Tag: Kindle Unlimited (Page 1 of 7)

BOOK REVIEW: Mafia Madman (The Kings of Italy #3) by Mila Finelli

BOOK REVIEW: Mafia Madman (The Kings of Italy #3) by Mila FinelliMafia Madman (The Kings of Italy #3)
by Mila Finelli
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

GIA

I may be a mafia princess, but I have bigger plans than to stay in this sheltered world.

I’m in Milan to pursue my dreams as a fashion designer. Having an affair is the last thing on my mind, except he’s handsome and charming and Italian. In other words, he’s irresistible.

What’s the harm in having a little fun?

ENZO

Years of work, my family, and almost my life—all stolen from me. For four years I rebuilt my empire, plotting in secret, planning to make him suffer as I suffered.

When the perfect weapon drops into my lap, who am I to say no?

Except Gia doesn’t seem to mind my darkness. She likes it, even welcomes it.

I can’t let her distract me, no matter how much I want her. No matter the fire that burns hot between us. I’ll have her—and then I’ll break her.

If she expects mercy, she’ll be disappointed. I’m no hero. I’m a ruthless king, born to be the villain.

******

MAFIA MADMAN is written by a USA Today Bestselling author. It can be read as a standalone, but it's probably better if you read Mafia Mistress and Mafia Darling first!

If you like feisty heroines, heroes who are a little bit cruel and a lot filthy, and plenty of heat, then welcome to Mila's twisted world. Don't say you weren't warned!

Review:

Mafia Madman is Enzo and Gia’s story, and I was not prepared.  While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the two previous books in this series.  You’ll see how everything evolved, which led to Enzo being kidnapped.  And for the horrific torture he was put through.  I actually was very unsure about reading this story.  Enzo was filth in my eyes.  What he did was unforgivable.  Yet, Mila Finella had me not only feel compassion and empathy towards him.  But my heart fell for him too.  And I didn’t think that was ever going to happen.

He put his mouth near my ear and whispered, “What I want, Gia Roberts Mancini, is revenge.”

Gia was a mafia princess, who landed in Enzo’s crosshairs.  Her brother-in-law was his mortal enemy.  And that made Gia stuck in a very precarious situation.  So I was terrified for Gia.  That she had a monster lurking in the dark after her.  Where Gia ended up had me gripping the pages with dread simmering within me.  I was cheering her on every step of the way with her ingenious ways and perseverance.  I won’t say more, because there are way too many spoilers.  Just know that this story was extremely erotic with BDSM.  And we were given an epilogue in the future that will have you feeling all happy and warm inside.  Next up is Giulio’s story, I can’t wait!

BOOK REVIEW: Mafia Mistress (The Kings of Italy #1) & Mafia Darling (The Kings of Italy #2) by Mila Finelli

BOOK REVIEW: Mafia Mistress (The Kings of Italy #1) & Mafia Darling (The Kings of Italy #2) by Mila FinelliMafia Mistress (The Kings of Italy #1)
by Mila Finelli
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Book 1 of 2 (Duet)

FAUSTO

I am the darkness, the man whose illicit empire stretches around the globe. Not many have the courage for what needs to be done to maintain power . . .but I do.

And I always get what I want.

Including my son's fiancée.

She's mine now, and I'll use Francesca any way I see fit. She's the perfect match to my twisted desires, and I'll keep her close, ready and waiting at my disposal.

Even if she fights me at every turn.

FRANCESCA

I was stolen away and held prisoner in Italy, a bride for a mafia king's only heir.

Except I'm no innocent, and it's the king himself—the man called il Diavolo—who appeals to me in sinful ways I never dreamed. Fausto's wickedness draws me in, his power like a drug. And when the devil decides he wants me, I'm helpless to resist him—even if it means giving myself to him, body and soul.

He may think he can control me, but this king is about to find out who's really the boss.

Review:

Mafia Mistress was an age gap mafia romance that was beyond steamy.  With a story that had me gasping within those first few pages, my heart felt for Francesca, aka Frankie.  She had dreams of college, only to become a bargaining chip in the mafia world.  She was to become someone else’s wife.  And Fausto came to collect.  This man was cold and calculating, drugging and kidnapping were just as easy as breathing to him.  Yet from the moment they met, there were sparks.  And those sparks were going to create a wildfire!

Do not ever try to tell me you weren’t made for this life, that you weren’t born to rule as a queen.

