Hello and Happy Friday!
I FINALLY decorated. It's nothing like past years, but my kids told me something is better than nothing. I'm working on getting into the holiday spirit. I have a few more gifts to get (yes, I'm doing the last minute thing for the first time in years) and hoping that everyone has an amazing Christmas!!
Alright, below I'm sharing a week's worth of what I want to read, what I want to buy (or borrow), what I want to read, and several romance book bargains.
Hopefully you find something to enjoy here too!
New Releases of the Week
Upcoming Releases of the Week
Dec.25 — Balls to the Walls by Giulia Lagomarsino
Dec.25 — State of Bliss by Marie Force
Dec.26 — Ashes by Abbi Glines
Dec.26 — Melody by Helen Hardt
Dec.27 — The Season of Secrets by Q.B. Tyler
Dec.28 — Buried Under Ice by Cynthia Eden
Dec.28 — The Playboy by Marni Mann
Dec.28 — Sold to the Enemy by Sam Crescent
Dec.29 — Lethal Vows by T.L. Smith
Dec.31 — Wrath of the Damned by Ella Fields
Dec.25 — State of Bliss by Marie Force
Dec.26 — Ashes by Abbi Glines
Dec.26 — Melody by Helen Hardt
Dec.27 — The Season of Secrets by Q.B. Tyler
Dec.28 — Buried Under Ice by Cynthia Eden
Dec.28 — The Playboy by Marni Mann
Dec.28 — Sold to the Enemy by Sam Crescent
Dec.29 — Lethal Vows by T.L. Smith
Dec.31 — Wrath of the Damned by Ella Fields
What I'm Reading Next
One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti
Scheme by Colette Rhodes
A Soul to Touch by Opal Reyne
Sharpest Edge by Alessa Thorn
Heartless by Elsie Silver
Scheme by Colette Rhodes
A Soul to Touch by Opal Reyne
Sharpest Edge by Alessa Thorn
Heartless by Elsie Silver
Romance Book Bargains
 99cstandalone
Genre: contemporary Trope: holiday |
 99cSmoke and Mirrors #1
Genre: contemporary Trope: rich hero |
 99cThe Whiskeys #7
Genre: contemporary Trope: friends to lovers |
 $2.99standalone
Genre: contemporary Trope: protection |
 $1.99Wildstone #7
Genre: contemporary Trope: new beginnings |
 FREESEALs of Chance Creek #1
Genre: contemporary Trope: military |
 99cVolkov Bratva #2
Genre: contemporary Trope: mafia |
 FREEWeb of Sin #1
Genre: contemporary Trope: organized crime |
 FREEBoxed Set
Genre: contemporary Trope: first in series |
 99cstandalone
Genre: contemporary Trope: fake relationship |
 FREEBoxed Set
Genre: contemporary Trope: motorcycle club |
 99cOpen Road #1
Genre: contemporary Trope: motorcycle club |
 FREEStronghold #1
Genre: contemporary Trope: BDSM |
 FREEDirty Billionaire #1
Genre: contemporary Trope: rich hero |
 FREEstandalone
Genre: contemporary Trope: sports |
 99cWelcome to Hell #11
Genre: paranormal Trope: holiday |
 $1.99standalone
Genre: contemporary Trope: instant connection |
 FREERockin' Country #1
Genre: contemporary Trope: rockstar |
 99cStay a Spell
Genre: paranormal Trope: holiday |
 $1.99standalone
Genre: paranormal Trope: holiday |
 99cBoxed Set
Genre: scifi Trope: assorted |
 FREECold Justice #6
Genre: suspense Trope: forced proximity |
 99cstandalone
Genre: suspense Trope: protection |
 99cEndgame #1
Genre: suspense Trope: second chance |
Hey everyone and welcome to another Throwback Thursday! Every week I'll be sharing my book recommendations within a romantic trope or theme.
Today I'm sharing the first five Enemies to Lovers stories I loved and reviewed on the blog. This trope can be hit or miss for me, but I'm going to enjoy sharing my hits. There's just something so sweet about people who can't stand each other falling in love.
If you happen to know of a book in this trope that you think I'd love, please let me know.
Vicious by L.J. Shen
This was one of the first books I read from this author and I can honestly say that I wish her other books were as enjoyable.
The hate game in this book was strong and fun and I loved every moment of it.
Find my review HERE
The Bartender by Piper Rayne
This was a one-night stand that turned into a heartfelt story. There were great friends, amazing relationship development, and a good time.
Honestly, it was one of the first times I realized that I didn't like single perspectives, but it still delivered a great story.
Find my review HERE
Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg
I absolutely love these novellas. They give you a chance to dive into books by authors you're not familiar with and although I had read from Bromberg before, I hadn't read much. This book made me want to read more. The characters were super competitive with each other, which made me laugh and then swoon when they fell hard for each other. Read it, you'll see.
