Tag: Romance (Page 1 of 64)

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

June 22, 2022 / Jen / 2 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: The Bad Boy’s Good Girl by Cookie O’Gorman & Michelle Pennington

June 10, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

The Bad Boy's Good Girl by Cookie O'Gorman, Michelle Pennington
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Logan King was trouble.

I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on him. But when I challenged him, I had no idea he'd take his revenge so far.

To make up for his inexcusable behavior, his parents gave me a scholarship to King's Prep Academy. My mom insisted that I accept. Now, I'm the poor, public school girl attending an elite academy for the rich.

Even worse, Logan is here. He rules the school, and he wants me gone.

But I have a dream to chase, and no one, not even a King, will stop me.

Review:

The Bad Boy’s Good Girl was an enemies to lovers that was addictive, swoon worthy and beyond intoxicating! From that very first page I was hooked! This story took place at an academy and I loved being lost in their world and lives. Deals were made. Secrets took place. And it all made this book impossible to put down! If you love young adult romance or academy books then you definitely need this one on your tbr!

In a sea of perfection, she strode confidently in her scuffed checkered Vans with her head held high—messy, falling-down bun and all.

Ava Deluca ended up in a twisted situation that landed her at King’s Prep Academy. It was a dream school to attend and would help her reach the stars with her love of art. Yet, there was one huge hiccup. She got a scholarship there to make up for Logan King’s actions to her mother, and her. Logan was not one to be messed with. He could be the devil, and Ava found herself right in his cross-hairs.

I knew I should’ve been sorry or scared— or both.
But I wasn’t.
Justice had been served, and I couldn’t regret it.

Logan came across as beyond conceited, spoiled and he seemed to see the worst in certain people. So when Ava landed in Logan’s world, she gave it right back to him as good as he gave it. While that made him pause, it set off a chain reaction for their enemies to lovers relationship. Logan always got what he wanted, and unfortunately he wanted Ava gone from his school. But I held out all the hope. Because there were tiny flickers of another Logan, or maybe it was a side of him I wanted him to be. I wasn’t sure. Regardless, I held out hope that he had a heart buried underneath it all. And as we slowly got to witness who Logan truly was, I fell hard!

“Did you need something?” I asked . “Or are you here to annoy me as usual?”
“Funny, isn’t it?” he said. “That’s the same word I associate with you. An annoyance I just can’t seem to get rid of.”

I loved Ava right away! She had so much fire and sass. She also had a ton of heart too, and I loved her relationship with her mom! But at King’s Prep Academy, Ava quickly realized she was in over her head. The girls there were beyond mean and viscous. The bullying Ava experienced broke my heart! It seemed that she was trying to be wrecked at every single turn. But regardless, Ava kept her head up and still had her kindness. Which turned her situation around in a way I didn’t expect, yet entirely loved! That moment of kindness transformed her future and I couldn’t read this book fast enough to see what happened next!

“You know what?” she asked softly. When I didn’t answer, she blazed ahead anyway. “I don’t think you’re as bad as you try to be.”

Ava and Logan together were like a storm that you never knew which way it would blow. I loved their banter and that Ava wouldn’t back down. She would go head to head with Logan and wasn’t afraid of his games. And even when they hurt each other, I still loved every single one of their moments on the pages! The passion between them was so intense. While they definitely wanted to hate the other, they couldn’t not be attracted to each other too. So when help coming from unlikely sources, and the lengths those went to protect others, it just made this book that much more addictive! And payback?! Eeps, I can’t even! It was all so perfect!

How do you get close to a girl when there are a million reasons she should stay as far away from you as she possibly can?

The Bad Boy’s Good Girl was an addictive, young adult romance that many will absolutely love! With friendships, romance and family laced throughout the pages it made this book an instant favorite! And with a strong enemies to lovers vibe set at an academy, I was obsessed! Now I’m just needing more stories from this world please! Could Logan’s sister or Chris be next? I hope!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Office Date by Rachel Van Dyken

June 9, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Office Date by Rachel Van Dyken
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
I’ve known Jack my entire life.
We went from being high school enemies to making out one fateful night at college to him being a giant D and making me cry.
Now we’re both interns at the same company.
Mortal enemy interns.

