Tag: Adult (Page 33 of 63)

BOOK REVIEW: Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1) by Jennifer L Armentrout

September 13, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
SHE LIVES BY HER INTUITION. HE FEEDS ON HER PLEASURE.

Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.

Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.

When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he'll be her doom.

When the Baron takes an interest in the traveling prince and the prince takes an interest in Calista, she becomes the prince’s temporary companion. But the city simmers with rebellion, and with knights and monsters at her city gates and a hungry prince in her bed, intuition may not be enough to keep her safe.

Calista must choose: follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.

Breathtaking suspense and scorching romance meet in this immersive new fantasy from a mega-bestselling force, Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review:

Fall of Ruin and Wrath was a dark and sensual romtansy that was so easy to get lost in. Within those first few pages I had no clue what was going on, but I was terrified. So take those first few chapters to immerse yourself in this new world. It’s lethal, archaic and shrouded in mystery. With a dystopian background, that was laced with high fantasy, Fall of Ruin and Wrath easily became an instant favorite!

“We keep meeting under the strangest circumstances,” he noted. “I’m beginning to think fate is afoot.”
“Fate?” I laughed. “You believe in fate?”
“You don’t?”

Calista aka Lis was a paramour to Claude who was a Caelestia; half Hyhborn and half lowborn. And while I’ve read almost every single book by JLA, over the last decade, Lis was unlike any other heroine that we have met from Armentrout. Her intuition guided where she went in life and the decisions she made. She also had the ability to see things happen before they did. Like how someone would die, or horrific events on the horizon. And I was fascinated to watch her listen into others thoughts, without needing to touch them. Yet my heart twisted for Lis. I questioned whether she truly knew how to have a strong mental bond with others. She seemed to struggle with that outside of her “brother”, Grady. Maybe it was because of her gifts? Or maybe it was because of her childhood? Or maybe it even had to do with how she ended up as a paramour and nothing truly felt like hers? But regardless, she seemed to have connections with those around her physically, instead of emotionally.

“Hold still.”
“I am holding still, but . . . you’re on your knees, your fingers are near my dick, and you’re currently gloriously nude, so . . .”
Undoing the final button, I rolled my eyes. “You can’t even stand on your own two feet and you’re currently regrowing eyeballs. The last thing you need to be thinking about is me on my knees, your dick, or my nudity.”
“I’ve regrown my eyes, na’laa.”
My chin jerked up.

Lis’ intuition one night led her to rescue a Hyhborn. Hyhborn’s weren’t mortal, they were scions of the Gods. And the scene she was led to was terrifying, yet I couldn’t help but noticing that I loved her thoughts. They were real and honest, making it so easy to connect with her. And the Hyhborn we met?! I. Was. Obsessed! Thorne was a book boyfriend many will fall hard for. I loved that he could be sarcastic and also oh so polite. His manners as he murdered those to keep Lis safe had me cracking up. Thorne was truly lethal, yet at the same time he was so much fun. He loved to push Lis’ buttons and get a rise out of her while being addictively possessive. Add to all of that that he was capable of admitting when he was wrong. Well. It was impossible not to love everything there was about him.

“Na’laa?”
I stopped as something . . . something like hope swelled inside me. Hope for what? I really couldn’t say as I looked over my shoulder at him.
The Lord stood with his back to me, shoulders a tense straight line. “Be careful.”

Around Thorne, Lis could touch him and just be in the moment. She never got pulled into her brain or saw future events she would prefer not to see. Like she did when she touched other lowborns and Caelestias. So the sexual tension between Lis and Thorne was done fabulously. It was a slow burn that was filled with the most fabulous banter. It was impossible not to smile at so many of the moments between them. And while Thorne and Lis were worlds apart, it always felt like there was something pulling them together. As though there was a higher power connecting them. So because of that, I loved watching the tentative trust build. That they could be comfortable with each other. That it felt like Lis was finally making an emotional connection with someone. And of course how steamy they could be together too *fans face*.