Find my review HERE
Breaking the Seventh by Allie Gail
You know when a new-to-you author knocks your socks off? That's what this author did. This book is a dual pov romcom that hit all the right notes for me. It's one of those forced proximity neighbour stories with plenty of spice and humour. Loved it!
Find my review HERE
Hate 2 Lovers by K. Webster and J.D. Hollyfield
This is book two in an interconnected series of standalones. I didn't like the heroine in the previous book, but I found my love for her here. This couple (Andie and Roman) had me rolling with their banter. Gosh, give me great banter and I'm a freaking puddle.
Find my review HERE
One of the things I love about the bookish world is that one book can evoke different feelings in all sorts of readers. One book can be a five-star read for me and a DNF for someone else. We all see something different because we're all different and I love exploring those differences by reading reviews.
Full disclosure: I read these books years ago, but I do remember enjoying them. Have you read them? Are you interested?
Try by Ella Frank
Temptation #1
dual POV, LGBTQ+ romance
Try – verb: to make an attempt or effort to do something or in this case…someone.
Sex. Logan Mitchell loves it, and ever since he realized his raw sexual appeal at a young age, he has had no problem using it to his advantage. Men and women alike fall into his bed—after all, Logan is not one to discriminate. He lives by one motto—if something interests you, why not just take a chance and try?
And he wants to try Tate Morrison.
Just coming out of a four-year marriage with an ex-wife from hell, a relationship is the last thing on Tate’s mind. He’s starting fresh and trying to get back on his feet with a new job at an upscale bar in downtown Chicago.
The only problem is, Tate has caught the unwavering and unwelcome attention of Mr. Logan Mitchell – a regular at the bar and a man who always gets what he wants.
Night after night Tate fends off the persistent advances of the undeniably charismatic man, but after an explosive moment in the bar, all bets are off as he finds his body stirring with a different desire than his mind.
As arrogance, stubbornness and sexual tension sizzles between the two, it threatens to change the very course of their lives.
Logan doesn’t do relationships. Tate doesn’t do men. But what would happen if they both just gave in and…tried?
Rating - ★★★ (read in 2016)
There was a lot of this:
and things much more graphic. Very exciting indeed!
You're wondering why I rated it so low... Well...
I know I'm in the minority because I didn't love it.
Here's the thing: I love smut. I love love love it. And this book was definitely SMUT-TASTIC!!
But that's all it was.
It wasn't realistic to me. Tate, who's hetero turns homo within 2 weeks?! Nope. Sorry. Un-believable. I just wasn't sold. I needed more clarification on the fact that Tate was closeted or didn't understand his own sexuality.
I liked Tate and Logan together and there was the making of a great relationship between the two. Things obviously developed quickly and interestingly.
So besides every scene involving some incredibly hot sex, this book didn't really offer much else.
Great porno read! Really... really freaking awesome erotica right hurr!!
This author sincerely knows her sexy sh!t. Filthy... freaky... fantastic!
There was a lot of this:
and things much more graphic. Very exciting indeed!
You're wondering why I rated it so low... Well...
I know I'm in the minority because I didn't love it.
Here's the thing: I love smut. I love love love it. And this book was definitely SMUT-TASTIC!!
But that's all it was.
It wasn't realistic to me. Tate, who's hetero turns homo within 2 weeks?! Nope. Sorry. Un-believable. I just wasn't sold. I needed more clarification on the fact that Tate was closeted or didn't understand his own sexuality.
I liked Tate and Logan together and there was the making of a great relationship between the two. Things obviously developed quickly and interestingly.
So besides every scene involving some incredibly hot sex, this book didn't really offer much else.
Great porno read! Really... really freaking awesome erotica right hurr!!
This author sincerely knows her sexy sh!t. Filthy... freaky... fantastic!
Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell
Fighting for Love #1
dual POV, contemporary sports romance
He'll teach her the art of seduction... for a price.
Mixed martial arts fighter Reid Andrews’s chance to reclaim his title as light heavyweight champ is shattered when he’s injured only months before the rematch. To make sure he’s healed in time, his trainer sends him to recuperate under a professional’s care—Reid’s best friend’s little sister, all grown up.
Disorganized and bookish Lucie Miller needs some professional help of her own. She’d do anything to catch the eye of a doctor she’s crushed on for years, so when Reid offers seduction lessons in exchange for 24/7 conditioning for the biggest fight of his career, Lucie jumps at the chance.
Soon Reid finds himself in the fight of his life... winning Lucie's heart before she gives it to someone else.
