Tag: Adult (Page 13 of 48)

BOOK REVIEW: Mirror of Malice (Stolen Crowns #1) by Tee Harlowe

January 25, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Mirror of Malice (Stolen Crowns #1)
by Tee Harlowe
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He’s supposed to be my salvation, but he might just become my ruin.

I’m a prisoner in my own castle. Trapped by my apple-loving narcissist of a stepmother, desperate for my betrothed to rescue me.

Yet it’s not my one true love who comes—it’s the king of thieves.

He takes my stepmother’s mirror, the source of her power, but leaves with an additional treasure: me.

Now I’ve traded one prison for another. Penn Vanderbilt is cunning, captivating, and completely insufferable. He’s also secretive about his stolen goods . . . and the reason he kidnapped me.

Forget the thief’s plan. I’ve got one of my own: pretend to go along with his little scheme while plotting my escape.

I’ll only have to con the greatest con man alive. Never mind that I might be falling for him. The price of failing is my kingdom. But succeeding might just cost my heart.

Mirror of Malice is book one in Stolen Crowns, a series of steamy standalone but interconnected fairytale retellings. This enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract book is perfect for fans of banter, (very) snarky heroines, and slow-burn fantasy romance.

Review:

Mirror of Malice was a fairytale retelling that was enchanting and will sweep you away! With the most fabulous found family, all the adventure, a beautifully magical setting, and storyline that was easy to binge, this book was so much fun! Mix that in with lots of laughter and a little bit of steam, and well it was impossible not to fall for this book! Mirror of Malice was a Snow White retelling, with some Robin Hood mixed in, that was beautifully executed!

“You kidnapped me!”
“You’re welcome for that, by the way.”
“I didn’t say thank you.”
“I noticed.” He tsked. “Not very polite for a princess.”

Princess Liliath of Elwen was trapped in a tower with her two best friends for two years, courtesy of her evil stepmother. She was convinced her betrothed, Jasper, was going to rescue her any day now. And when she was rescued, it wasn’t who she thought it would be. It was Penn Vanderbilt, the king of thieves. He had plans to use the Princess for his own cunning reasons. Yet she has plans of her own, to take back her crown! What unfolded was a magical journey that was laugh out loud hilarious!

I’d been stripped of my crown, imprisoned by my stepmother, made to watch my court fall apart, and yet this man, he might be my greatest obstacle yet.

Penn was my absolute favorite! He was a book boyfriend many will fall for. He cracked me up time and again, and I loved how he did what he wanted to do and didn’t apologize for it! He had his merry little band of 7 thieves who lived in a tree house, in the most beautiful described area. Seriously, the descriptions in this book were breathtaking. I would love pictures to go along with this story! And he stood up for what was right and true. Penn was thoughtful, brave, protective, smart, and so easy to love!

He was coaching me on my shortcomings when it came to eavesdropping. Unbelievable.
I gritted my teeth. “Yes, apologies that I’m not an expert criminal.”
He continued, as if I hadn’t even spoken. “You also breathe shockingly loud. Is that a medical condition of some sort? You should really have a healer check that out.”
My mouth dropped open and I shoved him. He barked out a laugh.

Lilith had a lot of growing up to do. She was a naive fairytale princess, who was stuck up and thought she was better than Penn and his criminal ways. I loved how Penn was so blunt with her. And I definitely laughed at Lilith as she struggled with her training. Her squeaking at a bug had me rolling on the ground. I felt like she was a contestant on Wipe Out lol. Plus her incessant need to remind herself of her plans, oh goodness. There is a huge but coming…..but Lilith’s growth was amazing to watch. It was real. Took so much work and effort on her part. I loved the punch! And her realizing how she had been so wrong, I could stand up clapping! By the end of this story I was so proud of the woman she became! Lilith became a Queen that many would be proud of!

Penn stepped back and brought his boot down on my stick, snapping it in half. Then he spun around me, dropped to his knees and crushed my back to his chest, arms around my neck, limiting my breathing.
“Now, come on, Lilypad,” he purred into my ear. “You know I’m not one to make empty threats.”
“Oh, I know,” I rasped. “I also don’t care. I’m not . . . scared . . . of you.”

