Tag: Adult (Page 41 of 63)

BOOK REVIEW: Princess and the Player (Strangers in Love #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

November 8, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

Princess and the Player (Strangers in Love #2)
by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A masquerade ball brings together an NFL player and a penniless princess in this smart and sexy romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills.

Levelheaded Francesca Lane never thought she’d miss her own wedding. But when her fiancé betrays her, she puts on her wedding dress and ditches the altar for a masquerade ball—at an exclusive lifestyle club.

There, she meets unknown-to-her NFL star Tuck Avery, dressed as a prince and hiding behind a mask—he’s there to celebrate his birthday. For one night, Francesca and Tuck indulge in a wickedly incognito affair. No names. No strings. And the masks don’t come off.

Unfortunately, Francesca realizes quickly that her masked prince is the wealthy jock who lives in the penthouse of her apartment building. His hobbies include parties and supermodels—or so the tabloids say. Getting tangled up with a shallow jerk is the last thing Francesca needs right now, so she vows to keep Tuck from recognizing her (not that she’s his type anyway).

But fate has a teeny-tiny trick up her sleeve…a plus sign on a pregnancy test. Can this tormented prince accept love, or will he push his princess away forever?

Review:

Princess and the Player was a charming, romantic story. With two jaded characters, some steamy scenes, a surprise pregnancy and friends that will have you laughing out loud, this book was so much fun! If you adore adult sports romance, definitely put this one on your list!

“One night. No names. No strings. And the masks don’t come off.”
“Deal.”

This story started us off in a sex club. Tuck was taken there by his best friends, for his birthday. And Francesca, looking like Princess Bride, ended up there after ditching her wedding because her fiancée cheated on her. When Tuck was challenged by his friends to win over the closed off Princess Bride, it led him to rescuing her from a complete jerk. After one thing led to another, they slept together. And it was unforgettable. For the both of them. Yet they left not knowing who the other was, but thankfully fate was on their side.

“Not sweet at all. See, I recall a girl who sat in my lap and fed me birthday cake. She said I slayed the pantyhose dragon. She was perfect.”
“I was drunk, and perfect girls don’t exist.”

I liked Francesca right away. She was a tattoo artist and painted too. Her past and situation with her ex just made me want to hug her and help her find her HEA! Especially when she found out she was pregnant, from her one night stand with a stranger. But I loved her positive attitude and those she surrounded herself with. Her made family was so heartwarming. So when she put the pieces together for who that mystery man was, a NFL player who lived in her building, I was screaming. And so nervous for her. Because there was still that chemistry there. Lots of chemistry. And it seemed that everywhere she turned, Tuck seemed to be there too.

He is everything I shouldn’t want, but . . .
I close the distance between us. My hands move up his chest and curl around his neck. My fingers tangle in his hair.

While Tuck fought so many demons and struggles, he was such a thoughtful gentlemen. He had a rough past and his parents shaped his idea of how he saw his worth in relationships and wanting love. He didn’t ever want commitment or a family. On top of that he didn’t have a ton of trust in strangers after dealing with a crazy stalker from his past. So Tuck was the ultimate player. And he never got attached. He also had a lot on his plate since he was old for being in the NFL. He knew his days were numbered, but that had been his world forever. Yet even with his dying career, he couldn’t seem to get Francesca out of his mind. Tuck wanted her again. And Tuck always seemed to get what he wanted.

I wanted anyone, someone, to just pick me.
I want him to pick our child. Would he?

As the pieces fell together and they figured out who the other was, I was laughing and even gasped out loud. Their banter was fabulous and I loved the ease they could talk to one another. And while they both had some steep walls, Francesca’s seemed even higher. So when she would give Tuck an inch, my heart would soar. But with jealousy, desire and friendship mixed together, they were explosive. And secrets were kept, by the both of them. So while there was a lot they had to conquer, I felt like this book had a good amount of angst. Neither too much or too little. It fit. And so did the fate between the two of them too. Francesca started to believe, but Tuck wasn’t there. I kept my fingers crossed for the both of them while they kept having steamy or heartwarming moments together.

“Francesca,” Mr. Darden says, then takes my shoulder. “My dear . . .”
I turn to him, and he wraps his arms around me. “My eyes are leaking again,” I whisper.
He gives me his handkerchief.

