Category: Review (Page 3 of 281)

BOOK REVIEWS: Deadly Obsession, Lethal Redemption, Fatal Deception (Steele Ops #1, #2, #3) by April Hunt

January 2, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

Deadly Obsession (Steele Ops #1)
by April Hunt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
After a lifetime spent in and out of hospitals, Zoey Wright is tired of playing it safe. She's ready to take charge of her own life and get out of her comfort zone, starting with a new job as a CSI agent. But when her childhood crush Knox Steele gets pulled onto her case, Zoey needs to put her feelings for him aside or more women will die at the hands of the serial killer preying on her hometown.

Former Army Ranger Knox Steele is back in Washington to help his brothers open an elite private security firm. He never expected to stumble onto a crime scene, or see his best friend's little sister working it. Zoey is all grown up now, and the attraction between them is electric, despite his best efforts to resist it. But all that changes for Knox when he realizes the victims have one thing in common . . . and Zoey might be next.

Review:

Deadly Obsession was an older brother’s best friend romantic suspense that I devoured. I absolutely fell in love with this group of characters and the story-line was so easy to listen to. Knox was a brooding, grumpy, protective man that was so easy to fall for. And Zoey was someone you’d want to be besties with. It hurt that she struggled with her heart, I was so nervous for her at times. While this story revolved around a romance, there was also a serial killer on the loose which made this book impossible to put down! This one kept me guessing, and I should have gone with my gut. If you’re looking for a steamy, romantic suspense, definitely add this one to your tbr!

Lethal Redemption (Steele Ops #2)
by April Hunt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Top FBI profiler Grace Steele was just a girl when she escaped the Order of the New Dawn, and she's spent the last seventeen years trying to forget her time there. But when private security firm Steele Ops needs her help extracting a young woman from the secretive cult's clutches, she's all in. Even though the mission requires posing as the fiancée of the only man who's ever broken her heart.

It's been nine years since Cade Wright turned his back on his childhood sweetheart, and he's never stopped regretting it. Now that they're forced to work together, he knows this is his opportunity to show Grace how much he's changed. But the deeper they get pulled into New Dawn, the clearer it becomes that the demons still haunting Grace are very real, and Cade will have to risk everything to keep her safe . . . including his own life.

Review:

Lethal Redemption was a second chance romantic suspense that had us diving right into a cult. This book was unlike anything I’ve read before and I was glued to the pages. Cade Wright and Grace Steele had been childhood sweethearts until everything got twisted up. I loved watching them go undercover together while trying to ignore the sparks that flew between them! My heart hurt for both of them, and I loved watching them both grow from their struggles and the past. This one ended with another happy ending, but it was a bumpy road to get there. I can’t recommend this series enough!

Fatal Deception (Steele Ops #3)
by April Hunt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Roman Steele learned a hard lesson about trusting others. While serving his country, he put his faith in the wrong person and lost a leg for his loyalty. So far, civilian life suits him -- as long as he doesn't have to deal with anyone. But when he's called in to investigate a break-in at a high-security lab, he finds himself butting heads with the lead virologist, a woman as infuriating as she is beautiful.

When criminals break into Isabel Santiago's lab and steal a deadly virus, she's desperate to find the culprits before they turn her research into a weapon. But first, she must put her trust in the brooding security expert who sees danger around every corner. As she and Roman race to track down the culprits, these two unlikely partners find there's more at stake for them than they ever imagined possible -- but only if they stop the enemy in time.

Review:

Fatal Deception took us a wild ride! I had already fallen for Roman Steele in the previous books. He was the quiet yet steadfast brother whose past haunted him. And when he came into a mission with Isabel Santiago, I loved how the tension was so beautifully done. They both had a job to do. They both took their jobs seriously. And Isabel’s past haunted her too. The two of them together had obstacles stacked against them and I loved watching love defy all the odds! This was another huge hit in the series and I can’t recommend this romantic suspense series enough!

BOOK REVIEW: A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

January 1, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. And it’s been foretold that such magic will unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she has sworn to protect.