Penn and Lilith’s slow burn, opposites attract romance had the most fabulous banter! And I loved watching what was an initial enemies existence, turn into a tentative friendship. It took a while to get there, and I loved how everything felt like it occurred naturally. And when they did turn to more, there was some steam that fit them perfectly! Surrounding them were the 7 thieves. Shadow and her blunt ways was one of my favorites, and Hammer too! And as they trained and went on adventures, there were so many scenes that will stick in your head. The swamp and the dragon were two of my favorites. And most of all, I loved all of the humor in the pages. There were so many times I was laughing so hard I had tears pouring down my face! Sir Stallion I’m looking at you!

I was just drifting off to sleep when I could’ve sworn I heard him whisper, “Just so you know, you’re not alone.”

I didn’t talk too much about the plot, because I believe that is best for you to discover on your own. But know that the princess’ kingdom was ruled by her evil stepmother and everything was dark, bleak and filled with rot. And I kept nervously waiting for that poisoned apple to show up! So with one horse and one bed tropes, it just made this book even more loveable! The twists were done so well! I didn’t see that latter one coming at all! The epilogue was fabulous! And I am excited for more stories set in this world! It seems like the next book may be about Gabrielle and someone I won’t mention, you’ll learn in this story! And I’m also hoping we’ll get a novella or something more on Seraphina too! If you love fairy tale retellings, definitely add Mirror of Malice to 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: Make-Believe Match (Cherry Tree Harbor Book 3) by Melanie Harlow

January 16, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Make-Believe Match (Cherry Tree Harbor Book 3)
by Melanie Harlow
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Fall in love with my enemy? No way.

Marry him to save my family’s struggling ski resort? That’s a different story…

Getting hitched is the only way I can inherit Snowberry Lodge, and I’ll do anything to spare my childhood home from the wrecking ball–even wear Devlin Buckley’s ring on my finger.

Not that I’ll enjoy it.

Sure, he’s charming and handsome, and that no-last-names one night stand we shared ended with a fantastically big bang (I saw stars I hadn’t seen in six months, if you catch my drift).

But I’ll never trust him–he was working for the company trying to bulldoze my life.

Right up until the day he knocked on my door with an offer I couldn’t refuse.

Marry him, and he’ll help me restore my family’s crumbling resort to its former glory–and get revenge on his ex-boss in the process. Once our goals are achieved, we’ll go our separate ways.

It’s temporary. Strictly business. Purely for show.

Until I realize how much I like it when he says "my wife."

Once we’re sharing a last name–and a bed–our make-believe match starts to feel a little too real.

And if I’m not careful, I could lose everything… my home, my dreams, and my heart.

Review:

Make-Believe Match was a marriage of convenience, forced proximity, adult romance that was filled with all the steam and fun! This is my third book by Melanie Harlow and I am obsessed with her writing. Her stories are so easy to devour, her characters feel like your best friends, and her males are book boyfriend worthy. I’m so glad I stumbled upon her books and I can’t wait to read them all!

He wasn’t the love of my life, but right now he was my only hope.

Lexi’s whole world was caving in. It looked like her family ski resort was going to be sold, yet she desperately wanted to keep it in the family. It meant so much to her. But to inherit, she had to be married. Enter Devlin Buckley. They met and had the steamiest one night stand. But then the next day she found out that he was the one overseeing the property being sold. What unfolded was a heartwarming story that was so easy to devour!

I would not touch myself and fantasize about him. I would not.

Lexi and Devlin’s meet cute was so memorable! I’m a sucker for a good one, and theirs was so fun! And just by page 26, things escalated quickly to their one night stand which extremely hot *fans face*. They had this incredible chemistry where you could just feel the sexual tension thrumming between them. So each time it turned into more, it was impossible not to be obsessed!

“Wife,” I said through clenched teeth.
She took her mouth off me and laughed throatily. “I love when you say it like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you might lose control if I don’t behave.”

Lexi was so easy to click with and like. She was effortless to click with and her thoughts made me laugh, bedeviled me with your magic tongue lmao!. While she definitely trusted too easily, she loved her home, where she worked, her Grandma and she tried her best with her bratty cousin. Watching Devlin step into her world was intoxicating.

As I looked into his blue eyes, the thought struck my heart again, piercing it like an arrow.
We were a family, Devlin and me.
We were a family.

Every single time Devlin called Lexi his wife, I was obsessed. Add to that, he had the most phenomenal filthy mouth, was so smart, motivated, compassionate, and him warning Lexi to help reach her dreams just solidified what a fabulous book boyfriend he was! On top of that, I loved his large family, his ideas to help Lexi and how he had no problems showing Lexi how much he physically wanted her!

