Author: Jen (Page 7 of 206)

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!
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BOOK REVIEW: Not the Witch You Wed #1, Not Your Ex’s Hexes #2, Not Your Crush’s Cauldron #3 (Supernatural Singles Series by April Asher

September 16, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Not the Witch You Wed (Supernatural Singles #1)
by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A fake relationship between a magic-less witch and a wolf shifter turns to more in the start of a bewitching new paranormal rom-com series.

Magic-less witch Violet Maxwell wants nothing to do with alpha wolf shifter Lincoln Thorne―the man who broke her fragile, teenage heart. But when the two of them are forced by arcane Supernatural Laws to find mates, Violet and Lincoln agree to fake-date their way to a fake-mating in order to conjure themselves some time.

The joke’s on them. When old feelings make a reappearance―along with Violet’s magic―they both realize there’s nothing fake about their feelings. But there are old secrets and looming threats that could snatch away their happily ever after, again. One thing’s for sure: magic doesn’t make dating and love any easier.

In Not the Witch You Wed, April Asher brings all the hilarity and sweet, sexy moments you love in a romantic-comedy―plus a fun dose of magic―to this spell-binding new series about being sexy, single, and supernatural in New York City.

Review:

Not the Witch You Wed was a paranormal romcom that was so much fun! It was a second chance romance that also had enemies to lovers, fake dating, and fated mates wrapped into the story. I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved the narrator. She made the book come alive. The characters were easy to love, the story-line was beyond enjoyable, and the steamy moments were done fabulously.

With fabulous dates between Violet and Lincoln that simmered with tension, and friends and sisters that added so much heart, this witch and shifter romance was a blast! If you’re looking for something that’s easy to love, and leans more romcom than paranormal, definitely make sure you have Not the Witch You Wed on your tbr!

Not Your Ex's Hexes (Supernatural Singles #1)
by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Ex's Hexes, a one-night-stand between a willful witch and a broody half-demon conjures an adventure that wouldn’t be complete without several magical mishaps.

For her entire life, Rose Maxwell trained to become the next Prima on the Supernatural Council. Now that she’s stepped down, it’s time for this witch to focus on herself. And not think about her impulsive one-night stand with Damian Adams, a half-Demon Veterinarian who she can’t get out of her head. Neither of them is looking for a relationship. But when Rose is sentenced to community service at Damian’s animal sanctuary it becomes impossible for them to ignore their sparking attraction. A friends-with-benefits, no feelings, no strings arrangement works perfectly for them both.

After a sequence of dead-end jobs, it’s not until Rose tangos with two snarly demons that she thinks she’s finally found her path. However, this puts Damian back on the periphery of a world he thought he left behind. He doesn’t approve of Rose becoming a Hunter, but if there's one thing he's learned about the stubborn witch, it was telling her not to do something was one sure-fire way to make sure she did.

Working―and sleeping―together awakens feelings Damian never knew he had...and shouldn't have. Because thanks to his ex's hex, if he falls in love, he'll not only lose his heart―but his humanity.

Review:

Not Your Ex’s Hexes started right where Not the Witch You Wed ended! This time we followed the triplet Rose and what happened after her one night stand with Damian turned into more. With the grumpy sunshine trope, friends with benefits, and fated mates, this steamy paranormal romcom was just as wonderful as the first! And watching this story unfold was even more emotional than the first. With community services, curses, and a fabulous grand gesture, this witchy half-Demon romcom was fabulous to listen to!

Not Your Crush's Cauldron (Supernatural Singles #3)
by April Asher
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In April Asher’s next Supernatural Singles novel, Not Your Crush's Cauldron, a buttoned-up witch takes a stroll on the wildish side, sparking an alert that lands her a familiar Guardian Angel.

Olive Maxwell much prefers teaching about the Supernatural world to taking part in it and leaves the magical shenanigans to her two sisters. After assigning her college students a project designed to nudge them outside their comfort zones, Olive realizes she’s never once stepped a toe out of her own . . . and it’s about time that changed. Her first trip into the unknown? Moving in with her longtime crush and friend . . . tattooed, motorcycle-riding, and pleasantly pierced Baxter Donovan.

Bax Donovan, Guardian Angel not-so-extraordinaire, has acquired so many black marks on his record it looks like a Scantron test. He’s been given one last chance to keep his Guardian wings―a high-profile Assignment he knows all too well. Olive is usually as low-risk as it gets. Hell, she wrote the safety manual. But something landed her on the Guardian Angel Affairs radar, and he guesses it has something to do with the heart-pounding stunts she’s determined to check off her Dare I Docket list.