With a fabulous group of friends, it rounded out this story so well! I adored Jasper and his crazy ways. Darden was her grumpy elderly neighbor who made me smile. I adored Francesca’s friendship with Cece, it felt like they were sisters. And from the moment I met Gianna, I liked her right away! And I just have to say that you definitely don’t have to read the first book in this series, Beauty and the Baller, to enjoy this book at all. It can easily be read as a standalone but I can’t recommend that other book enough! And disclaimer, I didn’t read the synopsis so I had no clue this had the pregnancy trope. I love Ilsa’s books so I went in knowing nothing, other than it would revolve around a football player and I enjoyed every minute!

“I’m half-afraid you might disappear.” The words are barely a whisper, and I’m not sure she hears. I watch the slow rise of her chest as she drifts off. I’m in deep with her, and I’ve got no idea where we’re going. My fear? This is gonna hurt when it’s over.

If you’re looking for a romantic Kindle Unlimited book to binge, I definitely recommend Princess and the Player! With flawed and relatable characters, a heartwarming story-line, fun side characters and a fabulous HEA, this book was such a huge win! I can’t wait to read whatever Ilsa releases next!

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

About Ilsa Madden-Mills:

Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Amazon I Instagram I Mailing List I Goodreads I Bookbub I Book+Main I Website

Join her Unicorn Girls Group on FB, the best way to keep up here.

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BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Late (Madigan Mountain #1) by Sarina Bowen

October 18, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

A Little Too Late (Madigan Mountain #1)
by Sarina Bowen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
How to behave when the guy who broke your heart two thousand miles away turns up in your office:

One: Don’t drop your lucky coffee cup in shock, even though it’s been ten years.

Two: Don’t get defensive when he asks how you ended up working his family’s ski mountain… and why you kept it a secret.

Three: Give him the worst room in the resort. He deserves it for suddenly waltzing back in like he owns the place. (Which he kind of does.)

Four, five, six, seven, eight and nine: Do not kiss him in the hot tub.

Ten: Try to keep your heart intact after you break all of your rules.

Because Reed is leaving again. Hate can't turn back into love. And it’s a little too late…

Review:

A Little Too Late was a romantic second chance story! With a gorgeous snowy setting, old truths coming out, a fabulous group of friends and lots of family dynamics, I adored this book!

Reed Madigan is going to wreck me all over again. And I’m going to let him.

Ava was someone who was so easy to love! She had a wonderful group of friends and was dedicated and loved her job. So when Reed stepped back into her life, she was shocked. When he left her 10 years ago, after they lost their baby in college, a part of Ava stayed broken and lost. Years later she was still mad at him for the pain he caused her. I loved how she played dirty with him and that she had no problem being open and harsh. He deserved it. But with Reed back in her life to help oversee the sale of his family ski resort, I had so much hope for her healing. The chemistry was still between them. And the banter was too. So when kisses snuck in and moments caused the both of them to smile together, it made my heart so happy to watch Ava heal. Well, as long as Reed didn’t leave her again, which seemed inevitable.

I want a do-over. I want to toss the misshapen mess I made against the art studio floor and start over.
But that’s impossible, so I settle for the next best thing, which is kissing Ava until we’re both breathless and frustrated.

Reed was thoughtful, kind, compassionate and someone so easy to fall for. Yet his past and how he ended things with Ava spoke otherwise. After he lost his mom and his dad turned into someone he didn’t know, he met Ava in college and it changed his world. But after getting hurt again and leaving Ava behind, I couldn’t wait to see how he would redeem himself. I expected him to earn her trust and love back. So when Reed faced the music, he stole a piece of my heart. When he was jealous and always looked out for Ava, he stole yet another. We got to alternate between Reed and Ava and I loved that Reed showed us his heart and it caused mine to faster every time he showed it to Ava.

I close my eyes and try to memorize this perfect feeling. “It’s always been you,” I whisper.
“Shh,” is her reply.

We got peaks into Reed & Ava’s past from 10 years ago and it added such a richness to their story. I loved their moments together, past and present. Even if they both had heart wrenching pasts. And as they both talked and worked together, which I loved, the angst was never too much or too little. It was the perfect amount. And the steam was in that same category too. This story was rounded out with a wonderful cast of side characters. Halley was definitely one of my favorites!

I never believed in second chances until right this moment.

