Hello and Happy Sunday. I hope your week went well. Tomorrow we're celebrating Victoria Day and I'm excited to see some fireworks.
I usually do a post like this on Wednesdays (and I still plan on having one this week), but why not post today?
I'm sharing three books I read and quite enjoyed and maybe you'll find something here to read too!
Unholy Vows by Mila Kane
Dual POV
Contemporary Romance / Organized Crime
Descriptive heat
437 pages
We never should have met. She wandered like an innocent lamb into my world, and the door slammed shut behind her.
Leaving her alive and free was a risk no capo would take.
I’ll let her live, for a price.
Her freedom.
She isn’t what she seems, but it’s already too late.
I'm obsessed, and nothing, and no one will keep her from me.
Rating - 
This was my first time reading from Mila Kane and I'll be back for more. I loved how possessive and almost out-of-control Renato's obsession with Charlie. Honestly, it was the only thing I really appreciated about this book.
Charlie has been taking care of her sister for years. More a mother than anything else, she's constantly cleaning up her messes and trying to keep her in line. When Lucy's latest mishap puts them on the radar of both the mob and a cartel, Charlie doesn't have a clue what to do. And it's very obvious. Lucky for her Renato took such a shine to her.
Charlie drove me nuts. Her sister drove me nuts. They were just too silly to take seriously. Again, I'm thankful for Renato and everything and everyone that had anything to do with him. I wonder if there are books for the side characters because I also liked them. Giada, Elio and Sonny deserve happy endings too.
This was my first time reading from Mila Kane and I'll be back for more. I loved how possessive and almost out-of-control Renato's obsession with Charlie. Honestly, it was the only thing I really appreciated about this book.
Charlie has been taking care of her sister for years. More a mother than anything else, she's constantly cleaning up her messes and trying to keep her in line. When Lucy's latest mishap puts them on the radar of both the mob and a cartel, Charlie doesn't have a clue what to do. And it's very obvious. Lucky for her Renato took such a shine to her.
Charlie drove me nuts. Her sister drove me nuts. They were just too silly to take seriously. Again, I'm thankful for Renato and everything and everyone that had anything to do with him. I wonder if there are books for the side characters because I also liked them. Giada, Elio and Sonny deserve happy endings too.
Kidnapped by the Krampus by Emily Shore
Dual POV
Paranormal Romance
Filthy heat
254 pages
TWYLA
Is Krampus real?
That's the question burning in my investigative journalist mind as I sneak into Krampus World to learn the truth about the eccentric CEO who always wears the monstrous holiday costume. I'm definitely making the naughty list for this.
After sharing a drink with the mysterious and quiet CEO, the last thing I expect is waking up with no clothes in the most beautiful winter castle. This horned heartthrob billionaire kidnapped me!
Despite the language barrier, I soon learn that his punishments are hot enough to melt the North Pole. And there are far worse things than being treated like a Christmas princess in a Yuletide-themed castle.
As I unwrap the layers of this hooved and horned enigma, I suspect the monster may be as real as Rudolph's red nose! And I might be falling for him faster than Santa coming down the chimney.
Well.... Monster romance is trending after all!
KRAMPUS
Don’t show them your tongue.
Don’t growl.
Don’t urge them to check your body for some nonexistent zipper.
Don’t wag your tail.
Don't show them how well you dance in hooves.
After a century of failures to find true love, Twyla is my last chance to break the curse before the clock runs out. I will do whatever it takes to keep my little star, my light in the darkness. It turns out this naughty girl may love my monstrous punishments and the magic of my realm.
It's not long before Twyla tangles around my heart more than twinkle lights. But can she believe a monster is her happily ever after? Will she save me from my icy fate?
Or am I doomed to be the demon of Yuletide with a frozen heart forever?
Rating -
Soooo... that happened. I enjoyed the premise of this book and that the monster didn't magically become a gorgeous male upon finding his true love or being cured of his curse. I didn't like the characters. Something about both of them prevented me from connecting with them or caring about them. Their relationship was absolutely filthy though so that's something. If you enjoy that sort of thing (like I seem to), pick this up and try it for yourself.