Keeping Olive out of trouble is about to be his toughest Assignment. He’s at real risk of shattering the only Guardian Angel code of conduct rule he’s yet to break: Don’t fall in love with your Assignment. And he isn’t so sure that’s a bad thing.

If love doesn’t play by the rules, why should they?

Review:

Not Your Crush’s Cauldron was a fabulous paranormal romcom that swirled with forced proximity, friends to lovers and a steamy forbidden romance. I love that we finally got Olive and Bax’s story! They had been staples in the previous two books. So this witch and tatted up guardian angel mashup was everything I was hoping it would be! Plus we also got Bax’s POV, and it was sigh worthy! Their story had me laughing out loud so many times, especially the house warming gift part. I’m so happy I binged this series and can’t recommend enough to read them in order ♥.

BOOK REVIEW: Party Favors by Sariah Wilson

August 28, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Party Favors by Sariah Wilson
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
For a party planner in awe of the royals, daydreams fit for a queen might come true in a captivating romantic comedy by Sariah Wilson, the USA Today bestselling author of The Hollywood Jinx.

For as long as she can remember, Everly Aprile has been obsessed with the Monterran royals, especially Queen Kat: elegant, self-possessed, and living a fairy-tale romance. As for Everly, her career as an event planner has stalled—and so has her love life. Then a wealthy new client wants a sweet-sixteen party that’s fit for an American princess. Practicing her “What Would Kat Do” mantra, Everly offers to bring it to life by immersing herself in everything Monterra.

Call it intervento divino when she meets dizzyingly handsome and charismatic Max Colby, who’s relocated stateside from the Monterran kingdom of her dreams. If Everly promises to be his New York City guide, he’ll teach her the customs and culture of Monterra so her party gets a boost of authenticity. Deal. As their friendship grows, Everly starts falling—but for what? Another unattainable obsession? Max is such a dreamboat that surely he sees her as just a friend.

Her royal to-do list is in order. She’s revamping her life and learning to believe in herself. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for fate to bring Everly her happily ever after after all.

Review:

Party Favors was the most adorable happily ever after story. It will give you all of those princess finds her knight in shining armor surrounded by a cute story vibe. If you’re looking for a book that has all the Hallmark feels, add this one to your tbr!

Max Colby was completely out of my league.

Everly Aprile was so easy to like, even if she thought the world of her d-bag boss, Adrian. But that’s because she had a lot of growing up to do. She definitely made a few mistakes in these pages, but watching how far she came from that first page to the last was beautiful! Also, I loved Everly’s relationship with her roommate Vella. Vella cracked me up with her mannerisms and words. I loved how she was so tough on the exterior, but then a big ol marshmallow when it came to Everly.

“Shall we?” he asked, and he offered me his arm.
It was so old- fashioned and romantic that I had to swallow back the nervous but excited lump in my throat. “We shall.”

During a chance meeting, when Everly was extremely low, she met Max Colby. And Max was suave and charming to say the least. From there a friendship formed that was heartwarming. Especially since Max was such a good guy that was sigh worthy. He was protective, caring, thoughtful and I loved how kind he was to Everly. Their interactions were adorable, fun, and I loved watching their friendship progress to more.

There was so much love in his bright blue eyes as he looked at me, gently caressing my face. “You know how our fairy tale ends. Happy Everly after.”

Party Favors was a story that will cheer you up, has the most fabulous happily ever after, a kind book boyfriend and a heroine you’ll love to watch grow. This book was an easy read, and I loved listening to the audio in KU too. I always enjoy a book by Wilson and can’t wait to see what she writes next!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

August 28, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti by Alexandra Vasti
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In this steamy Regency romp, Lady Selina is determined to find the Duke of Stanhope the perfect wife―the only problem is she's starting to think that might be her.

Peter Kent―newly inherited Duke of Stanhope and recently of New Orleans, Louisiana―must become respectable. Between his radical politics and the time he interrupted a minor royal wedding with a flock of sheep―not his fault!―he’s developed a scandalous reputation at odds with his goal of becoming guardian to his half siblings. For help, he turns to the cleverest and most managing woman of his acquaintance, Lady Selina Ravenscroft.

Selina is society’s most proper debutante, save one tiny secret: she runs an erotic circulating library for women. When Peter asks for her help, she suggests courtship and marriage to a lady of unimpeachable reputation. (Which is to say, definitely not herself.)

But matchmaking doesn’t go according to plan. Peter’s siblings run rampant on Bond Street. Selina ends up in the Serpentine. And worst of all, the scorching chemistry between Peter and Selina proves impossible to resist. For the disreputable duke and his unpredictable matchmaker, falling in love just might be the ultimate scandal.

