Tag: Adult (Page 26 of 46)

BOOK REVIEW: Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard

BOOK REVIEW: Rules for Heiresses by Amalie HowardRules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard whisks you away with a historical romance full of drama, true love, and the perfect happily ever after. Readers will devour this tale of:

A rebellious heiress determined to be independent
A shunned duke forced to return to his family estate
And a scandal between them that will have the whole town aflutter

Sometimes, finding love means flouting the rules...

Born to a life of privilege, Lady Ravenna Huntley rues the day that she must marry. She's refused dozens of suitors and cried off multiple betrothals, but running away―even if brash and foolhardy―is the only option left to secure her independence.

Lord Courtland Chase, grandson of the Duke of Ashvale, was driven from England at the behest of his cruel stepmother. Scorned and shunned, he swore never to return to the land of his birth. But when a twist of bad luck throws a rebellious heiress into his arms, at the very moment he finds out he's the new Duke, marriage is the only alternative to massive scandal.

Both are quick to deny it, but a wedding might be the only way out for both of them. And the attraction that burns between them makes Ravenna and Courtland wonder if it'll truly only be a marriage of convenience after all...

Review:

Rules for Heiresses was absolutely captivating!  With friendship, romance and charm, I adored this book!  These characters pulled me in so easily and it felt like I was watching a movie unfold!  If you love adult historical romance, fierce heroines and tortured male characters then you definitely need to check this one out!

“Ravenna.”
“Yes?” she said, breathless.
“I will always value your opinion.”
On that shockingly solemn pronouncement, he hauled her gracefully upright amid deafening cheers, and Ravenna let out a shuddering breath.

Lady Ravenna Huntley and Lord Courtland Chase had been arranged to marry since infancy.  When he left eleven years ago, she thought he had died.  So meeting years later, under the most unusual circumstances, it was impossible not to smile.  Their meet cute was shocking and so much fun!  Even after so much time had passed, they not only still had a connection but there was also an intense attraction and chemistry too!  When Ravenna and Courtland were caught in a compromising position and forced to wed, I was clapping my hands excited for what would happen next!

“People are staring,” she murmured.
He lifted her gloved hand to his lips. “Let them.”

I loved Lady Ravenna Huntley!  She was independent, fierce, level headed and knew what she wanted in life.  And I adored the relationship she had with her sister-in-law.  When Lord Courtland Chase waltzed back into her life, I was obsessed!  He could be so grumpy, closed off and pushed others away.  But with Lady Ravenna, he constantly found himself drawn to her.  Even though he tried his best to push her away too.  Courtland antagonized her which made me laugh, but there was that intense tension between them that neither of them could deny.  So when they traveled back home, we started seeing an even bigger picture.  This book had a richness and depth to it that surprised me!

“Save us both the trouble and tell me what it is you want from me, Your Grace.”
Your body. Your consent. Your surrender.
But none of those things were his to demand. Courtland blew out a breath.

At the core of this story was Courtland and Ravenna.  And as they stepped back into their lives, I loved watching not only him defending her, but that she also stood up for him too.  Together they felt like a team, but Courtland was so damaged from his past.  And I kept hoping he would open up and trust Ravenna.  Because when they got along it felt like the sun was brilliantly shining, it was smile inducing!  And their moments together later on were hot and very steamy!  They are a couple you will definitely be cheering for every step of the way!

“What do you do to me?” he bit out, breaking from her.
“The same you do to me.” Her fingers threaded through his wet hair, those singular eyes on his, molten and wanting. She tugged, a devious smile on her lips.  “Kiss me again, Duke.”

Rules for Heiresses was my first read by Amalie Howard and I will definitely be bingeing her back-list!  The story not only kept me intrigued but the characters felt so real! If you enjoy historical romance, steamy moments and meaningful story-lines then you’ll want Rules for Heiresses on your tbr!

“You are neither misfortune nor ruin, Courtland Chase. You’re the star… the light that brightens everything it touches. It’s time you saw that.”

PS  Bronwyn needs her own book!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Set on You by Amy Lea

BOOK REVIEW: Set on You by Amy LeaSet on You by Amy Lea
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

A gym nemesis pushes a fitness influencer to the max in Amy Lea’s steamy debut romantic comedy.

Curvy fitness influencer Crystal Chen built her career shattering gym stereotypes and mostly ignoring the trolls. After her recent breakup, she has little stamina left for men, instead finding solace in the gym – her place of power and positivity.

