 3.78 2021 Heart of a Monster (New Reign Mafia Duet #1)
author: Shain Rose
name: Julia
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/15
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, dark, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, not-safe, throw-away-dnf, writing-that-s-bad
review:
DNF at 10% so no rating

Just another ‘dark� book that’s just a bunch of buzzwords/toxic tropes meshed together. Carry on
]]> <![CDATA[Claimed by the Horde King (Horde Kings of Dakkar, #2)]]> 49610915 She broke their laws. Now, he has come to punish her�

In my human settlement on the hostile plains of Dakkar, I am an outcast, a strange girl orphaned since birth, alone, and dreaming of a life I don't have. I hunt to survive, though it is forbidden, though it breaks the strict Dakkari laws that we all must follow.

When my desperate actions catch the attention of a Dakkari horde king—a cold, powerful, and merciless warrior leader, with eyes like flint and a body like steel—he seeks to punish me…and he succeeds.

But then he does the unexpected.

Instead of taking my life, he claims me as his own.

He steals me from my village and brings me back to his battle-bred horde. There, I warm his bed. I make bargains with him on starry, cold nights. I look into his grey eyes and see not a monster, but a demon king who captures my soul.

But demons have a way of never letting go…and as the cold season descends upon Dakkar, I begin to wonder if I even want him to, even when it hurts.

Claimed by the Horde King is a full-length SFR novel (95,000+ words) with an HEA. It is the second book of the Horde Kings of Dakkar series.]]> 358 Zoey Draven Julia 5
What a great book to end the year with! This was just delightful. I loved the MC's dynamic and the chemistry poured off the page. They were so sweet together and this will definitely be a re-read as this series has been a big success for me so far.

What I liked the most was how much time they spent together talking and just being *together*. Can't tell you how many books ive read where the main couple is constantly in disarray. And I loved the fact that this heroine was never captured or kidnapped. THANK GOD. If you like grovel, this book is for you because the H does a spectacular grovel.

And major props to the heroine. She is definitely one of my favorite heroines of 2019. Level headed, logical and not a whimpering moron!!!! Loved her.

Safety:
Heroine is a virgin
Hero isnt a manwhore and has been mainly celibate due to his position.
No cheating
No OW/OM drama
2 week separation
Slight push and pull because the hero is being pressured to marry someone of higher rank or else he will loose his tribe. He breaks up with the heroine but realizes he would pick her over his tribe.
Pregnancy ending.

Slight Physical abuse: Hero orders heroine to be whipped 5 times across the back because she broke the law of the land. He stops at three because he recognizes the heroine as his mate and quickly gets her help. He apologizes for it a lot. ]]> 4.24 2019 Claimed by the Horde King (Horde Kings of Dakkar, #2)
author: Zoey Draven
name: Julia
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/14
date added: 2021/06/14
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, safe, ott-possessive-hero, paranormal, not-a-manwhore, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, hottest-sex-scenes, favorite-5-star, epic-love, best-secondary-characters, best-heroin, best-hero, best-couple-or-chemistry, best-character-development
review:
WOW 5 Stars!!!

What a great book to end the year with! This was just delightful. I loved the MC's dynamic and the chemistry poured off the page. They were so sweet together and this will definitely be a re-read as this series has been a big success for me so far.

What I liked the most was how much time they spent together talking and just being *together*. Can't tell you how many books ive read where the main couple is constantly in disarray. And I loved the fact that this heroine was never captured or kidnapped. THANK GOD. If you like grovel, this book is for you because the H does a spectacular grovel.

And major props to the heroine. She is definitely one of my favorite heroines of 2019. Level headed, logical and not a whimpering moron!!!! Loved her.

Safety:
Heroine is a virgin
Hero isnt a manwhore and has been mainly celibate due to his position.
No cheating
No OW/OM drama
2 week separation
Slight push and pull because the hero is being pressured to marry someone of higher rank or else he will loose his tribe. He breaks up with the heroine but realizes he would pick her over his tribe.
Pregnancy ending.