I loved that no matter what, Frankie refused to give up.  She fought every step of the way.  And even through it all, she still had her sense of humor.  Her thoughts made her so easy to click with!  But even if Frankie wanted to hate Fausto, the longing and sexual tension between the two of them was beautifully done.  Fausto was beyond seductive.  Even with his lethal and deadly ways, he simmered through the pages.  So when more happened in this story, oh my gosh it was detailed and so hot.  Yet Fausto was stuck in his ways, and I wanted to smack him each time he said I don’t have to explain myself to you to Frankie.  I kept waiting for the moment where Fausto would be forced to change if he wanted to keep Frankie.

“I’ll stab you with something sharper than a pen.”
I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “Many have tried, Francesca.  I wouldn’t recommend it.” Rising, I cupped her jaw in my hands. “The devil cannot be killed.”

This book had a trope that usually I’m not a fan of, but it was done so well. There was no way I couldn’t not love how it played into the story!  And then this story ended with a bang.  It was a fabulous cliffhanger that will have you reaching for that second book now!  This book was so easy to devour and is a must read for those that love spicy mafia books!

 

BOOK REVIEW: Mafia Mistress (The Kings of Italy #1) & Mafia Darling (The Kings of Italy #2) by Mila FinelliMafia Darling (The Kings of Italy #2)
by Mila Finelli
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Part 2 of 2 -- Not a standalone!

FAUSTO

In my world, loyalty is everything. I shouldn’t have let her get close. I shouldn’t have let her get under my skin.

But that doesn’t mean I’ll let another take her from me. He’ll pay with his life, because nothing will keep me from reclaiming what I lost.

Francesca is mine and I’m keeping her.

FRANCESCA

I found a dangerous man who makes me burn with need, a man I can’t live without . . .until he accused me of betrayal and sent me away.

Then I was kidnapped by his rival. Fausto thinks he can rescue me and have me begging at his feet once more. But I’m done begging.

This time, it will be the king who breaks.

Review:

Mafia Darling was a continuation of Francesca and Fausto from Mafia Mistress, this was not a standalone.  So with sacrifice, love and forgiveness bleeding through the pages, we were taken on a wild ride.  And again, this story was extremely seductive and erotic.  But my favorite thing was watching those we care for grow.  Especially Fausto.  I didn’t think I could get past a few things, but he made me cry happy tears.  And laugh… oh the present, just wait lol.

“My piccola monella, don’t you know that everything I do is for you? I will cheat and steal and kill for you. I will burn down the entire world to keep you safe.”

There was also torture, kidnapping and betrayal within this story, so there were some dark twists and turns.  When you put it all together, it made for a book that was easy to devour.  And it ended with the most fabulous epilogue set in the future.  If you love erotic mafia romance, definitely add these two books to your tbr!

BOOK REVIEW: Sweetheart by Cookie O’Gorman

BOOK REVIEW: Sweetheart by Cookie O’GormanSweetheart by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance. Voted Most Likely to Succeed, founder of a youth mentoring program, and an aspiring professional violinist, Scarlett has goals—and a list of “firsts” she’d like to complete before graduation.

One thing that’s not on her list: Falling for Sam Bishop.

Flirtatious jocks who sleep through class aren’t her type—no matter how good Sam looks in his jersey. But when her car breaks down, Sam stops to help…which leads to an unexpected offer.

Sam volunteers to help Scarlett complete her list. In return, she’ll help him win back his ex.

It’s a sweetheart deal that should benefit everyone.

But between kissing lessons and pretend dates, Scarlett realizes Sam is the perfect fake boyfriend. And if she’s not careful, he could be her first real heartbreak.

This book features two souls who’re meant to be, one fake arrangement, so many heart-melting kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a perfectionist falls for a player?

Review:

Sweetheart was a fake dating, young adult romance that was smile inducing and will warm your heart.  The characters were so easy to love, and the story-line had me finishing this book in less than 24 hours!  If you love books that have a fun and flirty vibe, are beyond adorable, and radiate happiness, then you need Sweetheart in your life!

“Just get in the car, Starlet,” he said.
He popped the locks, and I did just that.
As I slid into the car, however, I mumbled, “My name’s Scarlett. Not Starlet.”
Sam gave me that half-grin. “I know,” he said.
Sure you do.

