BOOK REVIEWS: The Royals Next Door & Lovewrecked by Karina Halle

BOOK REVIEWS: The Royals Next Door & Lovewrecked by Karina HalleThe Royals Next Door by Karina Halle
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

>b>An ordinary summer goes royally awry when a prince and princess move next door, bringing their handsome bodyguard with them, from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.

Piper Evans: elementary school teacher by day--avid romance reader and anonymous podcaster by night. She has a quiet, reclusive life, taking care of her mother, who lives with mental illness, avoiding her regrettable ex, who bartends in town, and trying to make inroads in the tight-knit island community that still sees her, five years in, as an outsider.
And she's happy with how things are--really--until British royals rent the property next to hers and their brooding bodyguard decides she's a security threat. Piper quickly realizes that one person's fairy tale is an ordinary woman's nightmare as a media frenzy takes over the island and each run-in with Harrison Cole is hotter and more confusing than the last. But beneath Harrison's no-nonsense exterior lies a soft heart, one that could tempt a woman who's sworn off attachments into believing in white knights.

But when Piper finds herself smack in the middle of a royal scandal that rocks the island she'll need more than Harrison's strong arms to shield her--she'll have to do a little rescuing herself. With careers, hearts, and friendships on the line, Piper and Harrison will have to decide what they're willing to give up for a chance at their own happily ever after.

Review:

The Royals Next Door was a hilarious and steamy adult romance that was so much fun to listen to!  If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, smile, and fall in love, definitely add this one to your tbr!  I love how Karina writes such a vast array of characters and stories.  Each time I pick up one of her books, I know that I’ll fall for her stories and characters every single time.

From the beginning, I adored Piper.  She was funny and so relatable.  Piper was a teacher whose day was going sideways, and she just wanted to go home.  One her way there, she had the most fabulous run in with a sexy bodyguard, Harrison.  Whom she had read dirty fan fiction about.  She cracked me up time and again!  Their interactions started off a little antagonistic, but I loved watching that relationship evolve!

Harrison was a hard one to read, yet I couldn’t help but love him.  He could be a man of few words, and he was a fun one to figure out.  He took his job very seriously, and I love how he didn’t give a second thought when it came to protecting Piper.  With a little bit of forced proximity at times, I was always counting down till that next time they ran into each other!  Because I knew I would either be laughing, sighing, or something explosive would happen.

The Royals Next Door was a romcom that played out like a movie in my head.  The cake scene, Costco samples, the laundry room, and so many more moments were memorable.  And when Harrison and Piper were alone, they could be so steamy and hot!  I also loved that this story included heavier topics that were weaved beautifully into this story.  And the epilogue at the end was beyond fabulous!  Can’t recommend this one enough!

 

BOOK REVIEWS: The Royals Next Door & Lovewrecked by Karina HalleLovewrecked by Karina Halle
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

A grumpy groomsman. A surprise shipwreck. Stuck on a deserted island together? Worst maid-of-honor gig ever. From the NYT bestselling author of A Nordic King comes a standalone romantic comedy.

Daisy Lewis is experiencing a relentless string of bad luck.

Fortunately, Daisy has her sister’s destination wedding coming up. A week of sand, sea, and sun in the South Pacific as the maid-of-honor is exactly what Daisy needs to forget her upturned life and focus on the positive.

That is until Daisy meets the best man.

If you take tall, dark, and handsome, and add a dash of rugged, a pinch of brooding, and a whole lot of sexy, you’ve got Tai Wakefield. Unfortunately he’s also a major grump, total alpha, and seemingly out to antagonize Daisy at every turn.

As if being part of the wedding party with Tai wasn’t bad enough, Daisy’s bad luck soon resurfaces when she ends up on a cramped sailboat with Tai and the newlyweds.

Which then shipwrecks on a deserted island near Fiji.

Okay, so they aren’t completely alone. There’s an oddball research scientist who has been isolated for far too long, they have rundown bungalows as shelter, stores of water and canned food, plus a feral goat named Wilson.It’s Lost…without the smoke monster.