Enter firefighter Scott Ritchie, the smug new gym patron who routinely steals her favorite squat rack. Sparks fly as these ultra-competitive foes battle for gym domination. But after a series of escalating jabs, the last thing they expect is to run into each other at their grandparents' engagement party.

In the lead up to their grandparents' wedding, Crystal discovers there’s a soft heart under Scott’s muscled exterior. Bonding over family, fitness, and cheesy pick-up lines, they just might have found her swolemate. But when a photo of them goes viral, savage internet trolls put their budding relationship to the ultimate test of strength.

Review:

Set on You was a heartwarming debut!  With a fun take on the enemies to lovers trope, I devoured this book in two sittings.  And this slow burn romance had humor, romance and heart in the pages, making it a fabulous combination!  If you love adult romance and enemies to lovers, you may want to have this one on your tbr!
 
“What’s your name?” The words tumble out of my mouth before I even  register what I’m saying. Why do I care to know his legal name? Squat Rack Thief suits him just fine.
I hold my breath, awaiting his answer. 
Amused, he opens his mouth, but no words come out. Instead, he just strides away.
 
Crystal Chen was a curvy fitness influencer whose content was uplifting while also trying to smash gym stereotypes, which I loved.  After dealing with a bad breakup, Crystal kept running into a man at the gym who not only ruined the videos she was recording, but seemed to antagonize her at the same time.  It was hate and lust at first sight.  But after multiple run-ins at the gym, Crystal and Scott ended up meeting at their grandparents engagement party.  Saying they were both shocked was an understatement!  And that moment led their relationship down a different path, where I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!
 
The universe is officially conspiring against me. I must have done some seriously messed-up shit in a past life.
 
My first impression of Scott Ritchie was that he was a a complete and total douchebag, ha!  But when Scott got Crystal back in that first chapter, I was laughing so hard I couldn’t help but be intrigued by him!  Especially when we saw that he could be nice……just not to her lol.  I should have hated Scott, for Crystal’s sake, but that wasn’t happening.  He made me crack up way too much.  And the more we got to see who firefighter Scott was, it was impossible not to fall head over heels in love with him!
 
It might be evil, but I want to break him. I want to watch him lose all restraint.
 
Crystal was strong willed and tried her hardest! I absolutely loved how she was so positive about her body and health, but it shocked me that she could be so negative about males and love. So because of that, her little faith or trust in men definitely made me nervous if she would let Scott in all the way. And while she did stumble at times, it was heartwarming to watch her grow by the end of this novel.
 
I walk ahead a few paces, forcing my mouth into a neutral state. I’m  smiling like a child at Disneyland and I refuse to let him see it. I’m  enjoying non-hate-filled banter with him far more than he needs to know.
 
Crystal and Scott together were addictive. I loved the games they played with each other, they were laugh out loud worthy and it made their enemies to lovers romance so much fun! And when they did get physical, oh wow, it was smoking hot. But as the story progressed, mistakes were made. So I was happy to see that apologies happened and allowed me to forgive and move on. I also loved how we got to read Crystal’s Instagram posts and see a few of the comments on each of her posts. And I absolutely loved both of their grandparents with my whole heart. They were so adorable!
 
There’s a fragility in the way he’s looking at me, truly at me. As if  he’s inviting me in, allowing me to see into the depths of his soul.  Every guy I’ve ever been with would already have my pants off right now,  but he’s treating me like I’m something to be cherished, savored.
 
Set on You was a wonderful debut! With enemies to lovers, steamy scenes, fun banter and wonderful side characters, this story was fabulous! While I did have some hiccups with Crystal, I was so happy that by the end of the book we got to see how far she had come and grew! Plus we were given an epilogue that gave us a happily ever after! I closed this book excited to read whatever Amy Lea releases next!
 

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

BOOK REVIEW: Reason to Believe (Legacy #1) by Rebecca Yarros

BOOK REVIEW: Reason to Believe (Legacy #1) by Rebecca Yarros

Reason to Believe easily landed on my favorites list! Check out my 5 Star Review below ♥.

BOOK REVIEW: Reason to Believe (Legacy #1) by Rebecca YarrosReason to Believe (Legacy #1)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros comes a brand-new small town, older-brother’s best friend standalone romance.

“I’ll take them!”

That’s what I tell the social worker when my pre-k student and his baby brother need an emergency foster placement. I’ll do anything to keep the brothers from being split up. But my apartment’s flooded and there’s only one house I can take them to on such short notice…his.

Knox Daniels, my older brother’s best friend, offers his new place without hesitation. He’s not moving back to our tiny town until next month—that’s when all our hotshot firefighters are returning for their one and only chance to rebuild our fathers’ fallen, iconic crew.

