Tag: Contemporary Romance (Page 1 of 86)

BOOK REVIEW: Rival (Fall Away #3) by Penelope Douglas

December 19, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Rival (Fall Away #3)
by Penelope Douglas
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Two estranged teenagers play games that push the boundaries between love and war....

For the two years she was away at boarding school, Madoc had no word from Fallon. Back when they lived in the same house, she used to cut him down during the day and then leave her door open for him at night. Now he's ready to beat her at her own game....

Fallon can tell that Madoc still wants her, even if he acts like he's better than her. But she won't be scared away. Or pushed down. She'll call his bluff and fight back. That's what he wants right?

As long as she keeps her guard up, he'll never know how much he affects her....

Review:

Rival was a steamy, new adult, bully romance that I devoured. Madoc and Fallon’s parents were married, yet they didn’t live under the same roof anymore. Something happened in the past, and Madoc and Fallon were supposed to stay away from each other. So, while mystery swirled through the pages, there was a world’s worth of hurt and anger too. Madoc was the ultimate asshole to Fallon. He easily tormented her in front of others without a second thought. I didn’t understand what happened for him to want to treat her that way. It was horrific. And harsh. Yet at the same time, you could see glimmers of light in Madoc. Even if I didn’t want to.

“You’ve always wanted me. You know why? Because I don’t try to kill your demons. I run with them.”

I listened to the audiobook, and the storyline flew by so quickly. There was drama on top of drama, but underneath it all was the most fabulous angst. With sexual tension simmering between them. But Fallon kept secrets from us, the reader. We didn’t know her whole past. So, as she slowly let us in and the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, my heart hurt for Fallon. And Madoc too.

“The thing is, Fallon . . . I told you before to lock the door if you wanted me to stay out. Funny thing is . . .” I leaned in. “You. Never. Did.”

With those we loved from previous books having no problem stepping in and forcing certain situations lol, to all the drama, blackmail, karaoke, parties and more, this book was so hard to put down. It was a lot mixed together, but at the same time it was effortless to listen to and had a wonderful ending. It felt like a bag of chips, you can’t stop until you consume the whole thing ha. So, if you’re looking for a series that you won’t be able to put down, definitely check this one out if you love bully romances.

BOOK REVIEW: Heated Pursuit (Alpha Security #1) by April Hunt

December 18, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Heated Pursuit (Alpha Security #1)
by April Hunt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
TROPICAL HEAT

Penny Kline didn't come to Honduras on a pleasure trip. She's here to rescue her kidnapped niece, the only family she's got left. What she didn't plan on was walking into a covert ops mission-or being wrapped up in the hard-muscled arms of Rafe Ortega. The cool-as-ice operative's touch may get her all hot and bothered, but no man can have a hold on her heart until her niece is home where she belongs.

Even in the tropics, Alpha Security operative Rafe can take down the bad guys without breaking a sweat. Hostage extractions. Clandestine missions. Those are the things he's been trained to handle. Relationships? Not so much. But one look at this strong, sexy redhead and he's seized by a fierce urge to protect her at all costs. Now Penny and Rafe will have to up their game because they're about to go into a master criminal's lair without backup, and the danger---and passion---is about to explode . . .

Review:

From that first chapter, I was hooked! Heated Pursuit kept me on the edge of the seat and I desperately needed to know what happened next. The characters came alive and the storyline was so much fun! I’m not a huge romantic suspense person, but April Hunt has me sold!

Penny went to Honduras to rescue her kidnapped niece from a drug lord. And I love how she landed with Rafi and tried her best to insert herself into his covert ops mission. From that first moment, there was the most fabulous sexual tension between the two of them.

Penny was determined, strong willed, and I loved how she wouldn’t back down. And then there was Rafe, who was everything. He was the silent yet deadly type who worked beautifully under pressure. Rafe was someone who would go to the end of the world to protect those he loved and cared for. So watching them wiggle their way into each other’s hearts was smile inducing. And the situations they landed themselves in led to non-stop action!

With life and death situations, to steamy moments that were scorching hot, to a found family that was heartwarming, this book had it all! I’m excited to see where the rest of this series takes us. I listened to the audiobook of this story, and I was completely transported away! If you’re looking for a steamy romantic suspense book, definitely put this one on your tbr!

BOOK REVIEW: Wild at Heart & Forever Wild (The Simple Wild #2 & #2.5) by K.A. Tucker

December 5, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Wild at Heart (The Simple Wild #2)
by K. A. Tucker
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From the internationally best-selling author of The Simple Wild comes the continuation of a woman’s journey to Alaska and a life she never imagined for herself.

Calla Fletcher returns to Toronto a different person, struggling to find direction and still very much in love with the rugged bush pilot she left behind. When Jonah arrives on her doorstep with a proposition she can’t dismiss, she takes the leap and rushes back to Alaska to begin their exciting future together.