Soooo... that happened. I enjoyed the premise of this book and that the monster didn't magically become a gorgeous male upon finding his true love or being cured of his curse. I didn't like the characters. Something about both of them prevented me from connecting with them or caring about them. Their relationship was absolutely filthy though so that's something. If you enjoy that sort of thing (like I seem to), pick this up and try it for yourself.
Excerpt from Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Fantasy Romance / LGBTQ
Approx. 100 pages for the excerpt
A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.
Arthur Parnassus lives a good life built on the ashes of a bad one.
He’s the master of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six dangerous and magical children who live there.
Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. He is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department In Charge of Magical Youth. And there’s the island’s sprite, Zoe Chapelwhite, and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.
But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.
And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name that Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.
Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.
Rating -
Should I feel so lucky to have received the first four chapters of this book? Because I'm happy right now and I only got to read a little bit of the story. What I've read so far has me super excited to read on when the book releases. We're getting Arthur's story and I have to say, everything about this male has me intrigued. Learning more about him sounds like an excellent way to spend a day.
Should I feel so lucky to have received the first four chapters of this book? Because I'm happy right now and I only got to read a little bit of the story. What I've read so far has me super excited to read on when the book releases. We're getting Arthur's story and I have to say, everything about this male has me intrigued. Learning more about him sounds like an excellent way to spend a day.
Prince Hunt Athalar Danaan.
He would have hated the last name were it not for the fact that it was a marker of her ownership over his soul, his heart.
You can find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
He would have hated the last name were it not for the fact that it was a marker of her ownership over his soul, his heart.
You can find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
Rating -
1/2Book 3 of the Crescent City series
Release - January 30, 2024
Genre - Fantasy Romance / fated mates
POV - Multiple 3rd person
Heat - descriptive
Source - library ebook
Length - 951 pages
Previous books in the series - House of Earth and Blood * House of Sky and Breath
Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.
Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.
Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.
Writing a review for this book has been so hard because everything I've come up with has been pretty spoilery.
House of Flame and Shadow picks up right where the cliffhanger from the last book left us — Hunt, Ruhn and Bax are prisoners of the Asteri; Bryce is in the land of her ancestors; and everyone else is converging on the final showdown. There was so much revealed in this story and while I could appreciate the fact that there was a crossover of characters, I didn't read the other series, so I was meeting these people for the first time, without any preconceptions. I missed all of the Easter eggs and now I'm curious enough to read that series 😊
“I fell in love with you in the depths of my soul, and it's my soul that will find yours again in the next life.”
Without spoiling everything, I'll just tell you my feelings throughout the book. I was so proud of how far Hunt and Bryce had come in their relationship. Remembering where they started out, virtually enemies to allies to everything, I am a true sucker for the love, support and friendship they found with each other. Ruhn was still an absolute sweetheart and I'm excited for his future, especially one he will share with Day. My heart breaks for Bax, but dang that male came so far from where he used to stand. Never thought he would be such a staunch ally. I found this book scary and tense and exciting and incredible and I would not complain if there was another one in the series, despite the threat to their world being gone.
Shoot, just give me an extended epilogue or something!
Sarah J. Maas is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Crescent City, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Throne of Glass series. Her books have sold more than twelve million copies and are published in thirty-seven languages.A New York native, Sarah lives in Philadelphia with her husband, son, and dog.
To find out more, visit sarahjmaas.com or follow @therealsjmaas on Instagram.
Every lore of every clan, across time and space, dreamed of dragons. Did you ever wonder why?
Find Kiss of Dragons here: Goodreads * Amazon
Find Kiss of Dragons here: Goodreads * Amazon
Kiss of Dragons by Aja James
Book 9 of the Dragon Tails series
Rating -
Release - July 6, 2024
Genre - Paranormal Romance / fated mates / second chance
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - explicit
Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 321 pages
The journeys to the past have finally collided with the present, and where we go from here will dictate the course of the future.
