Author: Jen (Page 10 of 204)

I ♥ Paranormal, Dystopian, Romance, YA, NA & some Fantasy and Science Fiction. I ♥ not being able to knock that darn smirk off my face, crying my eyes out or feeling every emotion under the sun with characters. I ♥ cheesecake, wakeboarding, snowboarding, being a mommy & wife, dancing, singing and being a beach bum addict!
Find me on: Goodreads

BOOK REVIEW: Right Where We Left Us by Jen Devon

BOOK REVIEW: Right Where We Left Us by Jen DevonRight Where We Left Us by Jen Devon
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Temperance Jean Madigan and Duncan Brady have never gotten it right. After one radiant, secret summer together when they were eighteen, they’ve been on-again off-again ever since. Now, despite red-hot chemistry and TJ’s closeness with Duncan’s family, they’re virtually strangers, only capable of adversarial banter, awkward small talk―and the occasional messy hookup.

When a wedding at the Bradys' vineyard lands TJ there for the summer, their mutual avoidance strategies prove impossible. The last thing TJ wants is to be under those angsty, heated glances Duncan thinks he hides. And for Duncan, having fiery TJ constantly close is the ultimate distraction that he absolutely can’t afford. When forced proximity begins to chip away at their armor, buried tensions resurface, old wounds urge confrontation, and once-in-a-lifetime love demands one last chance to finally get it right.

Review:

Right Where We Left Us was a second chance romance that had a lot of heart.  Unfortunately, this book doesn’t read as a standalone.  Within the first two chapters we were introduced or told about 18 characters.  And as someone who adores fantasy, and the more characters the merrier, I was utterly lost.  So, I wrote down all of the characters and their connections to each other, yet that didn’t help.  That lost feeling created a disconnect and I couldn’t connect to any of the characters.  I ended up stopping at 30%, right at the beginning of Part 2.  I think that people who adored Devon’s previous novel, Bend Toward the Sun will enjoy this book and be happy to be back with everyone they love!

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

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

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

Synopsis:

Book 1 of 2 (Duet)

FAUSTO

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

And I always get what I want.

Including my son's fiancée.

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

Even if she fights me at every turn.

FRANCESCA

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Synopsis:

Part 2 of 2 -- Not a standalone!

FAUSTO

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

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

Francesca is mine and I’m keeping her.

FRANCESCA

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

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

This time, it will be the king who breaks.

Review:

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

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

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

BOOK REVIEW: A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Kingdom of Lies #4) by Stacia Stark

BOOK REVIEW: A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Kingdom of Lies #4) by Stacia StarkA Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Kingdom of Lies #4)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The price of love is loss.
We all pay it eventually…

In every life…

Some moments are too painful to be endured.
Some moments will break you if you let them.

And yet I can’t afford to let anything break me. Because we have one chance to win this war. One chance to create a better life for everyone across the four kingdoms.

Even as our enemies ally with each other, and our own allies are forced to betray their kingdoms, their people…and themselves.
And even as Regner plans something so cruel, so wholly evil, he’s poised to douse the last remaining spark of hope in this world.

Unless we kill him first.

Review:

A Kingdom of Lies has become my favorite romantasy series!  I know that’s such a bold claim, but this series was breathtakingly beautiful.  The characters will embed themselves into your heart forever, and this story is one that was impossible to put down.  If you love fantasy, romantasy, romance, enemies to lovers, and found family, I can’t recommend this final book and series enough!

“In every life, wildcat.  No matter what happens, you hold on to that.  It’s you and me in every life.”

A Queen This Fierce and Deadly absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible.  This story had a wonderful recap and then started exactly where A Crown This Cold and Heavy ended.  The perilous moments in this book made my heart race and left me struggling to breathe normally at times!  The friendship and love that conquered all, was breathtaking.  And the found family will melt your heart.  So while bargains were made and trust was put in precarious positions, I was cheering them on every step of the way!

My rage was endless, as if it might swallow me whole.

Within those first few pages, I was already crying all of the tears.  And I found myself crying so many other times from the beginning to the end.  There were tears because I was terrified for who would live and die in this world, especially with the upcoming war.  I sobbed tears of relief and joy.  And there were also tears from pain because of moments that cut my heart into a million pieces.  This book will make you feel everything!

Every time I’d escaped certain death, every person I’d killed to save my own life, every near miss and lesson learned…all of them had led up to this.
It was me or him.

