Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione

Rating -
Standalone - Demonica #3
Genre - Paranormal Romance / forced proximity ~ he's forcing it :D
POV - multiple 3rd person
Heat - explicit
Source - library ebook
Length - 484 pages



Wraith was so much more than the male I expected him to be. In the previous books, he seemed to basically coast through life, doing what he wanted and damn the consequences. Once he realized that the suffering he didn't bear was being expended on his brother, it was the wakeup call he needed. Now that he was dying from an uncurable poison, he had to get his act together. But really, a male can only change so much.

Serena was a charmed human, which gave her a feeling of invincibility. Remaining a virgin solidified her immortality. What happens when the one man she can't resist wants the very thing she cannot give?

This story gave so much depth to Wraith's character and despite his many lies to Serena, I loved the way their relationship developed. He may have all of the physical strength, but she had tons of spirit and whenever she gave as good as she got from him, I was right there cheering her on.

The second story under it all was furthering the romance between Gem and Kynan and I really liked seeing some of the turmoil they had to go through to get to the happiness waiting for them on the other side of it.

Wraith ended up being an incredible hero, not just for the sake of his relationship with Serena, but because of what he did for everyone in the world. I'm sure he won't let anyone forget all of the good he's done and I'm excited to see how this all fits in the stories to come. Their newfound brother's book is next and I've already got it downloaded.




Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award.

She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case.

She lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.

Visit https://www.larissaione.com for more information.

Only and Forever by Chloe Liese

Standalone - Bergman Brothers #7
Rating -
Release - April 2, 2024
Genre - Romantic Comedy / opposites attract / forced proximity
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - descriptive
Source - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 366 pages




I'll be honest... I never knew I would fall for a softie the way I fell for Viggo. This was a bear of a man who believed in the magic and power of love. He adored romance novels almost as much as we do and I loved his love of love.

Tallulah was a bit harder to like, but she quickly grew on me. It seems that not even she could resist the powerful allure of the irresistible Viggo. Seriously, who could resist a man who wears his beautiful heart on his sleeve?


It can only be me who would fall in love with such wonderful characters and such an incredible family by reading the last book of a series. Where was I for books one through six??? I guess I know what I'll be reading next.



Chloe writes romances reflecting her belief that everyone deserves a love story. Her stories pack a punch of heat, heart, and humor, and often feature characters who are neurodivergent like herself. When not dreaming up her next book, Chloe spends her time wandering in nature, playing soccer, and most happily at home with her family and mischievous cats.

Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter

Standalone - Gods of War #1
Rating -
Release - October 23, 2018
Genre - Paranormal Romance / forced proximity
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - descriptive
Source - ebook from the library
Length - 480 pages



It's the All War and each participant is prepared to eliminate every one of their opponents... until a human enters the fray and freezes them all for many, many years. When the thaw starts to happen, another human stumbles upon the combatants and might be the very change that most of them have been looking for.

Vale wasn't prepared for all that her future had in store, but she seemed to be enjoying every moment of it. That probably had a lot to do with Knox. This male was so scrumptious. Who doesn't love a grumpy warrior who is only weak for his female? He was determined to win, at all costs, but winning meant ending Vale's life and he slowly started to recognize that he wasn't willing to do that.

Only now, in this moment, did he understand and accept that he'd lost the war the second they'd met. The All War, yes, but also the war within himself, and even his private war with Ansel. In order to grab hold of Vale and keep her safe, Knox had to let go of his vengeance.
He chose her. He would always choose her.

There was so much to this story and there seems to be so much more to come. Who is Vale's sister's intended? Will it be a 'why choose' kind of story? Will Vale and Knox be the answer to end all All Wars?

He exuded enough power to crush... anyone. And he was heart-stoppingly gorgeous. The kind of gorgeous that stole your breath and your thoughts and incinerated your panties. One look at him and she was certain she'd ovulated.

I swear, every time I pick up a book from this author, I'm amazed. It's thrills and chills, action and suspense, steaminess and some weird sort of symmetry in the sensuality of the characters, and so much more. I'm still pretty new to the Showalter worlds, but I'm definitely a fan.


Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of a multitude of sub-genres within romance: paranormal, Fantasy, contemporary, and young adult. She’s also written standalone novels, novellas and anthologies, as well as co-authored a nonfiction guide about how to write a book in a year.

Gena lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two adult children who grew up way too fast, and menagerie of dogs and cats who enjoy farting while she works, walking across her keyboard during pivotal scenes and demanding pets at all hours of the day and night. Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan’s Red Hot Reads and Seventeen magazine. She’s been interviewed on Nightline and mentioned on Orange is the New Black—the very moment her family decided she might be a real writer after all.