Benjamin D’Angelo has taken over the Jade Emperor’s quests, though in recent years, he traveled to foreign lands and times for his own purposes. To find his own truth.
Now, as he prepares for a war looming on the horizon, the truth he’s thus far kept buried demands to be acknowledged and addressed. This time, Ben’s personal quest delves into how it all began. A Fate that bound two souls beyond life and death, beyond time and ken.
In the process, Ben grows closer to three curious people, who, unbeknownst to him, are the manifestations of a single soul. A soul Ben had always known and needs to remember.
But what will be the consequences of remembering? And what does it mean for the future? Will history repeat itself, or will Ben find a way to chart a new Destiny?
A single Kiss may light the way.
The end of the world may be just around the corner. Along the way, enemies may become lovers, reluctant friendships may form, and lots of hot, desperate, this-may-be-the-last-time-we-have-sex sex will definitely be had.
And who knows, you too may be bespelled by the… KISS OF DRAGONS
Benjamin D’Angelo has taken over the Jade Emperor’s quests, though in recent years, he traveled to foreign lands and times for his own purposes. To find his own truth.
Now, as he prepares for a war looming on the horizon, the truth he’s thus far kept buried demands to be acknowledged and addressed. This time, Ben’s personal quest delves into how it all began. A Fate that bound two souls beyond life and death, beyond time and ken.
In the process, Ben grows closer to three curious people, who, unbeknownst to him, are the manifestations of a single soul. A soul Ben had always known and needs to remember.
But what will be the consequences of remembering? And what does it mean for the future? Will history repeat itself, or will Ben find a way to chart a new Destiny?
A single Kiss may light the way.
The end of the world may be just around the corner. Along the way, enemies may become lovers, reluctant friendships may form, and lots of hot, desperate, this-may-be-the-last-time-we-have-sex sex will definitely be had.
And who knows, you too may be bespelled by the… KISS OF DRAGONS
I had so many arguments with myself over this story and I don't even know how I feel in the end. I think I'll go with hopeful. I'm hoping for a real future for this couple.
Okay, so let me start here... I have MAD respect for this author. How she keeps everything straight and constantly has me on edge, I'll never know, I'm sure. I'm forever wondering if I've figured everything out and then learning something new with every single book. I'm just in love with the way this story has evolved over two series.
Ben has always been an enigma. He was one of the original beasts and lived his current incarnation surrounded by them. Seen as the leader of dragons, he knew his destiny was already written, but he was always left wishing for more. Where was his mate? Who would it be?
Seven was a goddess. She was a fickle being who didn't understand human emotion and lacked empathy. While it may have worked well for her for eons, she has to come to discover that it didn't do her any favours. Ben used to belong to her, when he was a Beast. She created him after all. In this lifetime, she can't command him. She will have to earn his heart the old fashioned way.
It took me forever and a day to get on Seven's side. I've loved Ben for so many books and truly believed that he deserved the best of the best. Seriously, only the best would do and I didn't think Seven fit the bill. She took forever to learn her lesson, but when she did, I started to root for her. I could finally see where the author was taking this romance and I was most definitely on board.
The action started to pick up towards the end and when I thought there were no more surprises, the author gave me another one. I can't wait to see how it all plays out in the next book.
Best-selling author, Aja James, just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!
Check out Aja's expanded distribution of the Pure/ Dark Ones series on Google, Apple, Kobo and Barnes & Noble Books.
Visit https://aja-james.blog for more information!
Hey everyone and welcome to another Throwback Thursday! Every other week I'll be sharing my book recommendations within a specific romantic trope or theme.
Today I'm sharing the first five Brother's/Sister's Best Friend books I loved and reviewed on the blog. There's something special about this trope, maybe because of how seamless the relationships can be. It's almost organic in how they're in each other's sphere and it takes one great moment to light the spark between them. When they're done well, they're automatic winners for me.
If you happen to know of a book in this theme that you think I'd love, please let me know.