Review:

It was the wanting that made my life hard. If I could only stop wanting, perhaps I might find some happiness in what I had.

A Fate Inked in Blood was a Viking romantasy that was so effortless to love. With a forbidden relationship, a world that was so easy to get lost in, and characters that you’ll be rooting for or against, I adored this book. If you’re looking for a romantasy that has some action, twists, and a slow burn romance, definitely put this one on your tbr.

“Not all scars we earn are skin- deep, Freya Born- in- Fire.” He loosened his grip, my hand sliding through his. Though my scarred palm was numb, I swore I felt his fingers trail across it, and the sensation caused me to shiver. “There is no less honor in them.”

From the moment Bjorn showed up on the page I was a goner. I already liked Freya, she was fierce and I loved how she wouldn’t give up. Even if I did struggle when she let those who were supposed to love her, walk over her. But the connection between Bjorn and Frey was everything. There was definitely some insta-lust, but I loved how it was forced into a slow burn. Their forbidden relationship was done beautifully. And I have so many thoughts on how the story unfolded, but I think it’s best to discover it for yourself!

“It is hard to keep one’s wits when faced with a woman as beautiful as the sight of shore to a man who has been lost at sea.”

With secrets, friendship, battles, traitors, angst, and love, A Fate Inked in Blood was mesmerizing. This story kept me hooked while I alternated between listening and reading on my Kindle. I’m glad I did that because I would have pronounced so many of the names wrong lol. The only hiccup I had was towards the end of the book there was a lot of steam. Usually I want all the steam, but it felt like it kept going on when I just wanted to get back to the story. But with that ending, I’m counting down till the next book releases. We’re left struggling a little, but at the same time it’s the perfect waiting spot. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I liked him. Liked how he was both terrifyingly ruthless and heartbreakingly kind. Liked how he made me laugh and how his wit kept me on my toes. Liked the way I felt not just safe in his presence, but strong. I wanted to be close to him, and I was terrified of how my feelings might grow if I kept feeding that want.
Talk to him.

BOOK REVIEWS: The Stars are Dying (Nytefall #1) by Chloe C. Peñaranda & Saddle Up Cowboy (Coldbank Cowboys #1) by Sade Rena

December 31, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Stars are Dying (Nytefall #1)
by Chloe C. Peñaranda
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
"The brightest star needs the darkest night."

Astraea is a prisoner of her own mind, the past sliding from her grasp like water. But she knows she must escape the tyrannical king who holds her captive and find her clouded memories once again. This quest leads her to the Libertatem, a succession of trials hosted by the king in which five human lands compete for a cycle of safety from the vampires seeking blood, claiming souls, and savaging after dark.

But even winning the Libertatum will not keep Astraea safe from vampires. She’s made a bargain with Nyte, the beautiful, deadly vampire who stalks her dreams and haunts her waking hours. He promises to keep her safe, but she knows she cannot trust him, cannot trust his lies, even as she finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into his seductive embrace.

Caught between Nyte and her own mysteries, Astraea must decide if winning the Libertatem for her kingdom is worth her life, or if protection―and the answers to her past―really are her strongest desires.

Review:

The Stars are Dying was a star-crossed romantsay that was fascinating, but at the same time it gave me vibes of some of my favorite books. And when I end up comparing new books to others I love, that never ends well for me. With whisperings of From Blood and Ash, Spark of the Everflame and a few others, I struggled to connect with this book. I also struggled to connect with Astraea, because I didn’t always understand some of her decisions. There were some fabulous twists in this story, but I guessed quite a few of them. And I liked that the pace was quick, so it kept me turning those 400+ pages. I do think if you haven’t read a lot of romantasy books, this one may completely enrapture you. There were so many elements that I loved. But at the end of the day, this book never pulled me in, so I won’t be continuing on with this series.

“How are you here?” I aired the question, not really expecting an answer as I scanned the room for the satchel I’d arrived with.
“I have always been here,” he said, so quietly I almost missed it.