Slight Physical abuse: Hero orders heroine to be whipped 5 times across the back because she broke the law of the land. He stops at three because he recognizes the heroine as his mate and quickly gets her help. He apologizes for it a lot.
]]> Obsession 23794651 A hot, bad boy Romance Well, now now- life just got very interesting!!! Jensen Blake is in the house!! ~ Books Laid Bare Jensen is my new Book Boyfriend... This was my first book by this author and what a book to start on. ~ Amazon reviewer Oh my word what a book! Absolutely loved this. I love the chemistry between Anna and Jensen, it's electric. ~ Amazon reviewer Obsession knows no bounds... Anna Jameson can't wait to escape the hell hole that her cousin has left her in. Desperate to escape her past, the idea of moving to stay with Holly whilst she got her head together sounded like the perfect plan... Until Holly upped and left, leaving Anna to pick up the mess that she left behind. Jensen Blake knows what he wants and will not be told otherwise. Obedience and control are what he knows best. With demons of his own, he has spent most of his adult life traveling from place to place the moment things started to become predictable. When Jensen and Anna are pushed together, an instant dislike simmers between them. Anna hates bad boys. She has witnessed enough of them to last her a lifetime. The sexual attraction between them is evident but will that only make things harder for them both to handle?]]> 228 S.M. Phillips Julia 0 4.09 2014 Obsession
author: S.M. Phillips
name: Julia
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/10
shelves: annoying-characters-plot, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, maybe-someday
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Broken by the Horde King (Horde Kings of Dakkar #4)]]> 58275337
When I was a child, I fell in love with a Dakkari boy. The prince of our clan. Rukkar, we called him. For he was destined to become the greatest horde king of our time.

He was Kiran of Rath Okkili. My friend. My strong, unyielding protector. His mischievous smile and golden eyes made my heart flutter and my soul sing. And just when I began to believe he returned my love…he shattered me so completely and never once looked back to see how I’d survived.

Nine years later, he’s returned.

Only, he’s not a prince anymore.

He’s a horde king. Cold and cruel. With molten eyes like sin and a body made for war.

I promised myself I’d never love him again.

He intends to make a liar out of me.

Because he not only wants my love again…he also demands me as his queen.]]> 462 Zoey Draven Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 4.17 2021 Broken by the Horde King (Horde Kings of Dakkar #4)
author: Zoey Draven
name: Julia
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/08
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Wild North (The North Brothers, #1)]]> 57757188 From New York Times bestselling author, JB Salsbury, comes an angsty new romance with a bossy hero and woman who was born to survive.

To me, he was Grizzly.
To the world, I would learn, he’s someone else completely.

I should have died on that mountain.
But he rescued me.

More animal than man, he’s cold, distant, and fiercely territorial. He seems to hate me for simply breathing, and yet, he brought me back to life.

After my return to the city, I can’t stop thinking about him. His rough hands, intense glare, and the way he cared for me as if I meant something to him.

He tells me he’s dangerous. That I’m not safe around him. I would eventually understand why he warned me away. But by then it’s too late. My heart is his.]]> 310 J.B. Salsbury Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 4.11 Wild North (The North Brothers, #1)
author: J.B. Salsbury
name: Julia
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/06
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> Damaged: The Dillon Sisters 56473131 I’m effed up. A hot mess. Haunted.

Damaged.

But he doesn’t think so.

He thinks my imperfectness is what makes me perfect. He loves my flaws. My quirks.

My scars.

He wants to protect me. See me happy. Make me alive. He wants to give me everything I need, no matter how twisted and wrong and depraved.

He needs me to need him.

Which makes me wonder�

Is he damaged, too?



Warning: Recommended for readers 18+. This beautifully damaged romance deals with seriously heavy topics, such as depression, anxiety, violence, and self-harm. Be advised. And be mindful and kind to your own mental health.]]> 260 Layla Frost Julia 0 4.14 2021 Damaged: The Dillon Sisters
author: Layla Frost
name: Julia
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/06
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> Sack (Eligible Receivers #1) 58006186 A quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker walk into a bar�

P. Colton, quarterback for the Portland Phantoms, had one goal. Make it to the Super Bowl and win a ring. Love, marriage, and a family could come later—after he retired. Relationships were a distraction he couldn’t afford. Not if he wanted to win.

