Tag: Adult (Page 3 of 47)

BOOK REVIEWS: The Dead List & Till Death by Jennifer L Armentrout

November 1, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

The Dead List by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When Ella is mysteriously attacked on her way home from a party, her entire life changes as she finds herself at the center of an attempted murder investigation.

Ella tries to move on, but her attacker isn't done yet. He shows himself in the form of horrifying signs and symbols: a clown mask strewn on her bed, a dead bird in her backpack, a shadow moving past her window in the night. And as the weeks pass, it turns out that Ella isn't the only one being tormented.

With the help of an old flame, Jensen Carver, and her friends and family, Ella tries to attain some sense of normalcy, but she can't seem to shake the feeling that there's a dark pattern hidden in the killer's every move. Suddenly, even those in her innermost circle seem suspicious. In her seemingly safe West Virginia town, Ella starts to wonder who she can trust.

Review:

If you adore the movie Scream, but always wanted something a little deeper, then definitely add this one to your tbr! From that first chapter I was pulled in, and this story held me in the palm of its hand. I screamed, I gasped, and the audio completely captivated me. This is a must read if you enjoy young adult mystery and thrillers, and to be kept guessing!

“We are not together.”
“Aren’t we?”
My breath caught as his hand slid up, skating over my ribs, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
Jensen’s deep, low chuckle traveled across my throat. “After this morning, we are most definitely together. We just haven’t worked out the specifics of our together-ness.”
“Together-ness is not a word.”
“Now it is.” His hand slipped away from the door to cradle my cheek. He tipped my head back, and I thought my heart would burst from my chest.

One of my favorite things, besides the characters, was that this book kept me on my toes. So, stick with your gut as you watch everything unfold. Because there’s a twist that will leave your reeling while second guessing everything! And while you’re taken on this twisted path, the characters come alive! Elle was so easy to adore. Her thoughts made me want to be friends with her and I loved that Jensen was back in her life. I saw him as nothing but light and goodness, and I kept my fingers crossed I was right about that! As you’ll slowly see, we don’t have the whole picture of their past. But as things are revealed to us in pieces, and we dive deeper into this story, I was completely hooked! I can’t recommend this one enough!

Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .

It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.

First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.

But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.

Review:

This adult romance thriller was impossible to put down! While listening to this story, I had chills and kept looking around corners when walking back to my car in the dark, eeps. Sasha was kidnapped by a serial killer 10 years ago. Now that she’s back home, to help her mom with their inn, things kept happening. And each time, the ante was upped to another level. It left not only Sasha, but me, questioning what was going on. The serial killer who still tormented her dreams was dead. Yet the similarities were creepy and terrifying.

“People don’t get second chances often, Sasha, but we got one, and I’m not going to let that pass us by.”

I could have easily binged this book in a day, if life didn’t get in the way. Sasha was likeable and I adored her bestie, Miranda. Her family and small town were adorable. And with Cole being back in her life, I was a swoony mess. The steam in this story was wonderfully done and while I guessed who the person was, I kept changing my opinion. Because the way the story unfolded placed doubt in my mind, it was brilliantly done. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you entertained, guessing, and has a second chance romance that will have you falling in love, then definitely add this one to your tbr! Plus, the HEA that looked into the future was everything!

BOOK REVIEW: The Worst Duke in London (Taming of the Dukes #3) by Amalie Howard

October 30, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Worst Duke in London (Taming of the Dukes #3)
by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Bridgerton meets 10 Things I Hate About You in this spicy enemies-to-lovers Regency romance from a "must-read author" (Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to people and has no interest in marriage--much to the dismay of her flirty younger sister, Viola. Because their father has one rule: Viola may be courted, only if Effie has a suitor as well.

Saddled with debt, Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is determined to rebuild his estates. When the owner of his vowels offers him a fortune to charm the impervious Lady Evangeline for the season so Lady Viola can be courted, the game is on, even if it means pretending to seduce an unconventional wallflower.

But Gage gets much more than he bargains for in an adversary who wants to make her own scandalous arrangement. Effie will go to London for the season, but only if Gage agrees to be her lover. Yet when their fake courtship leads to passionate feelings, will their indecent proposal end with the season or be the start of something real?

Review:

The Worst Duke in London was a take on 10 Things I Hate About You and I was here for it! I absolutely adored the characters, and the storyline was a lot of fun! With a wonderful HEA, I’m so happy I read this book!

Viola’s pretty face screwed up, her mouth twisting into a rancid moue. “Why must you be so wretched all the time? Can’t you just be normal for once?”
“Normal is overprized.”
Viola huffed

Lady Evangeline Raine could be as prickly as a porcupine when she wanted to be, but I absolutely adored her! Her lack of filter at times was so refreshing, and I loved how passionate she was about things close to her heart. And how deeply she loved those around her. With the cutest kitten meet cute, I couldn’t wait to see what happened between Evangeline and Gage next.