Hollywood Prince by Kim Karr
This story had a love triangle vibe, which I typically avoid, but I really enjoyed the way the author laid everything out. This story is steamy with easy to like characters. It was just another example of why Kim Karr made it to me must-read list.
Find my review HERE
Tempt by K.I. Lynn
Tempt is short and sweet and smutty. I've loved this author's writing for years and she didn't disappoint with this little novella. A great palate cleanse for those who enjoy books with heat.
Find my review HERE
Hungry as a Wolf by Alma Black
I always meant to get back to this author's books because I vividly remember enjoying this paranormal series. This story had a forbidden quality to it along with a suspenseful element. It definitely entertained me right to the end.
Find my review HERE
The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan
The entire Roommates series is pretty much a win for me and this one still stood out. It could be because there was plenty to piss me off and I came out smiling in the end.
Find my review HERE
The Boss by J.L. Perry
It's light and easy with plenty of chemistry and some sexy times. The author delves into the emotions of the characters and we're along for the ride.
Find my review HERE
Hello hello! I'm back with some more books that didn't really work for me, but might be winners for you.
Let me know if you've read any of these or plan to. I'd love to know your thoughts :)
The Two Week Arrangement by Kendall Ryan
Dear Sexy AF Intern,
I know you don't particularly care that I'm the CEO of this company, and you're just an intern. I also know you're not impressed by my power or my wealth, and that's fine.
You think you've got me all figured out from working alongside me for two weeks, but you don't know me. Not really.
You don't know that I'm a single dad to twin toddlers, or that those two little girls matter more to me than this entire hotel chain.
I'm not interested in starting something deep and meaningful, but what I am interested in is the way your body reacts to mine when we're in the same room. You probably assume the concentration on my face is work-related, when in reality, I'm figuring out which I want more--to nail you against the wall, or to bend you over my desk.
While you're too disciplined to act on it, I'm not. And the night you stepped into my limo, all bets were off.
My Rating - DNF
It's my first DNF for Kendall Ryan. I've liked every book I've read from her until now. This story wasn't sexy to me yet it's advertised as sexy all over the place. I just didn't like it. I was okay with Dominic, not okay with Presley, and bored.
Contemporary, dual pov
It's my first DNF for Kendall Ryan. I've liked every book I've read from her until now. This story wasn't sexy to me yet it's advertised as sexy all over the place. I just didn't like it. I was okay with Dominic, not okay with Presley, and bored.
Contemporary, dual pov
Chasing Fate by J.R. Thorn
Every Thousand Years the Cycle of Death Returns
A young psychic named Renee inherits her grandmother’s terrifying powers and summons two hot (and very naked) angels to help her save the world. Paired up with her ex-boyfriend turned vampire, she’s in for a hell of a ride.
Every thousand years the cycle of death comes to claim the three major realms: Earth, heaven, and hell. It’s her turn to chase fate and stop the cycle from devouring her world, bringing heaven and hell down with it.
When the echoes of calamity begin to take form and destroy her beloved Fortune Street, she’ll have to race against the clock to stop her new vision from coming to fruition. Earth in ashes and heaven and hell collapsed in a ball of flames.
Edwin and Devon aren’t the kind of angels she’d expected to conjure with her new gifts for such a monumental task. With Devon’s constant flirting, Edwin’s sexy brooding, and Jeffery’s distracting fangs, she’ll have to hope they’re more useful than they are distracting in the game of chasing fate.
My Rating - DNF
A young psychic, her two protectors, and her dead (ex)boyfriend who is now a vampire. Sounds like a good time. Until I realized that this was shaping up to be a reverse harem story and I don't read those (anymore).
A young psychic, her two protectors, and her dead (ex)boyfriend who is now a vampire. Sounds like a good time. Until I realized that this was shaping up to be a reverse harem story and I don't read those (anymore).
Kill or Be Killed by Bry Ann
Scarlett:
Love doesn’t make sense to me.
Like, what, your heart pitter-patters a few times and your brain loses all sense of reason.