I connected with him, and my intuition came alive, showing me the future— the excruciating crack of bone in my right arm, then my left. The phantom pain traveled to my throat. I felt it all.
His death.
And I . . . I smiled.

Yes there were other characters outside of Lis and Thorne, but I am rather obsessed with those two. I’m still unsure of how to feel towards Naomi, who was her first friend outside of Grady. And I would love if Lis threw an apple at Claude’s head, like Alex. Yes he took care of Lis as he used her as his own personal lie detector, but I loathed that he called her Pet. There was also a man named Hymel that I kept hoping would die on every page he appeared lol. Ohhh then there were two friends of Thorne that we didn’t spend a lot of time with, yet I adored both of them. I can’t wait to get to know them better! They had found family written all over them! But on top of those we met, there was a whole world and political intrigue that I’m not even touching on. It was fascinating and better left for you to discover on your own!

“Don’t.”
My gaze flew back to him.
“I would warn against attempting to run,” he advised, walking past me.
“Because you will stop me?”
“Because I will give chase.” He unhooked the straps holding the short sword to his back as he crossed into the bedchamber. “And I will capture you.”

Fall of Ruin and Wrath was laced with a fascinating world, characters that will steal you heart, mysteries that are intertwined with secrets, and moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat! There were so many moments that were impossible to stop smiling or screaming from excitement. Especially when it came to Thorne. That last page was the most perfect stopping point. Yet I am definitely counting down until the next book is released and we can be back in this world!

PS The shower scene was one of my favorite moments. Nope, it’s not what you think it is *side smirk*.

Other Favorite Quotes:

My senses opened to him. I saw nothing in his eyes or in my mind.
But I felt something.
A warning.
A reckoning.
A promise of what was to come.
And I knew.

“Apologies, my pet. I do get a bit animated when I speak. Got it from my mother.”
“‘ Pet’?” Prince Thorne queried softly.
The back of my neck tingled, and it had nothing to do with intuition.

I froze. Tiny hairs lifted along the nape of my neck as the air thickened and the flames stilled. That mouth of mine had surely gotten me in trouble this time.
But Prince Thorne . . . he smiled.
My stomach dipped.
The smile he bestowed was not tight or cold. It was wide and real, showing a hint of teeth and softening the icy, unreal beauty of his features.

“Do you finally think of me as a monster?”
I closed my eyes.
“You should,” he said softly. “The blood that is on my hands will never wash off. I wouldn’t even attempt to do so.”

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

BOOK REVIEW: A Matter of Temptation (Unforgettable Love #1) by Stacy Reid

August 28, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

A Matter of Temptation (Unforgettable Love #1)
by Stacy Reid
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford is desperate. Having been ruined in the eyes of society years ago for one foolish, starry-eyed mistake, she spends her days secreted away at her family’s crumbling estate, helping her brother manage the land but not able to truly live life the way she’s always dreamed. When her brother admits to just how dire their finances have gotten, she takes it upon herself to procure employment…but the only one who will even consider the scandalous idea of a female secretary is the brilliant, ruthless, and infuriating Earl of Creswick.

Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick, needs help if he wants to finally pass the reform bill he’s been championing for years and secure the vote for England’s most vulnerable constituents. Too bad help comes in the form of a woman with breathtaking nerve, fiery red hair, and a sense of humor to match.

Now temptation―disguised as a lovely, clever-mouthed devil―lives and works under Simon’s very roof. And Mina finally feels as though she’s truly living life to her wildest dreams. But even the most incendiary of kisses can’t incinerate Mina’s past…or the shocking secret that could ruin them both.

Review:

A Matter of Temptation was a forced proximity historical romance that was laced with laughter and love! With fabulous banter, a wonderful storyline and characters that were so easy to like, this was another huge win from Stacy Reid. If you’re a fan of historical romance, you definitely need her books in your life!

