I'm back with a series of books that I read a long time ago, but I remember enjoying them.
I'm a sucker for second chance romance and this one was alright. Let me know if you plan to read it too!
Book One
What do you do when you’ve just lost everything?
You fight.
For four years, I’ve been punching and kicking my way through hundreds of unworthy MMA opponents.
For four years, I’ve kept seeing her face. Maddie’s face. My one great love.
After a brutal cage match that sent me to the ER, Maddie took off across the country. Six months pregnant. She left to have my baby as far from me as she could. No more violence, she said. No fighting.
I had to live with it. I had no choice.
But last night I got a phone call from my little girl, asking me to come to her fourth birthday party. Her friends all have daddies, she said. Would I be hers?
Damn right I will.
I decide that when I get to New York, I’m not going to care about Maddie. I’m not going to even look at her.
But I do. And the moment I see her again, I know one thing is true.
This ain’t over.
Rating - 
First time reading anything from this author and it was fun. I'm not sure if it was strictly the writing or because I happen to love the male pov so much. It was only after I started reading this that I realized that this is a series within a series because now I'm a bit intrigued by Cole's story too.
I'm a big fan of second chance love stories, simply because there's hope that the characters can right any past wrongs, they've grown up and matured, they can give and receive love at a more mature level, handle situations maturely... shoot just deal maturely. I like to see growth in characters and that's what these stories show.
I also love reading about daddies and their children and the growing relationship between Parker and Lily was really sweet to read. Maddie and Parker seem to be getting closer and more on track, despite their 4 year separation. I'm kinda curious about whether that conversation happened behind the scenes? Regardless, there's a bit of a cliffy so hopefully there are some answers in book 2.
First time reading anything from this author and it was fun. I'm not sure if it was strictly the writing or because I happen to love the male pov so much. It was only after I started reading this that I realized that this is a series within a series because now I'm a bit intrigued by Cole's story too.
I'm a big fan of second chance love stories, simply because there's hope that the characters can right any past wrongs, they've grown up and matured, they can give and receive love at a more mature level, handle situations maturely... shoot just deal maturely. I like to see growth in characters and that's what these stories show.
I also love reading about daddies and their children and the growing relationship between Parker and Lily was really sweet to read. Maddie and Parker seem to be getting closer and more on track, despite their 4 year separation. I'm kinda curious about whether that conversation happened behind the scenes? Regardless, there's a bit of a cliffy so hopefully there are some answers in book 2.
Book Two
Only one person in the world could get me and Maddie back together.
Our little girl.
But just when I feel like we’ve got it made, I lose an MMA fight, a big one. I take a blow that might have killed anyone else.
For a while, we don’t even know if I’ll be able to fight again.
But the bone-crunching footage goes viral, and the world is calling for a rematch.
Surely one more fight will be enough. The money means Maddie and I can make a new start.
But my old enemies have noticed my sudden fame. And they want to make sure my career, and maybe even my life, goes nowhere.
Whether I fight them in the cage or in the street, this time I have everything to lose.
Rating - 1/2
I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I liked to see that both Maddie and Parker are willing to make sacrifices in order to be together and make each other happy.
I still have some questions and I'm hoping they get answered soon. Parker made a reference to his parents, indicating that he wasn't close to them. And Maddie mentioned that her father is homeless in L.A.
Once again this book ends on with a cliffhanger because of some douche named Striker. Really wish I had read the series involving Colt and Jo to get a better picture of what a total a**hole this guy is. Seems his sister and his friends aren't any better either.
On to book 3 to find some answers.
1/2I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I liked to see that both Maddie and Parker are willing to make sacrifices in order to be together and make each other happy.
I still have some questions and I'm hoping they get answered soon. Parker made a reference to his parents, indicating that he wasn't close to them. And Maddie mentioned that her father is homeless in L.A.
Once again this book ends on with a cliffhanger because of some douche named Striker. Really wish I had read the series involving Colt and Jo to get a better picture of what a total a**hole this guy is. Seems his sister and his friends aren't any better either.
On to book 3 to find some answers.
Book Three
They took her.
I can’t believe it.
