Tag: Kindle Unlimited (Page 2 of 6)

BOOK REVIEW: Gratest Ever After by Carissa May

BOOK REVIEW: Gratest Ever After by Carissa MayGratest Ever After by Carissa May
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Maddie Williams had big plans to spend her life writing happily ever afters, but after an abusive relationship left her physically and emotionally scarred, she no longer believes in them.

That is, until she finds herself living under the same roof as her best friend's older brother...

Nate West has always been there for Maddie; now is no exception. It's been two years since they last spoke, but when Maddie needs a place to stay Nate welcomes her into his home with no questions asked. Sparks fly between them as Maddie starts to write her own story.

Now it's up to her to create her own ending.

But can Maddie trust Nate with her heart, or will she stand in the way of her own happily ever after?

Review:

Gratest Ever After was filled with an emotional richness and depth that will tug on readers hearts. This forced proximity, slow burn, spicy read was so easy to love.   With characters that felt real and a storyline that brimmed with a heartbreaking journey, this book was impossible to put down.  Especially since Gratest Ever After was also filled with all the hope.  Hope for healing.  Hope for love.  Hope for friendship.  And hope that happily ever afters exist. 

“It’s okay, Maddie. I’m here. You’re safe. You’re always safe with me, remember?”
Everything went quiet again and I tried focusing on my breathing, but the silence was suffocating.

Maddie took us on an emotional journey.  Her anxiety was overwhelming and caused her to have panic attacks, so I started out with so many questions.  What happened in the past with Griffin, why hadn’t she seen her best friend in two years, why her relationship with her dad felt the way it did, and so many more.  So as Maddie slowly started to let us in, my heart broke for her.  For what her past had become.  How that affected her in the present.  And it left me desperately wanting her to get the happily ever after she deserved.  When Maddie found herself living with her best friend’s older brother, I couldn’t help the hope that bloomed in my heart.  Yes she was attracted to Nate, and it seemed like sometimes he felt the same way, but being at Nate’s house allowed Maddie to continue her path to healing.  And writing her story.

He pressed his palms into his eyes and rested his head back. “I want to help you and I don’t know how.”
I took a deep breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. Biting down on my lip, I tried to think of what part of me I was comfortable sharing with him now. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to talk about everything yet, but I wanted to give him something.

Even when Maddie was closed off and secretive, she was so easy to love. And there was this fragility about her that made us want to protect her. Nate felt the same way.  So I loved that she let us know exactly how much she wanted Nate.  And how her feelings towards him had changed…. he went from being her best friend’s overprotective brother, to someone she desperately wanted.  Yet Maddie was filled with so much self-doubt and little self-worth. As the story progressed, we got to read chapters of the book she was writing. That book was her past, and it was horrific and heartbreaking.  It made us understand everything about Maddie, including how she went down that rabbit hole, and how it so adversely affected her now.  I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug.  Thankfully Nate was there to do just that.

Nate: How’s the porn?
I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to stop my cheesy smile from spreading across my face.
Me: It’s called smut, not porn. If you’re going to call me out on it, at least get it right.
Nate: My apologies.
Nate: Is it even legal to read that stuff in public?
Me: That’s the beauty of cute cartoon covers. No one knows.
Nate: Your secret is safe with me 😉

Nate was the most fabulous cinnamon roll book boyfriend!  He tried his best to be kind, thoughtful, patient, and caring to Maddie.  He also tried his best to get answers about her past, so he could figure out how to help her.  So as he did little things to make her smile, the bookmarks made my heart burst with joy, we got to fall even more in love with Nate.  He was swoon worthy!  Add in the fact that he was a chef?!  Not only did he make me want all the grilled cheese, but Nate was the total package that you will easily fall head over heels in love with! He also had a cat named Tuna, who was beyond fabulous and you will adore!

“Why don’t you write a romance? It can center around new beginnings, small-towns, old friends… old friend’s brothers…” Olivia said, wiggling her eyebrows at me.
I gasped, choking yet again on my coffee. Oh god, was it coming out of my nose? I reached across to the table next to us and fumbled for a wad of napkins, holding it to my face.