“Most men would have been appalled.”
“I am not most men.” His quiet voice held a sardonic note. “And allow me to say: you are not most women.”

Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford felt like she had to right her wrongs from the past. She had eloped, and now she wasn’t able to help her family financially by marrying someone. So watching her fix her twin brother’s issue was so much fun. I absolutely loved how Mina gained employment working for Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick….but I won’t say how. Other than it had me cheering for Mina every step of the way! And from that first meeting, it was glaringly obvious that there were sparks between them! Working with him was already pushing the envelope. Nothing more than that could ever develop between them.

Yet when his gaze met hers, his eyes gleamed with an expression Mina dearly wished she could interpret. A sharp sensation wrenched in the vicinity of her heart and Mina had to quickly look away.

Mina was so easy to love! I loved how bold, quick witted and insightful she was! It was so wonderful watching how passionate she was about her work and I loved seeing how happy she was with what she was able to accomplish. As Mina worked side by side with Simon, she seemed to read him so well. And established the beginnings of a wonderful friendship. So when there was some perilous action within the pages, I loved how it changed the trajectory of Mina and Simon. Not only did it show that she could be brave and fierce, but how Simon reacted will warm readers’ hearts!

He reached out and touched her cheek. “I love laughing with you.”
Such simple words, yet they slammed into her heart with the force of a hammer, for it sounded like he’d never had reason to laugh before.

Simon thought he could maintain distance from Mina, so I loved how he told her not to smile. As if that would work lol. His efforts were futile! Especially when he spent so much time with her, loved how hard she worked, and respected how clever she was. All the while thinking she was too pretty. So from the moment he had the scene with the puppy, I was a goner. Simon made me cry happy tears, he was such a good and kind man. Who also has a dirty mouth too. Yet Simon was to marry someone that went along with his station and reputation. His grandmother even had contenders picked out. And with the work he was doing, his image was everything.

When he kissed her, it was with such aching softness that her chest squeezed.

As they worked together, they couldn’t help falling for the other. Simon tried everything to ignore his need for Mina, but his desire ran too deep for her. So I loved watching them connect and become even more entwined with one another. And some of my favorite moments involved the bucket list. Kissing. Confessions. Gambling. But at the same time, the world was separating them. Because of who they both were and what was expected of them. I wasn’t sure how they could make it work, especially with Mina’s past, but I kept my fingers crossed!

“Don’t you know who I am?”
“The Earl of Creswick,” she whispered.
“I will be the shelter for the storm over our heads, Mina, you need not fear what I might lose. What I know I cannot lose is you.”

A Matter of Temptation was a fabulous, swoon worthy and steamy historical romance! And within these pages there was also politics showing the inequality of social and gender issues back then. I loved how that added to the story. I can’t wait to read whatever Stacy Reid releases next!

BOOK REVIEW: The Roommate Pact by Allison Ashley

August 23, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

The Roommate Pact by Allison Ashley
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
All of the fun, none of the heartache…as long as they stick to the agreement.

The proposition is simple: if ER nurse Claire Harper and her roommate, firefighter Graham Scott, are still single by the time they’re forty, they’ll take the proverbial plunge together…as friends with benefits. Maybe it’s the wine, but in the moment, Claire figures the pact is a safe-enough deal, considering she hasn’t had much luck in love and he’s in no rush to settle down. Like, at all. Besides, there’s no way she could ever really fall for Graham and his thrill-seeking ways. Not after what happened to her father…

Just as things begin to heat up way before the proposed deadline, Graham’s injured in a serious rock climbing accident—and he needs Claire’s help to heal. She’ll do whatever it takes to nurse him back to health…even if it means moving in to Graham’s bed and putting up with his little dog, who hates her. But with this no-strings arrangement taking a complicated turn, keeping “for now” from turning into “forever” isn’t as easy as they’d planned.

