Tag: Adult (Page 42 of 62)

BOOK REVIEW: Cinder-Nanny by Sariah Wilson

June 30, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

Cinder-Nanny by Sariah Wilson
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
What could come between a nanny and an earl in a fairy-tale love story? A reality check―in an endearing and witty romance by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of Roommaid.

With her sister’s medical bills mounting, Diana Parker can’t say no to a high-paying opportunity like this: accompany a wealthy couple to Aspen and nanny their precocious five-year-old son for three months. Necessary qualifications? She must know how to ski and teach math, speak fluent French, excel at social graces, and hold a master’s degree in childhood development. Who’ll be the wiser that Diana’s only skill is packing for Colorado?

So far, so good―having a con woman for a mother has turned out to be a benefit, even if Diana has complicated feelings about telling lies. But she’s doing this for her sister. And the perks―like a ticket to a lavish charity fundraiser, a new gown, and a Prince Charming–adjacent earl named Griffin Windsor―are pretty irresistible. Diana can’t deny the Cinderella vibe.

Wary of gold diggers and scandal, England’s most eligible bachelor is nevertheless falling for Diana, and sweeping the not-quite princess off her feet.

The warmer their relationship becomes, the slipperier the slopes are for Diana. Sooner or later, she’ll have to come clean. When that happens, does an honest-to-goodness happy ending stand a chance?

Review:

Cinder-Nanny was a heartwarming story that was filled with charm, romance and hope! With a unique twist on elements reminiscent of Cinderella, I fell so hard for this book. If you love adult romance that will leave you smiling the whole way through, you definitely need Cinder-Nanny in your life!

“How does someone like me get the fairy tale?” I asked. It felt like I had lifetimes of bad karma to work through.

Diana Parker was in a predicate. Her sister needed a lifesaving procedure, and the answer to their prayers was a job that covered the cost of the surgery! Yet Diana didn’t exactly qualify for that job. She didn’t know French, or how to ski, or have the background that the parents were looking for. But Diana was determined to fake it all in the name of saving her sister. While she was trying her best being a nanny to a wealthy couple, it led her to meeting Griffin Windsor, an earl. And total prince charming!

I knew what I should do. What the smart thing would be.
No one had ever accused me of being smart, though.

I wasn’t sure what to make of Diana at first. Her mom was a con artist and used her as a child running her cons. Now as an adult, Diana tried her best to go through life being honest. Yet with this new job, she was lying through her teeth. And while she felt like Robin Hood, the moment she met her clients she realized her mistake. They were amazingly, kind people. But here was where the ‘I absolutely love Diana moment happened’. She felt guilt. She tried better than her best. And every single time her heart was always in the right place. I loved watching her grow. I loved rooting her on! And I kept my fingers crossed that she would get a happily forever too. She was so hard on herself and she more than deserved it!

“I don’t believe in fate.” Karma, yes. But fate? Fate was a fickle wench who had no place in my life.
“One doesn’t have to believe in something for it to be true.”

Griffin Windsor was beyond sigh worthy. I fell hard for him the first moment he appeared on the pages. He was suave, charming, sexy, and enticing without even trying. He was England’s most eligible bachelor and the moment he met Diana, they clicked. The way they met and their banter was not only fun but absolutely smile inducing! I truly couldn’t ever stop smiling when Griffin was around. And he made me laugh. While there was a strong chemistry between them, Diana knew she needed to keep her head down and focus on being a good nanny to help her sister out.

It felt as if his nose grazed mine, but the sensation was so fleeting that I couldn’t be sure. “Just friends, huh?” he asked.
“Just friends,” I whispered.

Griffin and Diana’s time together revolved around Milo, the boy Diana was a nanny to. Who I loved, quirks and all ♥! He was so adorable, and I loved his friend Sophie too! Watching Diana help Milo warmed my heart and I loved seeing her help him grow! So as the kids were painting, skiing and having play dates, it felt so effortless for Griffin and Diana to become friends. And when they even got an alone kidless dinner, eeps I loved it all! I kept hoping they would push that line past friendship! Because anytime they were together, it was all so addictive and played out like I was watching a movie. You know, every single time I pick up a Sariah Wilson novel I think that! Each of her books play out like I’m watching movie, and one that I would love to watch again and again and again!

“Am I alone in this?” he asked. “In what I feel—this connection between us?”
I knew the answer I should give him.
I also knew the answer that I wanted to give him.
Ducking my head, I went under his arm. I walked around to the other side of the door, placing it between us. I couldn’t say what I wanted to say with him being so near.
“You’re not alone,” I whispered to him, then closed it.