But with rescue weeks away, Tai and Daisy realize the only way they’re going to get through this mess is to stop fighting and start working together.

And with their guards down, they get closer.

A lot closer.

Soon, Daisy realizes that the only thing worse than being stuck on a deserted island, is being stuck on a deserted island with a man she hates to love and loves to hate.

A man that can break her heart.

Review:

Lovewrecked was an enemies to lovers, steamy adult romance that I devoured.  The characters were unique, the storyline flowed quickly, and I loved the happily ever after at the end of this story!  If you love assholeish guys, girls that can be judgy and high maintenance, but you can’t help but love, and side characters who get their happily ever after too, then add this one to your tbr!  The vibrator, spare comment and dream had me screaming with laughter.  And the second half of this book was my favorite part!  I listened to the audiobook of this story and enjoyed both of the narrators; they made the story so effortless to listen to.

BOOK REVIEW: Worthy of Fate (Realms in Peril #1) by A.N. Caudle

BOOK REVIEW: Worthy of Fate (Realms in Peril #1) by A.N. CaudleWorthy of Fate by A.N. Caudle
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Gem

Marked by the Gods, Kya is forced to partake in a Trial for a chance to be deemed Worthy. If she succeeds, she’ll be gifted great powers. If she fails, she could lose her life or worse. But that’s only the start of her worries. Now, the same plague that took her home is spreading and threatening the fate of the realm. Can Kya survive the Trial of the Gods and gain the needed power to rid the world of the growing threat before it’s too late? Or will she be drawn to what awaits her in the shadows?

The Shadow

Ryker has waited a long time for her—his mate. Now he’s found her. He plans to claim what is rightfully his, but dark forces threaten to destroy his Nation should he embrace the bond he so desperately desires. Unable to escape the drive to be near her, he waits for his precious gem, lingering in her shadow.

Worthy of Fate is the first book in a new adult, dark fantasy romance series with an intriguing magic system, dark forces, Spirits, and forbidden fated mates.

Review:

Worthy of Fate was a spicy, romantasy that was filled with forbidden romance, fated mates, and found family.  This new world and their magic were intriguing and the storyline unfolded at a pace that was easy to keep up with.  This debut novel left me looking forward to the next one in the series!

No, I didn’t fear death. It had always followed me. What I did fear was life. However short it may be…

If you love a stabby fmc, then Kya is your lady!  I loved watching her come into her power and learning even more about the world around her.  She was a force to be reckoned with and I was so grateful she had her found family by her side.  Malina, her sister, was my favorite.  And while I liked her brother, Nikan, I did want to hit him a time or few haha.

“You are worthy in more ways than one. This title does not define you. It describes you.”

We also got chapters of this story told from Ryker, and he was a shadow daddy who was easy to love.  You could tell he had a heart of gold, and I love how he respected Kya.  While he had the world on his shoulders, I love how he still made time to tell truths and explain things to Kya further into the story.  The steam and tension between them was beautifully done.  They were mates, yet forbidden at the same time.  So, the angst and sexual tension between them was fabulous and so steamy.

“I’ve waited a very long time for my mate, and you can bet that I won’t let them take you from me now that I have you. We will get past this, show them we are no threat. Then, I will take you. I will claim what is mine. Because you are mine, Kya. I will seal the bond with you and be marked by our mating.”

With unknowns around every corner, mysteries to solve, and discovering who truly had your back, this book was a fun read.  I had some sweaty palm moments, especially during the trials.  It was a very small part, but definitely gave off Hunger Game vibes.  The only hiccup I had was there were a lot of names and places.  I took notes, but I still got confused.  This book ended on a wonderful cliffhanger and I’m looking forward to reading the next book.

She became the calm to my storm.

BOOK REVIEW: If There’s No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: If There’s No Tomorrow by Jennifer L ArmentroutIf There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year.

She’s ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. The upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances. Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.

Now Lena isn’t looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian might never forgive her for what happened.

For what she let happen.

Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when her entire existence has been redefined? How can she move on when tomorrow isn’t even guaranteed?