The characters in this story were unforgettable.  People’s actions shocked me in the best and worst of ways.  So when new light was shown on things, my mouth was on the floor multiple times!  We also got answers to unknowns and questions from previous books, and it was beautiful seeing all of the pieces fall into place.  But with war on their doorsteps, I loved watching those that were born to be leaders take charge, have clear heads, and rise above it all.  I actually clapped my hands out loud so many times.  But within these pages there was also so much death and destruction.  And the stakes were so high.  It all led to heart pounding action that laced throughout these pages!

This was all Prisca’s fault.
That bitch got beneath my skin. She made me care.
Now, I would be forced to watch as these people died one by one. 

We got multiple POVs again, and each one had my full attention.  My heart would beat faster as we left someone we cared for in a precarious situation!  But then that feeling would be back all over again, once we left the next one.  There were heartwarming moments that we could breathe and see them enjoying life within that moment.  Also there were steamy moments that were sigh worthy and so seductive.  This book truly had it all!

Whoever said vengeance didn’t help was lying.

I loved A Queen This Fierce and Deadly with my whole heart!  It was the most beautiful story of perseverance, friendship and love!  With perilous action, spies in the midst, sob worthy sacrifice, heart warming loyalty, beautiful found family, and everlasting love, this series 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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BOOK REVIEW: Heavenbreaker by Sara Wolf

BOOK REVIEW: Heavenbreaker by Sara WolfHeavenbreaker by Sara Wolf
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Bravery isn't what you do. It's what you endure.

The duke of the powerful House Hauteclare is the first to die. With my dagger in his back.

He didn’t see it coming. Didn’t anticipate the bastard daughter who was supposed to die with her mother―on his order. He should have left us with the rest of the Station’s starving, commoner rubbish.

Now there’s nothing left. Just icy-white rage and a need to make House Hauteclare pay. Every damn one of them.

Even if it means riding Heavenbreaker―one of the few enormous machines left over from the War―and jousting against the fiercest nobles in the system.

Each win means another one of my enemies dies. And here, in the cold terror of space, the machine and I move as one, intent on destroying each adversary―even if it’s someone I care about. Even if it’s someone I’m falling for.

Only I’m not alone. Not anymore.

Review:

Heavenbreaker was a SciFi that took us on the journey of a lifetime!  With the story taking place in space, scenes filled with action, and a dash of romance, this book was a quick read!  The world was brutally harsh, and there were so many twists and turns that’ll keep you on your toes!  If you love the idea of jousting in space, and heroines that are filled with vengeance, then this is definitely your book!  

Where does a twisted girl like me fit in the universe? Everyone else is full, whole. No one wants the darkness – they want the stars.

The story started with Synali Emilio Woster killing her father, who was from House Hauteclare.  He had her mother murdered, and she was determined to make him pay with his life.  In trying to escape, it eventually landed her with Dravik who was a man that was bent on ruining House Hauteclare.  In exchange for riding his machine, Heavenbreaker, he would murder someone who was linked to her mother’s death for each of her wins in a duel.  As the death’s piled up, and truths became known, this book was so much more than I ever expected!

“A spider is a patient animal – until its web is broken.”

Synali was such a challenging character.  She was so focused on her end game of wanting those to suffer that had a hand in her mother’s death.  And she never seemed to think of herself, which hurt.  So while she could be immature at times and be ruled by her emotions, I was also excited to watch her grow.  Because I thought Synali had so much potential since she was tenacious, fierce, and there was no end to what she would do to accomplish her goals!

The fine line between love and hate is made of blood. And to blood it will return.

For the other characters, I have so many emotions!  Heavenbreaker was such a fascinating mystery.  From that first moment she showed something, I was desperately trying to piece together the clues.  And all I’m saying is that I thought I had a solid guess.  But oh how wrong I was!  Thankfully my guess towards Spider was correct.  Luna I adored and wanted to scoop her from the pages.  Rax was everything!  And then there was Mirelle, who was from House Hauteclare and a rider.  She was one of my favorites.  I loved that she called Synali murderer and how she tried to see the good in the world.  But she ended up seeing way more than she wanted to also.

The dance floor slowly fills in, the musicians gaining volume as my murmur loses it. “I wish you’d give up on me.”
“Oh, I will…once I’ve fought you. But until then, I’m selfishly holding on to you with everything I’ve got.”

So with similar vibes to The 100, mixed with a sprinkle of The Hunger Games, and a dash of the movie Alien, this book was such a fascinating read!  I have to say that when we got told certain things, I shuddered.  But within this story there was also jousting battles, where the riders would be inside the machines and go up against one another.  And there was also an extremely slow burn romance that had a possible love triangle attached to it.  Now I’ll be patiently waiting for the next one to be released!

