Tag: Romance (Page 3 of 109)

BOOK REVIEW: The Rogue King (Inferno Rising #1) by Abigail Owen

BOOK REVIEW: The Rogue King (Inferno Rising #1) by Abigail OwenThe Rogue King (Inferno Rising #1)
by Abigail Owen
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Kasia Amon is a master at hiding. Who―and what―she is makes her a mark for the entire supernatural world. Especially dragon shifters. To them, she's treasure to be taken and claimed. A golden ticket to their highest throne. But she can't stop bursting into flames, and there's a sexy dragon shifter in town hunting for her...

As a rogue dragon, Brand Astarot has spent his life in the dark, shunned by his own kind, concealing his true identity. Only his dangerous reputation ensures his survival. Delivering a phoenix to the feared Blood King will bring him one step closer to the revenge he's waited centuries to take. No way is he letting the feisty beauty get away.

But when Kasia sparks a white-hot need in him that's impossible to ignore, Brand begins to form a new plan: claim her for himself...and take back his birthright.

Review:

The Rogue King was a forbidden dragon shifter romance that was filled with action and a lot of heart.  With political intrigue, precarious situations, and a fascinating world, I fell madly in love with this book!  I cried, laughed, and this story went right onto my favorites list.  If you love romance that holds you in the palm of its hand, definitely add this one to your tbr!  

“My knight in shining scales,” she quipped.
“I’m no knight any more than you’re a princess,” came the immediate denial.
Huh. Little do you know.

This story started off with a bang and within a few chapters, Brand and Kasia found themselves being hunted.  Brand was a dragon shifter, who was supposed to bring Kasia back to the Blood King.  It would make him one step closer to his revenge.  Yet they hit a plethora of obstacles along the way.  The action was so much fun, and it made this book impossible to put down!

She called to something deep inside him.
Mine, that voice whispered.

Brand was someone I instantly loved.  He was protective and loyal, yet I wanted Kasia to be for him.  He was so focused on the end game, that he didn’t even realize when little cracks started to appear in his plan as a friendship formed between them.  But Brand was the mysterious and silent type.  I loved getting to know him, and when he would show us little peaks into who he was, it felt like the sun was breaking through the clouds.

“It’s not smart to piss off a dragon.”
She lifted a single eyebrow and snorted— a very dragon sound. “Like you’d hurt me.”
There went that trust thing again, like a quiver of arrows unloaded into his heart. Only now, it just pissed him off.

There was so much unknown in Kasia’s world, but her visions never steered her wrong.  Because of them, she knew without a shadow of doubt that Brand would always protect her.  That she was safe with him.  So as she traveled with Brand, I loved that we got to see how brave and fierce she could be.  And that in the end, she definitely knew what she wanted!  I easily loved Kasia with my whole heart!

Kasia kept pushing. “Look at how you handled our first meeting. Your instinct was to help me.”
Now he scowled. “My first instinct was to fuck you. Long and hard.”

On their dangerous travels, watching them get to know each other was so entertaining.  I loved how they messed with one another.  How they learned to rely on each other.  And how they worked together as a team.  But one of them things I loved the most, was when their moments turned seductively steamy.  Sigh.  Rounding out this story were so many fabulous characters that I can’t wait to see in future books!

To hell with supposed- tos, and the world outside, and what logic should tell her was a bad idea. She didn’t want to stop this, to fight it any longer.

With revenge, lies, bargains, and love, The Rogue King was an instant favorite!  This story will make you feel so much, I even screamed and jumped haha.  And while I couldn’t wait to jump into the next book, I learned that this series, Inferno Rising, intertwines with the Fire’s Edge Series.  And the author has a reading order recommendation on her website that I will be following.  I’ll share the link here.  Enjoy! 

BOOK REVIEW: Aloha, Seattle by Morgan Gauthier

BOOK REVIEW: Aloha, Seattle by Morgan GauthierAloha, Seattle by Morgan Gauthier
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

There are three things you should know about Cate Ortega. One, she's a jet-setting flight attendant who never takes vacations. Two, she's competitive enough to lose friends over a game of Monopoly. And three, she's recently been dumped by her pilot ex-boyfriend for the blonde, new hire.