But Calla soon learns that even the best intentions can lead to broken promises, and that compromise comes with a hefty price—a log cabin in rural Alaska that feels as isolating as the western tundra. With Jonah gone more than he’s home, one neighbor who insists on transforming her into a true Alaskan, and another who seems more likely to shoot her than come to her aid, Calla grapples with forging her own path.

In a world with roaming wildlife that has her constantly watching over her shoulder and harsh conditions that stretch far beyond the cold, dark, winter months, just stepping outside her front door can be daunting. This is not the future Calla had in mind, leaving her to fear that perhaps she is doomed to follow in her mother’s fleeing footsteps after all.

Review:

Wild at Heart was a beautiful continuation of Jonah and Calla’s story. Set in Alaska, this book enraptured me. I loved the small town feel and watching those we love struggle and grow. This series is easily one of my top favorites. If you love adult romance and stories that make you feel everything, add this one to your tbr!

“I can’t remember what it feels like not being in love with you, Calla.”

This story is for all of those who fell madly in love with Calla and Jonah in The Simple Wild. As they started their path to where they would live, I loved watching them be playful together. Yet they had a lot of hurdles along their way. Jonah was afraid of failure. Calla was struggling with finding her way in their new home and town. Each step it felt like they were trying to find their footing, while also growing as a couple. I loved being able to witness their day ins and outs.

I ramble about nothing and everything, closing my eyes to recall the sound of Wren Fletcher’s quiet chuckle. Terrified of the day it fades from memory.

Within this story, there was compromise, hope, love, and growth. We even saw how grief can hit you like a ton of bricks. So, while Calla still had a lot of growing to do, I loved that by that final page she had grown in leaps and bounds. But I will say as someone who lives around bears and mountain lions, I understood her healthy dose of fear for wildlife. All the while, I loved how affectionate Jonah was with her. With his hands, mouth, body and words too.

He’ll always be wild at heart, and there is no way to tame or change him.
Not that I would ever want to.
I smile.
And I hold on tight.

This book had so many beautiful and memorable moments. From the Christmas gift that tied in with her father. To the moose. The trap. To the beer that was bought for her. To her taking sneaky pictures of Jonah. The gift on her porch and another moment on the porch. To even Zeke fainting. This book was everything. For anyone who ever wanted more of their favorite characters, this is that book. And I’m so grateful we got it!

He’s like a sentry, on guard for threats unseen.
I can’t help but smile.

While we got to see many of our favorites like Bandit and others whose names won’t be mentioned for fear of spoilers. We also had some new additions. From Zeke to Roy who was their grumpy neighbor and reminded me of Red from That 70s Show ha! To Muriel, Toby and Teddy. And there was also Oscar, who was one of my favorites! I loved watching Calla’s interactions with each of them. It warmed my heart!

“One thing is for sure, Barbie. This was never gonna end. Not if I had anything to do with it,” he whispers, his hands coming to rest on either side of my jaw, cupping my face.

Wild at Heart was one of those stories that had this calmness to it, while also packing an emotional punch. I cried, jumped while screaming, and felt oh so happy. If you loved The Simple Wild, this one is a must read!

Forever Wild (The Simple Wild #2.5)
by K. A. Tucker
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From the international bestselling author of The Simple Wild comes Forever Wild, a novella that continues the story of Calla’s journey to the Alaskan wild and a life she never imagined for herself.

The holiday season is upon Calla and Jonah, and with the mistletoe and gingerbread comes plenty of family drama. Jonah is bracing himself for two weeks with a stepfather he loathes, and while Calla is looking forward to her mother and Simon’s arrival, she dreads the continued pressure to set a date for their wedding … in Toronto. Add in one bullheaded neighbor’s unintentional meddling and another cantankerous neighbor’s own family strife, and Christmas in Trapper’s Crossing will be anything but simple.

Review:

Forever Wild was a holiday novella that had all the small town charm and Christmas cheer! Getting to watch Jonah and Calla spend the holidays together and surrounded by those they loved was everything. While there were some butting heads, the Christmas magic was strong, and I loved watching them all come together. It was impossible not to cry sad and happy tears, their journey now feels complete! I loved that Jonah and Callie got the happily ever after they most definitely deserved!

Some of my favorite quotes…

“That’s workplace harassment!” I holler after him.
He pauses to offer a sly smile over his shoulder. “And what do you call what you did to me in the office yesterday?”
“Your Christmas bonus.”
His deep, grating chuckle warms my heart.

“Then, we’re doin’ this? For real?”
I smile, even as nervous flutters stir in my stomach. “For real. If you’re sure.”
“We wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.” He lets out a slow, shaky breath.

“I’m getting a repeat performance tonight, right?”
I plaster mock sympathy across my face. “Oh, I’m so sorry, but Mrs. Claus only comes out on Christmas Eve.”
His responding smile is wicked. “We’ll see about that.”