Review:

Some books hit you hard and take you back to a certain time and place.  This was that kind of book for me.  It was emotionally powerful.  And I cried all the tears, while also reliving memories from the past.  I don’t want to say what of, because that’s a huge spoiler.  But I feel like this should be a must read for those in their teens and twenties.  Or for those that just went along with a situation like Lena did.  Because so many do.  I know I didn’t think twice until something horrific happened, and then we were all drowning too.

What would I have done differently that night if I’d known there was no tomorrow?  Everything.  I would’ve done everything differently.

While there is some steam on the pages, and a friends to lovers romance takes a lead at times, I desperately needed it.  Sebastian was the light that Lena desperately needed.  He added hope to her life.  And could be someone she talked to.  I absolutely adored him.  But what this story was mainly about was healing.  How guilt can eat you alive.  How life can be so unfair.  How one choice haunts you for the rest of your life.  How things can change in the blink of an eye.  This book will make you think.  And these characters come alive from the pages, making it that more real.  The friendship, the healing, the family, the love, even just the process, it was all so emotional.  If There’s No Tomorrow is a must read if you love romance, books that will hit you hard, and leave you thinking long after you close that last page.

BOOK REVIEWS: The Dead List & Till Death by Jennifer L Armentrout

BOOK REVIEWS: The Dead List & Till Death by Jennifer L ArmentroutThe Dead List by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

When Ella is mysteriously attacked on her way home from a party, her entire life changes as she finds herself at the center of an attempted murder investigation.

Ella tries to move on, but her attacker isn't done yet. He shows himself in the form of horrifying signs and symbols: a clown mask strewn on her bed, a dead bird in her backpack, a shadow moving past her window in the night. And as the weeks pass, it turns out that Ella isn't the only one being tormented.

With the help of an old flame, Jensen Carver, and her friends and family, Ella tries to attain some sense of normalcy, but she can't seem to shake the feeling that there's a dark pattern hidden in the killer's every move. Suddenly, even those in her innermost circle seem suspicious. In her seemingly safe West Virginia town, Ella starts to wonder who she can trust.

Review:

If you adore the movie Scream, but always wanted something a little deeper, then definitely add this one to your tbr!  From that first chapter I was pulled in, and this story held me in the palm of its hand.  I screamed, I gasped, and the audio completely captivated me.  This is a must read if you enjoy young adult mystery and thrillers, and to be kept guessing!

“We are not together.”
“Aren’t we?”
My breath caught as his hand slid up, skating over my ribs, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
Jensen’s deep, low chuckle traveled across my throat. “After this morning, we are most definitely together. We just haven’t worked out the specifics of our together-ness.”
“Together-ness is not a word.”
“Now it is.” His hand slipped away from the door to cradle my cheek. He tipped my head back, and I thought my heart would burst from my chest.

One of my favorite things, besides the characters, was that this book kept me on my toes.  So, stick with your gut as you watch everything unfold.  Because there’s a twist that will leave your reeling while second guessing everything!  And while you’re taken on this twisted path, the characters come alive!  Elle was so easy to adore.  Her thoughts made me want to be friends with her and I loved that Jensen was back in her life.  I saw him as nothing but light and goodness, and I kept my fingers crossed I was right about that!  As you’ll slowly see, we don’t have the whole picture of their past.  But as things are revealed to us in pieces, and we dive deeper into this story, I was completely hooked!  I can’t recommend this one enough!

 

BOOK REVIEWS: The Dead List & Till Death by Jennifer L ArmentroutTill Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .

It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.

First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.

But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.

Review:

This adult romance thriller was impossible to put down!  While listening to this story, I had chills and kept looking around corners when walking back to my car in the dark, eeps.  Sasha was kidnapped by a serial killer 10 years ago.  Now that she’s back home, to help her mom with their inn, things kept happening.  And each time, the ante was upped to another level.  It left not only Sasha, but me, questioning what was going on.  The serial killer who still tormented her dreams was dead.  Yet the similarities were creepy and terrifying.

“People don’t get second chances often, Sasha, but we got one, and I’m not going to let that pass us by.”