Something glinted in her eyes as she stared at him, a thawing and a bit of goodwill, perhaps. It wasn’t much, but it was there. Gage nodded back, but for some reason, when he should have felt elated at the victory, he felt guilt instead.

Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, was supposed to get Evangeline to London. His family’s debts would be wiped clean from Huntington, who wanted to court Evangeline’s sister. But from the moment Gage met Evangeline, everything went a little sideways. I loved watching how he was challenged by her. How he had to work to even get time with her. Even if they were both attracted to each other from the start. I was rooting for Gage every step of the way. He had the most beautiful heart, and I loved watching him help her out time and again without a second thought.

She wanted more.
Evangeline fisted her hands in his ruined coat, dragging herself to her knees and straddling his hips as she savaged his mouth, kissing him back as feverishly as he was kissing her. It was hungry. It was raw. It was real.

Watching the friendship blossom between them was heartwarming. Throw in some banter and memorable scenes and I was hooked. And the steam in this book was done fabulously! Each time it seemed to ratchet up! Yet as they grew close, secrets were kept. And I kept waiting for it all to blow up. Because I knew it would.

He wanted her body, her beautiful brain, her smiles, her caustic wit, her generosity of spirit… all of her.
And that terrified him.
Because he had to stay focused on what he was here for: three more weeks to resolve Asher’s debt.

With trust, honor, lies, jealousy, and secrets swirling through this story, it was so much fun to read! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for who the next book is about! I recently watched 10 Things I Hate About You, for the millionth time haha, and loved seeing little moments here or there that reminded me of the movie. So if you adore that movie and like historical romance, you should put this one on your tbr!

He made her feel… like she was the only one he ever saw. Like she was everything.

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Simple Wild (The Simple Wild #1) by K.A. Tucker

October 29, 2024 / Jen / 2 Comments

The Simple Wild (The Simple Wild #1)
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
City girl Calla Fletcher attempts to reconnect with her estranged father, and unwittingly finds herself torn between her desire to return to the bustle of Toronto and a budding relationship with a rugged Alaskan pilot in this masterful new romance from acclaimed author K.A. Tucker.

Calla Fletcher was two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when her father reaches out to inform her that his days are numbered, Calla knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born.

She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this new subarctic environment, Jonah—the quiet, brooding, and proud Alaskan pilot who keeps her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild.

Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. As time passes, she unexpectedly finds herself forming a bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago.

It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.

Review:

The Simple Wild was a beautiful story that slowly unwound. With small town charm, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn, and forgiveness laced throughout, this story easily seeped into my heart. It made me laugh, sob, and fall in love. This is definitely one of my top favorite reads from this year and I can’t recommend it enough!

How am I supposed to feel about possibly losing a person who has only ever hurt me?

Calla lived at home with her mom and stepfather. When news came that her father would be fighting cancer, and they hadn’t talked in 12 years, she took a giant leap. And traveled to Alaska. While the journey there seemed to be a battle alone, what lay ahead would change Calla forever.

“‘Don’t worry, Calla.’ ‘It’s no big deal, Calla.’ That’s what a decent person would say,” I mumble feebly.
“I’m here to get your high- maintenance little ass to Bangor, not soothe your ego.”
High- maintenance? My ego? I crack one lid to shoot daggers at the back of his head. All pretenses of politeness have dissolved. “Does my dad know you’re such a giant dick?”

I absolutely adored Calla. She could be so quick with her replies and her thoughts cracked me up! Yet, I felt her pain and struggles. Her first night with her father, my heart bled for her. I was so hurt and angry for Calla. It was hard to watch her struggle, since she didn’t fit in with her new surroundings. But at the same point, Calla had so much room to grow. And I loved watching her journey!

“I am not a Barbie doll!”
“No?” He gives me a sideways glance, amusement in his eyes. “Fake hair, fake face, fake nails . . .” His eyes dip to my chest before flashing away. “Is anything on you real?”

From the moment Jonah appeared on the pages, I wanted to hit him. Hard. He could be such a grumpy jerk, and his words at times could be laced with barbs. Plus the games he played wanted to make me shake him. So I was glad when Calla wouldn’t hold back. Yet, underneath that rough exterior was a man who did know how to be funny. Who liked to mess with others. And he would do things that will melt your heart. Jonah was a beautiful, complicated man who hid a kind heart. He is definitely one of my top book boyfriends!

How do you form a relationship with someone without forgiving them first?

