Author: Poppy Minnix

BOOK REVIEW: My Song’s Gift (Duet of the Gods #2) by Poppy Minnix

BOOK REVIEW: My Song’s Gift (Duet of the Gods #2) by Poppy MinnixMy Song's Gift (Duet of the Gods #2)
by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

There’s no backing away from the rebellion Alex started in Olympus. He cannot give in and let Olympians, otherworldlings, and humans suffer any longer, and now the siren he loves, Lula is at his side.

The problem is, Zeus is after her and wants Alex’s pledge of loyalty. But Alex won’t bend.

When Alex does the right thing, confessing he knew Lula long before meeting her, she runs… straight into the enemy, Moros', arms. The enemy who has a secret of his own.

He’s been creating chaos on Earth to draw out Lula. He wants her to rule Olympus.

He demands she become as dangerous as he is.

What does a siren with a broken heart do?

She becomes apocalyptic.

Review:

My Song’s Gift was a fabulous ending to Duet of the Gods! If you love Greek mythology, adult romance and political intrigue then make for sure you have this duology on your tbr! With secrets brewing just below the surface and nervous energy sizzling in the air, this book was easy to devour. It was filled with all the angst and was sexy, entertaining and so much fun!

The cliff I stand on gets higher and sharper each day, neither direction a path I want to travel. A thousand times I’ve opened my mouth to tell her and failed to speak the words.

Alex had kept Lula in the dark for how they met and why. It made sense, he never meant to fall in love with her. But after Lula had secrets kept from her, from one of her sisters, he knew that she would struggle forgiving him. Or even not love him anymore. So when Zeus put things into play that forced Alex’s hand, Lula shattered. Her friendships, love and life were seen in a different light. Was any of it even real? So she ran. And landed right in Moros’ crosshairs, who was Alex’s enemy. With sirens missing, death, unrest, a rebellion that was in the works and those we love in perilous situations, this book was impossible to put down!

If he thinks violence will make me give Lula up, he’s wrong. I’ll die to keep her out of his hands.

Alex continued to be the ultimate book boyfriend! Yes guilt was eating him alive for keeping secrets from Lula. She was to help his rebellion and falling in love with her was never part of the plan. So when he decided to tell her the truth, for why they met and how long he had been watching her, I was terrified. Of course Lula was gutted. Hurt and betrayal was all she could feel and breathe. Her faith and trust were gone. And from that moment, they both went in different paths. I couldn’t believe what happened with Alex *cries*. I kept hoping that fairness would prevail, although that didn’t seem to exist in Olympus. But Alex showed us time and again that he was determined and focused. He knew what he wanted…to change Olympus and for Lula to be his forever. So with each action he did, each word he spoke and each breathtaking moment, he cemented himself as someone that was worthy of respect and love.

My rationality left with Comus, when they dragged him from me and closed him out, leaving me with a pile of splintered plans. But I’ve made a new one. Burn everything to the ground and maybe… maybe we’ll find something worthwhile in the ashes.

With Lula leaving and ending up with Moros, oh my heart. Everything went sideways. Her whole world shattered and gone was the girl who had fire in her. I loathed Lula’s time with Moros. It hurt watching her not fight right from wrong. It broke me that she wasn’t running away from unforgivable acts that were done. Lula was a shell of the girl we loved. Yes she had been deceived and now doubted her past and those around her, but anything was better than the sadistic Moros. Although….he was honest with her for who he was. I got that she could trust that much from him. But still, I was begging for her to put together the clues that she was surrounded by monsters. And I kept hoping that something would snap her out of it. Lula definitely had a lot of growing that she needed to accomplish in this story.

The second the door closes and the click of the lock sounds, I drop to my knees and cover my mouth to keep the sobs silent. Nothing will be right again.