But Colt wasn’t expecting Ivy Clark to crash into his life.

His first mistake had been calling her.

His second, hiring her.

Quirky, a little nerdy, gorgeous... She turned his world upside down.

And then she offered him a proposition he couldn’t resist.

His third mistake?

Not realizing what he had until it was too late.


***This is a full-length sports romance with no cliffhanger. It is part of a series, but each book is a stand-alone with different main characters. Due to sex, language, and sensitive subject matter, it is recommended for persons over 18.*** HEA ***]]> 307 Sarah Curtis Julia 4
I think Sarah Curtis plucked this plot straight out of my brain because I've been DYING for a plot like this. You ever think of romance book ideas in your head and think "damn i wish an author would write a book like that so i can read it?"

Just me? Ok, moving on.

So yeah, i enjoyed it. The characters were really a bright light in this book. I always approach sports romance with trepidation because the male lead is written as a chauvinist manwhore 99% of the time. Colt, in this case was the complete opposite. He had a humble, quiet, grumpy demeanor that i adored. His affection for the heroine was so endearing and a pleasure to read. And low and behold...

A HEROINE WITH AGENCY!!!!!! She had a real job, a car, an apartment that didnt have the dreaded 'moth eaten furniture,' and friends that didnt revolve around talking about the heroines coochie. BLESS UP!!!!!!!

So all of these good things and why not 5 stars? I think the ending was a little too neat. I wasnt quite sure if the H was continuing with football or not? And the tragic backstory wasnt revealed until the end so it came out of left field and it felt a tad too forced. But other than that, an excellent romance.

Note to myself on the next two books:
Oz (#2): doesnt seem like a manwhore, friends to lovers with Emerson
Linc (#3): definitely is a chauvinist manwhore. Nanny romance (not his biological child, niece)

Safety:
No cheating, no other people after meeting, no OW drama
Slight OM drama... another guy asks out the h and H gets deliciously jealous and possessive.
Hero not a manwhore
heroine not a virgin
Some separation]]> 3.75 2021 Sack (Eligible Receivers #1)
author: Sarah Curtis
name: Julia
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/06
date added: 2021/06/06
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, series-to-wait-for, safe, ott-possessive-hero, not-a-manwhore, lighthearted-funny, instalove, college-sports, business-billionaire-famous, best-heroin, best-hero, best-couple-or-chemistry, best-character-development
review:
4 stars

I think Sarah Curtis plucked this plot straight out of my brain because I've been DYING for a plot like this. You ever think of romance book ideas in your head and think "damn i wish an author would write a book like that so i can read it?"

Just me? Ok, moving on.

So yeah, i enjoyed it. The characters were really a bright light in this book. I always approach sports romance with trepidation because the male lead is written as a chauvinist manwhore 99% of the time. Colt, in this case was the complete opposite. He had a humble, quiet, grumpy demeanor that i adored. His affection for the heroine was so endearing and a pleasure to read. And low and behold...

A HEROINE WITH AGENCY!!!!!! She had a real job, a car, an apartment that didnt have the dreaded 'moth eaten furniture,' and friends that didnt revolve around talking about the heroines coochie. BLESS UP!!!!!!!

So all of these good things and why not 5 stars? I think the ending was a little too neat. I wasnt quite sure if the H was continuing with football or not? And the tragic backstory wasnt revealed until the end so it came out of left field and it felt a tad too forced. But other than that, an excellent romance.