I picked up my head and looked down at her. My chest didn’t feel big enough to contain what I felt.
If I was the kind of guy who could make promises, I’d have made one right then and there.

Lexi and Devlin’s moments together were extremely hot, seductive, and I loved all the fabulous details! Yet they both had issues when it came to their pasts and how it shaped them into who they were now. So watching them lean on each other, and start to find the beginnings of trust had my heart soaring! The way their relationship evolved had me so obsessed!

“Nothing matters but you,” I said, brushing my nose and mouth against her pussy, letting her feel my breath and lips and the tip of my tongue.

With a steamy romance, fabulous characters, family that will warm your heart, and a story-line that was a ton of fun, this book was such a huge win! And while you can read this as a standalone, I highly recommend starting back with Runaway Love, which starts with one of Devlin’s brothers. Make-Believe Match made me laugh, smile, shed some tears, and fall in love.

PS The epilogue was everything!

PPS I learned that Winnie, Lexi’s bestie, is from Ignite – Cloverleigh Farm Series, and I’m definitely wanting to read that next!

BOOK REVIEWS: The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese & Unwrapping His Package by Cameron Hart

December 30, 2023 / Jen / 1 Comment

The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He loathes the holidays. She loves them. She’s full of festive cheer. He’s brimming with Bah, Humbugs. Besides unreasonably seasonable names, the only thing Jonathan Frost and Gabriella Di Natale have in common is a healthy dose of mutual contempt. Well, that and the same place of employment at the city’s most beloved independent bookstore, Bailey’s Bookshop. But when the store’s owners confess its dire financial state, Jonathan and Gabby discover another unfortunate commonality: the imminent threat of unemployment.

With the Baileys’ requests to minimize expenses, win new customers, and make record sales dancing in their heads, Jonathan and Gabby conclude—barring a financial Christmas miracle—one of them will soon be cut from the payroll. Neither are willing to step down from their position, so they strike a bargain: whoever has more sales in December gets to stay on in the new year; the loser will resign. With a lifetime's worth of festive tricks up her sleeve, Gabby should easily outsell her nemesis, except the unreadable Mr. Frost’s every move seems purely designed to throw her off her game.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Gabby's deceptive ex won't quit pursuing her, and her anonymous online friend suggests they take a break. Worst of all, as the pressure mounts to save the bookshop and her job, Gabby meets a new, tender side of Jonathan. Is this the same man she's called her cold-hearted enemy?

Maybe he’s got a motive she just can’t figure out—or maybe Jonathan Frost isn’t as chilly as she once thought. Maybe Jonathan and Gabby already know—and love—each other in ways they never thought possible.

Review:

The Mistletoe Motive was an enemies to lovers that was filled with Christmas cheer. I loved how much holiday spirit was laced throughout the pages. And from the moment we met Jonathan Frost, aka Gabriella’s nemesis or so she says, you can completely tell he wants her from that first chapter! Johnathan was my favorite thing about this book and I adored how he protected her and how he could be a sexy, mystery. And while this book would typically be a huge hit for me, I just couldn’t connect to the characters or their romance. Even though I adored Jonathan. Plus it probably didn’t help that I kept thinking about two other books I absolutely adored so much more with two tropes in this book. For the workplace enemies to lovers, I kept thinking about how The Hating Game consumed my every thought while I was devouring that book. And the other trope about different forms of contact was in To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne and that story was breathtakingly addictive. Those two books I devoured. This one I had to push myself to finish and kept putting it down. It was cute and steamy but I just couldn’t click with it. So here’s hoping if you end up picking up this book, you’ll end up loving it more then me!

Unwrapping His Package by by Cameron Hart
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Indie: I trust my gut, the universe, and the healing power of sugar. I’ll admit I had my doubts in all three of those things when my sister wanted to move all the way here to Christmas, Michigan in the dead of winter. I’ve been scrambling to be the supportive sister after her messy divorce, but I’m exhausted. Just when I think I’m at my breaking point, I sense something. The universe is telling me it’ll all work out. I know my gut instinct is right when I see him. I instantly want to know everything about the tall, broad shouldered, blue-eyed man staring at me. I want to unwrap him layer by layer. All of him. Every single inch.

Walker: As a doctor, I trust my mind, science, and empirical evidence. Until I see her. The short, curvy minx stares right at me, her teal eyes gliding down my body. My chest tightens and I can’t catch my breath. I run through a list of symptoms and possible diagnoses, but nothing quite matches what I’m feeling. My condition only worsens the longer I look at her, yet I can’t bring myself to do anything else. Love at first sight isn’t possible, but one look at my pixie and I know she’s about to prove me wrong.