Scarlett Kent had a list of “firsts” that she wanted to complete before she graduated High School.  When Sam Bishop picked her up on the side of the road, after her car died, he also agreed to help complete her list.  In exchange, it would help him win back his ex.  But as they made their way through her list, it was hard to keep feelings just fake.  And not fall in love with the other.

His hand on my waist burned.
His eyes stared into mine.
His breaths were so close I felt as much as heard his next words.
“You okay, Kent?” he asked.
“Yeah, I—”
A locker door slammed loud enough to make me jump.

I adored Scarlett!  She was determined and focused on her goals.  Whether it was the youth mentoring program she worked on, or dedicating hours to become a professional violinist, Scarlet gave her all.  So I love that she was brave and wanted to conquer her list!  Even if she was skeptical of love.  And while she was someone who seemed to like to be in control, I loved watching how Sam pushed her outside her comfort zones in the best possible way.  Especially when he was constantly being the object of her attention.

“I’m not crying.”
“Yeah.” He reached forward, cupped my cheek, and gently ran his thumb beneath my eye, capturing a tear that had managed to escape. “Must be my mistake,” he murmured.

Sam was a soccer player who was so effortless to love.  He was one of those guys who was sweet, but also sexy.  Playful, but could also take charge.  I loved every single side of Sam!  And the little clues he seemed to be dropping were right there, in front of Scarlett’s face.  The way he could say one thing, when it was actually something else had me squealing in joy!  Yet Scarlett was too focused on the end game to see what was truly going on.  Sam will make you swoon, sigh, and fall in love!  I loved him with my whole heart!

Sam was right. I’d imagined my first kiss in a million ways, in different places, different scenarios. But try as I might, even with my overly active imagination, one thing remained the same. There was one face that always came to mind.
His.
But the kiss wasn’t real, I reminded myself.
We did it to seal our agreement and check an item off the list.

Sam and Scarlett used to be the bestest of friends, yet that all fell apart when they went to high school.  So there was this tension between them that was delicious.  And as they started to check things off Scarlett’s list, it was so easy to fall that much deeper for the two of them.  From that first kiss, to spinning, kisses on fingers, practicing with a bystander, to mini golf, there were so many memorable moments!  Plus I adored the nickname Sam gave Scarlett.  Watching their fake dating and love story unfold was not only so much fun, but it was heartwarming too!

“Mission accomplished.” He grinned, but I just shook my head. Before I could think better of it, I said, “I missed you.”
Sam’s expression sobered. “I’ve been right here, Kent.”
I nodded. “Yeah, but…never mind.”

You know that moment, when what started out as fake, no longer feels that way? When they can’t stop thinking about each other, and the touches and glances just move to another level?  O’Gorman executed making the reader feel all of their feelings and angst beautifully!  And on top of that, there were so many characters that appeared from previous books in this story!  Do you need to read any books before this one?  No!  But I can’t recommend all of her books enough!  Scarlett’s sister’s story was Bookworm fyi ♥.

“One more kiss.”
“Whatever you want,” Sam said and pulled me closer.
Those words would replay a thousand different times in my mind.

Sweetheart was an adorable fake dating romance story that will have you smiling from that first page to the last!  There were moments that will make you laugh and also have you falling in love.  So if you need a feel good story that will leave you happy, definitely give this one a try!  I can’t recommend it enough!

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



BOOK REVIEW: Phishing for Love by Lara Martin

BOOK REVIEW: Phishing for Love by Lara MartinPhishing for Love by Lara Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Katherine Center, Phishing for Love is a swoony, laugh-out-loud, enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance.

Phishing: When hackers send malicious emails designed to trick people into falling for a scam.

Phishing test: When organizations send deceptive emails to their own staff to test their response to phishing attacks.

It all started with a cat video.

A video that Tess Miller, a sassy and talented greeting card writer, shouldn’t have clicked on. But cat videos are her kryptonite. And how was she to know the video embedded in the email was a phishing test designed to take down the company she works for?

The infuriating man who tricked and humiliated her? Aaron Sinclair, cybersecurity consultant brought on by her paranoid boss to whip their company into peak security shape. A dark-haired man with a dark past, and an unrelenting thorn in her side.

Buried beneath their mutual animosity, however, is an attraction they both have reasons to fight. Thanks to Aaron, Tess’s boss has labeled her a high security risk and her professional reputation is at stake. A fierce battle of wits ensues as Tess uses every trick not to fall for Aaron’s random phishing tests.