It doesn’t matter that I’ve been silently in love with Knox since we were kids.
It can’t matter that we pretend that reckless prom night kiss never happened.
It won’t matter that my feelings for him could destroy his lifelong friendship with my brother and threaten the certification of their hotshot crew.
Because I’ll be out of his house long before he gets back.

Except Knox just walked in…a month early.
And the icing on this awkward cake?
He’s gorgeous as always and I’m covered in baby puke.
He takes one look at the boys and tells me we can make this work—
We can temporarily fake a relationship to keep them from being separated by the system.

Suddenly, everything matters.

Review:

Reason to Believe was an emotionally beautiful love story!  With tons of heart, this sexy romance completely consumed me.  It was impossible to put down. As heartbreaking and uplifting moments laced throughout the pages, this book soared right onto my favorites list!

“You’re not always an asshole, do you know that?”
I laughed. “Yeah, well, just don’t tell anyone.”
“I like this version of you.” Her arms tightened around my neck, and I flinched.
Like
was dangerous. It was everything I’d avoided these last seven years when it came to Harper.

With a mix of older brother’s best friend and fake dating, this story was done to perfection! We started out seven years in the past, and got to witness why Knox and Harper could never be together.  Even though the chemistry and connection between them was electrifying. When we jumped seven years in the future, Harper found herself in a situation to help foster two little boys, at Knox’s house while he was away. So when Knox came home a month early, he agreed to help Harper keep the boys from being separated. By pretending that they were together.

I was head-over-heels in love with that arrogant ass and had been since I was old enough to name the emotion.
But to him…well, I wasn’t anything, not even a blip on his sexual radar.
I was his best friend’s little sister.
And I hated that most of all.

I absolutely loved Harper! She was fierce, independent, intelligent and had the hugest heart! When she stepped up to help foster one of her students and his baby brother, after their mom had been killed, I loved seeing her resolve, strength and watching her try to do her best. Even though it was extremely challenging. So when Knox appeared in the picture, I held my breath. She had been in love with her older brother’s best friend since she was a kid. And when Knox stated that they were in a fake relationship, to keep the boys from being separated, it just reinforced why she had been in love with him forever.

“I’m so sorry I dragged you into this,” she whispered.
I dropped my chin to rest on the top of her head, avoiding where she had her hair piled in some kind of knot. “Harper, there is nowhere else I would rather be.”
Her breath hitched, and we both fell silent.

Knox pulled at my heart and it was so easy to fall for him. While he was jaded from the past, he would do anything for Harper. Yes she was his best friend’s little sister, but as we got to hear the story from his point of view also, we saw how desperately he secretly craved her.  She was the only thing in his life he truly wanted, but couldn’t ever have. That need burned him alive. So I loved the forbidden feel of them! As Knox stepped up and helped Harper every step of the way, their friendship showed how perfect they were for each other. And the sexual tension between them was so intense, it was like they were on fire every moment they were near each other!

My breath caught at the longing in his eyes, the need and heat that echoed my own.

This story brimmed with emotions that were raw and real. I already had tears by the second chapter and they just kept appearing as the story unfolded. I even found myself sobbing and couldn’t stop the tears from pouring down my face. While this book was an emotional powerhouse, there was also so much love, friendship, smiles and laughter throughout this story too. I loved their firefighting family! I loved Harper and Knox’s friends, who I had already fallen in love with in previous novellas (Point of Origin & Ignite which are currently FREE!). You don’t have to read them before picking up this book, but I highly recommend you do! Together they made this found family that was uplifting in their little town. And I loved how they had each other’s back. It was smile inducing and their lighter moments were heartwarming. Plus the two little boys in this story will absolutely capture your heart.

I poured all of my messy, unlabeled emotions into the caress of my lips, the stroke of my tongue, hoping she understood what I didn’t know how to say. Praying she knew what she meant to me when I couldn’t put words to it.

Romance lovers will passionately fall in love with Reason to Believe! Within the pages this story was emotional, intense, swoon worthy, intoxicating, heart wrenching and had so much passion! This was a story-line that will capture your heart and one you’ll remember forever. And the HEA at the end?! It was everything I could have ever wanted and more. If you’re looking for an adult romance to pick up, I can’t recommend this one enough!

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

 

Amazon  I  Nook  I  Apple  I  Kobo

 

About Rebecca Yarros:

Rebecca Yarros is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels, including Great and Precious Things and The Last Letter. “A gifted storyteller” (Kirkus), she is also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series.

Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for almost twenty years. She’s the mother of six children, ranging from kindergarten to law school, and is currently surviving the teenage years with three of her four hockey-playing sons. When she’s not writing, you can find her at the hockey rink or sneaking in some guitar time while guzzling coffee. She and her family live in Colorado with their stubborn English bulldogs, two feisty chinchillas, and a Maine Coon kitten named Artemis, who rules them all.

Having fostered then adopted their youngest daughter who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, Rebecca is passionate about helping children in the foster system through her nonprofit, One October, which she co-founded with her husband in 2019. To learn more about their mission to better the lives of kids in foster care, visit www.oneoctober.org.

To catch up on Rebecca’s latest releases and upcoming novels, including The Things We Leave Unfinished, which just received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, visit www.RebeccaYarros.com.


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BOOK REVIEW: Curse of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #3) by Bec McMaster

BOOK REVIEW: Curse of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #3) by Bec McMasterCurse of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #3)
by Bec McMaster
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Darkness is coming....

Can Iskvien save her husband's soul? Or will her mother's wrath destroy them all?

The third book in the Dark Court Rising series.

Review:

I don’t fear Death.
But as I summon my thorns, one of them circling my waist, I can’t help thinking: Maybe he should fear me.

Curse of Darkness was a stunning conclusion to the Dark Court Rising trilogy!   With war, love, sacrifice, friendship, and risks laced throughout the pages, this book was entirely addicting!  From start to finish this series has been action packed with romance that was sigh worthy.  I fell so deeply in love with these characters and the journeys they went on.  If you’re looking for a completed adult fantasy to binge, then look no further!

I didn’t get to burn his body.
I didn’t get to say goodbye.
I didn’t get to tell him I loved him one last time….

From that first page, this story sliced my heart open.  I was not ready for the heartache that would follow the ending of Crown of Darkness.  The tears wouldn’t stop coming.  But have faith, because there were so many twists and turns in this book that kept me of my edge of my seat!  And there were also revelations that blew my mind!  As the story kept unfolding, I loved that we got a clear picture of all the players and what was truly going on.  The insights we gained kept me holding my breath.  Because I was terrified how it would all pan out!

I can’t control the rage that ignites my magic. Where once there was heat and flame, now there’s only ice.

Through it all, we had Vi who was a true queen we could respect!  The dangerous games she played, while trying to hold an unfathomable amount of precarious cards, left me feeling nervous and so proud of her.  She had come so far from that first moment we met her!  And while she prepared for the upcoming war that was looming in the background like a ticking time bomb I got chills with who she fought tooth and nail to align herself with.  She was truly unstoppable.  Or so I hoped!  And if that wasn’t enough, she also had to save her husband’s soul.

“…We’re family, Vi. Now you need to understand that.”
My heart feels so fucking heavy in my chest. “I know.”
Finn falls back to clap a hand on my shoulder. “You’re not alone, Vi. I just want you to know that. And the weight on your shoulders isn’t your burden to carry alone.”
Hot tears threaten to spill down my cheeks.

Finn, Eris, Thalia, Amaya, Grimm, Baylor and so many more, I adored this found family so much!  Together they were a formidable team and at times they left me laughing manically because of how things unfolded.  And as they helped Vi on her journey, the bargains that were made, the risks that were taken, and the terrifying plans that played out were mesmerizing!  They had to put their trust and faith in those you hoped wouldn’t do them wrong. And at times there were unseen consequences and heartbreaking moments but there were also so many that made me laugh and cry happy tears.  I definitely cried all the happy tears while reading this story!

“Well, well,” she whispers as her laughter fades. “The little queen of Evernight is learning to play the game.”

Curse of Darkness brimmed with emotions and tensions ran high, making this book impossible to put down.  This series is a must read for fantasy lovers!  And we’re definitely given a HEA for Vi, you know I’m not going to offer more than that lol.  But at the same time, there was still so much going on in this world and so many stories that still need to be told.  I have a lot of guesses for future love matches *fingers crossed*.  So after you read that final page, we’re told whose story is up next and I was screaming with excitement!  I. Can’t. Wait!

Molten eyes lock on mine. “Remind me what it feels like to live.”
I gift him with a dangerous smile. “Done.”

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

 

Reading Order:


Review #1:
Jen’s Review

Review #1.5:
Jen’s Review

Review #2:
Jen’s Review


Review #3:
Jen’s Review

   

BOOK REVIEW: Crown of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #2) by Bec McMaster

BOOK REVIEW: Crown of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #2) by Bec McMasterCrown of Darkness (Dark Court Rising #2)
by Bec McMaster
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Thiago and Iskvien survived a dangerous curse, but will they survive the coming war?