Review:

If you love erotica and insta love, then Unwrapping His Package is for you! With a virgin hero, an alpha male who had sensitive thoughts and a wintery setting, this book was setup for the perfect Christmas miracle story. Unfortunately, it was not for me.

“You’re perfect,” I murmur, skimming my hands up and down the sides of her torso, giving her the reassurance she needs. “Now let me unwrap my present.”

While I love novella stories, especially ones that are steamy and revolve around Christmas, this one made me roll my eyes quite a few times. From the moment Walker told Indie that he knew she was a virgin and nicknamed her pixie….ehhh it just didn’t do it for me. Indie was optimistic, I’ll give her that. Yet she fell under TSTL. It. Was. Painful. I read this with my local book club and one of my friends pointed out that if she was more intelligent it would have been hard for Walker to control her like he did so *shrugs*. I guess it all worked out for the best anyway. I did keep muttering that I hoped for Walker’s sake that Indie had a magical vagina, so she was worth the effort. And I guess he thought she did, but I didn’t feel like she did anything fabulous. So while Unwrapping His Package didn’t work for me, I did give it a few stars because of the steamy scenes. I just wish I would have felt something during those moments. There was an epilogue set five years in the future, so readers who fall in love with this book will be so happy when they get to that chapter!

BOOK REVIEW: How The Grump Saved Christmas by Claire Kingsley

December 29, 2023 / Jen / 1 Comment

How The Grump Saved Christmas by Claire Kingsley
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Hardworking Isabelle Cook has a serious problem. Her family farm, site of Tilikum’s Christmas Village, is in trouble. Big trouble. And worst of all? The man trying to buy it is none other than the grumpiest, grinchiest man of them all—Elias Stoneheart.

That’s a big nope. She’s not letting him get involved. Not with his heart made of coal.

Elias Stoneheart is in the business of making money, not friends. Especially when his boss is promising a long-awaited promotion. All he has to do is convince one struggling family to sell their farm.

The problem? It’s Cook Family Farm. And Isabelle Cook is his ex.

He might have history with Isabelle, but this is just business. A Christmas-loving farm girl is not going to come between him and his ambition.

And Christmas? He hates it. Christmas Village needs to go.

But as Elias spends time in the small town, holiday spirit—and Isabelle—get under his skin. And she might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.

Author’s Note: a sassy farm girl takes on a grumpy businessman in this stand-alone small-town Christmas romance. Saucy banter, a guard donkey, plenty of holiday cheer, and a heartwarming happily ever after that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas.

Review:

How the Grump Saved Christmas was a second chance, grumpy sunshine adult romance that was a lot of fun! With a Christmas tree farm, snow, hot cocoa with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles and lots of holiday cheer, this romance book was the perfect book to read in December!

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…
No, I wasn’t. I was dreaming of a cup of dark roast— the coffee here was exceptional— and the shot of Irish whiskey I was going to add to it that were going to get me through the rest of this nightmare of an afternoon.

Elias was such a cynic and a complete grump. In that first chapter alone he showed us what a jerk he could be. Especially when he took on the job to convince his ex’s family to sell their land so his company could build a data center. Not only would he get a promotion if the sale went through, but that ex wasn’t just any old ex. She was the woman he had wanted to marry. So I tried to find little clues here and there that he had a heart. You could see them if you looked closely….like when he threatened Damien that he would kill him if he bothered his assistant again haha. So when he came face to face with Isabelle again, I loved how she affected him. And how she slowly started to change him too!

My heart tried to do something. Start beating again, maybe. Whatever it was, it hurt and I did not like it.
Straightening my shoulders, I swallowed back the sensation. Forced it behind a wall of ice where it wouldn’t get in the way.
When she turned to face me, her eyes widening with surprise, I didn’t even flinch.
Despite the fact that she was still the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.

This story alternated between the two of them and I adored Isabelle! She had a strong work ethic, loved her family, and adored the tiny town she lived in. Yet her parents’ farm was struggling. They were in so much debt, and while selling financially made sense, it hurt Isabelle’s heart to think about it. But thankfully she was surrounded by a strong community and the most amazing best friends. And an ex that was starting to remind her why she fell in love with him years ago in the first place.

There was no slow-motion retreat filled with angst. His cold eyes left mine and he turned around and walked away.