This beautifully emotional book will slowly seep into your heart and consume you. I loved watching Maddie find happiness in even the littlest of things. I loved watching friendships rekindle. I loved watching Maddie heal and even those moments where she was brave and stepped outside of her comfort zone. And underneath the healing was a heartwarming romance story. One that was spicy hot and also included emotional scenes that were touching and done brilliantly. There’s so much more I want to say here but just know that with grey sweatpants for the win, charm bracelet’s that mean everything, and adorably cheesy goodness, this book was so easy to love. Gratest Ever After did a wonderful job of portraying all of the different sides of mental health and Carissa May has definitively created a fan for life. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

“What are you doing here?”
“Dinglehopper,” I whispered, knowing that by saying that one word it was equivalent to saying a thousand.

PS Dinglehopper ♥

I sucked in a shaky breath as he gently brushed away the tear with the pad of his thumb, exhaling softly as his eyes dropped to my mouth.

PPS I loved every single scene that revolved around the bathroom lol, they were beyond amazing!

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Total Knockout (Southern U O’Brien Brothers) by Cookie O’Gorman

BOOK REVIEW: The Total Knockout (Southern U O’Brien Brothers) by Cookie O’GormanThe Total Knockout by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Maisie Hawthorne doesn't do boyfriends.

Or girlfriends. Or relationships. Burned in the past, the scrappy bartender knows better than to trust a pretty face. Dex O'Brien is gorgeous (with or without the scar). Pierced, tatted, annoyingly attractive. She knew he was trouble even before she saw him fight. Her mind told her to stay away—but her heart wouldn't listen.

Dex O'Brien doesn't do love.

Not the romantic kind anyway. Sure, he loves his family, would defend them with his dying breath. And yeah, he loves baseball and fighting too. But falling in love? No thanks. Too messy. Dex couldn't care less, especially about the bookish bartender with the smart mouth and beautiful eyes.

She needs money to pay the bills. He needs a tutor to keep playing ball—even if he'll never admit it.

When the Southern U Wolves recruit Maisie to tutor Dex, tempers flare and sparks fly.

This new adult sports romance features two scarred souls, one hot-and-hilarious case of enemies-to-lovers, and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

The #1 lesson they'll both learn?

Love is the total knockout you never see coming.

Review:

The Total Knockout was a sports romance that was impossible to put down!  This story was laugh out loud hilarious, will pull on your emotions and make you fall in love.  With a fun and flirty vibe, this book was so entertaining!  If you love romance that is sweet with a little bit of spice, a dash of enemies to lovers, and a story line that will have you smiling from that first page to the last, then you need this book in your life!  You definitely don’t have to read the previous ones in this series to enjoy The Total Knockout, but I can’t recommend the rest of this series about the O’Brien brothers enough!

“If you’re trying to book-shame me,” she said, “it won’t work. I read what I like. Doesn’t matter what you or anyone else has to say about it.”
“No shame,” I said. “If I was gonna waste my time reading, I’d probably reach for the R-rated book porn too.”
Her jaw dropped.

Dex O’Brien was struggling in college and was at risk of being pulled from the baseball team because of his grades.  When his coach told him that he had no choice about seeing a tutor, that tutor ended up being Maisie Hawthorne.  From the beginning they had a rocky start.  Dex thought he could scare her off and Maisie needed the money so she wasn’t going anywhere.  It was impossible not to laugh and smile when they were together!  So when you add Dex’s siblings Finn and Emmy into the mix, who adored Maisie, whelp it was a ton of fun! 

“So, are you going to keep staring or teach me something?”
Maisie blinked then looked down, a flush of embarrassment rising to her cheeks.
“Right,” she said, “sorry, I just didn’t know you could do that.”
“Do what?” I asked.
“Smile.”