Review:

I absolutely loved Ne’er Duke Well! The storyline was heartwarming and fun, and the characters leapt from the pages! With a friends to lovers mixed with a trope I absolutely love but don’t want to say for spoilers, this book was so easy to love! I found myself laughing, smiling, and even sobbing too. If you’re looking for a historical romance novel to read, definitely let this be the one you pick up!

He wanted her, curse him for a fool. He wanted her so much he could barely stand the heat from her body at his side, the way her fingers held his arm through his jacket sleeve.

Selina was convinced that Peter Kent needed to be married, so he would be able to win custody of his half siblings. Btw, I absolutely adored half siblings, Freddie and Lu! They made me laugh so much! Lu was feisty and hilarious without even trying and I just wanted to scoop Freddie into a ball and give him the biggest hug ever. Peter having his hands full with them is an understatement lol. With Selina overseeing Peter’s prospective options for whom to marry, I couldn’t put this book down!

She swallowed and tried to turn her mind back to his marital endeavors. That was what she needed to think on. His marriage. To someone else.

While the interactions between Peter and Selina had me laughing out loud, Peter couldn’t help but be pulled to Selina. As he went along with her plans, I loved watching that friendship solidify. And Peter realizing that he was slowly falling for her. And while Selina couldn’t help but fall for his siblings, and all of their adorable antics, she couldn’t help but be charmed and fall for Peter too.

Oh God, she was going to hell, wasn’t she? She was here to explain why marrying her would ruin his life and tell him he ought to reconsider.
She was not here to lick him.

Selina was thoughtful, had the most fabulous family ever, but she had a huge secret. One that could ruin Peter’s chances at getting custody of his siblings. Which was why her being a viable option as his wife wasn’t feasible. As the story alternated between the two of them, you couldn’t help but love them both so much. Peter with his considerate, caring and good guy ways, and Selina with her heartfelt nature. Yet they could never be, or could they….

He pressed another kiss to her palm and she squeezed her eyes closed, fighting the urge to weep again.

The story unfolded in the most entertaining and hilarious way. The scandals kept piling up. And with steamy kisses, scorching hot detailed scenes, and confessions, this book pulled us along in the most wonderful journey. The side characters added so much heart. And I loved how this book had little extras, like at the beginning of the chapter the little sentence or two from a letter added so much depth to the story. I’ll be reading whatever this author releases next and that happily ever after was absolutely perfect!

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

BOOK REVIEW: On a Flight to Sydney by J.A. Forde

August 23, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

On a Flight to Sydney by J.A. Forde
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
What if the very last thing you’re looking for turns out to be exactly what you need?

Joss Morgan is perfectly happy with her life in Sydney, thank-you-very-much. She may be single, have only one true friend, and live alone… but she doesn’t need a man… or more friends… or anything at all.

Wes Anderson boards a flight to Sydney intent on escaping the cinders of his life—the dreams that have all gone up in smoke. One year. One year of freedom to be anyone he wants; that is, anyone but the man he always thought he'd be.

When Joss and Wes’s worlds collide, he steals her breath—in more ways than one—and she seems to steal all the space in his already full head. Now, life is determined to throw them together and what starts as an awkward dance of unlikely friendship—each trying to contain their own emotional landmines—turns into something they never saw coming.

But can two people with enough baggage to bring down a plane help each other heal? With their pasts lurking around every corner like airport security, Joss and Wes must decide:

Is it safer to fly solo or would a life together be worth all the risk?

On a Flight to Sydney is the first book in the Love Along the Way series. It’s a swoony, laugh out loud, tug on your heartstrings, romance filled with friendship, surfing, and two people doing their best to navigate this thing called life.

Review:

On a Flight to Sydney was smile and swoon worthy, and so effortless to love. With a slow-burn romance that was electric, emotionally beautiful moments that were touching, and a storyline that refused to be put down, this book was an instant favorite! If you love adult romance that feels like a movie playing out in your head and will have you thinking about the characters long after you put down your book, you definitely need this one in your life!

“It just feels like fate or something.”
I laugh again, lower this time. Fate? Do I even believe in fate? I must be more tired than I thought.

Joss and Wes’ meet cute was beyond memorable and so much fun! So from the moment Wes gave Joss a brush of his thumb, I was melting. Even while she came across as calm, collected, and not interested. And I felt an instant connection to Joss with her good-heartedness and playful nature. Yet while she kept the majority of those around her at arm’s length, her thoughts seeped into my heart. I desperately wanted her to find happiness in her life, and I thought Wes could be the one to do that.