While I smiled so much, there was also emotional moments in the pages too. And I bawled my eyes out later in this book. I did not expect it to be that emotional, or who it was with, but this book had so many wonderful and emotional surprises. I loved the references to Cinderella and how this was a very modern day twist on that classic! And HEA lovers will rejoice with this story! There was an epilogue set in the future that was everything we could have hoped and dreamed for! So if you adore smile worthy, sweet, adult romance you definitely need to put this one on your tbr!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Prince of Ruin (Claimed by the Demon #1) by Bec McMaster

June 22, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

Prince of Ruin (Claimed by the Demon #1)
by Bec McMaster
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
This demon prince will ruin you….

A story of forbidden love, two reckless hearts on either side of a vicious war, and betrayal.

Sera

Sera knows the taste of the bitter ashes of love. The former angel gave her heart and soul to a demon once, and it cost her everything.
Cast from Heaven and newly mortal, she’s forged herself anew on the vicious streets of New Purgatory, but she’s never forgotten him.
And when Uriel offers her a chance of redemption, she takes it.
Even if it means facing her most vicious heartbreak—and her greatest threat.
And stealing from him.
But when she walks into Azazel’s club, she can’t deny the obvious. Even though he won’t recognise her new body, one look into his piercing eyes and she knows the fierce connection they once shared hasn’t faded.
Is there any mercy left in Azazel’s villainous heart?
Or will his darkness consume her?

Azazel

Once upon a time the angel, Sariel, betrayed him.
He swore to break her.
Ruin her.
Destroy her.
Until she vanished over a thousand years ago, and he was forced to leash his desire for vengeance…
But when a sassy blonde calling herself Sera comes strutting into his club during one of the infamous reaping nights—wearing a pair of angel wings in a blatant middle finger to his kind— he can’t take his eyes off her.
Her innocence consumes him.
But it’s the knowing look in her eyes that makes his breath catch.
Because his soul hasn’t forgotten hers.
And while he swore to punish her, he takes one look at her and realizes vengeance has a new desire…
He will possess her, body and soul.

Prince of Ruin is a deliciously sexy novella featuring two former lovers, a war between mortal enemies, and the price of betrayal. Expect danger, wicked sin (and piercings) and a possessive mafia-style hero (is that the right word?) who may just try to tempt her to the dark side. Who will win? The demon with a heart of pure obsidian? Or the innocent whose love still burns like a supernova?

Warning: This novella is full of savage desire and sweet vengeance, and ends with a HFN.

Review:

Prince of Ruin was wickedly seductive and intoxicating. While I binged this book in one sitting, it sure didn’t feel like a novella. The world was richly imagined, the characters leaped from the pages and the story-line was one I kept thinking about long after I finished that last page. If you’re looking for a steamy, paranormal romance you definitely need to give this one a try! It landed right on my favorites list!

Uriel’s words echoed in her head. “What price are you willing to pay for redemption?”
Everything, she’d breathed.

Sera was a former angel who was now in a human body. To redeem herself from the past and prevent a war from happening, she needed to steal the shard of Michael’s sword back. But stealing it had consequences. Azazel had the shard, and she would have to get close to him to take it from under his nose. Azazel was a demon, who she had once fallen for. Hard. Their love was forbidden and betrayal was going to be laced throughout their future, again.

“Once upon a time a demon fell in love with an angel.” His voice was like velvet over her skin, but she could sense the threat within the words.
It took all her strength to swallow down the rush of feeling those words conjured. “Love? Can a demon truly love anything other than himself?”

I absolutely loved Sera! She was so brave, cunning and fearless. She did what she believed was right. Even if that meant she had to trick, lie or weave stories to others. It all led her to where she needed to be. And at the end of the day, she protected those she loved and would do anything for them. So when Sera wore angel wings and white into Azazel’s demon club, she easily grabbed Azazel’s attention. She toyed with him, just like she wanted. Now all she had to do was locate and steal back the shard!

Azazel leaned down, a gentle kiss spilling from his brutal lips. It stirred against Sera’s lips. A kiss of heat and sin. A promise of sweetness and seduction.
A lie.

Azazel was wickedly charming. Yes he could be deadly and ruthless. But underneath him simmered so much more. He was lust. He was power. And he was someone Sera knew she couldn’t trust. Their past proved it, didn’t it? At the same time, Azazel could also be kind, caring and extremely attentive….for a demon. Sera played a tricky game when it came to Azazel. She didn’t think he would know it was her. But they both got sent down a path that neither of them saw coming!