Rating - ★★★ (read in 2015)
This book was an ok read, albeit pretty predictable. Reid was an MMA fighter and I guess I wanted to be in his head more than Lucille's. But alas it wasn't meant to be. I'm just glad there wasn't any back and forth between Reid and the good doctor she wanted for years. He was too blah so I'm glad we didn't see much of him. The sex scenes were hot. The plot was light. Maybe too light? I just didn't really get invested. However, I still enjoyed it.
This book was an ok read, albeit pretty predictable. Reid was an MMA fighter and I guess I wanted to be in his head more than Lucille's. But alas it wasn't meant to be. I'm just glad there wasn't any back and forth between Reid and the good doctor she wanted for years. He was too blah so I'm glad we didn't see much of him. The sex scenes were hot. The plot was light. Maybe too light? I just didn't really get invested. However, I still enjoyed it.
Sweet Seduction Sacrifice by Nicola Claire
Sweet Seduction #1
heroine POV, contemporary instalove romance
"I'm going to give you memories to last a lifetime, Genevieve Cain. I promise you that."
With a loser ex-boyfriend threatening her dream business, Sweet Seduction, Genevieve Cain is forced to go to a lawyer to finalise things once and for all. Gen knows she's only good for one dream in her lifetime, so when she meets senior partner, Dominic Anscombe, in the foyer of the law firm's building, she dismisses any delusional ideas her mind creates involving his very fine body. But Dominic is intrigued by Gen's run-away mouth and if there's one thing to say about Dominic Anscombe, he knows what he wants and when he finds it, he sets out to take it, claim it and possess it - completely.
Kidnappings, shootings, dream-shattering moments, hot investigators and just as hot lawyers, everything comes to a head when Genevieve sacrifices something so precious for something even more so. And it wasn't the sacrifice she thought she'd make. The sweetest of sacrifices, the most worthy offering. But can she believe Dominic has fallen as hard for her as she has for him in such a short time? And can she allow herself a second dream in her life, by letting him in?
Rating - ★★★ (read in 2015)
Ok I'm only giving this a book a 3 star rating... For now. I'm only about half-way finished the book and I can honestly say that I definitely strongly dislike the heroine of this story. She is TSTL!! She is weak, snivelling, whiny, and just dumb, dumb, dumb!! There are just too many negative adjectives to list to describe her and quite frankly she is not worth my time.
I understand that there are a lot of women out there who have put up with crap from men who didn't appreciate the gift they were given (I can speak from personal experience), but most of us learn from our mistakes. And common sense dictates that we should be loyal to those who deserve our loyalty and that 2nd, (3rd, 4th) chances should be given based on merit/worthiness. This heroine doesn't have a clue. Her behaviour was appalling and I could not relate to her. Nor could I find any characteristics within her that I could relate to anyone I know. Not even an acquaintance or colleague. She was classified as stubborn?? No. There's stubborn and there's ridiculous. She takes the cake for worst heroine I have ever had the misfortune to read. She's not even funny. No redeeming qualities whatsoever. If there's a HEA I can't see how she deserves it. Truly! Hopefully I will change my mind by the end of the book.
To be honest, Dom, his brother Nick and their hottie friends are what save the story for me. They almost make up for the lacklustre character named Gen. They are why there is a 3 star so far. I'm going to keep reading cuz mama didn't raise a quitter. *fingers crossed*
-------------------------------------------------------------------
OMG this bitch is still on this "you only get one dream" bull. This is so unrealistic!! This is what stops her from wanting to try with Dom? And he still wastes time on her, why? I think she's the reason Brett turned into a psycho. Just a coping mechanism so he could deal with her lol. I wanna scream. Ok, I am screaming. And strongly pulling my hair. Who thinks this way? I'll tell you. Disturbed people. I've got bout a hundred dreams jackass. They may not all become reality but I'm still dreaming of them. Dumbass Gen smh. Still reading. Please let her wake the frig up!! She keeps rationalizing that she has to take Brett back to save her business. Ummmm... Didn't dude kidnap your ass? How bout you press charges. How can he legally take your business from prison? His case wouldn't have a leg to stand on. And isn't the mob/gangstas looking for his ass? So between being in prison or being killed, he would be out of her hair soon. Why can't she just sit down and shut up?! Let the professionals do their jobs!! She plans to confront Brett or the loan shark. Ok you do that. I hope she gets a few holes in her for her efforts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok I have finished the book. And although Gen didn't completely redeem herself in the end, I don't hate her as much anymore. Not sure if it's because she sacrificed for Dom or if it's because the story is over.
I did realize something though... The book would have been so much better with Dom's POV because his character was much more endearing. I'm just sayin.
Ok I'm only giving this a book a 3 star rating... For now. I'm only about half-way finished the book and I can honestly say that I definitely strongly dislike the heroine of this story. She is TSTL!! She is weak, snivelling, whiny, and just dumb, dumb, dumb!! There are just too many negative adjectives to list to describe her and quite frankly she is not worth my time.