With the end of Aaron’s six-month contract fast approaching, Tess is faced with the looming risk of losing not only her job but also her heart to the man who has tested her in every way possible.

Review:

Phishing for Love was a workplace, enemies to lovers that was an instant favorite!  With banter that will make you laugh and sigh, and so many memorable moments, this book was so easy to fall in love with.  The characters leapt from the pages and I didn’t want to put this book down.  This story was so effortless to love and I can’t recommend it enough if you love grumpy/sunshine adult romance that has the most fabulous slow burn!

This is the moment my ploy backfires dramatically because… those eyes. They seem to see right through me, stripping me bare.

Tess Miller was so relatable, kind, and made me laugh.  She worked at a greeting card company along with her two best friends.  And from the first moment she met Aaron Sinclair, I was laughing and screaming.  Her comment was heard throughout the conference room and I wanted to hide away because of the embarrassment level.  So while she definitely put her foot in her mouth, I loved watching Aaron dish it right back!

I turn to see my current nightmare exiting the elevators. My stomach doesn’t know what to do with itself, getting all quivery at the sight of Aaron.

Aaron’s looks had me melting into a puddle on the floor.  He was the silent, grumpy type who you just wanted to steal from the pages.  So I desperately wanted to know everything he was thinking!  In the moments where he would be kind and thoughtful, like thinking picnics weren’t weird, I fell that much harder for him.  But I  also loved that he could be so tricky.  There were moments, like the bet, where I was gasping out loud afterwards and I couldn’t stop the smile on my face!  Aaron was a protective, good guy, who pulled on my emotions.

“What happened to ‘sharing is caring?’” he asks, quoting my words back to me.
“It doesn’t apply to my mom. Besides, you don’t seem the kind of man who shares.”
He nods slowly. “You’re right, I’m not.”
For an arrested moment, his eyes hold mine. In their depths, it feels as though there’s a message there for me, a message that sends a shiver through my whole body.

From that first moment they met, I was glued to the pages.  Aaron and Tess didn’t seem to like each other, so the tension and banter between them was delicious.  I loved how the sparks flew anytime they were near each other.  Whether he caught her drawing him as the devil and I was cracking up, to her teasing him with her sexy boots, the chemistry between them simmered!  And while some of their banter was laced with barbs, we got to watch as these two souls shared the emotions that were within them.  And that they needed to work through.  I loved them both so much!

Surrounded by his thoughtfulness, I fall just a little bit more. 

But I have to say….I had some horrible thoughts.  The moment Nathan popped up on the pages, I was not a fan.  I mean, who doesn’t laugh at Friends?  That’s a deal breaker for me right there haha.  But there were so many other characters I adored!  Mevia was hilarious with her ability to find out all the gossip.  And I loved Tess’s best friends and their vending machine moments and texts.  They made me laugh and I wanted to be besties with all of them!  I also adored the close relationship she had with her parents and grandma.  And while I struggled with her sister and some of her choices, I’m excited that she is getting her own book!  I feel like she has so much room to grow and I can’t wait to watch it unfold!

My lips part and my head tilts back as his fingers skim the base of my throat and glide up my neck to cradle my jaw. I hear his breathing quicken.

This book made me laugh so much!  But it also had an emotional side that cut so deep.  I cried multiple times.  So with characters that you’ll fall in love with and an epilogue that was everything, I can’t recommend this closed door romance enough!  If you adore the feelings you’ve gotten while reading a Christina Lauren, Melanie Harlow, Lauren Layne or Livy Hart book, you desperately need this story in your life!

PS, I just loved this quote and wanted to share this one too…

I think, this is what everyone deserves to have. And I’m so very, very grateful I have it, because when that giant tidal wave comes out of nowhere and breaks over you, threatening to drag you under, friends and family are who you cling to. People with deep, strong roots.
I close my eyes and take comfort in two truths: I am strong. I am loved.

BOOK REVIEW: Lost Kingdom by Laurel Black

BOOK REVIEW: Lost Kingdom by Laurel BlackLost Kingdom by Laurel Black
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Trusting him is the only way to save the kingdom.
Betraying her is the only way to keep them both alive.

Stripped of her memories and her magic, Raven has been left for dead.

As a prisoner in the enemy’s mineral mines, her only clue to who she is and where she came from is the mysterious map tattooed on her hand—a map containing hidden secrets that some people would kill for.