You loved him. Once.
You wanted this to happen.
You needed it to happen.

The chemistry between Sera and Azazel was electrifying. When they physically got together, their moments were extremely passionate, erotic and scorching hot! But sacrifice, duty and love swirled throughout the pages. And those sacrifices and risks that were taken were absolutely everything! I was obsessed with how their story unfolded. Plus, there were other characters I can’t wait to learn more about, especially Sera’s technowitch friend, Tayla. She was hilarious!

There’d been a moment where he’d looked at her, and she saw the angel she’d loved.
Her treacherous heart wanted to defend him. He was there, he was still there. Or parts of him, anyway.

Prince of Ruin left us at the perfect stopping spot. We were left with a happily for now that allowed us to breathe, but I desperately need more! I can’t wait to see what happens next, there is still so much story to tell! Prince of Ruin was a forbidden love story that was sinfully hot and completely consumed me! It’s a must read for paranormal romance lovers!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

May 19, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

Something Wilder by Christine Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Growing up the daughter of notorious treasure hunter and absentee father Duke Wilder left Lily without much patience for the profession…or much money in the bank. But Lily is nothing if not resourceful, and now uses Duke’s coveted hand-drawn maps to guide tourists on fake treasure hunts through the red rock canyons of Utah. It pays the bills but doesn’t leave enough to fulfill her dream of buying back the beloved ranch her father sold years ago, and definitely not enough to deal with the sight of the man she once loved walking back into her life with a motley crew of friends ready to hit the trails. Frankly, Lily would like to take him out into the wilderness—and leave him there.

Leo Grady knew mirages were a thing in the desert, but they’d barely left civilization when the silhouette of his greatest regret comes into focus in the flickering light of the campfire. Ready to leave the past behind him, Leo wants nothing more than to reconnect with his first and only love. Unfortunately, Lily Wilder is all business, drawing a clear line in the sand: it’s never going to happen.

But when the trip goes horribly and hilariously wrong, the group wonders if maybe the legend of the hidden treasure wasn’t a gimmick after all. There’s a chance to right the wrongs—of Duke’s past and their own—but only if Leo and Lily can confront their history and work together. Alone under the stars in the isolated and dangerous mazes of the Canyonlands, Leo and Lily must decide whether they’ll risk their lives and hearts on the adventure of a lifetime.

Review:

Something Wilder was an action packed adventure! The authors note from the very beginning made me laugh out loud and I could easily see myself watching this story unfold in the movie theater someday! While it was lighter on the romance then some of their other books, if you’re looking to get lost for a few hours and have a ton of fun then this may be the book for you!

She wanted to hate him. She wanted to resent this man forever. But how could she? Whether he was aware of it or not, he was looking at her like she was the prize at the end.

I loved the premise behind this story! A guy’s getaway where each year one of them plans their adventure, yet the others truly don’t know the details of what they’re going to be doing. How fun! And as fate would have it, Leo Grady ended up on a horseback riding, camping, fake treasure hunting adventure ran by his ex from ten years ago, Lily Wilder. Lily’s father was a notorious treasure hunter and she had been using his maps to take tourists on adventures. And while it payed her bills, she desperately wanted to be able to buy back the ranch she grew up on. While guiding Leo’s group on their adventure, their whole trip went sideways and left them realizing that there may just be a true treasure out there after all!

There was an ember of hope flickering faintly beneath her ribs; he stoked it with the unexpected hunger in his expression. What did he want her to say right now? It all felt like too much to process at once.

I have to get out of the way my biggest issue with this book…..Terry. He was a tag along in Leo’s group and he felt like a cartoon character at times. He was ridiculous, rude, beyond crazy, and just so over the top that every time he spoke or did an action it pulled me out of the story and left a bad taste in my mouth. I struggled hard to stay focused. I even contemplated not finishing this book because of his character and some truly odd placed humor which made me uncomfortable. But I’m so glad I pushed through because the latter part of this book was amazing!

He nodded, smiling at the fire. “That was one crazy fucking day.”
This made her laugh, and he looked up at her, pleased at the sound. Her heart tugged.

Leo and Lily had a short yet bright and passionate relationship ten years ago. It didn’t seem like either of them were able to get over their past, or how things fell apart between them. So when they saw each other again, feelings were still there yet there was a huge world of hurt. I’m so glad this story didn’t drag out their talks about what happened in the past. I was thankful that wasn’t an issue! And while Leo and Lily didn’t have banter like I’d come to love with CL’s other couples, in that latter half of the story I loved feeling the passion between them! I just wish it didn’t take that long for it to get there. But by then I was rooting for their second chance happily ever after and for them to just stay alive!

