Tag: Adult (Page 41 of 62)

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.*

BOOK REVIEW: Much Ado About Dukes (Never a Wallflower #2) by Eva Devon

August 21, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Much Ado About Dukes (Never a Wallflower #2)
by Eva Devon
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Shakespeare meets Bridgerton in this witty and lively marriage-of-inconvenience romance.

As far as William Easton―the Duke of Blackheath―is concerned, love can go to the devil. Why would a man need passion when he has wealth, a stately home, and work to occupy his mind? But no one warned him that a fiery and frustratingly strong-willed activist like Lady Beatrice Haven could find a way to get under his skin...and that he might enjoy it.

Lady Beatrice is determined to never marry. Ever. She would much rather fight for the rights of women and provoke the darkly handsome Duke of Blackheath, even if he does claim to be forward-thinking. After all, dukes―even gorgeous ones―are the enemy. So why does she feel such enjoyment from their heated exchanges?

But everything changes when Beatrice finds herself suddenly without fortune, a husband, or even a home. Now her future depends on the very man who sets her blood boiling. Because in order to protect his esteemed rival, the Duke of Blackheath has asked for Beatrice’s hand, inviting his once-enemy into his home...and his bed.

Each book in the Never a Wallflower series is STANDALONE:
* The Spinster and the Rake
* Much Ado About Dukes
* The Duke's Secret Cinderella

Review:

Much Ado About Dukes was romantic, charming and impossible to put down! With characters that were full of life, a story-line that kept me turning the pages faster and an ending I adored, this book was everything! If you love historical romance or adult romance, you definitely need this book in your life!

His head lowered ever so slightly. “Are you blackmailing me?” And then he smiled, a beautiful, teasing, devastating sort of smile. “Are you going to make every family dinner a complete catastrophe until I agree?”
She cocked her head to the side. “Possibly.”

Beatrice was convinced that love was never in her future. Being raised by her Uncle, and having her cousin as a best friend, she was happily living her life and speaking out about women’s rights. But when her fortune disappeared, she found herself in trouble and complete disarray. To the rescue came Will. William Easton, the Duke of Blackhearth, was the man she wrote to about women’s rights and never heard back from. He was a formidable presence and she was convinced he was the enemy. But when he proposed they marry and that they would both avoid the pitfalls of love, Beatrice paused to consider and I was already addicted!

“Perhaps we have more in common than we thought,” he said softly.
“The horror,” she teased before she inclined her head. “Who’d have thought it?”

Beatrice made a name for herself and she seemed so put together, driven and I loved that she would never settle for less when it came to love. She had seen how much her parents truly loved one another, before they died, and she only wanted that. She was perfectly content remaining single and I loved the relationship she had with her cousin, Margaret. They truly loved and cared for one another. Yet, Beatrice felt so lonely. Except when Will was in her vicinity, her life felt less lonely and fierier during those moments!

There was only one word for her.
Magnificent.
He did not know what he had expected, but this was not it. She was a positive force of a woman, and he was… stunned.

I am officially obsessed with William Easton, the Duke of Blackheath! To a stranger he could come across as focused on his work and maybe closed off, but getting to see the side of him with his brothers….ohhhh there was so much to Will! He was such a good guy *cries because I want to steal him from the pages!*. I loved the interactions he had with his brothers but I loved even more all of Will’s thoughts that we got to hear as we alternated between him and Beatrice. He proved again and again why he was trustworthy and good. He apologized. He stood up. He surprised Beatrice time and again. But best of all he could joke and tease her, and those moments made my heart beat faster! Will was considerate, thoughtful, kind and extremely sexy.

“Beatrice, we shall make London quake underneath our polished boots, for you and I can make the world sit up and take notice. Nothing will ever be the same.”
How right he surely was.

Much Ado About Dukes made me laugh out loud and smile! The banter between Beatrice and Will was so much fun and I loved how it showed their other sides! From the moment they met, there was chemistry and the tension between them that was electrifying. But they were both weary of love. So the moments they caused each other to faulter was exciting and left me hoping for more! And as they spent more time around each other, they helped each other see who they truly were and open their eyes to the ways of the world. I loved that they brought out the best from each other. When their moment together led to more, this book was sensually seductive!

Will smiled down at her.
She met that smile with one of her own. A smile full of determination to succeed.
Yes, this was the beginning of something beautiful, and he would not let them fail.

Much Ado About Dukes was romantically addictive! I loved the way this book unfolded, I loved the moments that tugged at my heart and I also love that it made me scream out loud for how something played out. This book constantly pulled on my emotions! And fyi, you definitely don’t have to read the first book in this series to enjoy this one! I just have to say one more thing…. I absolutely loved Ben, Will’s brother. He needs his own book please!

She beamed at him. “Together?” she whispered. “How can we lose?”

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken

July 19, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Life's Too Short meets The Unhoneymooners in this sparkling, steamy, and swoon-worthy novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, in which two sworn enemies must share house, home—and maybe their hearts—when they become co-parents after a sudden loss.