Note to myself on the next two books:
Oz (#2): doesnt seem like a manwhore, friends to lovers with Emerson
Linc (#3): definitely is a chauvinist manwhore. Nanny romance (not his biological child, niece)

Safety:
No cheating, no other people after meeting, no OW drama
Slight OM drama... another guy asks out the h and H gets deliciously jealous and possessive.
Hero not a manwhore
heroine not a virgin
Some separation
]]> <![CDATA[Dillon's Universe (Perdition MC, #4)]]> 58062297
As soon as she drives through the gates, Nasa has her on his camera feed. There's no reason for her to be here, and his first instinct to seeing this gorgeous woman wearing a bulky sweatshirt in the middle of summer is to call the bomb squad.
To the shock of every member of Perdition, it’s not a vest packed with C4 she’s got under there. It’s a message scrawled across her chest in black ink, and the meaning is clear.
Ghost is back.

Nasa's reaction to Dillon is visceral, a connection formed the instant she turned her wild tiger eyes his way. She has him wrestling between what he knows to be true, and the burning desire to claim her as his own.
The facts can't be ignored, and he has to decide whether or not Dillon is a victim in need of his protection or another one of Ghost’s minions here to destroy Perdition.


The author certifies there is NO CHEATING BETWEEN CHARACTERS.
As part of an ONGOING SERIES, this book has a Happy For Now ending.
The descriptions, discussions, and comments made by the FICTIONAL CHARACTERS regarding law enforcement and the justice system are NOT based on 100% fact.]]> 350 Isabel Wroth Julia 0
Isabel Wroth is probably 1 of my top 3 authors. This lady does not miss... except for this one.

I felt like i was sitting through a very long therapy session instead of a romance. Everything was just too analytical and psychology driven to make the romance or the plot enjoyable. ]]> 4.44 2021 Dillon's Universe (Perdition MC, #4)
author: Isabel Wroth
name: Julia
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at: 2021/06/06
date added: 2021/06/06
shelves:
review:
DNF at 50%

Isabel Wroth is probably 1 of my top 3 authors. This lady does not miss... except for this one.

I felt like i was sitting through a very long therapy session instead of a romance. Everything was just too analytical and psychology driven to make the romance or the plot enjoyable.
]]> <![CDATA[Stolen Lust (Beauty in the Stolen, #1)]]> 56928067 A DIAMOND MAGNATE NOVEL
Ian Hart is the most notorious criminal in the country. Like the thief he is, he came in the dark and stole a night of my life.

He left me with souvenirs. Disaster and fear are my new realities. I'll forever look over my shoulder, terrified he'd return, because when he took me, he stole more than just a few hours of my time.

His crime has consequences neither of us could've imagined. If I'm to escape the nightmare of my life, I have to outsmart him. If I'm to survive, I have to outwit every enemy he's turned against me, including Ian himself, the most dangerous and cleverest man I know.

*Stolen Lust is Book 1 of the Beauty in the Stolen trilogy. Book 2 will be released on 18 May 2021 and Book 3 on 22 June 2021.

Other books in the Diamond Magnate collection:
Beauty in the Broken (Standalone)

Diamonds are Forever trilogy
Diamonds in the Dust (Book 1)
Diamonds in the Rough (Book 2)
Diamonds are Forever (Book 3)]]> 220 Charmaine Pauls 2491833093 Julia 4
Note: This review is for this one and the next one...

Ok, the first book was awesome. I couldnt put it down and i was on the edge of my seat the entire way through. Which, if you've seen my reviews this year, is a HUGE accomplishment. I've been DNF'ing books left and right but this one was a breath of fresh air.

The characters were developed; the hero swoon-worthy, the heroine badass. The location and plot was unique and original. The sex scenes, on FIRE. I wish I came across more books like this that has a perfect storm of smut and substance.

With that being said... I lost interest in the second book. For whatever reason, their romance lost the momentum and high-stakes quality it had in the first book. I was also getting frustrated with both of the MC's decisions and thought processes. So for these reasons, I'm calling it quits on this series and moving on.