Jeddak is one of those people.

A warrior from the Kovak tribe, he’s hunting for the powerful Zavien stone to pay the corrupt king’s ransom. If he doesn’t return home with it by the new moon, his betrothed will be executed.

When Jeddak discovers that a prisoner named Raven has the only map that leads to the artifact, he allies with her as they navigate treacherous lands and battle against ancient magical forces to unravel the map’s secrets. But can Raven trust this stranger who’s helping her? If the map gets into the wrong hands, thousands of people will die.

As their feelings for each other grow, their tenuous alliance begins to fray. Until Jeddak is forced to make a decision—betray Raven or forsake his kingdom.

Choose wrong, and he’ll lose everything.

Review:

Lost Kingdom was a young adult fantasy that swept me away.  With secrets, lies, adventures, friendship, and betrayal, this book was a magical journey that was impossible to put down!  I loved learning about this new world.  The tribes, magic system, and politics were fascinating!  The characters felt so real.  And the story-line was so easy to devour.  With an extremely slow burn romance, this book will have you begging for more.

Suddenly, I didn’t feel so alone.

Raven was a prisoner in the mineral mines.  With no memory of her past, or even what tribe she belonged to, she was struggling just to survive another day.  The conditions she lived in were atrocious.  Then there was Jeddak, who was from the Kovak Tribe, and was in search of a stone to give to his king.  If he didn’t do that, his betrothed would be murdered.  And Raven had the only map that would lead them to the stone.  The story alternated between Raven and Jeddak, and I truly had no idea how it would all unfold.

No one would be punished except me if they found him dead now. At this point, I would gladly accept the consequences just to see him choke on his last breath.

Raven was so effortless to like.  She persevered in the face of atrocity.  Where she was used as nothing more than just another body to accomplish someone else’s goal, she was still brave and fearless.  She fought to stay alive.  But at the same time, she was so unsure of who to trust.  Her past was a blank slate.  So many that surrounded her kept her hidden from their true intent.  Yet through it all, she had this fire that burned deep inside her that pushed her along!

My breath caught. With his dark, wavy hair and long lashes, he was already strikingly handsome. But now the subtle dimples on his cheeks and the playful sparks in his gold-flecked eyes made me temporarily forget it was cold outside. He could rule a kingdom with that smile.

Jeddak, oh my goddess my feelings towards him kept twisting and turning.  I loved how he tried his best to protect Raven.  He was brave, smart, and I loved his relationship with his bear, Kah.  Btw Kah was not only the voice of reason, but I adored his sarcasm.  He cracked me up again and again!  So I kept wondering, who was going to protect Raven from Jeddak?  He was keeping secrets from her.  That entailed not only why he was helping her. But that he was betrothed.  Yet…..just wait….because once we get the full picture at the end of this story, my kaleidoscope of emotions towards Jeddak turned solid and became true and heartfelt.  I can’t say more without spoilers, other than it was a path to get there!

I felt the weight of one of his throwing knives in my hand. Like the sword from last night, it felt oddly familiar. Using a nearby tree as a target, I took aim at a small knot in the wood and let the knife fly.
The knifepoint hit the center of the knot.
My eyes went wide. Who am I?

Jeddak and Lila together will run you through the gamut of emotions.  They connected on such a deep level, but at the same point they kept each other at arm’s distance.  They kept secrets from one another.  But they also needed each other to survive and accomplish their goals.  It was a perilous journey every step of the way!  And there were unthinkable obstacles.  It’ll keep you on your toes wondering what’s going to happen next!  So watching even the tiniest bit of their friendship form had me smiling so huge!  Just try not to smile during the runes scene.

I studied his face, lit by the golden flames. Just a few days ago, he was a stranger. A liability I wanted to leave behind in the stables of Malengard. Now, he felt familiar. Safe. Even though I was in a foreign land, I felt like I’d found a small piece of home in him.

This story had so many twists and turns.  And while it felt fast paced, there were also so many deeper moments laced throughout the pages.  With foreshadowing, a possible deadly fate, and battles in the future, this book had so much story within these pages.  I am nervous for what’s to come and looking forward to that next book!  Especially because of Skyler.  I don’t know what that says about me, especially the feelings I have towards that character, and nope I’m not explaining anything more other than I am beyond obsessed!

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

« Older posts

© 2024

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