I absolutely loved Maisie and wanted to be friends with her!  She was kind, patient, thoughtful and such a hard worker.  She was putting herself through college while working at a bar, tutoring, and she did other jobs on the side.  From the beginning we got to see how much she loved and cared for her younger sister, Lola.  And I loved when Lola was around, because it felt like she would help pull Dex and Maisie closer together. Yet there seemed to be something going on with her past, since Maisie was jaded and swore off relationships.  But even with her no relationship policy she couldn’t help be attracted to Dex. He was a pierced, tatted, bad boy who lived and breathed baseball and secretly had a heart of gold.

I raised a brow. “How do I look at her?”
“Like you just saw something you desperately want but can’t have.”
I swallowed.

Dex’s way with words had me falling head over heels in love with him.  He was definitely cocky and didn’t shy away from saying what he thought.  From the beginning he told Maisie that he thought she was pretty.  Yet Dex didn’t want anything more than just fun.  He didn’t do relationship either and didn’t believe that love was for him.  I wondered if maybe his overconfidence was to cover his struggles in school and the comments people made about him physically?  I don’t know. But regardless, there were times I had tears in my eyes for Dex.  And as we spent more time with him, your heart will melt.  The confessions he said.  The way he made for sure that Maisie was safe and protected her without a second thought.  To even how there was a little bit of jealousy in there at times too, sigh. Dex was the most fabulous of book boyfriends! 

Dex scoffed. “Better lower those expectations, Hawthorne.”
“Never.”
“Why not?”
“Because I believe in you, O’Brien,” I said.
“You do?” he said.
“Yeah— but I also believe in ghosts, faeries, and shape shifters, so you shouldn’t feel too special.”
He chuckled at that then gestured to the bar.

This story alternated between Maisie and Dex, and I loved both of their thoughts!  This is one of those books where it’s impossible to pick your favorite moment, because there were so many of them.  Emmy throwing Maisie under the bus?  I was dying laughing.  The mirror scene? That was so hot!  And so many more I don’t want to mention for fear of spoilers.  On top of countless memorable scenes, Dex’s siblings, Emmy and Finn, were the best!  If you are adore family in a story, you’re going to love this one!  The way they messed with Dex was perfect!  But back to Maisie and Dex….as they worked together and time passed, it was smile inducing watching their hate for one another fade.  And it almost seemed like a friendship was forming between them.  They showed up for one another.  They cheered each other on in their own ways. And they realized that not only were they both scarred physically, but emotionally too.  Through every moment though, there was always sparks and banter flying.  And those sparks seemed to arc higher and higher the more time they spent together.  It was one of those stories where I couldn’t wait to see where their explosion took them!

“There’s a lot of things I want,” he said then reached up to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. “What about you, Hawthorne? Anything you want right this second?”
I hesitated then shook my head.
“Liar,” he said quietly.

Romance lovers will fall passionately in love with The Total Knockout!  If you love sports, new adult or a story that keeps you smiling and laughing then you need to put this one on your tbr!  Now I’ll be patiently waiting for Cookie’s next release, her books always make me oh so happy every single time.  And each one becomes an instant favorite!

Once the door closed, I looked back and found Rose smiling.
“I think that went well,” she said. “Definitely our most eventful book club meeting so far.”
“I second that,” June said. “So much drama.”
“And tension,” Rose added. “This air was practically vibrating.”
My brow furrowed. “What are you guys talking about?”
“Nothing,” they said in unison.
Finn shook his head, staring after his brother.

PS Is Emmy next or will it be Finn?  I’m thinking Emmy after what happened in this book, eeps!  I am so excited for more in this world!

As I kissed her all I could think was, this. This was it. This was what makes life worth living.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Luck of the Demon & Demon’s Advocate (Deals With Demons #4 & #5) by Staica Stark

BOOK REVIEW: Luck of the Demon & Demon’s Advocate (Deals With Demons #4 & #5) by Staica StarkLuck of the Demon (Deals With Demons #4)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Within a matter of days, Samael will turn to ash.
And there’s a high chance I’ll die with him.

To save both our lives, I’m calling in every favor and debt owed to me.