Chances are good she’s hard at work on her next novel. Chances are even better that the book is a twisted tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who (lovingly…sometimes) kneecaps him.

Visit https://genashowalter.com for more information.

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Risk on Ice by S.R. Grey

I, Alex Hartwell, just screwed up big-time.

Now the hockey team I was traded to, the Las Vegas Wolves, have me on a short leash.

You’d think a hotshot defenseman like me would have known better.

Guess not.

But I’m trying real hard to behave now.

Why else would I agree to stay at my teammate’s house for the next three months in order to keep the team happy?

It should be a breeze, as Sebastian Alderman is cool. Only problem is I didn’t count on his hot sister, Kelsi, staying there too.

FML, as Hockey Code 101 says sisters are off-limits.

Yeah, I can’t take the risk. Even if Kelsi and I are wildly attracted to each other. Not to mention, she’s pretty effing cool.

But I better behave.

Or not only will the Wolves be breathing down my neck, but Sebastian will be too.



You want sweet? It doesn't really get sweeter than this story.
You want smooth? The love that blossomed between Alex and Kelsi couldn't have been easier.

The author made these characters seem genuine and realistic. What happened between them felt organic and necessary. There was absolutely no muss and no fuss. Imagine a story that is about what the couple shares, without the drama.

Risk on Ice was a sweet and beautiful story. It won me over with how utterly simple and natural it was.

So if you're looking for an adorable couple who do adorable things... look no further than this!



S.R. Grey is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the popular Boys of Winter hockey books and Men of Fall football novels. Both series can be read in any order or as standalones. Other New Adult and Romantic Suspense works of hers include the Judge Me Not books, the Promises series, the Inevitability duology, A Harbour Falls Mystery trilogy, and the Laid Bare series of novellas.

Ms. Grey resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she can be found reading, traveling, running, or cheering for her hometown sports teams, sometimes all at the same time.

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Prison Planet Barbarian by Ruby Dixon

Being kidnapped by aliens is one thing.

Being kidnapped by aliens and then sent to a prison planet is something infinitely worse.

Here in Haven's prison system, I'm stranded among strangers, enemies, and the most ruthless criminals in the galaxy. There's no safety for a human woman here, especially not one branded as a murderer. I'm doomed to a fate worse than death.

Then...he decides I should be his. His name's Jutari. He's seven feet tall, blue, and horned. He's an assassin and one of the most dangerous prisoners here. He's like no one I've ever met before...and he might be my only chance.

This story stands completely alone and is only marginally connected to the Ice Planet Barbarians or Corsairs series. You do not need to read those books in order to follow this one.



I haven't read many romances centered around a prison, but I think this might be a trope I want to see more of. Especially with how much I've enjoyed this story.

Chloe had been kidnapped to be a sex slave for some alien bigwig. In defense of her own body and free will, she inadvertently kills a bunch of aliens at once. For her crimes, she's transported to an alien prison and the horror show seems to be endless. For some reason, one of the guards has taken a special interest in her (ewwww gross) and the only one who can protect her, surprisingly, is another inmate — a hot, tall, horned, blue alien of a man.

I freaking loved Jutari. A pirate, an assassin, one dumb move got him caught. But he's not stuck. He's just biding his time and with Chloe's safety at stake, he's intent on putting his plan in action.

Hot chemistry, a protective and possessive alien, a sort of useless and sweet and vulnerable heroine, a bunch of crazy and scary drama, and my interest to read even more made this story so worthwhile.


I force myself to remain casual, seated against the wall near the glass. I turn my head leisurely, as if barely interested in Noku’s reappearance. It does no good to show too much interest in something or else it’ll be used against you.

Even so, it takes everything I have not to jump to my feet when the ssethri guard appears, a small unconscious form slung over his shoulder. I realize he’s heading toward my location when my shock- collar lights up and pins me to the ground, along with everyone else in the cell.

Noku steps inside and flings Kloo- ee’s small form to the ground. “You wanted to rape her? She’s all yours. Teach her a lesson,” he snarls. “Use her hard and use her well.”

And with that, he turns and leaves.

The glass slides back into place between one breath and the next, and there’s a breathless pause between all of us in the cell. Cthorn is the first to get to his feet, and he takes a step toward Kloo- ee’s unmoving body.

“Don’t,” I warn him in a low tone.