First book: absolute banger
Second book: not my cuppa

Safety: (from book 1- mid way through book 2)
No cheating, no other people after meeting, no OW/OM drama
Heroine not a virgin
Hero not a manwhore.
Some separation
Kidnapping and some violence]]> 4.11 Stolen Lust (Beauty in the Stolen, #1)
author: Charmaine Pauls
name: Julia
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/06/06
date added: 2021/06/06
shelves: writing-that-has-depth, safe, ott-possessive-hero, not-a-manwhore, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, instalove, hottest-sex-scenes, dark, epic-love, best-heroin, best-hero, best-character-development, best-couple-or-chemistry
review:
4 stars

Note: This review is for this one and the next one...

Ok, the first book was awesome. I couldnt put it down and i was on the edge of my seat the entire way through. Which, if you've seen my reviews this year, is a HUGE accomplishment. I've been DNF'ing books left and right but this one was a breath of fresh air.

The characters were developed; the hero swoon-worthy, the heroine badass. The location and plot was unique and original. The sex scenes, on FIRE. I wish I came across more books like this that has a perfect storm of smut and substance.

With that being said... I lost interest in the second book. For whatever reason, their romance lost the momentum and high-stakes quality it had in the first book. I was also getting frustrated with both of the MC's decisions and thought processes. So for these reasons, I'm calling it quits on this series and moving on.

First book: absolute banger
Second book: not my cuppa

Safety: (from book 1- mid way through book 2)
No cheating, no other people after meeting, no OW/OM drama
Heroine not a virgin
Hero not a manwhore.
Some separation
Kidnapping and some violence
]]> Tailspin 35453924
I do absolutely everything for him, from organising his appointments to picking up condoms for him every Friday afternoon.

Why do I put up with it?

Because, despite it all, I am obsessed with him and have been since I was fifteen. He treats me like dirt, yet I still come back for more.

To him, I’m untouchable. And not only to him, but every other man on the planet. The fact he’s my brother’s best friend has seen to that. They’re both possessive jerks.

And I put up with it…for a while.

Once I put my foot down, the dynamic changes. And it is at that moment I find out how he really feels.

In fact, I find out so much more than I bargain for. Not only is Devon host to some serious demons, but he also holds a very big, dark secret. A secret that could destroy our relationship before it gets a chance to begin.]]> 344 Jaimie Roberts Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 3.36 2017 Tailspin
author: Jaimie Roberts
name: Julia
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/31
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> For Lucy 57491167 From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jewel E. Ann comes a novel so heartfelt and real it redefines the meaning of love.

I’m the wrong guy in the right place the night I steal Tatum Bradshaw from another man. When she mistakes me for her blind date, I decide she deserves a man who shows up on time � like me. Emmett Riley, Mr. Punctual.

Once I confess my true identity and convince her I’m not a creep—just a thief—it’s only a matter of time before my sexy smile and quick wit claim her heart, her hand in marriage, and the perfect life.

Unfortunately, perfection is an illusion, like the promises of our wedding vows. No one can prepare for the unimaginable—the heartbreaking exception to all the rules in life.

When thirty seconds destroys everything, I have to find a new existence and keep my promise to always love our daughter, Lucy, the most.

For Lucy, I will keep a secret, and I will watch my wife drift into the arms of another man.

Given the chance � can I reclaim my wife and the pieces of our life?]]> 308 Jewel E. Ann 173599829X Julia 0 4.54 2021 For Lucy
author: Jewel E. Ann
name: Julia
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/23
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Bullet Between Us (The Moretti Crime Family #1)]]> 56569681 DAVINA
I'd walked into an alley where death awaited me.
Terrified under the brittle moon, I'd been left behind as blood swept into the pristine snow.
I'd closed my eyes and waited for the afterlife, welcoming it.
Death had never come for me, but it ended the life I once knew.
Now, I lived in fear, running from a world ruled by vicious men.
An organized world where power and violence had no limit.
And I was in the middle of it all.
It'd led me to him, Ilias.
But in this world, my nightmare was etched in the face of every man I stumbled upon.

I didn't trust anyone, but my heart trusted him. Even while my mind kept a bullet between us.