I’ll travel through realms.

I’ll tussle with mythical creatures.

And I’ll hand over the things I value most– even if it means playing right into Lucifer’s hands.

I never could have imagined I’d risk everything for a demon. But what Samael and I have will always be worth fighting for. Even if it means ending treaties, severing friendships, and alienating our allies.

Because Samael is mine now.

And I protect what’s mine.

Review:

I was Alice, and I’d fallen down the wrong damn rabbit hole.

Luck of the Demon was an emotional book about sacrifice and love. Debts were called in and traded. Prophecies graced the pages. We saw lots of familiar faces from the previous books. Friendships formed I didn’t see coming. And there were new alliances made that had me on the edge of my seat having to know what happened next! This series continues to keep me entertained, obsessed and needing to know what happens next!

Lucifer had known exactly where to strike. I was the chink in Samael’s armor. His blind spot. The weakness Lucifer had been searching for.

Luck of the Demon hurt. I had so much anxiety for Samael. What he was going through was horrific. And his fate fell completely on Danica’s shoulders. Her tasks were unfathomable. The deals she made just seemed to dig her even deeper into what had to be done. I was so nervous for her, yet love drove her to never give up! And play some very dangerous games with those in great power. Yet Danica also sacrificed more than we could ever imagine. I cried for her. For what she had to lose. And then her emotional moment with Scylla, I just couldn’t. I was a blubbering mess. This book definitely held me in the palm of its hands!

Whatever it took. I’d do whatever it took to make sure he lived.

With time running out, the intensity of this book felt through the roof. And with enemies at every turn, I just wanted them to have some type of break. One that didn’t exist. Danica traveled through realms, was given tasks that seemed impossible and met creatures she didn’t even know existed. All the while Samael’s life was on the line. So I was beyond terrified and sometimes didn’t want to turn the page because I needed those I loved to be okay. And that definitely wasn’t guaranteed. But there was an addition of a new character who I loved! We also got some answers to questions back from that first book! But there was also tears, I had so many tears! Even happy ones. Then those last few pages left us again on another epic cliffhanger and I started that next book asap!

PS When she said MY people! OMG, I got chills!

 

BOOK REVIEW: Luck of the Demon & Demon’s Advocate (Deals With Demons #4 & #5) by Staica StarkDemon's Advocate by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Lucifer Morningstar took everything from me.

My memories. My freedom. My powers.

Now it’s my turn to take everything from him.

I’ll make alliances with former enemies. I’ll hunt those who betrayed me. And I’ll make my grandfather regret ever learning of my existence.

As Samael prepares for war, I’m learning there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect those I love. And this is our chance to free the underworld from Lucifer’s evil.

The underking thinks he can hold me prisoner in his castle. But he’s about to learn why he should have guarded his world from me.

Because I’m going to burn that world down.

Even if I burn with it.

Review:

My breaths sawed in and out of lungs that felt like they were filled with cement.
I threw my head back and roared.

Demon’s Advocate pulled out all the stops. We got answers that went back to the first book and also ones in between. And we were given the most beautiful happily ever at the end of this story! Plus we were setup for Vas and Mer’s book and her sister’s spinoff. There is so much going on in this world and I’m so thankful we don’t have to say goodbye, yet! But again, it was such a rough road to get to that happily ever after.

“Tell me then,” she eyed me. At least she was curious.
I smiled. But my hands were shaking with the effort it took not to touch her. “Well, witchling, the first thing you should know is that our love? It is the stuff of legends.”

This story was filled with lies and deceit. The extent that her Grandfather would go to, to get what he wanted. Wow. No lines existed for Lucifer. He stole her memories and put false ones in there instead. So I kept waiting for it all to click in place! And for Danica to punch and kill someone and for Samael to get them back. I couldn’t wait until he would make the skies rain with the blood shed he would bring to their realm and to those that stood by Lucifer’s side. But as the story unfolded, there were those characters that I didn’t know where they stood. Whose side they belonged to. So even when I thought I knew where this book was going, there were still surprises that kept me on my toes and turning those pages faster and faster!