“Muriel’s calling in a lot of favors on your behalf,” Simon notes quietly.
“She’s like the godfather of Trapper’s Crossing.” All her pushiness and meddling is paying off.

BOOK REVIEW: Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne

December 4, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Two strangers who couldn’t be more opposite find themselves on an unexpected cross-country road trip days before Christmas where whatever can go wrong, does.

He’s an Army Ranger.
She’s a baker.

He’s organized and ridged.
She’s messy and carefree.

He doesn’t do relationships.
She’s following her heart.

His family chat blows up his phone.
She just buried her last living relative.

The holiday season doesn’t seem so jolly as they venture from one mode of transportation to the next. But, they have to become friends and rely on each other if they’re going to survive all the obstacles thrown their way.

As the miles grow shorter, vulnerabilities are shared, and by the time they reach their destination, neither one of them is sure what they really want for Christmas anymore.

Review:

Claus and Effect was a grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, Christmas story that easily became one of my top favorites! With a road trip, characters that had a strong dislike going on, and found family, I absolutely loved this story! I listened to the audio, which was duet narration and my favorite!, so it’s one I’ll definitely be re-reading down the road!

Within those first few chapters you’ll find yourself smiling and laughing. Tessa was so easy to love and from that first moment we met Tre I couldn’t help but be intrigued! Their meet cute and the foreseeable running into each other had me so giddy! Yes there was instant chemistry, but there was also some rudeness and messing with one another too. I was screaming with laughter over multiple moments on the plane, and from there a road trip unraveled that made this book impossible to put down!

I wasn’t so sure what to think of Tess first off. I mean, she was listening to a psychic after her world had fallen apart. But listening to that psychic landed her in Tre’s crosshairs and I was all for it! Her thoughts were so fun to listen to, her detours were epic, and time and again she had me rolling with laughter. She could be such a bowl full of joy and I loved her playful nature!

Oh Tre. He easily became a favorite book boyfriend! He was in the military and headed home for the holidays. He was so serious and put together, but at the same time he could play dirty and was absolutely hilarious! I loved that he was kind, caring, and thoughtful. And I especially loved how he was able to read Tessa!

Their road trip was over the top and so much fun! With gingerbread, eggnog, snow, dressing up, and so much more, I love the path this story took. But then there was a plot twist I never saw coming and I was literally screaming NOOOOOO!!! I’m sure all my neighbors could hear me, eeps. When you throw that in with Tre’s past, oh my heart, this story took an emotional turn that hurt. And I couldn’t help but get tears in my eyes multiple times.

Claus and Effect wrapped up with the most wonderful look into the future. And the happily ever after made me cry all the tears of joy! I can’t recommend this book enough! I’ve read three holiday books by Piper Rayne, and I’ve loved each of them so much. If you want to read them in order of how you meet the characters, then start with Single and Ready to Jingle, then this one, then finish up with Merry Kissmas. If you’re looking for a Christmas romance that will have you laughing and smiling, this is it!

BOOK REVIEW: Bully (Fall Away #1) by Penelope Douglas

November 27, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Bully (Fall Away #1)
by Penelope Douglas
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas delivers an unforgettable romance that toes the fine line between love and hate in Bully—the first novel in the Fall Away series.

My name is Tate. He doesn’t call me that, though. He would never refer to me by a friendly nickname. No, he’ll barely even speak to me. But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then Jared turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I was humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went away for a year just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way I’ll allow him to ruin another year. Jared might not have changed, but I have. It’s time to fight back....

Review:

Bully was a steamy, young adult romance. With an enemies to lovers vibe, and lots of bullying going on in the pages, I couldn’t put this book down. As someone who has already read Punk 57, that’s still my favorite Penelope Douglas book! Yet this story was just as addictive, and I had so much fun listening to the audiobook!

“You were my tempest, my thunder cloud, my tree in the downpour. I loved all those things, and I loved you. But now? You’re a fucking drought. I thought that all the assholes drove German cars, but it turns out that pricks in Mustangs can still leave scars.”

Tate was so easy to connect to and adore. She had a strong head on her shoulders, was mature, and worked hard. Jared used to be her best friend, but she didn’t know where it all went wrong. Somehow, she became his enemy, and the games he would play with her were cruel and hurtful. So, I loved it when she stood up against him. When she would put him or his friends in their place! They deserved that and so much more!

“I want to touch you.” His words were against my lips now. “I want to feel what’s mine. What’s always been mine.”

Yet underneath it all, there used to be a friendship. You could see tiny, fleeting, hints of it here and there. How well they still knew certain things about each other. But years later, there a strong sexual tension between them, even with hate surrounding them. So when things turned steamy, it was fabulously done! If you’re looking for a bully romance that has all of the tension, angst, and steam, then definitely add this one to your tbr. I did have a hiccup with an issue about a friend, which is why this is a 4 instead of 5 star rating. But regardless, I can’t wait to binge the rest of this series!