Books That Didn't Make the Cut Pt.28

August 27, 2024


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 :)


Coming to Hale by Marie James


Contemporary Romance

The only time she trusted someone with her heart, she was just a girl; he betrayed her and left her humiliated. Since then, Lorali Bennett has let that moment in time dictate her life.

Ian Hale, sexy as sin business mogul, has never had more than a passing interest in any particular woman, until a chance encounter with Lorali, leaves a lasting mark on him.

Their fast paced romance is one for the record books, but what will happen when Ian’s secrets come to light? Especially when those secrets will cost her everything she spent years trying to rebuild.

My Rating -

I gave up at 25%.

I can't take this Lorali girl. She's judgmental, superficial, and lacking in so many ways that it's impossible to like her. I didn't even get to the juicy bits :(


Desire in His Blood by Zoey Draven


SciFi Romance, dual pov, arranged marriage

A monster wants her as his bride…and he will stop at nothing to claim her.

Gemma Hara is drowning under the weight of her father’s debts. Working herself to the bone, she knows that if she doesn’t pay them off in time, the sadistic creditors will take everything: their home, their respected name, and, worst of all, her two beautiful sisters.

To save her family, Gemma agrees to do something reckless: marry a wealthy and mysterious stranger, who offers her a wicked bargain she can’t afford to refuse.

However, his bargain comes with one terrifying catch. Because her husband-to-be is a Kylorr.

One of the most fearsome alien races in the Four Quadrants, the Kylorr are beastly monsters, all muscle and menace, with powerful wings, depraved cravings, and berserker-like rages. The worst part?

They survive on blood.

Cold and cruel, Azur of House Kaalium, the High Lord of Laras, demands Gemma as his blood bride. To feed from her. To use her body in whatever way he wishes. For paying off her family’s debts, he expects her complete submission.

What neither of them predicts is how his bite doesn’t bring pain—it fills Gemma with more exquisite pleasure than she’s ever known. And as she finds her footing on a strange new planet, the one thing Gemma thought she’d never surrender might be at risk after all.

Her heart.

Too bad her new husband can’t seem to decide if he wants to break it…or keep it forever.

My Rating -

I really wanted to like this. I really did. But Gemma was AnNoYing!!

Who wouldn't be intrigued by a vampire race of aliens with large bat-like wings and sexy muscles? I know I was definitely interested.

But Gemma...


Tall, Dark and Stormy by Mickey Miller


Contemporary Romance novella

They say I’m a rich, bitter a**hole who isn’t capable of normal feelings.

Well, they say a lot of things.

And they don’t know shit.

You don’t become a billionaire without a strain of obsession bubbling within you. Strong and true, like a deep blue pilot light.

It’s true, I don’t suffer fools. And I don’t have time to become emotionally involved.

I loved once before. This is my curse. It keeps me focused.

Until I see Stacy’s ad. The office intern, auctioning off her virginity for charity, right there on the screen.

A gorgeously seductive photo, followed by some of the dirtiest erotic fantasies I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

And they’re about me. Her boss.

I’ll be damned if one of these tasteless men with no appreciation for this smart, beautiful angel will be her first.

If anyone has her, it’s going to be me.

Like I said, I’m a man of obsession.

My Rating -

I've read a few books by this author and this one was unlike any of those. Especially because I didn't like it. It didn't even sound like something he would write. Ah well. You've got two characters who have lost loves. The hero seemed to still be grieving even after becoming involved with the heroine. Honestly, their match up made no sense and lacked any real heat. I didn't feel a connection and couldn't believe how unrealistic their relationship was. He's a kagillionaire who owns what seems to be the one club in town... and he's got a sex dungeon in the basement that he had put in for the love he's lost. She's an intern at his company who has been fantasizing about him when she takes time from being a walking talking contradiction - she's bisexual and a Jehovah's Witness. What?! Absolutely not my taste.