“You likely shouldn’t join this battle. You have younglings to protect.”
He grinned at me, his sharp teeth flashing in the light. “I’ve named you and Danica as godparents.”
I stared at him, speechless. His grin widened. “Yeah. She had the same reaction. Guess you better keep me alive.”

Hannah, Finvarra, Gary, and so many more from the previous books graced these pages. I loved it! It was so fabulous seeing everyone come together and play there part. But there were also moments with betrayal and scenes that made me scream and jump. And death bled through the pages. I wasn’t prepared for all of those that died. I cried tears for those we lost. Even if the battle was epically vicious and I loved all of its twists and turns. But those last few pages. Sigh. This series took us on a beautiful journey filled with tons of heart and soul. I loved the morally grey love interest, the kickass female, the fond family, the sacrifices that were made. Love and friendship were such intricate elements in this well crafted series. And Stacia has definitely created a fan for life with this series. I’m excited to binge the rest of her books and read whatever she releases next!

BOOK REVIEW: Inner Demons (Deals with Demons #3) by Stacia Stark

BOOK REVIEW: Inner Demons (Deals with Demons #3) by Stacia StarkInner Demons (Deals with Demons #3)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

He’s an arrogant control freak.
I’m a stubborn, loose cannon.
We’re a match made in hell.
Luckily, that’s Samael's home town.

After the Mage Council publicly excised me, I've finally got my first real case. And I've even taken on a brand-new employee: a werewolf with impulse control issues.

But my sister just lost everyone she loves, and she’s begging me to ask Samael for help.

Whether I like it or not, I need Samael's resources. Because anyone who can kill that many witches has the kind of power we can't afford to ignore. And there's no point dodging the demon who manages to involve himself in all of my problems.

But the more I work with Samael, the more I'm realizing just who he is beneath the mask he wears for everyone else.

And the demon I never wanted?

He may just be the love I never knew I needed.

Review:

Have you ever heard a song playing in your head while reading a book?  I usually don’t, but listening to this book I kept hearing Sucker for Pain haha. Okay, but seriously, this series completely stole all of my attention. Murder blazed through the pages, there were unfathomable tasks, shocking alliances, help from unlikely sources and revelations that were horrifically brutal made this book impossible to put down! I know I keep saying it, but if you love urban fantasy you definitely need to binge this series!

He looked endlessly amused, and it pissed me off. His wings were hidden away, his clothes covered almost every inch of his hard body, but whenever I looked at him, all I saw was that hard body covering mine, the wicked lust on his face as he thrust into me.
“Danica?”

Danica finally started her own business and I loved her new hire, Kyla. She was a werewolf that fit right in and it was impossible not to like her. Danica showed us time and again how smart and tricky she was as we got even more pieces of the puzzle put together. We still have a ways to go, but the picture is definitely getting much clearer! I don’t necessarily like some of the things. Such as the new things we learned about *side eyes while trying to keep away the anxiety*. Creepy and eerie doesn’t explain the situation enough. And I don’t even know what that means for the spinoff series. It left me feeling nervous for how that’s all going to unfold!

“And if you didn’t know I’m already yours, you haven’t been paying close enough attention.”

But here’s my favorite part of this book….there is a spoiler ahead eeps. I love when a slow burn finally, finally turns into something more and amazing.  While I absolutely love slow burn romances, I love those pivotal moments when they admit to each other how they feel.  So this book made my heart so happy. I loved those scenes so much! But still, the world kept going around them. So we got to watch as Samael proved that he would do anything to protect Danica. Plus his thoughtful gift, awww, he gets her. Truly gets her! It was impossible not to fall head over heels in love with Samael, if you hadn’t already. Through it all, they still had fabulous banter. It was so much fun and smile inducing! And their intimate moments together were steamy hot!

A shiver ran up my spine as a warning siren rang out in my brain. There was something I wasn’t seeing. Some bigger part of this plan that I’d missed.