Tangled up in him doesn’t even begin to cover the way I’m feeling right now.

I instantly fell in love with Wes, he was someone you’ll want to steal from the pages. He was a fighter pilot for 12 years in the Navy and was moving to Sydney for the next year to get a fresh start. While Wes seemed sure of himself outwardly to Joss, I loved that we got to hear his thoughts too. He was thoughtful, charming, and had this sexiness to him that was swoon worthy. Yet the past haunted him too. So as fate continued to push them together, I was cheering them on every step of the way!

Being around Joss though, talking to her… It’s as effortless as breathing. There’s a familiarity as if we’ve been friends for years, not weeks.

Every single moment Wes and Joss were together was laced with emotions. Whether they simmered with peace and hope. Or they were making me laugh, smile, and cry. It was impossible to stop the swell of emotions. Especially the excitement or scenes that felt like fireworks were going off. This slow burn romance had the most fabulous tension, that was beautifully done!

“Did you see something you liked, sweetheart?”
She goes entirely still as her breath catches.

With surf sessions, coffee, work, and friends swirling around, I loved watching them turn a meeting into more. A friendship. And watching that proceed was so natural. Yet both of them had their struggles. And those past traumas cut deep. It was impossible not to cry with both of them. Yet there was a lightness to this story too, where their moments together were so much fun. The after-shower scene was one of my favorites.

That look is pure fire, and a part of me wants to burn with him. Damn the consequences.

You know those types of books that just keep you smiling from that first page to the last, while also tugging at your heart? That was this book. The characters and storyline were so well thought out. I loved how Joss flustered Wes and kept him on his toes. I loved how Wes pushed Joss to open herself up. And while their moments together were a fade to black, I didn’t need more with this story. The intensity of their emotions, and the sexiness of their kisses, was done so perfectly. This debut novel is a must read. J.A. Forde has made a fan for life, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

PS I loved how he called her Grey!

PPS I loved her outfits and desperately wanted to buy some of them!

Some other favorite quotes….

He doesn’t do relationships, and I don’t do casual. I don’t really do anything these days, honestly.

She deserves so much more than the broken shell of a man that I’ve become.

She’s flustered by my touch, and as much as I love it, I know I need to tread carefully. I take a step back, putting some distance between us before I do something stupid like kiss her.

My only real thought was “mine.”

“Thank you,” I whisper into his ear. I let his scent wrap around me like a blanket. “For being you and for being here.”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be, Grey.”
I sink further into the embrace and let myself believe him.

Maybe it’s time for fresh cards, or a new game entirely.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Born of Blood and Ash (Flesh and Fire #4) by Jennifer L Armentrout

August 18, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Born of Blood and Ash (Flesh and Fire #4)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes the thrilling conclusion to her beloved Flesh and Fire series…

The line between love and obsession has never been wider.

While Sera is finally free of Kolis and back with those she loves, not everything is calm. Memories of all she’s endured still haunt her, but Sera finally has hope for a future with the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos desires, loves, and accepts every part of her—even the monstrous bits she still battles.

More than ever, Sera and Ash have everything under the realms to fight for, and Nyktos has no doubt Sera is fit to be the Queen of the Gods. But she must find that faith within herself if they hope to convince the other Courts to support them against Kolis and make Iliseeum and the mortal realm better, safer places for all.

But as Sera begins to piece together the importance of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the foreboding prophecy, it becomes clear that everything that has happened and is yet to come is much bigger than Kolis and his dark obsessions.

They cannot help but wonder exactly how much influence the Fates have had and what their ultimate goal is. What Sera does know for sure is that they can trust very few—including her.

A battle between the gods is brewing, and heartbreaking losses are imminent with the true Primal of Death strengthening. With a family of the heart willing to battle by their side, can Sera and Nyktos stop Kolis before he destroys the realms, or will it all disappear in a fiery inferno of blood and ash?

And the line between justice and vengeance has never been so thin.

Review:

Born of Blood and Ash was a beautiful conclusion to the Flesh and Fire Series! With emotional moments, heart wrenching horror, a beautiful found family, and love that perseveres against all odds, this book kept me on the edge of my seat! It easily became a top favorite with epic battle scenes, moments that had me whispering I can’t stop crying, and watching those be given options that would never be a choice. This book held me in the palm of its hand and I loved every minute of it!

There was no struggle or resistance when I silenced my thoughts and tensed my muscles. I became something I was far better suited for than being a Queen.
A fighter.
A warrior.

Before starting, know that parts from the previous book were laced into this story. It wasn’t info dumps, but instead it was beautifully done with little mentions or moments that helped jog our memory. I re-read the previous books before jumping into this one, and I definitely didn’t need to but I still loved doing it!