Powerless and desperation was laced with hope and allies that left us cheering. I loved watching those step up and have one another’s back. That there was solidarity and so much healing too. Siblings, friendship and love found their way into the pages and that had my heart cheering for joy. Plus, the side characters were everything! I adored Hades! I don’t care if he had a bad rap and was a total wildcard, he cracked me up and I loved his t-shirts! Plus Comos and Rath awww, they were my ultimate two favorite side characters! Oh and Thor. He came out of nowhere and wiggled into my heart so easily. And as the story progressed, there were two twists that I didn’t even see coming. So hold on, because this story was a wild ride!

We have eternity to explore the Earth and realms, but there’s no doubt that I’m his world and he’s mine.

My Song’s Gift was a forbidden love story filled with betrayal, secrets, love, hope and so much charm. The steamy moments between Alex and Lula were everything! And those that are fans of happily ever afters will absolutely love the epilogue that ends this story. It was beautiful and will make readers so happy! Plus it leaves the door open for other characters to have spin-off series, and I for one can’t wait for that to happen. And while usually I talk more about the plot of a story, for this book it’s definitely best left with the reader to discover. There would be too many spoilers, but I will say that the last 30% was my ultimate favorite! If you love adult romantasy, definitely make for sure this one is on your tbr!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

BOOK REVIEW: Caribbean Competitors (Simona Island #2) by Poppy Minnix

BOOK REVIEW: Caribbean Competitors (Simona Island #2) by Poppy MinnixCaribbean Competitors (Simona Island #2)
by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Xiamara Nivar and Apollo Fischer had the perfect childhood friendship, leading her to believe they’d transition to soulmate-status seamlessly. She couldn’t have been more wrong. When it came to a more-than-friends relationship, they were super cringe. No wonder Xia didn’t believe him when he promised to come back for her the night before he left for college. But still, she waited.

After seven years of foolishly hoping he’d keep his word, Xia has put all that behind her. She’s got a career, a cast of colorful comrades, and a competitive streak bigger than the Caribbean Ocean. Winning this year's Moss Monster Meet will be a cinch—until Apollo returns to the small island of Simona.

Not only is she a stumbling, stuttering, shipwreck of a human whenever he’s present, but the unthinkable has happened. Apollo plans to compete in the race, threatening the three-year winning streak that will earn her the coveted title of Moss Boss.

When they are thrust together, Xia can’t maintain her composure—and Apollo knows it. He isn’t above using it against her, either. With the finish line in sight, Xia has one burning question: is it the race Apollo wants to win, or her heart?

Review:

“I’ve always got you.”

Caribbean Competitors was steamy, smile inducing and so much fun!  This book is at the very top of my favorite contemporaries this year, sitting right in-between The Hating Game and The Love Hypothesis!  This book was pure gold and had it all!  Spicy romance?  Check!  Laugh out loud moments?  Check!  Characters that will become a part of your soul?  Do I even need to say check?!  This truly had it all.  If you want a book that is impossible to put down and will feel as though one of your favorite movies or shows is playing out in the pages of a book, then you need this story in your life!  This is one I’ll definitely be re-reading again and again!

I exhale and shake my head. Moss Monster Meet. Training. Work. This is my life.

I truly don’t know who I loved more, Xiamara or Apollo.  Xiamara lived on Simona Island where she had family, friends and a job she loved.  Apollo’s family and friends were there too, but he had been in New York for the last 7 years.  They were bestest of friends in their younger years, but when they tried to move their friendship to more, it didn’t work.  Apollo promised to come back to Xiamara when he left, but never did.  So when Xiamara saw Apollo back on the island, and joining in the Moss Monster Meet that was her blood, sweat and tears, oh my heart I felt for her.  But fate has a funny way of working out, and Xiamara and Apollo’s paths were filled with lots of fun and heat!

He dips his head until his lips brush my ear. “You’ve changed.” His statement is a rugged rasp that’s deep enough to penetrate my spine and send a purr through each cell of my body.