I’m so thankful this series is complete because that ending, wow.  The cliffhanger was brutal, my mind was blown and I was left reeling and just wanted to curl into a ball. Be thankful the next book is out! There was blood, creatures, betrayal and mysteries. But there was also humor and love laced into this story too. It was the perfect mixture of fun and intense. And I definitely cried happy and sad tears. But I will end with this…..I can’t wait for you to meet Nuri! My lips are zipped for who or what that is eeps! But you’ll love it!

BOOK REVIEW: Dance With the Demon (Deals With Demons #2) by Stacia Stark

BOOK REVIEW: Dance With the Demon (Deals With Demons #2) by Stacia StarkDance With the Demon (Deals With Demons #2)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

What’s scarier than hunting demons?
Being bonded to one of them.

Ever since I got involved with the demons, my life has fallen apart.

Now, I’m persona non grata with the mage council. And because of me, my sister is in danger. If that wasn’t bad enough, I’m also the lead suspect in an attempted murder.

But it gets worse. I’m learning that everything I thought I knew about myself was a lie. And the underhanded demon who bonded with me? Well, he’s convinced he can keep me.

When an ancient fae artifact turns up missing, I have to use every trick up my sleeve to locate it. Someone wants to watch the world burn, and if I don’t stop them, every paranormal alive is a target.

Armed with a power I don’t understand, and with a demon I don’t trust by my side, it’s up to me to dodge the people who want me dead and protect my city.

Before Samael loses patience with whoever is hunting me and burns the city down himself.

Review:

Dance With the Demon was a fabulous continuation of the Deals with Demons Series!  Grimoires, bargains, prophecies, and betrayal swept through the story making it another addictive read!  I loved that we learned more about Danica’s life.  And her interactions with others like Gary, Mella and her sister, Evie.  Evie was one of my favorites because she cracked me up and I’m so excited that she got her own spinoff series!  But beware, because there were others within this story who will make you simmer with rage.

“I have lost everyone who ever mattered to me,” he hissed. “I won’t lose you too.”

Regardless of how Danica thought it would all play out, she found herself bonded with Samael.  I got her anger and rage.  Even if I was secretly excited about it since it was Samael *hides face*.  Because no matter what happened, Samael always protected her.  He was kind, thoughtful and tried his best to take care of her.  Or at least he did what he thought was best.  But then in the blink of an eye he had no problem going to his darker side.  I absolutely loved his morally grey self!  Yet Danica fought him every step of the way, since he had stolen her freedom.  Through it all they continued to have the most delicious sexual tension, a date that left me screaming with excitement and some moments that were hot, hot, hot! 

I slowly brushed one finger along the edge of the closest feather as he silently watched me.
“You’re beautiful,” I admitted.
He nodded. “I know.”
I burst out laughing, and he took the opportunity to climb onto the bed with me and capture my mouth with his. His wings blocked out the light, and it was as if the world had disappeared, and we were the only two people who existed.

In Dance with the Demon we got to know Samael better.  Oh he was such a tortured soul.  He had a horrific past that still haunted him to this day.  And it made sense why he was the way he was.  There was so much more to him than meets the eye.  And that had me falling harder for him.  The gestures he made were beautiful, I even got tears in my eyes.  And seeing that Danica was his humanity warmed my heart time and again.  So I couldn’t get enough of the moments when Samael and Danica were together!  We also got to see another side of Danica in this story.  Yes she faced things she didn’t want to.  But she also allowed herself to break down and my heart ached for her. 

I’d let him in, I realized. Somewhere along the way, I’d let him crawl beneath my rib cage, and he was buried there, where my fucking heart should be.
I was going to be sick.

This story played out like a movie in my head.  I can’t recommend it enough for fans of paranormal and urban fantasy! There was adventure, friendship, passion and so many different creatures that I was fascinated learning about. I also enjoyed that this story brought about more of a familial side, with Gary’s kids. I loved watching Samael interact with them. And of course again there’s so much I can’t talk about. But it was so much fun and I read this book way too quickly!

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