Hope was a dangerous drug, and Lily was standing at the precipice between two worlds: one that promised everything she ever wanted in life, and another where she’d have to figure out how to make the life she had into the life she wanted.

Something Wilder focused more on the adventure then the romance for the first part of the story. So I was ecstatic that the latter half added in the romance and even some passion in the pages. By 62% I was more than hooked and if I could I’d give that last part all the stars! While I guessed quite a few things, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment with how the story unfolded. And that last part was so action packed and nonstop, that it was impossible not to smile, gasp or put down this book! With being in the wilderness, treasure hunting while solving puzzles and life and death situations, this story was a lot of fun!

Never in all her life had she imagined her own death, but if pressed, she’d say what anyone who was at least part optimist probably said: she expected to die when she was old, after a long, happy life. She absolutely did not expect to die in the Green River, chasing her father’s lunatic dream.

Something Wilder wrapped up beautifully and I loved getting to know what everyone was up to and that some of the characters definitely got their happily ever after! I think so many people will adore this story and I’d love to watch it as a movie, with a few tweaks with a certain character. If you adore action, adventure and romance, then definitely check out 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: Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard

May 18, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

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

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

Sometimes, finding love means flouting the rules...

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PS Bronwyn needs her own book!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Set on You by Amy Lea

May 13, 2022 / Jen / 8 Comments

Set on You by Amy Lea
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

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

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

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

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

Review:

Set on You was a heartwarming debut! With a fun take on the enemies to lovers trope, I devoured this book in two sittings. And this slow burn romance had humor, romance and heart in the pages, making it a fabulous combination! If you love adult romance and enemies to lovers, you may want to have this one on your tbr!

“What’s your name?” The words tumble out of my mouth before I even register what I’m saying. Why do I care to know his legal name? Squat Rack Thief suits him just fine.

I hold my breath, awaiting his answer.

Amused, he opens his mouth, but no words come out. Instead, he just strides away.

Crystal Chen was a curvy fitness influencer whose content was uplifting while also trying to smash gym stereotypes, which I loved. After dealing with a bad breakup, Crystal kept running into a man at the gym who not only ruined the videos she was recording, but seemed to antagonize her at the same time. It was hate and lust at first sight. But after multiple run-ins at the gym, Crystal and Scott ended up meeting at their grandparents engagement party. Saying they were both shocked was an understatement! And that moment led their relationship down a different path, where I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!

The universe is officially conspiring against me. I must have done some seriously messed-up shit in a past life.

My first impression of Scott Ritchie was that he was a a complete and total douchebag, ha! But when Scott got Crystal back in that first chapter, I was laughing so hard I couldn’t help but be intrigued by him! Especially when we saw that he could be nice……just not to her lol. I should have hated Scott, for Crystal’s sake, but that wasn’t happening. He made me crack up way too much. And the more we got to see who firefighter Scott was, it was impossible not to fall head over heels in love with him!

It might be evil, but I want to break him. I want to watch him lose all restraint.

Crystal was strong willed and tried her hardest! I absolutely loved how she was so positive about her body and health, but it shocked me that she could be so negative about males and love. So because of that, her little faith or trust in men definitely made me nervous if she would let Scott in all the way. And while she did stumble at times, it was heartwarming to watch her grow by the end of this novel.

I walk ahead a few paces, forcing my mouth into a neutral state. I’m smiling like a child at Disneyland and I refuse to let him see it. I’m enjoying non-hate-filled banter with him far more than he needs to know.

Crystal and Scott together were addictive. I loved the games they played with each other, they were laugh out loud worthy and it made their enemies to lovers romance so much fun! And when they did get physical, oh wow, it was smoking hot. But as the story progressed, mistakes were made. So I was happy to see that apologies happened and allowed me to forgive and move on. I also loved how we got to read Crystal’s Instagram posts and see a few of the comments on each of her posts. And I absolutely loved both of their grandparents with my whole heart. They were so adorable!

There’s a fragility in the way he’s looking at me, truly at me. As if he’s inviting me in, allowing me to see into the depths of his soul. Every guy I’ve ever been with would already have my pants off right now, but he’s treating me like I’m something to be cherished, savored.

Set on You was a wonderful debut! With enemies to lovers, steamy scenes, fun banter and wonderful side characters, this story was fabulous! While I did have some hiccups with Crystal, I was so happy that by the end of the book we got to see how far she had come and grew! Plus we were given an epilogue that gave us a happily ever after! I closed this book excited to read whatever Amy Lea releases next!

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