Colby's living her best life: as a popular food blogger, she gets to fulfill her dreams of exploring the globe. But her world comes crashing down when a tragic accident leaves her co-guardian of her best friend's two adorable children. Not only does she need to put down roots—fast—but she'll be sharing custody with the one man she can't stand sharing a continent with, let alone a house.

Accountant-extraordinaire Rip values rules and plans. But when he loses his sister and his best friend and becomes an insta-guardian all in one night, Rip sees his organized life imploding. What he really doesn't need is his sister's irresponsible, flighty—albeit kind and gorgeous—best friend making it worse.

Rip doesn't trust Colby to take their new responsibilities seriously, while Colby can't believe Rip thinks children will thrive under his rigid control. Yet soon Rip and Colby discover they need each other more than they hate each other. Could it be possible that following their hearts is just what their new little family needs?

Review:

One thing I had already learned was that you had to hold on to the moments— even the ones that drove you crazy. Because you never knew how long you had to enjoy them.

The Godparent Trap was an emotional powerhouse that was impossible to put down. I don’t think I have ever laughed or cried so much while reading a book. This story easily reached into my heart and owned every part of me! It was heartwarming, beautiful, memorable and going on my favorites list!

“It wasn’t supposed to be like this,” Colby whispered, reading my mind as I tried to fight back the tears that were always threatening, along with the tight feeling in my throat that refused to go away.

Colby was a food blogger, who traveled around the world enjoying life! Rip was an accountant who liked knowing where his life was going. Both of their worlds came crashing down when Rip’s sister and best friend, who were also Colby’s best friends, passed away. Leaving Colby and Rip with custody of their two kids. The story started out in present day, and then in that next chapter we jumped three weeks into the past. I was instantly hooked. Colby and Rip tried their best to hold it together. But between their grief, becoming new parents and having a past between one another, they were in for a very bumpy road.

My ovaries did a little jump at how good he was with children. I mean, he could be Satan to me any day, but the way he loved those kids, it almost made me forget how horrible he was.
Almost.

I adored Colby right away! She loved her best friend’s kids deeply and was passionate about her work. But my heart hurt so bad for her. Not only was she drowning in grief and learning how to function as a new parent, but she was definitely in over her head! With live chicken nuggets, burned toy dragons and disaster after disaster, I found myself laughing and crying right along with Colby! And through it all, there was Rip. To witness her hit all of the highs and lows. During those lows, my gosh he could be so harsh to Colby. Rip was way to rigid and Colby was exactly what he needed in his life!

“Hey, Rip,” I said.
“Yeah.” He was still staring down into the amber liquid.
“Do you hate me?”
He didn’t flinch. Didn’t smile. Just stared into his drink and whispered, “I wish I could.”

Oh Rip. He could be so anal, meticulous and put together, but there was also another side to him. One where his smile lit up the room and where he was intoxicating and seductive. And even when he made mistakes, I still loved him. Famous last words, never think it’s easier to stay home and take care of the kids haha! Rip was also drowning in his pain, and the fact that we got this story in his POV too, it’ll make you fall even harder for him! Especially when he learned how to extend olive branches and hear his thoughts about Colby, sigh. Even though him and Colby were polar opposites, there was most definitely something there.

I tried not to let air get caught in my throat, just like I tried not to read into any of it, which was basically impossible. But before I could say anything, he was carrying Viera upstairs. And while I wrangled a cat, cleaned up poop, and helped Ben put away groceries, my heart held out a little bit more hope that maybe…
Maybe we were going to be OK.

Within those first few chapters, I already had tears falling down my face and laughter floating out of me, I loved every moment! Know that while the tears didn’t stay away for long, through it all there were so many moments of lightness. Such as their texts, but even more happiness could be found during their moments with the kids. I laughed so hard I was crying I don’t even know how many times. I loved the bedtime stories! But there were also these beautiful chaotic moments between Rip and Colby, and through it all the tension between them left you begging for them to become more! The tension simmered between them. And when we came back around to that first moment in the book, I literally was screaming out loud! Because I just knew that when they got together it was going to be hot and seductive, and I was so right!

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “What do you guys talk about?”
He shrugged. “Dumb stuff like how Stu’s doing, Viera’s dolls, my spelling tests, the time you got kicked out of my jujitsu match—”
I shot a glare at Colby when she snorted behind her hand.
“Oh, and how I pray every night for you and Aunt Colby to get married so we can be a family again.”
Colby froze.

If you love Life as We Know It, you’ll love this book! Let it be known that I have been obsessed with Josh Duhamel since he got his start on AMC forever and a day ago haha. And while that is one of my favorite movies, this book surpassed it! I feel soooo guilty saying this and I’m sorry Josh, but this book owned me! I had giddy laughter with Banks. The jealousy with both Colby and Rip was everything! Secrets came out that left me reading even faster. And the times that Rip and Colby learned to work together and looked like a true family was breathtaking and heartwarming. I didn’t even get to talk about the kids but they were my favorite kids in a book EVER! The Godparent Trap was filled with happiness, heartache, struggles, sacrifice, love and I loved every minute of it! I can’t recommend this book enough!