Review:

The Roommate Pact was a friends to lovers romance that was sweet and will have you smiling from that first page to the last! ER nurse Claire Harper and her roommate, firefighter Graham Scott had a pact that if they weren’t married by the time they were 40, they would tie the knot! Yet one night while drinking, Claire tried to change the rules to being hookup buddies. While there were sparks, and a scorching hot kiss that seemed to be fueled by a plethora of emotions, both of their lives were turned upside down when Graham was in an accident. And Claire found herself taking care of him. We got to alternate between the two of them as this heartwarming story unfolded in an emotional and touching way that will have romance lovers falling in love.

“Thinking about marrying me now, aren’t you?” he called after her.
She didn’t miss a beat.
“Not a chance.”

Claire and Graham’s friendship felt like it ran deep. And it left me wanting to read the previous story about their friends in Would You Rather, just so I could catch more glances of them. But within their friendship was the most fabulous of banter. So I loved how Graham teased Claire, and how that would make her flustered. She tried her best to deny his charm. But even her bestie thought she should hook up with him, while waiting for Mr. Right. Why not? The attraction was there, the tension between them was there and their first kiss turned passionate quickly and was so hot. It left me desperately wanting more.

Her gaze started at his collarbone and slowly, slowly traveled down his torso. Heat followed in the wake of her gaze, which felt more like a caress then a perusal.
Fuck.
What would she do if he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her across his lap?

But there were also emotional moments laced into the story. Watching Graham get hurt. Claire’s reaction. Graham’s struggle with his long road to recovery. Claire dealing with her fears from the past. It hurt. My throat felt tight and I tried to keep the tears out of my eyes. And that all led to them slowly opening up about their pasts, telling each other things that they held close to their hearts. Through it all, Graham was still charming and sexy as hell. And the tension building between them felt like a scorching inferno. The shampoo scene?! Hot! Yet keep in mind the intimate scenes were almost a fade to black.

“What did you do all day?”
“The usual. Worked out, watched TV, sat outside.”
Wrote you an email.

This story was the perfect mixture of fun with some angst mixed in! One of my favorite things was the letters. I’m not saying what they are about, but I laughed and smiled so much! It felt like each letter stole a little piece of my heart. They were deep, honest and made me want to shout at someone that they deserved so much more than they thought they did! Also I absolutely loved Graham’s little dog Gertie! I loved watching Claire struggle with Gertie’s feisty self!

“Would it bother you to never kiss me again?”
Graham’s chin dipped but his gave lifted to hers, his eyes dark and conflicted. “I think it’s best I don’t answer that.”

With tragic backstories, jaded hearts and a fight for true love, The Roommate Pact had it all! These pages had a man who was book boyfriend worthy, a woman you’ll want to be besties with while you shake a little sense into her, and friends and a little dog that will warm your heart! This was my first book by Allison Ashley, and I can’t wait to read more by her!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Burning Justice (K-9 Special Ops #2) by Tee O’Fallon

August 22, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

Burning Justice (K-9 Special Ops #2)
by Tee O'Fallon
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Some cases are hot enough to kill.

After narrowly surviving a childhood fire that killed two of his friends, ATF Special Agent Brett Tanner knows what it's like to get too close to the flame. The trauma only spurs him and his K-9 partner to track down the arsonists targeting a Colorado town. This latest warehouse blaze looks suspicious as hell...and there's a body. Now it's murder.

Fiercely independent insurance investigator Gemma Scott has been burned enough times to know she doesn't need anyone—especially a handsome agent with an agenda. Teaming up with the hardened and determined ATF agent means not just trusting her instincts...it also means trusting him.

Now they're racing against an arsonist with a lethal agenda—one who's willing to burn and kill to hide the evidence. But the killer is only part of a larger mystery. And the searing attraction between Gemma and Brett adds fuel to an already dangerously lethal fire. One that will smoke out a killer...along with Brett's darkest secret.

Review:

Burning Justice was an action packed, romantic suspense that was a lot of fun to read. With characters that were easy to adore, a dog that will melt your heart, a storyline that will keep you guessing and some steamy scenes, I devoured this book so quickly! Fans of romance and romantic suspense definitely need to have this one on their tbr!

