Showing posts with label 22-Marriage of Convenience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 22-Marriage of Convenience. Show all posts

Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione

July 08, 2024

Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione

All she knew was that her Horseman name, Famine, was fitting. She'd always been starving for somthing she couldn't name, because she hadn't experienced it.
Now she had.
A man's touch. A man's affection.
Now she was hungrier than ever, and that could only be a bad thing.

Please note:
this post includes reviews for Vampire Fight Club (#6.5), Immortal Rider (#7), and Apocalypse: The Lords of Deliverance Compendium (#7.5)


Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione

Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione


Rating - 1/2
Standalone - Demonica #7 / Lords of Deliverance #2
Genre - Paranormal Romance / marriage of convenience
POV - multiple 3rd person
Heat - descriptive
Source - library ebook
Length - 433 pages
Previous books in the series: - Pleasure Unbound * Desire Unchained * Passion Unleashed * Ecstasy Unveiled * Sin Undone * Eternal Rider

Arik Wagner, a soldier with the U.S. Army's paranormal unit, the R-XR, kissed a girl and liked it. And then he went to hell as punishment. Where he's spent weeks being tortured...and plotting revenge.

Limos, Horsewoman of the Apocalypse, isn't your average girl. She's immortal, dangerous, and her fiancé is Satan himself. In a moment of weakness, she gave in to her desire and kissed Arik, triggering her fiancé's wrath - and his claim on her. In order to save Arik, and the world, Limos must make a dangerous pact with her recently turned evil brother, Pestilence. A deal that might just cost her her soul...and her heart.


Arik had a thing for Limos, she seemed to have a thing for him, he moves in for a kiss, and he's taken immediately to hell.
He's tortured, healed, tortured again.
And that's just the very beginning of this book.

Obviously he gets rescued, but this was only the start of the hot mess in store for these characters. Limos was betrothed to the ruler of Hell, who actually isn't Lucifer, from birth. At first eager to be with him, when she meets her brothers and experiences true humanity, she can't get away from him and her commitment fast enough. Too bad she wears a chastity belt which would maim any man who attempted to get it on with her. Not to mention her jealous fiance who would love to torture her wouldbe suitors (see Arik?).

A loophole is discovered, Arik gains the upperhand, yadda yadda yadda.
This was such a small part of the story.

Pestilence is going strong. He's absolutely devastating the world and his siblings on a regular basis.
Harvester is holding Reaver captive for some reason and things aren't looking too good for our favorite angel.
The Aegis (boy, do I freaking hate this organization SO MUCH) come up with a really dumb plan that Regan has to put into play. Things take a dark turn and I'm kind of hoping that Thanatos tortures her and everyone involved. If the roles were reversed, people would be clutching their pearls and rioting, but because he's not only a male, but a Horseman, it's okay?

And seriously there was tons more going on. This series is one of those stories that I could tell you everything that happens and I still wouldn't be able to tell you what was what. Every book develops the story more and I'm eager to get the big picture because everything I've learned so far has blown my mind in the best way.


Vampire Fight Club by Larissa Ione


Rating -
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - descriptive
Source - library ebook
Length - 100 pages

When a wave of violence that hits too close to home forces shapeshifter and underworld nurse Vladlena Paskelkov to go undercover, her first stop is a haven of vice—with a dangerously sexy vamp in charge . . .

Legendary, jaded, Nathan Sabine is the manager of Thirst, a wildly popular vampire club—and secret underground blood arena. But Nathan, a rare daywalker, possesses other, even more explosive secrets, as does his beautiful new medic, Vladlena. The one thing they can’t conceal is the lust that simmers between them . . .

Now, in an underworld divided by revelry and violence, debauchery and vengeance, Nate and Lena will discover which risks are worth taking—and which desires demand surrender . . .

I found Lena to be quite silly throughout the story. She knew that her days were numbered and decided to investigate her brother's death. She goes undercover and a slipshod kind of plan to find out the truth, unprepared to defend herself or snoop wisely. Nathan was okay, but it was hard to find depth behind either of these characters. I was entertained by the story though. I liked the idea of this club that caters to a certain type of clientele, which is a front for an underground supernatural fight club. The big bad was suitably scary and there was plenty of action that moved the story along. I loved how subtle the author was with providing links to the main story. Now that I know that there's a link between Nathan and Thanatos, I wonder if he'll be making an appearance in Death's book.