Saddle Up Cowboy by Sade Rena
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He's eight years too young for me, but I can't seem to stay away.

Parker was the last thing I expected when I packed my bags and moved to small-town Texas after learning my then-ex cheated two months before our wedding. All I knew is that I wanted to be far away.

With my savings and a broken heart, I purchased a fixer-upper and took the next plane to a place where only one person knew my name. It was supposed to be my perfect opportunity to start over and scrub the male species from my mind. And it would have worked had Parker not smiled at me from the other end of the bar with eyes so blue they'd make a nun swoon.

I should have stayed away because the last thing my heart needs is another failed relationship. But before I knew it, that smile turned into drinks, and eventually, his mouth on mine. Our fling was supposed to start and end that night, so imagine my surprise when he showed up at my door, determined to fix my house and broken heart.

What's the problem? I gave up on love the moment my ex stepped all over mine, and Parker's about to learn that some things aren't fixed so easily.

Saddle Up Cowboy, book one in the Coldbank Cowboy series, is a small-town reverse age gap romance that stands alone with a happy ever after guaranteed.

Review:

With the most mortifyingly embarrassing yet hilarious meet cute and hook up, Saddle Up Cowboy was a lot of fun! I listened to this story and was completely swept away. The characters were easy to like, the story-line was enjoyable, and the ending was heartwarming! Parker and Renee made me so happy. From when they met up again, to their exchange agreement, I absolutely adored them! Plus the friendships in this story added a beautiful layer. If you’re looking for a steamy, adult, age gap, cowboy romance, this one was so entertaining!

He inches closer. “yousaid my first time should be with someone who means somethin’. So, I’ll make this mean somethin’,”

BOOK REVIEWS: Cole & Mistletoe by Sadie Rose & Elfemies to Lovers by Jennifer Chipman

December 30, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Cole & Mistletoe by Sadie Rose
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Fired from her corporate motivational speaking job just weeks before Christmas, Sloane Morozov makes the decision to spend Christmas at the same lakeside cabin resort from her childhood. But soon her winter wonderland is invaded by Cole Mansfield, a grouchy workaholic, the last thing you should hope to find in your stocking, but who might turn out to be the only gift she needs.

This is a standalone novel.

Review:

Cole & Mistletoe was a grumpy sunshine Christmas novella that had all the charm. Set in Lake Tahoe, they were surrounded by a Christmas wonderland. I loved how the characters were so easy to like. Even if Cole got off on the wrong foot and his grumpiness couldn’t help but come out time and again. I adored watching Sloane try and win him over! His nice, caring, thoughtful side was so beautiful! And while I predicted where this story was going, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. With baked goods, steamy moments, a memorable Christmas tree and so much more, this romance was so much fun! I’ll definitely be reading a full length novel by Sadie Rose next!

Maybe, just maybe he isn’t the worst cabin neighbor or grump.

Elfemies to Lovers by Jennifer Chipman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The daughter of a runaway Christmas Elf. The son of Santa Claus. A whole lot of Christmas Magic. What could go wrong?

Ivy Winters

As the head elf at Santa’s Christmasland, I never expected to be butting heads with the new executive—or going on a date with him. But when he asked me to go home with him for Christmas, I surprised myself by saying yes.

Oh, and he’s from the North Pole.

And apparently, I’m an elf.

Teddy Claus

Training to take over the family business was no small undertaking, but for the last few years, I’d been working my way up through the ranks, mastering each branch of our enterprise.

But everything was different when I arrived at our Christmas themed amusement park and met her.

Maybe that was why I invited her home with me for Christmas.

It felt like I’d been searching my whole life for something, and I’d finally found it.

Maybe, what I’d needed all along was Ivy by my side.