“He promised. After it’s over. So it’s pointless.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Lithroi. The rabbit man. He’s going to kill me like I asked.” I laugh. “I want to rest. But sometimes I look at Luna, and the sunrise, and you…and then I don’t.”

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

BOOK REVIEW: Savor It by Tarah DeWitt

BOOK REVIEW: Savor It by Tarah DeWittSavor It by Tarah DeWitt
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Summer won't last forever.

Sage Byrd has lived in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington) her entire life. She's learned to love her small world, with the misfit animals on her hobby farm, and her friendships with the town’s inhabitants. But when her 5-year relationship ends and her ex, town-golden-boy Ian, suddenly gets engaged, Sage needs a win―something that will convince everyone to stop pitying her all the time, and to put Ian in his place. The Festival of Spunes, the town’s annual summer competition, would be the perfect opportunity. She just needs a partner.

Fisher Lange was a hotshot chef in New York City until the loss of his sister left him numb, grieving, and responsible for his teenage niece Indy. When Fisher loses his Michelin star along with his love of cooking, his boss sends him and Indy to Spunes on a much-needed summer sabbatical to consult on a restaurant opening. But when clashes with the townspeople threaten his last chance to redeem himself and a kiss with his new neighbor Sage leads to dating rumors, a strategic alliance might just be the best way to turn things around.

A deal is struck. Sage will improve Fisher’s image in the eyes of the town and remove the roadblocks he is facing with the restaurant, and Fisher will be Sage’s partner for the competition. But as their pact quickly turns into steamy rendezvous, emotional wounds begin to heal, and the pair tries to savor every moment, they start to realize that summer is racing by much faster than they would like...

Filled with spicy summer fun, small-town charm, and Big Feelings, this highly anticipated romcom is Tarah DeWitt’s best yet.

Review:

Savor It was a grumpy sunshine, small town romance that had so much heart!  With a cast of characters and animals that you can’t help but love, and a storyline that will have you rooting for their happily ever after, this book was a lot of fun!  If you adore adult romance, or loved how you felt reading In the Weeds by BK Borison, then definitely add this one to your list!

“Grief changes you,” I reply with as much brevity as I can.

Fisher seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders.  With his sister passing, he was now taking care of his teenage niece, Indy.  And for both of them to catch their breaths, they traveled from New York to a tiny little quaint town on the Oregon coast.  They both needed a reset.  Fisher from losing his job.  And Indy and her change of life.  They were both grappling with where their lives were supposed to go from here.

“Careful, Fisher. You’re starting to be a bit nosy. You might just fit in here more quickly than you think.” I finish the remark with a dry laugh.
He doesn’t respond to that, his mouth twitching in a brief smile before he shakes his head.

Their next door neighbor, Sage, was an absolute delight!  I loved that she talked to her animals,and found solace in her garden.  The way that Fisher and Sage met was adorable!  Plus Sage had a thing for pirates…..and Fisher had that vibe haha.  Even if he was grumpy, he had so many moments of showing that he was kind and thoughtful.  And then there was Sage who was a ray of sunshine, even if she was trying to find her new normal after her 5 year relationship went up in smoke.  I loved her calm, soothing manner with how she approached life.  And that was what both Fisher and Indy desperately needed right now.

She’s considering it. And then she quirks a dark brow in a challenge. “Explain how kissing you is a win for me.”
God, I forgot how good flirting with a woman could feel. “I could probably explain better with a demonstration.”
Her mouth and eyes go wide in a smile. “Trouble,” she repeats.

With goose antics, animals galore, and a garden that inspired those to quiet their thoughts, this story slowly unwound.  It’s definitely at a slower pace then other novels I’m used to, but it worked perfectly for this story.  As Sage and Fisher were drawn to one another, and Indy was finding her place in the world, I loved that we got to watch each of them form a bond and friendship with each other.  And they all learned to grow and heal in their own ways.  It was emotional, and I even shed a few tears.

I just want . . . I just want to know what it feels like to win , and I don’t think I want too much.

With small town charm, heartwarming characters, some steamy moments, and an ending that will leave you smiling, I adored this book!  The library scene was probably one of my favorite moments, and the race too.  And the ending haha.  If you love books that slowly unfold like honey trickling off of a spoon, then this is your book!  I’ll definitely be picking up other books by this author in the future!

PS Will her brothers each get their own books?  I have my fingers crossed!

PPS I loved her best friend Wren.  I’m hoping for her HEA!

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

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