Apocalypse: The Lords of Deliverance Compendium


Rating -
Source - library ebook
Length - 76 pages

New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione brings readers behind the scenes with this definitive guide to her latest imaginative, epic series featuring the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. With character descriptions, key player background information, a handy glossary of terms and special abilities, a Q&A inspired by reader questions, and an all-new, exclusive short story, this is a must-read for every Larissa Ione fan.

I loved all of the tidbits explored in this book, but it was the short story of how the Horsemen were conceived that really grabbed me. Can someone please get rid of Lilith already???

I know I'm late to starting this series, but the story gave me such a huge clue and I'm freaking out. So... Verrine = Harvester? And Yenrieth = Reaver?

Amiright??!!


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.

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon

June 26, 2024

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon

In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner.


Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon


Rating -
Standalone - Royal Artifactual Guild #1
Release - October 15, 2024
Genre - Fantasy Romance / marriage of convenience
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit
Source - eARC from NetGalley
Length - 432 pages

As a Holder’s daughter, Aspeth Honori knows the importance of magical artifacts . . . which is why it’s a disaster that her father has gambled all theirs away. Now that her family is in danger of losing their hold—and their heads—if anyone finds out the truth, Aspeth decides to do something about it. She’ll join the Royal Artifactual Guild and the adventurers who explore ancient underground ruins to retrieve the coveted arcane items.

It’s a great plan—with one big problem. The guild won’t let her train because she’s a woman. Aspeth needs a chaperone of some kind. The best way to get around this problem? Marry someone who will let her become an apprentice. Who better than a surly guild member who requires a favor of his own? He’s a minotaur (it’s fine) who is her teacher (also fine) . . . and he’s about to go into rut (which is where it gets tricky). He also has no idea she’s a noble (oops), and he’ll want nothing to do with her if he discovers her real identity.

Now Aspeth just has to pass the guild tests, thwart a fortune hunter, and save her hold—oh, and survive a rut with her monstrous, horned husband, whom she might be falling in love with.

It’s time to dig deep. Literally.


Bull Moon Rising offered up so many goodies to entice a reader like me:

* monster romance

* marriage of convenience

* sexy and grumpy minotaur

* haughty and optimistic heroine

* interesting plot

* several side characters with endearing qualities

* made up history and archaelogical digs


Aspeth has always been intrigued by artifacts and has spent her life reading about the history and discovery of them. When her father gambles away the last of their most valuable artifacts, she decides that it's up to her to save their hold. Along with her best friend and maid, Gwenna, she travels to the guild to become a fledgling, hoping to grab a few artifacts for herself.

What she didn't count on was the immediate dismissal from the members of the guild. It was definitely a men's club and I loved how Aspeth didn't take any of their crap. She was there and she wasn't leaving without the chance to prove herself able. Booksmart and courageous, she was easy to root for.

My favorite character was Hawk, for many reasons. He was someone who lived with the guild without really being a part of it. His race was used and abused and discriminated against and still Hawk acted with honor and respect and devotion. He was such a wonderful male and I lived for his irritable attitude and movements, his self-reflections, and his growing feelings for Aspeth.

I thought this story would be absolutely filthy, but it wasn't. It had its moments, but this was a story about discovery—of self and of wonders.



Ruby Dixon is an author of Science Fiction Romance. She likes fated mates, baby-filled epilogues, and cinnamon roll heroes. She also likes to write biographies of herself in the third person, because it feels more important that way.

Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)

Visit http://www.rubydixon.com for more information.

Doin' A Dime by Lani Lynn Vale

May 18, 2021

Doin' A Dime by Lani Lynn Vale

I'd never, not ever, thought I would have a thing for a felon.
But there I was, lusting after the man.


Doin' A Dime by Lani Lynn Vale

Doin' A Dime by Lani Lynn Vale


Standalone - Souls Chapel Revenants MC #4
Release - May 18, 2021
Genre - Contemporary Romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5/several descriptive scenes
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 215 pages
Publisher - Indie

Live-in property & pet caretaker needed. Six-year minimum. Background check required. Generous compensation. Marriage of convenience required.