He freezes in place and then drops to a crouch, watching me.

They’re all watching me.

I glance at the guards, but they’re watching Noku leave. I move toward Kloo- ee and turn her over. Marks from the shock- stick cover her face and neck. Her face is swollen and purple from the beating he’s given her, and as she rolls flat onto her back, I can see additional dark bruises on her skin through the pale material of her jumper.

He’s beaten her badly.

Rage blisters through my brain. I’m going to make Noku pay for this. I’m going to rip the scaly skin from his body while he’s still living and stuff it down his keffing throat. To treat a female like this is unconscionable. To treat my female like this will result in a slow and painful death.



Ruby Dixon is the secret penname of a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. As Ruby, she writes sexy barbarian aliens, grumpy shifters, and domineering bikers.

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Hermes by Alessa Thorn

The god of magic has lost his mind. Literally. A reluctant nurse with a healing touch may have the power to save him...She only needs to be convinced.

If you like a no-nonsense heroine with an attitude to keep even a mad god in check, you'll enjoy this fun instalment of 'The Court of the Underworld.'

Thanks to a curse he can't remember getting, Hermes's memories are locked away so tight that even the god of thieves has no way of picking the locks. After twenty years of being held prisoner, he's not even sure he wants them back.

Selene has worked off her shitty ex-boyfriend's debt to Hades, but the Lord of Styx can't be denied when he wants something. He needs Hermes back and the information he has on Pithos to take them down forever, and Hades wants Selene to help him get it.

It doesn't matter that the mad god kind of scares parts of her and makes other bits heat up, Hermes is refusing to tolerate anyone else's help, and for a god of boundaries...he sure has none.

HERMES is a new story based on characters from Greek Myth. It contains adult content, including violence, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.



I'm gonna be honest here... I think this may have been my favorite book of this series yet!

Hermes, the herald of the Olympian gods, the protector of human heralds, travellers, thieves, merchants, and orators, is no longer the male everyone used to know and love. After being struck by madness by his father (Zeus was one messed up dude) and kept prisoner by a cult of monster hunters, he was finally rescued by Hades and working on putting the pieces of himself back together. The person who helped him the most... everyone's favorite nurse, Selene.

She's had her share of heartbreak and only a fool would fall for the god of tricks. But what could she do when he was so gosh darned irresistible? I know I couldn't resist how delicious this male was so who could blame a girl for falling?

I felt so much from this story, from its characters and the continuing background plot to all of the side characters. I'm so in love with these people! And I was a sucker for the way that Hermes both suffered and grew in this book. He made my day with his reaction when he met his new brother, Perseus.


The way the brothers bonded (Hermes, Asterion, Perseus), the ease of their connection, really helped to sell this story to me. The patience and understanding everyone had for everything Hermes was going through, Selene's compassion... It was very easy to give this story all of the stars!

If you're a lover of romance, broken heroes who still have it going on, sweet heroines with bits of fire, and a plot that won't quit, read these books! Thanatos is next and I've already got it on lock!!



Alessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.

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Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole

Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers—until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.

To prevent him from harming others, vampire warrior Conrad Wroth’s brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

Find Dark Needs at Night's Edge here:

Goodreads * Amazon

Okay, so Néomi wasn't a stripper, but it kinda works!

After reading the previous books in this series, I was curious to know what happened to young Conrad Wroth. Well, he's definitely not young anymore. He's consumed with blood lust and his brothers are willing to do anything to bring him back to this side of sanity.

Almost 100 years ago, Néomi was a bright star in the ballet world, but when she rejected a man who purported to be devoted to her, she was murdered by him. Once admired and adored, she had become a ghost—she cannot be touched, seen or heard. She was miserable until the day the Wroths brought Conrad to be imprisoned at what she sees as her house.

I don't know if I was supposed to laugh as much as I did with this book, but laugh I did. Not so much at Conrad's pain or struggle, but with his interactions with Néomi. These two were so sweet together. I loved that at first he wasn't sure if she was a hallucination or not. And with her so desperate to finally be seen by someone, I couldn't get enough of them. They fed and offered succor to each other. And they loved unlike any love either had ever known.

Nix was the ridiculous class act I've come to expect. Mari and Bowen had me rolling. The Wroth brothers continue to capture pieces of my heart. And the demon brothers... poor, poor Cade. I'm hoping he gets a taste of the happiness and peace he seems to deserve.

I'll definitely be reading more of this series!!





Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.

A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.

Her books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered 3 RITA awards, a Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.

Cole lives in Florida with her family.