So, when a man calls out her name in the coffee shop and she absent-mindedly responds, Cate quickly realizes her private and routine life is about to be turned upside down. Theo asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend before his brother walks in and against all logic and reason, she agrees.

But when meeting Theo's brother turns into her attending his brother's wedding weekend in Hawaii, Cate and Theo make a deal. She'll pretend to be his girlfriend for the wedding and meet his entire family, if he goes to her company's New Year’s Eve party as her date, showing her ex-boyfriend that she's moved on.

Once the year ends, so will their relationship. But when they're forced to spend more time together than originally agreed upon, Cate starts to wonder if she'll be able to walk away, or if what started off as fake could be turning into something real.

Review:

Aloha, Seattle was a fake dating romance that I fell head over heels in love with.  The story was entertaining, the characters were memorable, and I found myself smiling from that first page to the last.  This was my first book by Morgan Gauthier, and I definitely plan on reading all of her backlist!

And there it is. For a moment I forgot I was there to deceive them. I am here to fulfill my end of the bargain. I gulp down my feelings and nod.

Cate and Theo’s meet cute was so adorable!  Theo told his family he was dating someone named Cate, so when he yelled her name in the coffee shop and she responded, I couldn’t stop smiling.  In walked Theo’s brother, and their fake dating games began.  By that second chapter I kept finding myself laughing, this book made me so happy!

“Wow.” I take the drink and stare at my feet. “First you remember the book I was reading when we first met and now my coffee order. If I knew any better,” I look up at him through my lashes, “I’d think you were trying to impress me.”
“Maybe I am.”

Theo was a Greek famous chef who was such a sweetheart.  I loved how thoughtful he could be, like making plans for Thanksgiving so she wouldn’t be alone.  And I loved how he remembered stuff when it came to Cate.  So when his protective side came out, I was swooning so hard!  Theo was a book boyfriend you will easily fall for!

A woman can only handle so much humiliation before ultimately giving up the will to live.

Cate was so relatable and easy to click with!  I loved how she worked out things in her head and could be self conscious at times.  So there were definitely a few times where I wanted to die of embarrassment for her.  But when she let herself go when she was around Theo, I loved how effortless their friendship formed.  How they both made each other happy.  It was so easy to fall in love, right along with them!

One cup of coffee was all it took for me to fall under her spell.

One of my favorite things about fake dating is when they start to cross or blur the line.  Between what is fake, and what is real.  And this story did that so beautifully!  So with text messages that will warm your heart, Friends references, family time, a beautiful trip, and coffee, I loved Aloha, Seattle!  If you’re a fan of romance books that make you laugh out loud and fall in love, definitely add this one to your tbr!  I can’t recommend it enough!

BOOK REVIEWS: How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams & The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen

BOOK REVIEWS: How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams & The Five Year Lie by Sarina BowenHow to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

One daring to-do list and a crash course in flirtation turn a Type A overachiever’s world upside down.

When her flailing department lands on the university's chopping block, Professor Naya Turner’s friends convince her to shed her frumpy cardigan for an evening on the town. For one night her focus will stray from her demanding job and she’ll tackle a new kind of to-do list. When she meets a charming stranger in town on business, he presents the perfect opportunity to check off the items on her list. Let the guy buy her a drink. Check. Try something new. Check. A no-strings-attached hookup. Check…almost.

Jake makes her laugh and challenges Naya to rebuild her confidence, which was left toppled by her abusive ex-boyfriend. Soon she’s flirting with the chance at a more serious romantic relationship—except nothing can be that easy. The complicated strings around her dating Jake might destroy her career.

Naya has two options. She can protect her professional reputation and return to her old life or she can flirt with the unknown and stay with the person who makes her feel like she's finally living again.

Review:

With an adorable cute meet cute that ended in disaster, How to Fail at Flirting, snagged me from that first chapter.  The characters stood out and were easy to root for.  The angst and drama were wonderfully done.  There were serious moments and an emotionally abusive relationship that was handled in a thoughtful way.  And I loved Naya’s found family, her best friends were so supportive.  With a fun and flirty vibe, along with some deeper moments, How to Fail at Flirting was a hit!

 

BOOK REVIEWS: How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams & The Five Year Lie by Sarina BowenThe Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

She thought it was love. Then he vanished.