I understand that there are a lot of women out there who have put up with crap from men who didn't appreciate the gift they were given (I can speak from personal experience), but most of us learn from our mistakes. And common sense dictates that we should be loyal to those who deserve our loyalty and that 2nd, (3rd, 4th) chances should be given based on merit/worthiness. This heroine doesn't have a clue. Her behaviour was appalling and I could not relate to her. Nor could I find any characteristics within her that I could relate to anyone I know. Not even an acquaintance or colleague. She was classified as stubborn?? No. There's stubborn and there's ridiculous. She takes the cake for worst heroine I have ever had the misfortune to read. She's not even funny. No redeeming qualities whatsoever. If there's a HEA I can't see how she deserves it. Truly! Hopefully I will change my mind by the end of the book.
To be honest, Dom, his brother Nick and their hottie friends are what save the story for me. They almost make up for the lacklustre character named Gen. They are why there is a 3 star so far. I'm going to keep reading cuz mama didn't raise a quitter. *fingers crossed*
-------------------------------------------------------------------
OMG this bitch is still on this "you only get one dream" bull. This is so unrealistic!! This is what stops her from wanting to try with Dom? And he still wastes time on her, why? I think she's the reason Brett turned into a psycho. Just a coping mechanism so he could deal with her lol. I wanna scream. Ok, I am screaming. And strongly pulling my hair. Who thinks this way? I'll tell you. Disturbed people. I've got bout a hundred dreams jackass. They may not all become reality but I'm still dreaming of them. Dumbass Gen smh. Still reading. Please let her wake the frig up!! She keeps rationalizing that she has to take Brett back to save her business. Ummmm... Didn't dude kidnap your ass? How bout you press charges. How can he legally take your business from prison? His case wouldn't have a leg to stand on. And isn't the mob/gangstas looking for his ass? So between being in prison or being killed, he would be out of her hair soon. Why can't she just sit down and shut up?! Let the professionals do their jobs!! She plans to confront Brett or the loan shark. Ok you do that. I hope she gets a few holes in her for her efforts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok I have finished the book. And although Gen didn't completely redeem herself in the end, I don't hate her as much anymore. Not sure if it's because she sacrificed for Dom or if it's because the story is over.
I did realize something though... The book would have been so much better with Dom's POV because his character was much more endearing. I'm just sayin.
Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Rating -
The Ruinous Love Trilogy #1
Genre/Trope - Dark Romance / friends to lovers / killers
Release - October 23, 2023
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit scenes
Source - ebook from NetGalley
Length - 355 pages
When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, they find something elusive—the friendship of two like-minded, pitch-black souls who just happen to enjoy killing other serial killers.
From small-town West Virginia to upscale California, and from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collide in an annual game of blood and suffering, one that pits them against the most dangerous monsters in the country.
But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love.
Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out of a game of graves?
Or have they finally met their match?
From small-town West Virginia to upscale California, and from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collide in an annual game of blood and suffering, one that pits them against the most dangerous monsters in the country.
But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love.
Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out of a game of graves?
Or have they finally met their match?
Sloane is the only person in the world who can look at my monster and find a friend.
Sweet baby geezus! Who knew a killing game among serial killers could be so hilarious, endearing, sexy, and ewww?
When you're a serial killer who kills serial killers, it's hard to develop a good romance with someone. What happens when you meet someone who is just. like. you? Who sees you? Who truly understands you?
You get the fun adventures of Butcher and Blackbird. Rowan was an absolute sweetheart and Sloane was a total darling. Togther, they were magnificent!!
I'm not going to rehash the story. I am going to tell you that if you don't mind a bit of gore, accidental cannibalism, and a connection that grows throughout years of pushing and pulling, with Rowan walking a delicate balance not to scare Sloane away, you're going to LOVE this story as much as I did. Five stars doesn't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this read.
Brynne is a fan of velociraptors, the Alien movies (well, most of them), red wine, and wild adventures.She can relate nearly anything you say to a line from the movie Hot Fuzz. She has been trying unsuccessfully for years to convince her husband that they should acquire a pet mink to add to their menagerie of animals (what could possibly go wrong with that plan?!).
Brynne has been everything from an archaeologist to a waitress, a deep-sea core analyst to an advertising account executive. For the last several years, she has been working in the field of neuroscience clinical research. Brynne has been writing since childhood and has published a non-fiction book under her real name, but she won’t tell you what it is unless you provide a live, fully trained velociraptor.
When not busy at her day job or writing, Brynne can be found working with her husband and their son on their family farm in Nova Scotia, Canada, or enjoying her other passions which include riding horses, reading, and spending time with family and friends around a raclette and a bottle of wine.
Visit brynneweaverbooks.com for more information
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