Striker and his thug fighter friends kidnapped Maddie.
I don’t know how, or when, or where, but there will be vengeance.
And there is one thing I can guarantee.
I will be the last man standing.
Rating -
Did Maddie annoy anyone else as much as she freaking annoyed me? She was rescued and then threatened. And instead of going to her boyfriend and his friends, you know, the people who amazingly helped her before, she decided she's savvy enough to handle things on her own. Doesn't Parker have a right to know that there is a threat against their daughter? I'm incredibly aggravated right now. And her wishy-washy ways are extremely frustrating!!
At least I got to read about her dad. Funny how she kept saying that she hasn't figured out a way to help her dad. AA? Rehab? A home perhaps? Dumbass!
Anyway, I'm going to keep reading for Parker and Colt. I have no complaints for either of them.
Did Maddie annoy anyone else as much as she freaking annoyed me? She was rescued and then threatened. And instead of going to her boyfriend and his friends, you know, the people who amazingly helped her before, she decided she's savvy enough to handle things on her own. Doesn't Parker have a right to know that there is a threat against their daughter? I'm incredibly aggravated right now. And her wishy-washy ways are extremely frustrating!!
At least I got to read about her dad. Funny how she kept saying that she hasn't figured out a way to help her dad. AA? Rehab? A home perhaps? Dumbass!
Anyway, I'm going to keep reading for Parker and Colt. I have no complaints for either of them.
Book Four
Maddie has left me again, and I can’t blame her.
I failed to protect her.
I don’t even know if I deserve her and Lily.
But I’m determined to make things right.
First, I’m going to find her father. He’s been living on the streets too long. That has to end.
Second, I’m going to give up this career. If she wants me to sit behind some security desk, I’m going to do it. For us.
But when Maddie’s father turns up in the hospital, and she flies into town to see him, I learn something that changes everything.
Someone I used to call a friend has threatened my little girl.
The game has changed, and now the only person who’s determined enough to win is the one who almost bowed out.
Me.
Rating -
I think the series on a whole was pretty good, however... I still can't stand Maddie. Here's why: when she met Parker, he was a fighter. She knew this. He lived with 3 other fighters and didn't hide the fact that he was a fighter. She stayed with him, fell in love with him, and got pregnant with his child. She left him because he's a fighter. What?! He didn't wake up one day and become a fighter behind her back. He didn't betray her. He stayed true to himself and she found fault in that. Fast forward 4 years later and she still has a judgmental attitude. She wants him to give up his passion... to work a security guard job. Are you freaking kidding me?! Who does that? It's not like he asked her to give up her passion for fashion because then they'd be even. No, she asked him to stop being HIM!! It made no sense to me. Real love comes without judgment and she should have been supporting him, not trying to change him. She had every right to be concerned about his health and well-being every time he went in the ring/cage, but not to the extent she took it to.
So because I couldn't like Maddie, despite all of my efforts, I couldn't give this series any more stars. I gave this book 3 stars mainly because of Parker, Colt, and Jax. And to be completely honest, this entire series should have been told from Parker's pov only (IMO).
I think the series on a whole was pretty good, however... I still can't stand Maddie. Here's why: when she met Parker, he was a fighter. She knew this. He lived with 3 other fighters and didn't hide the fact that he was a fighter. She stayed with him, fell in love with him, and got pregnant with his child. She left him because he's a fighter. What?! He didn't wake up one day and become a fighter behind her back. He didn't betray her. He stayed true to himself and she found fault in that. Fast forward 4 years later and she still has a judgmental attitude. She wants him to give up his passion... to work a security guard job. Are you freaking kidding me?! Who does that? It's not like he asked her to give up her passion for fashion because then they'd be even. No, she asked him to stop being HIM!! It made no sense to me. Real love comes without judgment and she should have been supporting him, not trying to change him. She had every right to be concerned about his health and well-being every time he went in the ring/cage, but not to the extent she took it to.
So because I couldn't like Maddie, despite all of my efforts, I couldn't give this series any more stars. I gave this book 3 stars mainly because of Parker, Colt, and Jax. And to be completely honest, this entire series should have been told from Parker's pov only (IMO).
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!
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