Gemma’s eyes gleamed with the same energy thrumming through his veins.
Because they now had a prime suspect.

Gemma Scott worked for the National Insurance Crime Bureau and ended up on the same case as Bret Tanner, an ATF special agent. While Gemma had been burned in the past while partnering on a case, working with Bret seemed inevitable. Not only did they both have the same gut feeling, but it looked like they were after an arsonist who had no problem murdering too. I loved that Gemma was brilliant, confident and how self-sufficient she was. She was a woman so many others could look up to. Yet Gemma wasn’t too happy with herself that she was attracted to Bret. Truly I couldn’t fault her, I was too lol!

His dark blue gaze met hers and held it. How she wished she could read his mind at that moment.

Bret Tanner was broody, smart, kind, and utterly sexy. He had no problem telling Gemma how much he appreciated her and what she did for their case! And while they were such a fabulous team, it hurt that Bret thought so low of himself. I didn’t understand where it came from. And once we figured it out, oh my heart, it was horrific. Bret was beyond tortured from his past and struggled with PTSD. My heart broke for him. So I was grateful that he had Blaze in his life! He was his K-9 therapy dog who was absolutely incredible! Blaze could be hilarious, heartfelt and was so easy to love! How could you not love a dog that enjoys watching Animal Planet lol?!

“Good job, partner.” When he removed his hand, the warm imprint of his long fingers on her bare skin sent a shiver of awareness through her, this one stronger than what she’d felt in Hicks’s office. Along with a surge of happiness.

Their attraction to each other couldn’t be denied. So while their first time kissing turned incredibly hot *fans face*, they needed to focus on their case. Not get emotionally involved with one another. And definitely not be kissing or more. As we alternated between Gemma and Bret, I loved watching them put the clues together. We got to witness events unfold that led to people’s stories that felt so real. And were heart wrenching to listen to. The trauma Bret and Gemma came upon in their fields could be so consuming. Yet as the clocked kept ticking by, we watched as they tried to solve the case with chases, attacks and life and death battles swirling around them!

They were being targeted, and if they didn’t get a solid lead to follow and fast, sooner or later…
The perpetrator would find his mark.

I have to say that I typically don’t read romantic suspense, but I previously gave Tough Justice a try and was hooked by Tee O’Fallon’s writing! Her characters found their way so easily into my heart and her storylines keep you turning that page until you reach the last one! I fell for another one of her books, and I loved catching up with Deck and Tori from Tough Justice! We got to see a new aspect of their relationship, and I was so over the moon happy! Burning Justice’s ending will leave readers with a smile on their face! And I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

“Sit,” Brett said, pointing an admonishing finger at his dog. “We do not eat other people’s pets for breakfast. Understood?”
Woof.

PS I adored that Gemma had a pet that I have never read someone else having! The name was so cute!

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

BOOK REVIEW: In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros

August 21, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When Izzy Astor gets on a plane to go home, she isn’t expecting much. It’s the usual holiday travel experience: busy, crowded, stressful.

Then she spots her seatmate, who is anything but ordinary. Nate Phelan sports dark hair, blue eyes, and a deliciously rugged charm that Izzy can’t resist. Their connection is undeniable. Izzy never believed in destiny before, but she does now.

Just ninety seconds after takeoff, their plane goes down in the Missouri River.

Their lives change. They change. Nate goes on to a career in the military while Izzy finds her way into politics. Despite a few chance encounters over the years, the timing never feels right.

Then comes a high-stakes reunion in Afghanistan, where Nate is tasked with protecting Izzy’s life.

He’ll do anything to keep her safe. And everything to win her heart.

Review:

“Did you ever think about me?” she questioned, her voice dropping to a whisper.
I clenched my jaw, fighting off the urge to tell her the truth. Every fucking day.