Princess Iskvien made a dangerous bargain with an ancient goddess in order to break her mother’s curse. Now she must find the Crown of Shadows within a year, or the goddess will take her firstborn child.

Thiago—her heart and soul—stands at her side, but their love has never been tested like this.

Enemies surround them, but in the game of love and war, does her mother, Queen Adaia, hold the ultimate weapon up her sleeve? Or can their love defeat all?

True love will face the ultimate challenge when a dark goddess rises, secrets threaten to tear two lovers apart, and a queen will stop at nothing to gain revenge. Read this epic fantasy filled with magic and breathtaking romance today!

Warning: Cliffhanger ending.


Review:

This time, I’m not prey. This time, I’m the hunter.

Crown of Darkness was an exhilarating continuation of the Dark Court Rising Trilogy!  This story was filled with twists, love, friendship, sacrifice and so much heart. With heart pounding action and unfathomable peril, Crown of Darkness became an instant favorite!  If you love fantasy and adult romance then you definitely need this series in your life!

In this moment, he’s no longer merely my husband.
He’s the Prince of Evernight. The Lord of Whispers and Lies. The Master of Darkness. And the most dangerous male in the south.

Vi and Thiago’s love was forbidden, yet it was fated and written in the stars.  And while they were now together, there was still no peace or rest.  Vi was tasked with finding a crown or their first born child was to be given to Mother of the Night.  And while that was impossible enough, war was brewing.  With so much at play, I was terrified.  Especially since three chapters in, we got Andraste’s view.  My feelings were twisted and confused when it came to her, and after following along with her part of the journey my head was left spinning.  Just like so many other moments in this serious did to me. So hold on, because this book was a wild ride!

I cut him off with a kiss, painting it across his lips.
“You were my salvation,” I whisper against his mouth, because I know what my life was like before I met him.

I loved seeing Vi and Thiago finally together. We got to learn more about Thiago’s childhood and his secrets.  And that broke my heart.  But I loved that throughout the chaos and struggles, Vi and Thiago got to spend beautiful moments together. Creating new memories. And ones that burned brightly with passion. With Vi now in his life, Thiago could hold off not destroying the world with his darkness, and that always left me breathless. But at the same time I was nervous, because it felt like their fate was tainted. Or too much was against them and I didn’t know how it would play out.

“Nothing will take you away from me again. Not your mother. Not Angharad’s fetch. Not the Mother of Fucking Night. I will drown this world in Darkness before I ever let you go again.”

The twists in this story were phenomenal! As more pieces of the puzzle came together, I was left gasping and surrounded by so much emotion.  Looking back, for some of the twists I could see those tiny crumbs of clues, but my mind was still blown.  For others I was absolutely shocked.  It made complete sense, I just never thought that the story would play out that way. This book will definitely keep you on your toes! So much was revealed, but also so much is unknown. And I had so much fun reading this story!

They will all die for him and give their lives gladly, and my mother doesn’t understand that.

Friendships within these pages added the much needed lightness to this story. I loved how they could make us laugh, even during times of peril. I loved their antics with one another and how much it made me smile. They were a true found family and one that I adore with my whole heart. Vi, Thiago, Eris, Finn, Baylor and more were the heart of this story and their friendships warmed my heart!

We are all capable of becoming monsters for the ones we love, little queen. Even you.”
“I am no monster.”
“If you want to destroy your mother, then you must become the thing she fears,” she says in a merciless voice.

With dire consequences, impossible choices and help from unlikely sources this book ended with a bang! Crown of Darkness was a dark, mesmerizing, epic fantasy! And while I rarely agree with others that a book ends on a cliffhanger, this book…..oh my heart! It ended on the most epic of cliffhangers. I’m so glad the final book is out or else I’d be a puddle of emotions.  So make sure you have Curse of Darkness available, because you’ll desperately need it! This story elicited so much emotion from me, I cried three different times and at one point I thought my heart would literally shatter into a billion pieces. But with friendships and love within these pages, it rounded out the hardships so fabulously!

Tears stream down my face, but it’s the rage in my heart that can’t be hidden. I always thought my mother had taken everything she could from me.
But I was wrong.
“I will kill her.”

PS I loved the Princess Bride references!

PPS I loved the addition of a new character!

Reading Order:


Review #1:
Jen’s Review

Review #1.5:
Jen’s Review

Review #2:
Jen’s Review

Review #3:
Jen’s Review
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