ILIAS
I was given an assignment, an order. Failure wasn't an option. Not when it meant her, Davina. But how could I keep her alive? I was no hero. Just a man dressed as one, with a heart as corrupted as the same men I grew up with.]]> 274 K. Dosal Julia 0 checking-into-for-safety 3.73 A Bullet Between Us (The Moretti Crime Family #1)
author: K. Dosal
name: Julia
average rating: 3.73
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/17
shelves: checking-into-for-safety
review:

]]> The Musician 57290752
She thought she was alone, that no one heard her play. But I did. I heard every note, every tune, every vibrato. It drowned out the voices. Silenced the demons. It gave me peace.

I’d hide in the shadows so I could get high on the music that stemmed from her soul. It was entrancing. Beautiful. Utterly hypnotic.

She has no idea that I exist—that I live for the nights she performs for me, and me alone. But she will.

Soon she’ll realize how important she is to me.

My cellist.

My soloist.

My Requiem.]]> Bella J. Julia 2
If you've read this trope once, you're read it hundreds of times. Nothing new or unique here.

-Shy, poor, naive heroine thats locked in her bedroom the entire book
-Rich, abusive, 'obsessed' hero that marches in and out of her room at will.
- Bait and switch writing so you THINK the MC's are about to get it on but then it just ends for no real reason other than 'we cant do this.'

On top of this, the writing was just bad. Overly flowery. Every chapter ended with:
"The man who demanded i play for him.... The man that *took me*." ]]> 4.09 2021 The Musician
author: Bella J.
name: Julia
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2021
rating: 2
read at: 2021/05/12
date added: 2021/05/12
shelves: writing-that-s-bad, worst-secondary-characters, tstl-heroine, too-much-plot-not-enough-smut, throw-away-dnf, safe, ott-possessive-hero, not-working-for-me-boring, not-a-manwhore, mc-mob-fighter-bad-boys, heroine-id-like-to-strangle, hero-id-like-to-punch-in-the-dick, dark, annoying-characters-plot
review:
2 stars.

If you've read this trope once, you're read it hundreds of times. Nothing new or unique here.

-Shy, poor, naive heroine thats locked in her bedroom the entire book
-Rich, abusive, 'obsessed' hero that marches in and out of her room at will.
- Bait and switch writing so you THINK the MC's are about to get it on but then it just ends for no real reason other than 'we cant do this.'

On top of this, the writing was just bad. Overly flowery. Every chapter ended with:
"The man who demanded i play for him.... The man that *took me*."
]]> Kiss Me (Love The Way, #1) 50373408
From USA Today best-selling authors W Winters and Amelia Wilde comes a sinful romance with a touch of dark and angst that will keep you gripping the edge of your seat � and begging for more.

I should have known when I couldn’t keep my eyes off her that this would be a mistake.

I was hired to protect her, this woman who’s lost everything yet there’s an obvious fire that blazes behind her beautiful gaze. She stares back, daring and tempting me. It calls to a side of me that’s darker and longs to tame her.

We both have secrets, we both have a past we’re not ready to face. More than that, we both want to get lost in each other, falling into a forbidden game of control and power. Of submission and dominance.

The moment she agrees to my terms, I know I’ve crossed a line. One of many rules I’m willing to break. No one can know, not a soul, but secrets in the life I lead never last for long.]]> 7 Willow Winters Julia 0 checking-into-for-safety 4.07 Kiss Me (Love The Way, #1)
author: Willow Winters
name: Julia
average rating: 4.07
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/11
shelves: checking-into-for-safety
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Requiem of the Soul (The Society #1)]]> 57194921 A Brand New Dark Romance Series by A. Zavarelli and Natasha Knight!

I was born with noble blood in my veins.

Heir to a powerful dynasty.

Wealth. Power. Aristocracy.

Temptations too dangerous to resist.

Until someone tried to steal it all.

Scarred and broken, I emerged from the flames.

Now I’ve returned to take what’s mine.

Revenge.

The first item on my agenda?
Make Ivy Moreno my wife.