On an ordinary Monday morning, Ariel Cafferty's phone buzzes with a disturbing text message. Something’s happened. I need to see you. Meet me under the candelabra tree ASAP. The words would be jarring from anyone, but the sender is the only man she ever loved. And it's been several years since she learned he died.

Seeing Drew’s name pop up is heart-stopping. Ariel’s gut says it can’t be real. But she goes to the tree anyway. She has to.

Nobody shows. But the text upends everything she thought she knew about the day he left her. The more questions she asks, the more sinister the answers get. Only two things are clear: everything she was told five years ago is wrong, and someone is still lying to her.

The truth has to be out there somewhere. To safeguard herself—and her son—she’ll have to find it before it finds her. And with it, the answer to what became of Drew.

For fans of Laura Dave and Julie Clark, but with a heart-stopping romance that only Sarina Bowen can execute, The Five Year Lie is a page-turning, spine-tingling thriller that will have you guessing until the very end.

Review:

The Five Year Lie was a mysterious thriller that gripped me from the first chapter.  This story was an easy one to devour, especially since we got moments from the past too.  It painted a bigger picture, and I loved watching Ariel and Drew fall for each other. Trying to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together had me turning those pages faster.  And while I got a good portion of it right, I loved how intricate this story became!  This one also hit emotionally hard, and I shed a few tears.  If you’re a fan of thrillers that have romance laced throughout the story, definitely add this one to your tbr!  I’m excited to see what Bowen writes next in this genre!   

Three weeks ago, my biggest problem was which summer day camps Buzz might enjoy – would he prefer Mad Science? Or the one at the arts center?
Then a text message from a dead man blew our lives apart with the force of a grenade.  Now I know what it means to be scared.

 

BOOK REVIEW: Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith

BOOK REVIEW: Revelle by Lyssa Mia SmithRevelle by Lyssa Mia Smith
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Inspired by Moulin Rouge! and set on an island in a magical version of Prohibition-era New York, Revelle is a breathtaking YA stand-alone fantasy full of dazzling magic, romance, and mystery from debut author Lyssa Mia Smith.

On the island of Charmant, magic flows like bootlegged champagne, and fantasies can be bought for the price of a gemstone.

Luxe Revelle, star of her family’s fantastical show, knows the splendor is just an illusion. With Prohibition threatening their livelihood, her family struggles to make a living, watering down champagne and patching holes in their sequined costumes. So when the son of Charmant’s wealthiest family makes her an offer—everything the Revelles need to stay in business, in exchange for posing as his girl and helping him become mayor—she can’t refuse.

The moment Jamison Port sets foot in Charmant, he can’t shake the feeling of familiarity. An orphan with as few memories as gemstones, he’s desperate to learn what happened to his parents. But as he delves into the island’s secrets, he risks angering the wrong person and discovering a truth that just might break his heart.

When Luxe and Jamison accidentally meet, the sparks that fly are more than her magical enchantments. But keeping secrets from powerful people is a dangerous game . . . one that could destroy them both.

Review:

Revelle was a magical journey that swept me away.  With a unique intertwining of magic, time travel, and more, this book held me in the palm of its hand.  The characters leapt from the pages, and the storyline had an air of mystery to it that was so much fun.  Set in the 1920s during the Prohibition Era,  the twists were phenomenal, and the romance tugged at my heart.  With tears in my eyes, I fell in love with how family, friendship, and love played such an integral part of this story.  I listened to the audiobook and it completely enraptured me.  Lyssa Mia Smith has made a fan for life, and I can’t wait to see what she releases next!

I was trapped. Completely and utterly trapped. 
My whole life, I’d believed we held the magic, the power. We made dreams come true. 
Just never our own.

BOOK REVIEW: House of Burning Frost (The Kingdom of Crows #5) by Olivia Wildenstein

BOOK REVIEW: House of Burning Frost (The Kingdom of Crows #5) by Olivia WildensteinHouse of Burning Frost (The Kingdom of Crows #5)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

FAKE AN ENGAGEMENT TO THE ICE KING TO TRAP AN ENEMY.

END THE SHAM BETROTHAL ONCE THE FOE IS CAUGHT.