I could have easily binged this book in a day, if life didn’t get in the way.  Sasha was likeable and I adored her bestie, Miranda.  Her family and small town were adorable.  And with Cole being back in her life, I was a swoony mess.  The steam in this story was wonderfully done and while I guessed who the person was, I kept changing my opinion.  Because the way the story unfolded placed doubt in my mind, it was brilliantly done.  If you’re looking for a story that will keep you entertained, guessing, and has a second chance romance that will have you falling in love, then definitely add this one to your tbr!  Plus, the HEA that looked into the future was everything!

BOOK REVIEW: The Worst Duke in London (Taming of the Dukes #3) by Amalie Howard

BOOK REVIEW: The Worst Duke in London (Taming of the Dukes #3) by Amalie HowardThe Worst Duke in London (Taming of the Dukes #3)
by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Bridgerton meets 10 Things I Hate About You in this spicy enemies-to-lovers Regency romance from a "must-read author" (Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

Lady Evangeline Raine prefers animals to people and has no interest in marriage­--much to the dismay of her flirty younger sister, Viola. Because their father has one rule: Viola may be courted, only if Effie has a suitor as well.

Saddled with debt, Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is determined to rebuild his estates. When the owner of his vowels offers him a fortune to charm the impervious Lady Evangeline for the season so Lady Viola can be courted, the game is on, even if it means pretending to seduce an unconventional wallflower.

But Gage gets much more than he bargains for in an adversary who wants to make her own scandalous arrangement. Effie will go to London for the season, but only if Gage agrees to be her lover. Yet when their fake courtship leads to passionate feelings, will their indecent proposal end with the season or be the start of something real?

Review:

The Worst Duke in London was a take on 10 Things I Hate About You and I was here for it!  I absolutely adored the characters, and the storyline was a lot of fun!  With a wonderful HEA, I’m so happy I read this book! 

Viola’s pretty face screwed up, her mouth twisting into a rancid moue. “Why must you be so wretched all the time? Can’t you just be normal for once?”
“Normal is overprized.”
Viola huffed

Lady Evangeline Raine could be as prickly as a porcupine when she wanted to be, but I absolutely adored her!  Her lack of filter at times was so refreshing, and I loved how passionate she was about things close to her heart.  And how deeply she loved those around her.  With the cutest kitten meet cute, I couldn’t wait to see what happened between Evangeline and Gage next.

Something glinted in her eyes as she stared at him, a thawing and a bit of goodwill, perhaps. It wasn’t much, but it was there. Gage nodded back, but for some reason, when he should have felt elated at the victory, he felt guilt instead.

Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, was supposed to get Evangeline to London.  His family’s debts would be wiped clean from Huntington, who wanted to court Evangeline’s sister.  But from the moment Gage met Evangeline, everything went a little sideways.  I loved watching how he was challenged by her.  How he had to work to even get time with her.  Even if they were both attracted to each other from the start.  I was rooting for Gage every step of the way.  He had the most beautiful heart, and I loved watching him help her out time and again without a second thought.

She wanted more.
Evangeline fisted her hands in his ruined coat, dragging herself to her knees and straddling his hips as she savaged his mouth, kissing him back as feverishly as he was kissing her. It was hungry. It was raw. It was real.

Watching the friendship blossom between them was heartwarming.  Throw in some banter and memorable scenes and I was hooked And the steam in this book was done fabulously!  Each time it seemed to ratchet up!  Yet as they grew close, secrets were kept.  And I kept waiting for it all to blow up.  Because I knew it would.

He wanted her body, her beautiful brain, her smiles, her caustic wit, her generosity of spirit… all of her.
And that terrified him.
Because he had to stay focused on what he was here for: three more weeks to resolve Asher’s debt.

With trust, honor, lies, jealousy, and secrets swirling through this story, it was so much fun to read!  I’m keeping my fingers crossed for who the next book is about!  I recently watched 10 Things I Hate About You, for the millionth time haha, and loved seeing little moments here or there that reminded me of the movie.  So if you adore that movie and like historical romance, you should put this one on your tbr!

He made her feel… like she was the only one he ever saw. Like she was everything.

*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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