Xiamara, aka Xia, was hilarious and someone that you could easily see yourself being best friends with.  Her thoughts were so much fun, her feelings become my own and I loved how she could be a tiny bit dramatic at times.  Hiding out and sneaking around, just try and not smile lol.  I also loved how passionate she was with her job, and it was so easy to fall in love with the gorgeous small community she lived in.  Yet that community provided no privacy.  And Xia was a little nervous about what other people thought with Apollo being back.  They all knew their history.  So when rules chandged and it pushed Xia and Apollo back together, I was so giddy and excited.  The chemistry and tension between them was delicious and I couldn’t get enough of it!

“Where do you go, Xia?” His lips twist, boyishness gone, curious adult gaze in full scrutiny. “When you look at me like that?”
Biting my lip, I pull the rings from my fingers. “Nowhere.”

I wanted to be unsure of Apollo, but that was beyond impossible.  He had so much charisma, that he easily swept me under his spell.    He was charming, seductive, thoughtful, funny and seemed definitely interested in Xia.  His little comments like it’s a date, for meeting up to train for the Moss Monster Meet had me squealing in excitement!  I loved how he played her little games and how they both messed with the other.  But most of all I loved how Apollo made Xia nervous.  Xia was always so put together and Apollo emotionally and physically made her stumble.  His presence alone impacted her time and again.  As the story unfolded, he showed us his protective side, and there was no way to not be obsessed with Apollo!

One of his last posts is a picture out the airplane window with the caption, “I’ll miss you, New York, but I miss her so much more.”
My heart thrums a wicked beat as I stare at his words. Who is this her? A tiny, hopeful voice says, “Could be you,” but I smash that hope to dust because the notion is ludicrous.

As Xia and Apollo continued to train, there was so much sexual tension.  And even when Apollo seemed to be giving Xia all the signs he was interested, she didn’t grasp it.  He was leaving in a bit, right?  She didn’t want to get attached and hurt.  Again.  So we listened as Xia tried to lie to herself she didn’t want Apollo.  But it was impossible since so many of their moments together felt like more. Laced with longing and scorching hot looks or touches, Xia and Apollo were explosive together.  Their dancing scene, oh my gosh *fans face*.  And when they did cross the line to more, it was erotic, intoxicating and sensual.  Yet mistakes were made, by both of them.  And there was healing that needed to be done too.

There’s no future for us, so why is he torturing me with touches that no one else has ever come close to replicating?

I was beyond excited to see characters from the previous book, Holiday Hotel, but you don’t have to read that one first. Although I can’t recommend it enough!  Caribbean Competitors can easily be read as a standalone! Between the training for the upcoming event, the side characters that are heartwarming, and the main characters, I couldn’t stop smiling! With setups, secrets and emotions on the line, this book was so entertaining! Truths came out and I loved how the story unfolded! If you’re a fan of adult romance that is steamy and heartfelt, you definitely need this book on your tbr!

Apollo Fischer kisses me down to my soul.

PS I loved the chapter titles and serenity now reference lol!

He cups my face, studying me. I may just die of warm, gooey overload right here, right now.
He stays still as if asking a thousand questions I don’t have answers to, and my heart pangs, my eyes burn, and I spiral into a serious emotional overload.
“Don’t stop kissing me.” My voice is a thready, weak wisp.

PPS I can’t wait for the next book about Roxanne and Ziggy *fingers crossed*!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: My Song’s Curse (Duet of the Gods #1) by Poppy Minnix

BOOK REVIEW: My Song’s Curse (Duet of the Gods #1) by Poppy MinnixMy Song's Curse (Duet of the Gods #1)
by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Ultimate control has its downside, especially when it comes to romance. But will it be enough to keep them together?

As a siren Lula Aglaope can bend anyone to her will with the smallest whisper, but she’d give up her power for one meaningful, honest conversation.

She wants a normal life, like the open, true connections the humans seem to pull off with such little effort.

When she meets Alexiares, God of Warding off Wars, all thoughts of normalcy fly out the window. The beautiful demigod cannot be controlled! He’s frustrating, irresistible...and utterly off-limits.