The moment that Wyett Villin read the ad on her local community’s page, she knew that it would be perfect. It didn’t matter how big the house was, what kinds of animals she had to take care of, or what the compensation was. She didn’t give a flip as long as it got her out of her childhood home and away from the person that she despised the most.

Only, she had no clue that by accepting the position, she would be agreeing to watch over the mini-mansion and two large dogs of Hunt McJimpsey, computer hacker extraordinaire, sexy nerd, and convicted felon of Souls Chapel, Texas.

She’d meant to make her life easier, not complicate it more.

***

Hunt McJimpsey was careful. He knew exactly what he was doing and practically planned every single step that he took to make sure that he always had his tracks covered.

But one single mistake costs him five years of his life, and if he’s going to go down for the crime, he might as well make it spectacular.

Three years into his prison sentence, he’s a changed man, and definitely not for the better.

He’s harder, angrier, and even more brilliant and conniving than before he went in.

He thinks that by keeping up with his dogs’ babysitter, his property caretaker, and reluctant wife, that he’s only doing his due diligence as a responsible person. Only, what starts out as curiosity for his property turns into genuine like for the woman that is caring for what means the most to him.

When an opportunity to get out of the hellhole known as prison arises and the only thing he has to do is join a motorcycle club and sign some of his free time away to help those less fortunate, he jumps at the chance.

Not only because he’s ready to get the hell out of prison, but because he’s ready to meet the woman that he’s been falling for, one visit a week, for the last three years.

Find your copy of Doin' A Dime here:
Amazon * iBooks * Nook * Kobo


Doin' A Dime by Lani Lynn Vale

I can't pick just one thing that really worked for me when it came to Doin' a Dime, but I know that I ended up feeling that this story was utter perfection!

Hunt McJimpsey was the perfect combination of alpha, sexy, nerdy, compassionate man. Wyett Villin was his soulmate in every sense. She had a huge heart. She was a survivor. She was sweet and beautiful. And their chemistry was intense.

Hunt may have been a felon, but in my opinion, at least when it comes to fictional males (can't be saying this and be a representative of the criminal justice system), he went to prison for all of the right reasons. A hacker extraordinaire, he was one of the good guys. Now that he works for Lynn, he's even more so.

Again, I fell in love with LLV's words and without giving away the plot, I hope I've convinced you to fall in love with these characters too. If you love love, romance and all the feels, this story is definitely the one for you!

Doin' A Dime by Lani Lynn Vale


🡲 My Favorite Lines 🡰


★ I need a job that isn't too 'jobby.' Where I can do work that's not too 'worky.' - Wyett to Six


★ "I plan to take and retake all of your firsts. Everything. I'm gonna give you your first baby. I'm going to give you your first I love you. I'm going to give you your first house. Your first really big fight. Your first make-up. I'm going to retake any time I want, too. Because you're mine and I want to make sure you know it."


Lani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.

Visit https://lanilynnvale.com/ for more information!

Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright // Review

March 22, 2021

Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright

“Oh no, honey, I'm an angel, I swear. The horns are only there to hold up the halo.”


Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright

Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright


Standalone - The Phoenix Pack #1
Release - March 3, 2012
Genre - Paranormal Romance
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat - 4.5 out of 5/plenty of scenes
Format/Source - ebook from Kindle Unlimited
Length - 428 pages
Publisher - Montlake Romance

NOTE: this is a review of the edited version of this book. Not a menage scene in sight!!

When female wolf shifter Taryn Warner first encounters Trey Coleman, an alpha male wolf shifter with a dangerous reputation, she’s determined to resist his charms. After all, Trey—who was only fourteen when he defeated his own father in a duel, winning the right to be alpha of his pack—can’t have anything to offer the talented healer besides trouble, or so she thinks.

Taryn finds herself drawn in by Trey’s forceful demeanor and arctic-blue eyes, and she eventually agrees to enter an uneasy alliance with him. If the two succeed in convincing their respective packs that they’ve chosen each other as mates, Trey will win valuable political allies, while Taryn will escape an odious arranged mating.