Filled with laughter and love, A Little Too Late was a fabulous second chance romance! There was so much healing in the pages, it made my heart so happy. Between Reed and Ava, Reed and his dad, to even with themselves, all of it was done wonderfully! So if you like adult romance that is charming and heartfelt, then definitely make sure you have this one on your tbr!

BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2) by Rebecca Yarros

October 17, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

I’m beyond excited to be on the tour for A Little Too Close! I love the books Rebecca Yarros writes, and this opposites attracts story was so fun to devour! Enjoy ♥

BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2) by Rebecca Yarros

BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2) by Rebecca Yarros

A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros comes a small town, single parent romance.

Nine years ago, Weston Madigan saved me. I came to Colorado penniless, heartbroken, and pregnant, searching for a fresh start. Weston gave me a job at his family's resort, then left the next day and never returned, not even to visit.

Then I stumble in on Weston cooking breakfast shirtless-gloriously, inappropriately shirtless-in the shared kitchen of my duplex in employee housing. Given the shock on both our faces, he wasn't expecting a roommate either, let alone two.

The growly pilot is only home to start his family's new heli-skiing operation. I can handle being his temporary roommate, right? Chemistry and attraction aren't impossible to ignore when you agree on ground rules. Besides, even with those gorgeous, brooding brown eyes, the guy is a walking thundercloud...until my daughter, Sutton, makes him laugh and he smiles at me. Then everything changes. Cue inconvenient heart flip.

This is only temporary.

I can't fall for Weston.

I. Will. Not. Fall. For. Weston.

But rules go out the window when you're a little too close.

Review:

A Little Too Close was a steamy story about opposites attract! With a forced proximity that was done phenomenally, a story-line that will tug at your heart and characters you can’t hep but love, this story was such a huge hit. With the right amount of hope and laughter, mixed with an emotional backstory for both characters, this romance story is bound to sweep you off your feet!

Staring at my roommate’s mouth was the worst idea in the fucking world.
Nope. Kissing her would be the worst. Staring is just…bad.

Callie Thorne was a single mom that was dedicated, a hard worker and had the most beautiful heart. She had put so many of her plans aside for others happiness, and the joy she filled a room with was infectious. She was the photographer for the ski resort, and living in a duplex in employee housing while saving money for her and her daughter, Sutton’s, own place. Yet when she found Weston Madigon cooking in her kitchen shirtless, everything changed. This was the same man who gave her a job ten years ago when she was pregnant and absolutely lost in life. And then he disappeared the next day. When Callie and Weston agreed to share the duplex, along with a list of rules, neither of their lives would ever be the same again.

Weston smiled. He really, actually smiled, and I almost lost my balance. He was gorgeous while broody and serious, but smiling? He was beautiful.

Weston Madigan didn’t expect to find himself back at his family’s ski resort. He left after he helped raise his younger brother, since his mom died and his father checked out while being an alcoholic. He was now in the army as a helicopter pilot. Yet his older brother Reed needed him, to help branch the resort into heli tours and drops for skiing and snowboarding. With resentment towards Reed, questioning himself and a whole slew of other emotions, Weston found himself back home. And sharing living quarters with Callie and her daughter Sutton. Being around Callie and Sutton showed us how considerate, thoughtful, caring and protective he could be. Weston was sigh worthy. For someone who didn’t even want a pet for fear or attachment, I loved watching him come to care for the both of them. And I loved even more the attraction between Callie and Weston that couldn’t be ignored.

A second later, he ripped his head back. “This is a really bad idea.” But his grip tightened on my hips.
“The worst,” I agreed, my hands sliding to his neck and behind, up into his hair.
“Fuck it.” He slanted his mouth over mine and kissed me, his tongue parting my lips and sliding into my mouth like he owned it.

While Weston and Callie each had their walls, I loved watching them get to know each other. As the weeks went by, they let the other in just a little bit more each time they interacted. The friendship that forged felt natural, along with how they cared for the other. Yet they were also both attracted to each other. So the longer they lived together, the more impossible it became for them to ignore the sparks between them. And when they pushed the boundaries from friends to more, oh it was hot *fans face*!

I was a compass, and she was north. I was powerless to fight whatever this was between us.