When we got to hear Elais’ backstory, oh my Santa, I hurt for his 11 year old self. I understood how he turned into what he was. But I still wanted to see him become the man I knew he could be! So I was elated that we still had so many moments of happiness with Elias. I was screaming during some of the moments with Isabelle’s parents. This story was so much fun while also touching on the emotional side!

“How do I look at her?”
She wiggled her eyebrows. “Like you want to jingle her bells.”
I groaned.

Small town romance, friendship and love made this Christmas story shine brightly! While there was steam on the pages, it wasn’t detailed. And the side characters could have easily held their own book. Cole was a farmhand who was such a good friend! And I adored Alice and her daughter Maddie! Their endings made me shed happy tears! I also Isabelle’s parents too! So with moments that will not only warm your heart but make you laugh out loud too, this book was a blast! This is my first book by Claire Kingsley, and I am looking forward to discovering more of her backlist books!

BOOK REVIEW: The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wiesner

December 28, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wiesner
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In this unforgettable story full of charm, wit—and just a bit of magic—a woman down on her luck is given a second chance at fixing her life and trying one year all over again. Perfect for readers of Josie Silver and Rebecca Serle.

Sadie Thatcher’s life has fallen apart in spectacular fashion. In one fell swoop, she managed to lose her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend—all thanks to her big mouth. So when a fortune teller offers her one wish, Sadie jumps at the chance to redo her awful year. Deep down, she doesn’t believe magic will fix her life, but taking a leap of faith, Sadie makes her wish, opens her eyes, and . . . nothing has changed. And then, in perhaps her dumbest move yet, she kisses her brother’s best friend, Jacob.

When Sadie wakes up the next morning, she’s in her former apartment with her former boyfriend, and her former boss is expecting her at work. Checking the date, she realizes it's January 1 . . . of last year. As Sadie navigates her second-chance year, she begins to see the red flags she missed in her relationship and in her career. Plus, she keeps running into Jacob, and she can’t stop thinking about their kiss . . . the one he has no idea ever happened. Suddenly, Sadie begins to wonder if her only mistake was wishing for a second chance.

Review:

The Second Chance Year was a brother’s best friend romance that asked the question, what if you made different choices? How would your life turn out? This was an adult romance story that was so easy to read and enjoy!

What if someone had looked into a crystal ball last December and warned me about the terrible year I was about to have? Would I have done something differently?

Sadie Thatcher was at the end of her horrible year. Her boyfriend broke up with her. She was fired from her job. And she was living at her brother’s best friend’s apartment, while her parents were demeaning her life decisions. When a New Year’s party sent her back to January 1st, of the worst year of her life, she thought she could change fate. And how things worked out. Little did Sadie know she was in for a huge life lesson!

He lets out a small laugh, shaking his head, and he seems almost bitter. “I’ve wanted the same thing all my life. But…” His expression darkens. “I’ve never had the courage to reach out and grab it.”

Jacob was my absolute favorite! He was a delicious marshmallow who was smart, kind and oh so thoughtful. In the past, I loved how he noticed little things about Sadie. And in Sadie’s New Year, he was still shy, but she saw so much more of him. I loved all of her extra moments with Jacob. How their relationship grew. How there were bumps along the way. And nothing was truly easy.

I never thought I’d wish to have that year back, instead of this one.

Sadie was so easy to like. She could be rough around the edges, but she stood up for those she cared for. And in trying to fix all of her wrongs in the past, it left her a different person. She was muted and that created situations to go completely sideways. So I loved how as the year went on, we spent a chapter or few in each month, that she saw things in a different light. That she grew as a person. And realized exactly who she wanted to be.

This friendship with Jacob is a second chance I’m truly grateful for.

Rounding out this story was her amazing brother, Owen, and I adored her friendships with Zoe and Mrs. Kaminski. There were also her parents, who I severely struggled with. And Xavier and her ex whom I have so many horrible thoughts about. But what stood out was that each character was unique and made a stamp on Sadie’s life.

It’s all coming together just like I wanted it to.

The Second Chance Year was a heartwarming, adult romance that analyzes ones choices. While it dealt with heavier topics of sexism, sexual harassment and even bullying, the characters in this story and their interaction and lives added so much lightness to the pages. So while I guessed how quite a few things played out, I still enjoyed this story. And I’ll be looking forward to future releases from Melissa Wiesner.

PS I want to know which Tom Petty song please. 🙂

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