But there are a lot of potential pitfalls to this plan—including the very real possibility that the wolf shifters, overwhelmed by their growing attraction to each other, will be unable to maintain the clear heads needed to pull off the deception.

Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright

Whoever created this collage did an amazing job. I love it!!

I knew there had to be a good reason why this book kept popping up on my radar, but until now, I didn't know why that was. This book is incredible. It's definitely being noted as one of my favorite paranormal romances of all time!

What I found:
⭐ a damaged, tortured, brooding Alpha male who happened to be freaking gorgeous and had no clue about all of the greatness he deserved — I loved TREY!!
⭐ a latent Alpha female who was constantly ridiculed and reviled, frequently underestimated, and the queen of zingers — under all of her thorns, Taryn had a heart of gold, one huge enough to heal her hero
⭐ an intriguing and hilarious cast of secondary characters (I'm looking at you, Greta). All of these characters demanded their own story to be told
⭐ deadly consequences to anyone who thought to separate the mated pair
⭐ oodles of sexy times — dang, but this author can write a sex scene. Two Alphas fighting for dominance and Trey's dirty mouth certainly did the trick!
⭐ a well-developed plot. I love when the sex seems to feed the plot instead of being the plot. I felt that the author created a great balance of heavy story, funny dialogue, intimacy and suspense.

I'm the idiot who took forever to finally read this and introduce herself to the wonder of Suzanne Wright. I have definitely learned from my mistake and I will absolutely be reading more from her. Dante's story is next and I've already got it loaded up!

Feral Sins is FREE to read with Kindle Unlimited! https://amzn.to/394irxN

In her words...

I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing something, whether it was stories, poems, or even songs – though I can’t carry a tune. I only have one rule when I’m writing a book which is that it has to have a happy ending. Other than that, pretty much anything goes. I write stories that I would enjoy reading and then I just hope that others will enjoy them too.

I was born and raised in England where I live with my husband (a person who doesn’t judge me for hearing voices in my head – how often do you come across people like that?), and my two demanding children.

For more information about this author and her books, check out her website: http://www.suzannewright.co.uk/

ARC Review: MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE by Penny Reid

March 23, 2018

Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid
There are three things you need to know about Kat Tanner (aka Kathleen Tyson. . . and yes, she is *that* Kathleen Tyson): 1) She’s determined to make good decisions, 2) She must get married ASAP, and 3) She knows how to knit.
Being a billionaire heiress isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it sucks. Determined to live a quiet life, Kat Tanner changed her identity years ago and eschewed her family’s legacy. But now, Kat’s silver spoon past has finally caught up with her, and so have her youthful mistakes. To avoid imminent disaster, she must marry immediately; it is essential that the person she chooses have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever and be completely trustworthy.
Fortunately, she knows exactly who to ask. Dan O’Malley checks all the boxes: single, romantically indifferent to her, completely trustworthy. Sure, she might have a wee little crush on Dan the Security Man, but with clear rules, expectations, and a legally binding contract, Kat is certain she can make it through this debacle with her sanity—and heart—all in one piece.
Except, what happens when Dan O’Malley isn’t as indifferent—or as trustworthy—as she thought?

Get this awesome romcom today! https://amzn.to/2DQsMuT

Review: Tricked by Rebecca Zanetti

January 04, 2017

Tricked by Rebecca Zanetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Standalone - Dark Protectors #7.75
Release: October 25, 2016
Length: 132 pages

He Might Save Her

Former police psychologist Ronni Alexander had it all before a poison attacked her heart and gave her a death sentence. Now, on her last leg, she has an opportunity to live if she mates a vampire. A real vampire. One night of sex and a good bite, and she’d live forever with no more weaknesses. Well, except for the vampire whose dominance is over the top, and who has no clue how to deal with a modern woman who can take care of herself.

She Might Kill Him

Jared Reese, who has no intention of ever mating for anything other than convenience, agrees to help out his new sister in law by saving her friend’s life with a quick tussle in bed. The plan seems so simple. They’d mate, and he move on with his life and take risks as a modern pirate should. Except after one night with Ronni, one moment of her sighing his name, and he wants more than a mating of convenience. Now all he has to do is convince Ronni she wants the same thing. Good thing he’s up for a good battle.

Goodreads | Amazon