Second?

Bend her until she breaks.]]> 362 Natasha Knight Julia 0 fuck-no-pass 3.69 2021 Requiem of the Soul (The Society #1)
author: Natasha Knight
name: Julia
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/11
shelves: fuck-no-pass
review:

]]> Rush 57213289
And yet.

Rush has an energy about him that pulls me in. Captivating energy. Dark, magnetic energy. Big Daddy energy.

I feel it crackling between us every time I’m close to him. Now, my only choice is to get far, far away from him, or be pulled into a world that I swore I’d never set foot in again. A world that thrashed me, body and soul.

A world that Rush promises to protect me from, if only I surrender myself to him.

I’ve only ever trusted myself, but Rush is battering against my defenses. He pushes me to the brink and then holds me there until I shatter. His punishment is a rush. Falling for him is a rush. Loving him is a rush.

But being destroyed by him is the biggest rush of all.]]> 332 Brianna Hale Julia 0
My goodreads friends must think I'm some online troll that only writes negative reviews, but im really just a poor girl in the biggest book slump of the decade.

So why did I give up only a few chapters in? Everything just felt so ****manufactured****. Like the setting, the characters, the chemistry all felt over produced and cookie cutter at the same time. OF COURSE the heroine is a famous dancer but somehow still needs to work as a waitress. OF COURSE shes down on her luck at only 21 freaking years old. OF COURSE she has to take the bus instead of owning her own car. I mean... would it kill you to write a heroine with some fucking agency?!!?! God forbid a leading female character have her life together. Anyway..

I felt like the entire 'situationship' was kinda lazy, and the setting didnt make sense. I gotta believe these people are professionals and the mental hoops I had to jump through were too much for me to go along with it, let alone enjoy it.

Am i taking smut way too seriously?! 1000% yes, I gotta chill the fuck out. But i am so desperate for a good book i could cry.... And honey... this. was. not. it.]]> 3.91 2021 Rush
author: Brianna Hale
name: Julia
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at: 2021/05/07
date added: 2021/05/07
shelves: writing-that-s-bad, tstl-heroine, throw-away-dnf, not-working-for-me-boring
review:
No rating because I only got a few chapters in....

My goodreads friends must think I'm some online troll that only writes negative reviews, but im really just a poor girl in the biggest book slump of the decade.

So why did I give up only a few chapters in? Everything just felt so ****manufactured****. Like the setting, the characters, the chemistry all felt over produced and cookie cutter at the same time. OF COURSE the heroine is a famous dancer but somehow still needs to work as a waitress. OF COURSE shes down on her luck at only 21 freaking years old. OF COURSE she has to take the bus instead of owning her own car. I mean... would it kill you to write a heroine with some fucking agency?!!?! God forbid a leading female character have her life together. Anyway..

I felt like the entire 'situationship' was kinda lazy, and the setting didnt make sense. I gotta believe these people are professionals and the mental hoops I had to jump through were too much for me to go along with it, let alone enjoy it.

Am i taking smut way too seriously?! 1000% yes, I gotta chill the fuck out. But i am so desperate for a good book i could cry.... And honey... this. was. not. it.
]]> <![CDATA[The Warrior King (Inferno Rising, #3)]]> 52731970
Just one problem�

Samael Veles worked his lowborn ass off to become the fiercest warrior of the Black Clan. He has pledged his life to protect his king at all costs. Yet somehow, in the middle of war, he took one look at a woman in a reflection and gave up his heart. When that woman turns out to be the phoenix promised to mate his king and help bring peace to their kind, he has no choice but to accept it.

Until her fire unexpectedly destroys the king after they’ve wed. Now Samael must choose between his loyalty to his clan and protecting the queen who might be his mate from his people’s wrath, one of which will unlock a destiny no one could have ever imagined…]]> Abigail Owen Julia 0 3.91 2021 The Warrior King (Inferno Rising, #3)
author: Abigail Owen
name: Julia
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves: lost-interest-bad-reviews-purgatory
review:

]]>