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

If I were mortal, the epitaph on my tombstone would read: 'Here lies Isla Ríhbiadh, cherished daughter of Fallon and Lorcan, crown princess of Luce, and blunderer like no other.' Luckily, I'm an immortal shifter sorceress, so my countless slipups haven't resulted in my untimely demise. Yet. When my latest blunder lands me in the steam chamber of a very naked and very irritable Faerie king, I worry the pointy-eared Glacin will dispose of my body under six feet of solid ice. Instead, he suggests we get married. Our betrothal is purely strategic, meant only to trap King Konstantin's shifter-hating enemies. He's uninterested in finding love, and I'm uninterested in falling for a man who isn't my mate. A fool-proof alliance. Obviously, I'm a fool for thinking this, since nothing I ever do goes right. What starts as a friendly ruse soon turns into a perilous game. One that blurs the line between scheming and desire. Between childhood fantasies and adult realities. Between the Ice King and me. House of Burning Frost is a tale of peril, passion, and the power of love to transcend the confines of fate.

*This spicy standalone romantasy can be read without reading books 1-4, but, for more enjoyment, it's suggested to read the prior books.

Review:

House of Burning Frost was a steamy romantasy that was impossible to put down.  With the most fabulous slow burn, sexual tension that was palpable, and moments that had me laughing out loud, I fell madly in love with this book. Mystery swirled within these pages, so I was always nervous for what would come next.  With bargains, traitors, love, secrets, and friendship laced throughout this story, this book went straight onto my favorites list!

“Define little spell.”
“I could chop the tip off one of your fingers. I’d grow it back immediately.” His lips remain crooked.
“Tempting.”

Isla was someone I absolutely adored.  She could be so brave and fierce, yet she could be uncertain and struggled at times with her blood casting.  So when Isla had the most memorable meet cute with King Konstantin, I was nervous for her.  They started off on the wrong foot, even if they had this beautiful chemistry between them.  Yet with tension thrumming, I was waiting for the fireworks to explode. 

When he lowers his hand, amusement has softened his own expression. “You will end up being the death of me, Miss Ríhbiadh.”

Konstantin had me from the moment he met Isla.  He was charismatic, fair, protective, and logical.  And when we got his point of view a little farther into the story, I was screaming!  His thoughts…..oh you wouldn’t realize what they were underneath his icy facade.  His country was in turmoil, and there was so much unrest, so we got to see how much he struggled with all that was on his plate.  But we also got to see his thoughts towards Isla.  And I absolutely loved them!

“Let the ruse begin,” the Ice King murmurs.

Watching Isla and Konstantin work together and try to find trust was so much fun!  Especially when you throw a marriage of convenience on top of it.  The fact that there was some animosity there, while they were pretending to be engaged, will keep you smiling.  Their banter was fabulous and I loved how they messed with each other!  At times it felt like they were going to explode.  So with rejection, hope, and the kindling of more, I fell right along with them!

He guides my head down toward his and silences me with a kiss that streaks fire down my throat and into my chest.

While this book can definitely be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend reading the previous 4 books enough.  You get to watch Isla’s parents fight for their happily ever after, and there’s so many characters from the past who make an appearance in this story.  So I was cackling with delight each time a new one would appear haha.  Also, the political intrigue kept us on our toes!  With the mingling of fae, shifters, and humans, there was still a lot of tension and discrimination.  The way it played into the storyline definitely kept me surprised!

“I don’t fucking trust anyone, Isla! I don’t even fucking trust my own general!”
Oh. That’s… unexpected. “Well, you should trust me. Or rather, you should have, for I want nothing from you. Nothing. Not your crown. Not your affection. Not your admiration. Not your coin. Nothing.”
“And I want everything!” he exclaims.

House of Burning Frost was a forced proximity, marriage of convenience that will keep you smiling from that first page to the last.  And this steamy romantasy made me cry all the tears!  Along with screaming with laughter too.  I think this is definitely Wildenstein’s funniest books.  So with the most fabulous ending ever, and getting to see so many favorites, I closed this book so happy!  If you love romantasy, definitely add this one to your tbr!

“You, Isla Ríhbiadh, have set fire to my kingdom of ice and torched your way into my frozen heart.”

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

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