Alex has watched Olympus slowly fall apart. The old gods continue their archaic control of the Universe, denying the progress of humans and other deities. But Alex has plans to repair the damage, and Lula is a major player.

She just doesn’t know it yet.

Falling for her is the worst idea. And just when things move in the right direction, danger arises that no one expects, plunging the sirens into the deadly Olympian spotlight.

With Lula’s sisters missing, and a pile of broken laws surrounding them, will Alex and Lula change the Universe for the better or destroy it?

If you like Kevin Hearne, Molly Harper, and Shannon Mayer, you’ll love this fun paranormal romance steeped in mythology!


Review:

My Songs Curse was seductive, intoxicating and I was obsessed from just that first page.  This was a forbidden love story that wove mythology, friendship and love throughout the pages, and I loved every minute of it.  If you enjoy paranormal or adult romance, then you definitely need this book in your life!

Each of us has experienced the same.
Just a taste. I scratch at the tightness below my throat

Lula lived such a lonely life.  She couldn’t be around humans for long, without them changing or ruining themselves.  And with her siren sisters scattered across the globe, she was entirely alone.  That was until she met Alex.  Alex, aka Alexiares, was a demigod from Olympus.  He was the son of Hercules and grandson of Zeus, king of Olympus.  He seemed to appear in Lula’s life out of nowhere.  Yet there were things already in motion.  So as we watched the story unfold, through both of their eyes, we got taken on a journey that was mesmerizing.

I cover my hot face with both hands. I don’t want this. The control I possess hangs its heavy weight around my neck, threatening to strangle, and I can’t shrug it off and walk away.

I loved Lula, she was resilient, strong, brave and kind.  But she was so lonely.  So when Alex walked into her life, everything changed.  Being able to have a conversation and kiss someone of their own free will was beyond unique to her.  In her 182 years of living, that had never happened.  Because when she was around the humans, even a word or laugh from her lips consumed and twisted them.  With Alex, she could just be.  Yet, them being together was completely forbidden and Lula was unaware of the plans he had for her.

“Godsdammit, Lula, you’re my perfect torture,” he says, breathless.

Alex was sigh and book boyfriend worthy.  He was determined, astute, seductive and charming.  With being a demigod, so much had been handed to him.  Yet Lula was unlike others in Olympus.  She didn’t bow down to him and she treated him like an equal.  And she not only challenged him but enticed him too.  Meeting Lula face to face was not part of his plan, at the moment.  Yes he had been watching her, but so much was at stake and in play.  Yet from the first moment he spoke to Lula, there was no way he could walk away.

There is only this moment. May it last for eternity.

Alex and Lula together were exhilarating.  There was so much chemistry between them, that even them making food together felt seductive.  But they were forbidden.  A siren was not supposed to be with a demigod.  And anything more then a kiss could be catastrophic. I loved that they couldn’t not touch the other, and as the story progressed their moments together were sizzling sexy *fans face*.  But there was so much more going on.  There was political intrigue, plots about Olympus, a missing siren and so much unknown.  With friendship, laughter and loyalty laced throughout the pages, this book was so much fun!

“I want to experience every inch of you more than anything. Every mysterious thought, every blush, every eye-roll. I’m choosing you.”
My mouth opens even though I haven’t a clue what to say, but speech is impossible anyway because he closes the distance and captures my lips.

My Songs Curse was a forbidden love story that was mesmerizing.  The story-line captured my heart and I always had to know what happened next.  And with side characters who felt larger then life, I heart Comus and Rath!, this story was so well rounded out.  The ending left us at the perfect place.  Yes there was still lots up in the air, but we were left beyond happy and at a perfect resting spot.  I enjoyed this story so much, and Minix has definitely created a fan for life!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Holiday Hotel (Simona Island #1) by Poppy Minnix

BOOK REVIEW: Holiday Hotel (Simona Island #1) by Poppy MinnixHoliday Hotel (Simona Island #1)
by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sometimes, it takes a corset and an island getaway to bounce back from a disastrous breakup.