A Little Too Close was a charming, romantic, opposites attract that will capture your heart. With side characters that I loved, both of their groups of friends were fabulous! And a happily ever after with a look into the future, this book was so wonderful! Ohhhhh I have to share that one of my favorite things in this book was Weston and his bond with Callie’s daughter, Sutton. He was her biggest cheerleader and their relationship will give you all the smiles! And while yes you could technically read this as a standalone, I can’t recommend A Little Too Late enough! I read that story first, since it’s about Weston’s older brother Reed and how he ended up back at the ski resort. So if you love adult romance that has some steam in the pages and lots of heart then this is one you’ll want to check out!

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

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About Rebecca Yarros:

Rebecca Yarros is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels, including The Things We Leave Unfinished 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 over twenty years. She’s the mother of six children, 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 visit www.RebeccaYarros.com.
Connect w/Rebecca: Website I Facebook I Facebook Group I Twitter I Instagram I Goodreads I Bookbub I Amazon

BOOK REVIEW: The Dark King (Deviant Kings #1) by Gina L. Maxwell

October 13, 2022 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Dark King (Deviant Kings #1)
by Gina L. Maxwell
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
For Bryn Meara, a free trip to the exclusive and ultra-luxe Nightfall hotel and casino in Vegas should’ve been the perfect way to escape the debris of her crumbling career. But waking up from a martini-and-lust-fueled night to find herself married to Caiden Verran, the reclusive billionaire who owns the hotel and most of the city, isn’t the jackpot one would think. It seems her dark and sexy new husband is actual royalty—the fae king of the Night Court—and there’s an entire world beneath the veil of Vegas.

Whether light or shadow, the fae are a far cry from fairy tales, and now they’ve made Bryn a pawn in their dark games for power. And Caiden is the most dangerous of all—an intoxicating cocktail of sin and raw, insatiable hunger. She should run. But every night of passion pulls Bryn deeper into his strange and sinister world, until she’s no longer certain she wants to leave…even if she could.

Review:

All is fair in marriage and war.

The Dark King was an extremely seductive tale about the Fae living in our world. With adult flawed characters, an enemies to lovers premise, a captive situation, and death constantly around the corner, this book was such a quick read! The Dark King was a memorable story that fantasy lovers will devour!

“I’d rather be sorry for taking a thousand risks than be safe for never taking any.”

Bryn Meara ended up with a free trip to the city of sin, Las Vegas. I adored her happy go lucky personality and how she could find so much positive even when the world knocked her down. Upon meeting Caiden Verran, a billionaire who owned the hotel she was staying at, there were sparks. And after a wild night with Caiden, they ended up married. But what Bryn didn’t realize was that he was Fae. And the king of the Night Court. Bryn found herself trapped and part of a deadly game. But are you truly trapped if a part of your heart wanted to stay?

I’m a selfish fucking bastard who wants to keep what he’s not supposed to have.

Caiden Verran was a multi-faceted man. He showed us he had compassion for his employees and to keep them safe. That he loved his brothers. But he also showed us how he had no problem being dark, controlling and an asshole. Caiden’s court was banished to the human world, and they made Vegas what it is today. And his court was also cursed. I loved watching how that played out as the story progressed. The Fae were so tricky, especially with their words! Caiden was sex appeal, danger and control all rolled into a beautifully powerful man. So when he showed us his heart or when he opened up to Bryn, it was impossible not to fall for him.

“So I was thinking, since I’m your prisoner—”
“Guest.”
“Hostage—”
“Roommate.”
She sighs.

Caiden and Bryn together were electric with their enemies to lovers romance. I loved how she had no problem standing her ground when it came to him. He definitely wasn’t used to that lol. But at the same point, they were trapped together. So Bryn became a hostage. One who still had feelings and a wild attraction to her captor. Yet her captor felt so much towards her too, even if he didn’t want to. Their moments together were beyond erotic. Sooooooo why didn’t I gave this book a higher rating, since I loved so much of it? It’s because the BDSM was way too much for me. I would have been fine with it once, but that was not how the story unfolded. Butt plugs, being called a slut, spanking, nipple clamps etc just aren’t my preferences when reading a book. Just like the moment below, I flinched when reading ugh.