What else did he make you do?

Sera was haunted and tortured by what Kolis did to her. It was emotionally gutting and soul shattering watching the past haunt Sera. So make sure you have lots of tissues, because there were countless moments that you’ll feel deep in your heart. I was so grateful that she was back home, surrounded by those she loved. And as the story unfolded, we got to watch Sera’s new powers unfold. They were phenomenal. I loved seeing some of those elements trickle down to Poppy, and I loved even more watching her do something Poppy always did that made me laugh!

Ash nodded, cupping my cheek with his other hand. “Together.”
I turned my head and kissed his palm. “Always.”

But one of my favorite things about Sera was watching her face trials that were all consuming. The moments she would rise above and be found worthy of those around her, had me cheering for her. She was a true queen! And I loved that we got to see that impatience and bravery we love pop up time and again! Sera will always be one of my favorite heroines!

I felt no fear, even as the essence strained against my skin. I looked up at a Primal of Death: beautiful, terrifying, and mine.

And Ash will always be the ultimate book boyfriend. When they were together, I loved watching them play around and tease one another. They made me laugh and smile so much. And their steamy moments were intoxicating! But they also had these quieter moments that will just hit you so hard. When Ash brushed Sera’s hair I melted into a pile of goo. They’re so real, and it felt like a movie was playing in my head while reading this book!

My mouth dropped open. “You two bet again on how long it would take before Ash and I started arguing?”
“More like Saion is stealing money from his cousin again,” Bele retorted.
“Oh, my gods.” I pinched my brow, briefly closing my eyes. “Why are you all still bowing?”
“You haven’t given them permission to rise,” Ash commented.
“For fuck’s sake,” I snapped.
“Language,” Ash whispered as he passed me, stepping onto the dais. He placed Jadis in one of the chairs at the table. “There are younglings present.”

The found family in this story was one of my favorites! We got to see so many of those we loved, and Reaver and Jadis were some of my top favorites! Oh boy did they make me cry! Attes was right up there too, I loved him with my whole heart. And Aios stole the show at times! But another element that blew my mind was that truths became known that linked this series to another, Fall of Ruin and Wrath. I was screaming! How it pieced together, and what’s to come, I can’t wait! Also it felt like there was some possible foreshadowing for the final FBAA book, eeps. Time will tell!

Closing my eyes, I grasped the front of his tunic. “Be careful.”
“Always.” His mouth found mine once more.

With the prophecy, losses that were gutting, new found powers, unfathomable atrocities, secrets revealed, and ties into FBAA and Fall of Ruin and Wrath, Born of Blood and Ash was unparalleled and outstanding! I found myself cheering them on, filled with anger that boiled me alive, chills that I felt down to the bone and moments that had me crying and sobbing all the tears. And while I guessed one of the twists, there were some others I didn’t even see coming. That final one, my mind is still blown and I was staring at a wall piecing it all together. So yes, I can’t recommend this series and book enough! If you love romantasy, found family, epic battles, and characters that make you feel everything then you need this book in your life!

PS I cried 14 times

Other Favorite Quotes:

“If you’re looking for the Fate,” Rhain said, lifting a short glass to his lips and taking a sip, “he vanished the moment Nyktos reached you.”
“Well, that’s probably for the best.” I glanced at Ash. His attention was fixed on me. “By the way, he now thinks I’m the calm one out of the two of us.”
Rhain choked.

“Ash?” I whispered against his lips, my pulse thumping erratically.
He lifted his head. Our eyes locked. There was a sudden wildness in his silvery gaze. My breath stalled a little.

“Liessa?”
“Yes?” I breathed, staring at the open doors of the balcony beyond the pitcher and empty glasses on the table.
He lifted my gown, running his rough, calloused palm up my thigh as he used his knee to spread my legs. “I’m going to fuck my Queen.”
Oh, gods.

I rocked forward, lowering my head and squeezing my eyes shut. It did nothing to stop the rush of raw emotion. My cheeks dampened. I sucked in a metallic- coated breath, opening my eyes. A teardrop fell from my cheek and splattered off my hand.
Red.
It was red.

His were wide, and the bright silver pupils had dilated until no color was visible.
“I didn’t see this,” he rasped. “This was not a thread.”

A dark shadow glided through the churning clouds over the field. My grip on the sword firmed. The pulse of death continued to flare from the battlefield below.

The edges of my vision turned silver and gold, snapping my head back. “I am done with this!” A scream of rage erupted from deep within me, releasing the Primal essence—unleashing my will as I summoned the fallen gods and dragons. “All of this.”

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