In the Likely Event was a story that will easily pull on one’s heart. It was emotional, steamy, and impossible to put down. The dual time line was brilliantly done and the characters were beautifully flawed and leapt from the pages. But make sure you have a Kleenex near you, I already had tears by the 6th chapter, and there was still many more to come. This romance story was gritty, brimmed with emotions, had off the charts chemistry and became an instant favorite!

Ten years had passed since we’d met on a very different tarmac, and the sight of her still left me speechless.

In the Likely Event alternated between the past and the present. I loved how I never wanted to leave either time line. They both pulled me in and left me desperately needing to know what happened next! We started in the present, with Nate being stationed in Afghanistan. And he was tasked with protecting Izzy’s life. From there we jumped 10 years into the past, with the most fabulous of meet cutes that played out like I was watching a movie. Izzy found herself sitting next to Nate on a plane, and she was a nervous basket case. Whereas Nate was calm, collected and so easy for her to talk to. They clicked right away, but then disaster struck and their plane went down. It was emotional, scary and horrific isn’t a strong enough word to describe what Izzy and Nate went through together. As the tale unfolded, I loved seeing how their friendship evolved over the years and how much heart was packed into their story!

“She’ll be safer with me.”
“Because you’re in love with her?” Torres questioned.
I shook my head. “Because Jenkins isn’t willing to die for her.”

Nate was a man who would put his life on the line for Izzy. But we saw over the years how he didn’t get a choice at times, that duty called and he had to keep moving ahead. So in the past chapters I fell so easily in love with him. And the present chapters my heart bled for him. The horrors he battled. The situations he was put in. The things that haunted him. Nate was strong, brave, protective and I loved when he even showed a little bit of jealousy. Yet he never seemed to be able to hold on long enough to what he wanted most, which was Izzy.

I looked down at the device and huffed a sarcastic laugh. “So this is what it takes to get your phone number? A girl has to haul herself into a war zone?”
“Izzy,” he whispered, stepping back and putting a few feet of distance between us.

We learned why Izzy got into politics, why she was overseas, but I had so many questions. Why was there anger and pain? Where did it all go wrong between them? So as we got to know the both of them, I loved what a multifaceted person Izzy was. She was so easy to love. Her family life, friendships, and work, all showed us what a kind, hardworking woman she was. Yet it seemed like the bright spots in her life were her sister, and Nate. The moments Nate would appear in Izzy’s life, it gave me chills and so many happy tears!

“Don’t, Izzy.” He shook his head. “I have one weakness on this entire planet, and you’re feet away when you’re supposed to be halfway round the globe.” That mask he wore like armor fell away, and the pain in his eyes was enough to make me suck in a sharp breath.

As we alternated between Nate and Izzy, it was impossible to ignore that fate kept trying to push them together. In those past chapters, they had the highest of highs. But there was always that knot in the back of my throat, I continually had to keep the tears at bay. Because life wasn’t fair. They were pulled apart as much as they were pushed together. And their timing never seemed to work. So it was beautiful seeing that after all of these years, they still had a connection. There was still that pull. Not only from a deep, beautiful friendship. But also one that felt like it was laced with love. So the fire that raged between them was scorching hot. Their moments together were seductive. And while assumptions were made, we watched as answers were given and got to see that loyalty ran through both of their blood.

“Say it again.” His jaw flexed, and his hand gripped my hip.
“I want you, Nathaniel,” I whispered, leaning up to kiss him. “So take me.”

I cried more times than I could count and I fell completely in love with this love story. I’m still in shock over one thing. My heart is still struggling to process it. But I know that I will be reading this book many times in the future and I’m keeping my fingers that that hurts a little less next time. This story ended with a beautiful epilogue that was set years in the future, so I closed this book with happy tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. This military romance, with forced proximity, owned me! And was yet another Rebecca Yarros book that I fell hard for. I can’t wait to see what she releases next!

PS I loved the JLA Half-Blood reference! I loved the highlighting of the books! And the call sign?! Oh my heart!