While this story unfolded at a leisurely pace, I never wanted to put it down. It held me completely captive. The landscape was beautiful and I loved learning all I could. It felt like another person in this story. And Calla’s dad, Wren. Oh gosh. My feelings for him were so complex, just like Jonah. As we spent more time with him, I couldn’t help but love Wren too. Watching those moments of connection form between Calla and Wren made my heart explode. I loved watching their father daughter relationship turn into something so beautiful.

His normally icy gaze slides over my mouth, my throat, my chest, and farther, before coming back up to meet my eyes. His hard swallow fills the silence. “You don’t need all that to look good, Calla. Seriously.”
My words falter. Was that a compliment?
From Jonah?

Jonah and Calla gave complicated a whole new meaning. Their banter was absolutely fabulous! And underneath it, there was almost a teasing tone. Yet there was a tension there too. As time passed and a tentative friendship started to form, I loved all of their moments together. There were ones that held all the laughter and you couldn’t help it from bubbling up. Payback was epic! Others where there was a quiet peacefulness. Ones laced with hurt or playfulness. And moments that were filled with strong emotions. It was impossible not to fall for Jonah and Calla, and want them to find their HEA.

Jonah wordlessly holds a headset out for me. I accept it, acutely aware of how our fingers graze in the process.
Even if I am not attracted to him.
Even if I still want to punch him in the face.

With a broody male, neighbors that feel like family, a dad you can’t help but warm up to and love, a fabulous stepfather, a supportive mother, a raccoon thief, and a small town community that’s so easy to adore, the characters in this book were everything! Add that it was set somewhere stunning yet harsh at the same time, and this book truly had it all! KA Tucker is going to be an author where I’ll be reading every single book she has ever written, and then I’ll be patiently waiting for that next release. She is beyond talented, made me feel everything, and I can’t wait to read the continuation of Calla’s story in the next book!

PS Make sure to have tissues by you. I sobbed all the tears!

A few more of my favorite quotes…

“You know, you’re definitely Wren’s daughter,” Jonah mutters.
“Why do you say that?” I ask warily. Do I want to hear this answer?
“Because neither of you have the guts to speak your mind when it matters most.”
I watch him stroll away, gravel crunching under his boots.

The deep chuckle that carries through the headset sends shivers down my spine and makes me smile dumbly. I’m becoming addicted to making him laugh.

“I’m saying that I might take risks, but they’re always worth it. Got it?”
“I think so?” Not really.
My gaze drifts to his mouth.

“I wish I’d been someone different than who I am.”

Jonah is Alaska to me.

BOOK REVIEW: The Broken Heart Playlist by Lara Martin

October 21, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Broken Heart Playlist by Lara Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Perfect for fans of Katherine Center, The Broken Heart Playlist is a single-parent, slow-burn, emotional romance.

Kate Miller is an extraordinary food stylist. She employs a whole host of tricks to make food look deliciously perfect, from painting grill lines on a steak to using mashed potatoes for an ice cream shoot.

But Kate is also living an extraordinary lie. The survivor of a brutal marriage, she’s stylized her life to present a perfect facade, hiding her brokenness and loneliness from everyone around her. The only love in her life? Her eight-year-old daughter. There’s no room for anyone else.

Until a handsome stranger with his own set of tricks moves onto her street. Suddenly, Gideon Walker and his therapy dog are everywhere, charming her family, winning over her daughter, and taking an unwelcome interest in her life.

The man who seems to know too much about her has invaded her small town. Against all odds, he also seems intent on breaking down her walls and invading her heart.

But Gideon is not without his own secrets. And if Kate gives in to their undeniable attraction, the truth could bring them together or tear them apart forever.

Review:

The Broken Heart Playlist was an emotional, slow burn, grumpy sunshine, single parent romance. With a storyline that kept me hooked, characters that were multi-faceted, and a fabulous happily ever after, I enjoyed this book so much! With joy, heartache, secrets, friendship, and love laced through the pages, I devoured this book so quickly!

I’m not a fan of tall, powerfully built men. I know what damage they can do. With their words. And their hands.

Jenna had a new neighbor, and she was nervous because of her past. She was someone who loved to be well prepared, organized, and tried her best to know everything about those that surrounded her. As someone who had survived a physical and emotionally abusive relationship, she liked to have all her ducks in a row. So, while she could be prickly and closed off at times, she was so easy to like. Her love for her daughter, family and job made her so easy to connect with.

Gideon’s thoughtfulness is stirring inside me the tiniest flicker of hope. Which I need to snuff out immediately. The last thing I need in my life is a man who stirs up that emotion. Hope carves out a hole for vulnerability and I can no longer afford to be vulnerable.

While Gideon was a mystery, I loved him and his therapy dog Uno! He didn’t seem daunted by Jenna and her weary and skeptical ways. With a slow and steady hand, he started to build a rapport with Jenna. Uno did too! And I loved watching that progression! Add in his compassion towards Jenna’s daughter, whelp I was a goner. Gideon had a calm presence, and he was so thoughtful, caring, and saw so more than what’s on the surface. It will be impossible for everyone not to fall for this man and his kindhearted dog!