So when the chance pops up to finally beat him at something, to land my dream job plus a bonus? I don’t even blink.

I’m in. All in.
I mean, how hard can it be?
The managers say it’s like the Olympics for interns. All we have to do is play a few silly games, and if we win—our futures are unicorns and free wine for all.
The only problem? Jack’s my partner, and in order to win, we will have to get along.

As the stakes get higher, so does the heat, and damn is he hot when he’s… never mind. I can focus. I can totally focus and not make out with him or end up in his bed—again.
I can do it.
For the sake of my career, I can do it.
I just need a blindfold, sage, and a lot of prayers.

My job is the only thing I have right now. My focus is strong.
But when that stupid guy smiles, all I can think about is that one kiss, followed by the second, and I wonder if my priorities are in order or if I’m falling for the enemy once again.

Review:

Are there hidden cameras?
What do I even do right now? I lean forward.
“This can’t be legal.”

Office Date was binge worthy and a ton of fun! Rachel Van Dyken has done it again! She wrote another fabulous enemies to lovers and forced proximity that I loved! So if you adore sexy, new adult romance that will keep you laughing from start to finish then you definitely need Office Date in your life!

I sucker punch him in the stomach.
It was instinct!
He starts coughing and falls to the floor, yelling, “Whyyyyyyy?” like I just committed murder.
Whatever.
I kick him lightly. “You’re fine; stop being dramatic!”

Ivy and Jack had hated each other forever. Not only did they have a disaster of a kiss in high school, but remained steadfast in their hatred through college. Now they were at an internship together. And even though Jack knew how to push Ivy’s buttons like a pro and Ivy got irritated with Jack so easily, they both were attracted to each another. When they found themselves in an office style non-death hunger game situation lol, they both needed to work together to win the top two spots for their dream jobs!

“You’ll be living across the hall from each other, we couldn’t swing the whole roommate thing again, but you will be spending the next two weeks together as if you’re…”
Don’t say it. Don’t say it. Don’t say it.
“Dating.”
“Fuck!” I say, then realize I said it out loud.
When a heel drives into the top of my foot seconds later.

Jack was my favorite! He was the king of screwing with Ivy, and he could be such an ass. But I was obsessed with him since we got half of the book in his point of view. And his thoughts?! They cracked me up or made me sigh out loud. I loved hearing Ivy’s voice too and how she assessed a situation. But listening to the both of them, you got to see that they each had so many layers. Their pasts, dreams and goals shaped who they were now. And they truly didn’t know the other person. So I was beyond ecstatic that they not only had to live right by each other but that they had to work together to win!

“How are you so cruel?” I cling to her. “Who hurt you?”
She shoves me off her. “Oh, some big giant idiot in college, but I’m over it.”
“I’m not,” I say under my breath, making her own catch.

The games Ivy and Jack found themselves in were over the top! Again! This is the second annual Emory Games, and you can read about the first in Office Hate. You don’t have to read that book first before this one, but oh my gosh I love that story so much and can’t recommend it enough! During these new games, childhood fears reappeared and it didn’t matter how irrational they were. There were moments I knew I shouldn’t be laughing at them, but I couldn’t stop. And the motivation they gave each other to win *dying laughing*, it was sooooooo inappropriate but so perfect too! I knew it was just a matter of time before Jack and Ivy would cross the line, and when they did *fans face* it was so hot!

His eyes flicker to my lips.
“Question.”
“What now?”
“If I kiss you, will you slap me?”
I grin. “This sounds like a fun game.”
“Be serious.”
“I am.” I lean in. “Care to test it out?”
“How hard do you slap?”
“How good do you kiss?”
He smirks. “Ah, a challenge?”
“I like to win.”
“Maybe we both win…”

Office Date was a fun, lighthearted, laugh out loud hilarious book. If you’re looking for a story to pick up at the beach, this is it! I can easily see myself reading it again! Plus the ending was so cute and left a smile on my face! Now I’m wondering if there will be the third annual Emory Games someday *fingers crossed*…….

She’s my perfect partner in crime, and I don’t want to let her go.

PS Max is as eccentric as ever and poor Dustin lol.

*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 / 3 Comments

Something Wilder by Christine Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks,
Book Depository
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 / 1 Comment

Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks,
Book Depository
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.*