“You’ll pay for that,” he said under his breath.
“Promise?” I called over my shoulder.
His eyes burned into mine.
It was our perfect moment, the one that defined the rest of our lives, I felt it in my soul.

PS I was curious how many times I cried, because I take notes while reading, and it was 15! I laughed soooo many more times than that, but oh my gosh, see?! This book definitely owned me!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Cowboy Ever After by Jennie Marts

July 18, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Cowboy Ever After by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
She’s writing a romance novel…
and he’s just like the hero in her story!
Enjoy the delightful cowboy romance from Hallmark and USA Today bestselling author Jennie Marts.

Kaylee Collins, a shy city-dweller, is writing a Western romance—and getting the details wrong. Her editor insists that Kaylee learn more about country life by spending a week at a working ranch. Kaylee reluctantly agrees as long as she can bring Gladys, her slightly overweight Corgi.

To rustle up her courage, Kaylee channels the spirit of the fearless heroine of her story. But she’s shocked when she meets Luke Montgomery—the spitting image of her handsome cowboy hero!

As far as Luke’s concerned, Kaylee’s books are pure fantasy. Love hurts, and he should know: he lost his wife a few years back. But he finds himself amused, and then enchanted, by this woman who bravely tries new things and whose heart seems to be as big as the Montana sky. Can they both dare to start a new chapter together?

This clean romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Extra Delicious Carrot Cake.

Review:

Cowboy Ever After was a heartwarming tale that was filled with love, laughter and friendship. If you love small town romances and stories that play out like you’re watching a Hallmark movie, you need this book in your life. I desperately need this to be made into a Hallmark movie so I can binge it again and again! Cowboy Ever After was a charming, sweet and delightful romance that landed right on my favorites list!

All she could focus on was the way his fingers had felt as they brushed her cheek and the crystal blue shade of his eyes as he peered down at her. She was caught in his gaze, powerless to move as she drowned in their depths.

Kaylee Collins was an author who lived in Chicago, but needed to perfect some of the smaller details in her cowboy romance stories. When her editor suggested that she go to Montana, to stay with her brother and learn how a ranch works, Kaylee agreed. She embarked on a trip, along with her adorable corgi Gladys who I absolutely loved! Their adventure was filled with an adorable small town, friendly townspeople, farm animals and a sexy cowboy that looked like just like the hero in one of her books!

Kaylee Collins had landed in his life, with her pudgy dog, hot pink cowgirl outfit and a smashed vegetable cake, and he hadn’t been the same since.

I loved Kaylee! She was so relatable and easy to click with. From choosing the wrong clothes, to trying and channel one of her characters for bravery, I absolutely adored her! And from that first goosetastic moment she stepped on Luke’s ranch, Kaylee’s world started to change. She tried her best to get out of her comfort zone, while helping on a working ranch. And I loved how her time helping or being around the ranch inspired moments in her books! But most of all, I loved that Kaylee was always a joy to be around. Her cheerfulness and happiness was infectious! And before Luke knew it, that broody cowboy started to feel things he hadn’t felt in years!

He held the book sideways, and she could see he was already half-way through. “I was just gonna read a couple of pages, but I couldn’t put it down. You’re a great writer, Kaylee.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “That means a lot.” His words touched something in her.

Luke was a tortured hero I fell hard for! He seemed to keep his head down, work hard, and didn’t expect much from a city person coming and staying with him. So I loved that Kaylee shocked him. Her willingness to jump right in and help, while getting her hands dirty, made him pause and look at her. Which he hadn’t done with anyone in quite a long time. And as Kaylee got Luke to open up, I loved that he was charming and easy to talk to. He was also kind, thoughtful, protective and extremely sexy! Even if he could be a little clueless when it came to women at times. Luke was a hero that so many people will easily fall for!

The air felt different here. And so did she. Something about being on the ranch was filling an empty place inside her. Maybe a place she didn’t even know was there. Not until she got here and found the missing pieces to fill it with.

While Luke and Kaylee seemed like polar opposites, they both spent so much time alone and loved their dogs Gladys and Cooper with their whole heart and souls. I loved what Gladys and Cooper added to the story; they both easily wiggled their ways into my heart! And as Kaylee spent more time around Luke, I fell hard for him right along with her! He was swoon worthy, sigh inducing and had such a good heart. I loved them working on the ranch together and going to town events. But Luke had his walls up high and Kaylee was only there to research her book, and then would be heading back to the city. Still, neither of them could ignore the tension between them that simmered with electricity!

“All that matters is just you and me, darlin’.”
“Just you and me,” she repeated in a whisper.

Cowboy Ever After was a story-line that captured my heart! Every time I pick up a Jennie Marts book I know that I will be smiling from that first page to the last, and that the story will be filled with so much heart! There were also hidden treasures with Dean, Emma, Bear and so many animals! With laughter, romance, jealousy, friendship and love, this book was everything! If you need a feel good story, definitely look no further then this book!

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