His Agenda by Dori Lavelle

August 26, 2024

His Agenda by Dori Lavelle

I'm back with a series of books that I read a long time ago (2016), but I remember enjoying them.
His Agenda is a captive romance series with a naive heroine and a slightly unredeemable hero.
Hopefully my reviews inspire someone to give this series a chance.

**WARNING: Due to sexual situations and dark adult content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18, and anyone who is unable to read books containing the following issues: kidnapping, murder, rape, and extreme abuse.**


Veiled Obsession


I cry for the man I used to know, the man I used to love...until his love killed mine.

My name is Haley Macknight, and I'm dying inside. From the outside my life is every woman's dream. I'm married to Jude Macknight, a sexy multimillionaire who loves me...too much.

Once upon a time, I loved him. But that love is dead. Unwilling to let me go, I've become his obsession. He will stop at nothing to make sure I remain in a marriage I no longer want, inside my gilded cage.

Each day I pull away from Jude, I watch him transform into a monster. Before my eyes, he becomes a man I don't recognize, a dangerous man. He makes it clear that I belong to him, that my life is no longer my own. If I leave, he'll kill me. But if I stay, I'll die a slow death.

Rating -

This book popped up as one of those Goodreads recommendations based on what I've read recently. When I saw the rave reviews I thought that this book would definitely feed my dark appetite. Not so much. For me, this book was... meh... really. I read those reviews and assumed that I would be getting something gritty, dark and twisted. What I got was a woman who seemed more like a girl and a bully.

Haley turned thirty at some time in this book and to say I was surprised would be an understatement. She in no way, shape, or form acted like a mature adult. Not in her words, her thoughts, or her actions. I can't say I didn't like her but I can say that she seemed pretty one-dimensional to me. As for Jude, the whole situation is just unrealistic to me. What grown woman comes to depend on a complete stranger to these depths??? His 180 in personality was NOT a surprise! C'mon what did she expect?! He didn't want her to work, didn't encourage her socially, didn't talk or treat her with respect... the signs were there!

I'm just not wowed by this story. It is not scintillating, thought-provoking, or extremely interesting. But I'm again, not a quitter so I guess we'll see if my opinion changes with book 2.


Dangerous Intentions


My name is Haley Macknight, and I've finally escaped my marriage from hell. But my husband, Jude Macknight, has murder on his mind. He will stop at nothing to get me back. Even from a distance, he's controlling the course of my life. It's only a matter of time before he finds me. Before he kills me.

Rating -

The fact that there is a book 3 tells me that we're in for some more twists! If you like to read about psycho anti-heroes, then this book may be for you.

I actually liked this book. I liked being in Jude's head. He was so cray cray but it worked. I was in constant anticipation of what he would do next. His complex and warped thought process was pretty funny and I was on my toes wondering what kind of evil deed he would concoct.

Haley still annoyed me. Her thought process was less than intelligent. She kept talking about getting back her life. Ummmmm. What life?! She had no real plan and that irked me. And instead of making real use of her support network, she kept screaming for independence. TSTL-syndrome in full effect.

I'm about to start book 3 and I'm busy trying to figure out exactly what the twist will be. I think I have an idea Jude lives! and a huge part of me hopes I'm right! Thank you Kindle Unlimited for providing me with the opportunity to read this series!


Broken Illusions


Jude Macknight is gone forever, and I can finally start my new life with Dustin Brannon. But it's not so easy to move on.

When I close my eyes at night, I still see Jude's face. And sometimes, I swear I feel his presence. When will he stop haunting me? And when will I stop waiting for the other shoe to drop?

Rating -

This was the "startling" conclusion to the series. However, I wasn't startled. My prediction was accurate. Hooray... Actually, when my guess came to fruition was the first time in the book that my interest was truly piqued. Until then, I was bored. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, as Haley would say.