As her next orgasm builds and twists inside her, tears overflow and cause her mascara to run. I use the fingers of my free hand and smear the black drops into messy streaks down her face, then I grip the front of her throat and apply pressure on either side. Lips and nipples both swollen and red, cheeks painted in black tears…

Mysteries, secrets, and fabulous twists filled this story. And there was a sacrifice that was beautiful! Plus the side characters, oh I have way too many lovely words for them to write it all here, but readers will be excited to learn that this world will continue with those other characters. I absolutely loved the story-line and the characters, I just personally couldn’t handle the BDSM. Not even a little bit. I read the synopsis on Goodreads, but lesson learned to also look at Amazon because on Amazon it states the book is similar to Fifty Shades. I wish I would have seen that. But here’s hoping my friends who love their fantasy with all the spice enjoy this book!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Never Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4) by Jennie Marts

August 25, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Never Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Fans of Carolyn Brown, Maisey Yates, and Jennifer Ryan will fall head over cowboy boots for this second-chance romance from USA Today bestseller Jennie Marts.

Single mom Jillian Bennett barely has a moment to herself between raising her ten-year old son, volunteering at the horse rescue ranch, and working her new job as head librarian of Creedence, Colorado. She doesn't have time for romance either, even though she and the cute deputy, Ethan Rayburn, have been doing a lot of flirting the last few weeks. But when he also forms a bond with her son, Milo, Jillian falls hard, and Ethan soon realizes he would do anything for the feisty librarian who's won his heart.

Review:

Never Enough Cowboy was heartwarming, touching, and an instant favorite! This book had me constantly laughing and I loved being back in this world. It truly felt like coming home. But keep those tissues nearby, because this one pulled on my heart more times than I can count. If you love small town romances, or country romances, definitely make for sure this book is on your tbr!

“It’s okay for you to fall,” he said, his voice a husky whisper. “I promise I’ll catch you.”

Jillian Bennett was new to town, a librarian, and a single mom. She was quirky and I loved her for it, especially her ridiculous underwear lol! Through mutual acquaintances, Jillian found herself running into Ethan Rayburn time and again. He was a deputy and was completely smitten by Jillian. Yet, Jillian was focused and had a lot on her plate. She didn’t feel as though she had time to date, even if Ethan clicked so easily with her son, Milo. Ethan was determined to knock down Jillian’s walls and find a way into her heart. And his path to that was beyond adorable and steamy too!

Tilting her face up to his, she looked into his gorgeous blue eyes and saw such tenderness there, it hurt her chest. Emotion burned the back of her throat, and she feared she might start crying again. “I could really fall for you, you know?”
His lips curved into a roguish grin. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

I absolutely loved Ethan! I loved that he knew what he wanted in life and went after it. From the first moment he met Jillian, he just knew she was for him. And that man did not have a subtle bone in his body about wanting Jillian lol! Ethan was kind, patient, sexy, romantic, hilarious and so sweet. Yet he could also be tough as nails and a force to be reckoned with. So I loved his softer moments with Jillian and her son. He was so thoughtful and I loved the lengths he went to, to try and win Jillian over. But I was so nervous for him. Would Jillian open up and let him in?

“I’ll just look around then, maybe check out a book or two, while I wait.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice further. “Got any recommendations for books about romance? I’m kind of interested in this woman, and I feel like I need to up my game with her.”
She pressed her lips together to keep a giggle from escaping.

Jillian and Ethan had such an emotional path. Their old fears and pasts crept in. Mistakes were made. And there were scenes that pulled at my heart and made me cry all the tears. Not only for Jillian and Ethan, but for the animals too as we watched them work towards their HEAs also. But don’t worry because there was lots of joy, and I had so many happy tears too! So many of our favorites are back, humans and animals. I loved Otis the goat and Aunt Sassy and her meddling. I laughed so hard, I don’t even know how many times, that I had tears streaming down my face and was gasping for breath! And watching Ethan and Jillian’s son Milo together made my heart burst with joy! Ohh plus this book had a surprise that I’m not saying a word about other then I LOVED how it affected the story!

“Darlin’, haven’t you figured out by now that it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing my hat, your superhero undies, a down parka, or nothing at all, I am completely at your mercy.”

Why is this series not a tv show?!?! I would binge it again and again, just like I still do with Friends! Never Enough Cowboy was fun, flirty and heartwarming! With friendship and love, this story was so much fun! I was completely swept away and I think romance lovers will feel the same way too! And now I’m dying to know, are Knox and Carly the next book? *fingers crossed!*

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