It just joins in on the torture.
No thank you.
I'm hot. I f*ck. That’s ALL I do.
I'm not bitter. No one dumped me.
I’ll give you a hint what screwed me up so bad…
DEATH.
And that’s exactly what he is… death with muscles and enough physical scars to match my emotional ones.
Tobias:
I was tortured for years on end.
Beaten within an inch of my life more times than I can count.
I became a monster. A beast who craved to hurt people like I was hurt…
Until I meet sex on heels and all I want to do is hurt her. F*ck her. Use her.
Until I don’t.
...and that’s the part that scares me.
My Rating - DNF
Stopped at 51%
No connection to the characters, to the story, to the writing, etc.
Stopped at 51%
No connection to the characters, to the story, to the writing, etc.
The highly anticipated third installment of the steamy Artefacts of Ouranos series journeys deeper into the glittering fae world as Lor puts both her life and her heart on the line in this enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance.
Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
Book 3 of the Artefacts of Ouranos series
Rating -
1/2Release - June 4, 2024
Genre - Fantasy Romance / enemies to lovers
POV - Multiple 1st person
Heat - descriptive
Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 556 pages
Previous books in the series - Trial of the Sun Queen and Rule of the Aurora King
With the Heart Crown now in her possession, Lor must navigate the dangers of being an heir on the run, knowing more than one power-hungry ruler is after her blood. When she returns to Aphelion to unlock her magic and recover her family's legacy, it becomes clearer than ever that all that’s gold doesn’t sparkle. No stranger to battles, she continues to fight her attraction to the Aurora Prince, understanding this might be the one she finally loses.
As the past mixes with the present, Lor uncovers the truth about the Artefacts and their role in shaping her destiny. Now, her future hangs in the balance, leaving her closer than ever to getting everything she's ever wanted... or losing it all forever.
As the past mixes with the present, Lor uncovers the truth about the Artefacts and their role in shaping her destiny. Now, her future hangs in the balance, leaving her closer than ever to getting everything she's ever wanted... or losing it all forever.
Seriously Nisha?! You're gonna do me like that???!!!
The entire entourage is hiding in plain sight and I was anxious for them. Who would find them first — Nadir's dad or the equally awful Sun King? While I waited to find out, I learned so much more about the history of the realms, the diabolical schemes of those in power, and what must happen to make things right. I think I know, but I need more details to be sure. Book four needs to appear in my hands pronto.
I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed getting other perspectives for this story. I could finally root for these characters, understanding their motives and emotions. All I wanted was for Lor to finally see Nadir and when she finally did, when she finally accepted that her anger wasn't truly with him, when she recognized everything they could be together, I was delirious with hope and happiness. All I want is to see this couple triumph over it all, knowing they are end game.
This was my favourite book of the series so far, even though it practically killed me in the end. While I'm tired of the heroines of fantasy books being the 'greatest person of all time', I do believe Lor and her siblings deserve all of the blessings that seem to be in store for them. They've suffered more than anyone should have to, especially when their suffering was due to their ancestor's transgressions. But it seems that there is so much more to the story and I'm loving how complicated everything is getting.
Kudos to the author for keeping all of these facts straight, tempting me with juicy morsels, leaving me begging for more. I'm sitting here absolutely devastated and excited for the next book.
Nisha J. Tuli is the bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen—the first in the Artefacts of Ouranos series—which became a BookTok hit thanks to her amazing fans. The originally self-published series was acquired by Forever Publishing and Orbit UK in 2023, and will soon be published in 15 other languages around the world.She's also the author of Heart of Night and Fire, a South Asian-inspired fantasy romance and the first in a four-book series. Look for her rom-com debut in 2025 with NSFW (Not Suitable for Work), a workplace rivals to lovers rom-com publishing with Forever.
Nisha lives in Canada, where she spends most of her time reading and writing while enjoying travel, food, and camping with her partner, two kids, and their fluffy Samoyed, Mora.
Visit https://nishajtuli.com for more information.
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