In the winter chill of New York City, Cozette Fay attempts to turn up the heat with a fun and sexy Ms. Claus roleplay. Unfortunately, her aloof boyfriend is more confused than aroused.

She says fa-la-la to her fizzled relationship and escapes to the tropics for Christmas where she meets Nico, a van-driving beach-hunk who secretly owns the hotel on private Simona Island. He upgrades her room, takes her on adventures, and can't seem to keep his eyes or his hands off of her despite claiming there's a non-fraternization policy.

It shouldn't matter that Nico won't share anything about himself outside of their tropical snow globe—she's there to reunite with herself, after all—but the closer they get, the more it seems he may be the Santa to her Mrs. Clause all year round.

Readers who enjoy Christmas with You from Tracy Alverez or The One Night Stand Before Christmas from Jana Aston would enjoy Holiday Hotel.


Review:

Holiday Hotel was a fun and flirty Christmas story!  With a beautiful island setting, fabulous characters and a story-line that was so easy to devour, this book was such a big hit!  If you’re a fan of adult romance, then you definitely need to check this one out!

I shimmy out of my cover-up to get more comfortable, then lean back and moan as I sip the juice. “So good.”
Ruth makes a dainty snort. “No wonder Nico is all aflutter.”
I jerk my head in her direction. Nico is a-what?
Laughing, Ilaria gives a playful slap to Ruth’s thigh.
Oh, so many things to say and not to say.

Cozette broke up with her boyfriend right before Christmas.  With her parents in Canada for the holidays and her childhood home currently being rented out, she desperately needed to escape and find some happiness.  When she told her travel agent to send her somewhere tropical, she went on an adventure that was so much more then she could have ever imagined.

I’m down to four days, three nights, two Christmas present ideas, and one hurricane in a palm tree. Enjoy the moment, Cozette.

 All it took was that first chapter to completely hook me!  I was addicted.  I loved that Cozette was determined, adventurous and took things as they came.  After her boyfriend turned her down in a Mrs Claus sexy outfit, I was so happy to see that she picked herself up and tried to make the best of it.  The story was told from her pov, and her attitude warmed my heart!  I also loved how she connected with others so easily.  The way she made others feel, like an instant friend, was a breath of fresh air!

The door clicks closed, and I blow out a long breath. O Christmas tree, am I in trouble with this one.

After arriving on the island, Cozette met Nico.  He was the man who drove her from the airport to her hotel.  And while there was instant attraction, Nico was so much more than meets the eye.  He secretly owned the hotel and had other secrets too, my lips are zipped.  I instantly liked him and loved learning that he was kind, generous, and thoughtful.  He truly had a heart of gold.  I also loved his laid back attitude and that he saw more then he should.

“Want me to stop?” he whispers, lips to my ear.
“No.” I grin. “All is merry and right.”

Nico and Cozette found themselves drawn to each other.  And while he stated there was a non-fraternizing policy and Cozette was leaving after the holidays, it didn’t matter. What was between them couldn’t be stopped.  Between snorkeling, having a hammock moment that melted my heart, Christmas cookie decorating, treasure hunting and so much more, you could see how right they were for one another.  And their steamy scenes together were so hot!

I map his shoulder blade with one hand and the curls at the nape of his neck with the other. “Merry Christmas, Nico.”
Nico lifts his head and brushes his smiling lips over mine. “Merry Christmas, Cozi.”

Holiday Hotel was a heartwarming Christmas story that was such a treat!  With side characters I adored so easily, my favorites were Ilaria and Ruth, this book played out like a movie.  And while many of the moments were fun and sexy, there was also an emotional moment or two.  One of them made me have tears in my eyes.  So if you’re looking for an adult holiday book to devour that has a happily ever after, then definitely give this one a try!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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