Review:

Elfemies to Lovers had so much potential! With the magic of Christmas, and the background of characters feeling unique for a holiday romance, I thought I would fall head over heels in love with this story. Yes it had some insta love, but I don’t mind that with my holiday reads. The issue was that my feelings towards this book veered off course when we hit about 23%. I started to lose sight of why Teddy liked Ivy, the story-line had a few holes, and I found myself skimming the latter half of this book. I desperately wanted to love this steamy Christmas story more, but the execution wasn’t for me.

It felt a little like fate that Teddy had walked into my life, swept me off my feet, and brought me home for Christmas.

BOOK REVIEW: 12 Days of Mistletoe by Jen Atkinson

December 29, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

12 Days of Mistletoe by Jen Atkinson
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
How to end up in Christmas kissing lessons with your downstairs enemy…

Break apartment rules? Guilty.
Send holiday cards to the downstairs neighbor's grandma? Done.
Accidentally become said neighbor's fake girlfriend for a family Christmas photo? Wait, what?

I, Bonnie Miller, am no troublemaker. I’m just an anxious girl trying to keep my emotional support pup in a no-pets apartment building. But my downstairs neighbor is determined to be my personal Grinch and get us both evicted.

Just when I think things can’t get any worse, Elliot Eaton offers me a deal I can’t refuse. Suddenly I’m playing girlfriend and giving mistletoe kisses to my sworn enemy, all to keep my home.

Who knew that breaking one little rule would lead to a fan-mistletoe-tastic holiday?

12 Days of Mistletoe is a closed door, laugh out loud, warm your wintery heart romcom. If you need a book with all the feels, some mistletoe kisses, and lots of holiday spirit, look no further!

Review:

12 Days of Mistletoe was an enemies to lovers, fake dating, closed door Christmas romance that was so much fun! With deeper emotional moments to tug at your heart, and a cast of characters that will have you laughing out loud, this adorable story was so memorable!

She’s just a lying dog hoarder with pepper spray up her sleeve.
Beautiful faces are deceiving. Like a siren’s song.

Elliot Eaton was an elementary PE teacher who wanted to buy his Gran’s apartment complex, and had to prove himself to her in the meantime. In the midst he found a rule breaker, and that woman was Bonnie Miller. She was a passionate woman who worked multiple jobs so she could help out a cause near and dear to her heart. With her emotional support dog, Noel, I loved the two of them right away. Yet Elloit and Bonnie got off on the worst foot ever!

Elliot’s eyes draw to mine and I can’t help it—my gaze drops to his mouth. The mouth his grandmother says I must kiss to keep my dog. To keep my home.
It’s ridiculous.
It’s outlandish.
It’s a price I’m willing to pay.

A Christmas card picture, that went all kinds of wrong and had me laughing so hard I was crying, led Elliot and Bonnie to make a deal. She pretended to be his girlfriend, and in exchange she got to continue to live there with Noel. With a mischief making Gran, and side characters that popped from the pages, like Bill, I adored this book! It was filled with all the Christmas fun!

“Oh wow. Okay.” I choke on the words, a nervous tremor making its way down my back. “We’re doing this now? Like now now?”
“Yes. If it helps, I’ve placed mistletoe in every single one of my doorways for you.”

And while this book was laugh out loud funny, there was also a strong emotional side to this story too. Noel was the sweetest dog ever, and we got to watch her help Bonnie with her anxiety and panic attacks. I loved that we also got to see how Noel’s relationship with Elliot progressed, it warmed my heart. And while Bonnie and Elliot were continuing their fake dating around his family, it led to them having deep and meaningful conversations. So with fake kisses thrown in the mix, it became hard for them to tell anymore, what was real. And what was fake.

One should not be attracted to one’s fake boyfriend. It makes the word “fake” become confusing.

With Christmas tree adventures, sentimental ornaments, sweet kisses, drawing pictures that had me cackling out loud, and so many adorable moments, this book was so much fun. Plus, it ended with a fabulous and happy epilogue. This was my first book by Jen Atkinson, and I’m looking forward to reading another one of her books in the future!

“I might… need more practice.” My chest pounds with my thundering heart. Because this is more than putting myself out there. This is begging the man to kiss me.