“Go on a date with me,” he says.
“No.”
He lets out a humorless laugh. “I thought that would be your answer.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“In the hope that one day you’ll say yes.”

With rich and emotional moments, like in the coffee shop, sitting on his porch drinking coffee, Toto, and so much more, this story held me in the palm of its hand. I loved watching the thoughtfulness of scenes. And I loved watching Gideon and Uno’s ability to weave into Jenna and her daughter Lisset’s life. Especially with how Lisset influenced how things proceeded. Getting Uno ready was one of my favorites! These characters are truly everything!

“She’s so unbelievably stubborn,” I say in disbelief. “It’s so frustrating she won’t accept help.”
He smiles at me for a second too long. “She sounds exactly like someone I know.”
And then he ambles away into the fading evening light, leaving me standing open- mouthed on my porch staring after him.

Rounding out this story were relationships with her grandma, parents, Aaron, and her sister Tess. My favorite was the sisterly love between Jenna and Tess. I loved how much the sisters trusted one another, how they could confide in each other. Even though it wasn’t perfect. Jenna and Tess could fight or bicker in the blink of an eye, but it felt so real. So, while this book can easily be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend also reading Tess’ story, Phishing for Love! It’s one of my top favorites of this year! The romance from that book, along with some quirks like grandma and google, carry through to this book.

“I don’t like the person I was in my marriage.” My fingers twist. “I don’t even know if I like myself much now.”
“Fortunately, I like you enough for the both of us.” Gideon says it so firmly, so unwaveringly, a lump forms in my throat.

The Broken Heart Playlist was a heartwarming, slow burn, emotional, feel-good story! I even cried three times when reading. It was impossible not to feel everything Jenna felt. There was a twist at the end, that was a shocker. And I wish it would have played out differently. But The Broken Heart Playlist was a memorable story, and I can’t wait to read whatever Lara Martin writes next!

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Witch’s Consorts Series by Eva Chase

October 9, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Witch's Consorts (The Witch's Consorts Series)
by Eva Chase
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Every witch knows the rules: Stick to your own kind. Never reveal your powers to outsiders. Take a consort from the witching families or kiss your magic good-bye forever.

For years I've been quiet, obedient Rose Hallowell. I accepted the man my stepmother chose for me. But I never stopped missing my childhood friends: brilliant Kyler, stoic Seth, passionate Jin, daredevil Damon, and Gabriel, whose self-assured warmth brought us all together.

Now I’m back in town, and the boys I grew up with? Damn if they haven't grown up well.

They've got no magic, no place in my life. Even friendship with them is forbidden, let alone more. But they're charming and sweet and infuriatingly hot, and I can't seem to stay away. The more I try to resist, the more secrets I uncover about my family, my betrothal, and everything I thought was true about the witching world.

I've been lied to. I've been betrayed. So to claim my magic and my happiness, I'll break every rule there is—and then some.

Don't mess with this witch. Every rose has thorns.

*The Witch's Consorts is a spicy paranormal romance series with a dollop of gothic atmosphere and a heaping of romantic angst. This complete series set contains all five books in the Witch’s Consorts series—Consort of Secrets, Consort of Thorns, Consort of Pain, Consort of Fire, and Consort of Light—as well as the follow-up novella, Mark of Damon. Enjoy over 1500 pages of paranormal goodness!*

Review:

I definitely recommend The Witch’s Consorts Series if you’re looking for a witchy paranormal romance that has magic running through the pages! This was my first reverse harem series, and I was hooked! From that first book to the last I came to care for these characters so deeply. Rose was a heroine I could root and cheer for, she was smart, caring and made me feel everything she did. So as we were introduced to the men in her life, it was impossible not to fall for every single one of them. Their friendship spanned years, to when they were younger, and they were such a tight-knit group. I got why everything proceeded the way it did, it magically made sense to me.

What we had here, what we’d made together, it was right. It was good. And I couldn’t imagine ever feeling lost or lonely again, not while I had my consorts by my side.

We slowly got introduced to their world and by that third book it was non-stop action and kept you on the edge of your seat. I was always wondering what was going to happen next. And that fourth book even made me cry, the found family was everything! Also I loved how the series wrapped up, it left me feeling so happy! I listened to the first 5 books, and read the final one, and absolutely loved the narrators. They made the characters come alive! It was so effortless to listen and read these books! And as someone who was nervous that I would only be rooting for just one guy, because that’s what I have always done in the past, I had no problems loving every single one of them. And wanting them all to live happily ever after together. I can’t recommend this series enough!