Jude... Jude... Jude... or should I call you Terrence? You wonderful psycho you. I loved everything you did bro. Your motivations were completely all over the place, but I still had mad love for you homie. I really felt the love you had for Haley. Deep in the bones kind of love. I get you. You killed all those women as symbols of that love. Warped love. Obsessed love. Crazy love. Drunken love perhaps? Regardless, you were a freaking fantastic character to read. I wish the entire book was in your pov. Honestly dude. Your passion burst through those pages. Not sparklers. Not even fireworks. Dynamite amigo. Dyna-freaking-mite!!

I could write odes about Jude. Sonnets even. He was the only person that sparked any interest in me. Haley once again gave a lackluster performance that only gained positive momentum because of Jude. His effervescence makes everyone around him shine lol. I like what Dustin represented, but told through Haley's eyes, unfortunately I didn't get a real chance to delve into his character and connect with him.

I'm not going to read the prequel. I'm going to keep my fond memories of Jude just the way they are as I say farewell to him at the end of this series.

What to Read Weekend (Aug. 22)

August 23, 2024


Hello and Happy Friday!

My house has been under renovations, but they're just about done and I am so freaking pleased with the results. Who doesn't love walking on brand new floors? What have you been up to?

Today I'm sharing a week's worth of what I'm currently reading, what I want to read, and several romance book bargains.

Hopefully you find something to enjoy here too. Have an amazing weekend!!

What I'm Reading Now



What I'm Hoping to Read Next



Added to my TBR


I've added nothing new because I'm trying to seriously make a dent in my list.

Romance Book Bargains


$2.49


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.49


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.99


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$1.99


Standalone
Genre: romcom

$2.49


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$1.99


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.99


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.99


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.99


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.99


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$1.99


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.49


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.99


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.99


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.49


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$3.99


Clan MacRieve
Genre: paranormal

$2.49


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

$2.49


Standalone
Genre: contemporary

Throwback Thursday: Captive Romance

August 22, 2024


Hey everyone and welcome to another Throwback Thursday! This is the kind of post where I'll be sharing my book recommendations within a specific romantic trope or theme.

Today I'm sharing five Captive Romance books I've read, reviewed and loved on the blog. I couldn't imagine falling in love with someone who kidnapped and/or abused me, but it's fiction right? And for some reason, I've loved plenty of books with this trope.

If you've got a recommendation, please send it my way!



Pennies by Pepper Winters


"I'm not the hero in this story, girl. You'd do best to remember that." I fell in love with the hero in this one. He rescued a woman who made herself mute to survive and his patience with her won me over. Was he a bad guy? Well, yes, but it was his heart I cared most about.

Find my review HERE



Counsellor by Celia Aaron


As Sinclair and Stella battle against each other and the clock, only one thing is certain: The Acquisition always ends in blood. The tradition these people celebrate (or not) was creepy as heck, but it made for some entertaining reading. It gave me such a wonderful glimpse of the creepy this author could create.

Find my review HERE



Pretty Stolen Dolls by K. Webster & Ker Dukey


Benny loves his pretty little dolls. As long as they do exactly as they're told. If you haven't read this series yet, you have missed out. If you love the deviant, the dirty, the scary... you'll love this book. There is nothing out there like it and I only wish there were more to read.

Find my review HERE



Taken by N. Isabelle Blanco & Elena Reyes


Ivy and Noah are best friends who have woken up in a strange room only to realize that they've both been drugged and kidnapped. This one was so different and I was hooked! Both protagonists are held captive... with an audience. They're tortured and have to rely on each other to stay sane. These authors created such an incredible thriller and I loved the series right up to the end. I want more stories like this.

Find my review HERE



Beast by Mary Catherine Gebhard


Once upon a time, I thought love was a fairytale. Beast was messed up, but he was hot. Like ridiculously attractive to me and I know he shouldn't be, but there it is. Frankie was hard to like and I didn't know if that would change, but Beast made the entire duet worth it.

Find my review HERE