Hello and Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is off to a great start!
I'm sharing three books I read and quite enjoyed and maybe you'll find something here to read too!
Raise the Blood by Nenia Campbell
primarily heroine pov 3rd person, descriptive heat, dark romance, 448 pages
FIND THE GREEN BOOK
COUNT THE SPARROWS
Shy and anxious Nadine Harnois has spent her whole life living in the shadow of her older, prettier sister, Noelle. But when Noelle mysteriously vanishes just months after her fairytale wedding, Nadine gathers her courage to go to her brother-in-law's home in Argentum to seek answers.
Caledon Cullraven, the family's youngest son, takes an immediate interest in her, becoming both her tormentor and her ally. But beneath his playful demeanor lurks something twisted and depraved, and as her reluctant attraction to him grows, so, too, does the potential for real danger.
The Cullraven family legacy goes back for generations, with secrets that run as deep and as dark as the town's abandoned silver mines. The people of Argentum are suspicious and fearful of their town's reclusive benefactors, and possibly with good reason: because the more time Nadine spends with this family, the more she suspects that they're hiding something truly terrible.
“You want to run, Nadine? Run to me.”
Rating - 
1/2
I feel so guilty for thinking of this as a romance of any kind, but there's no denying that as horrifying and terrifying as this story turned out to be, a love story was building there the entire time.
Nadine was a naive fool and I guess I was supposed to care that she was only 21 with limited life experiences, but she tried to make herself appear mature and so I made the effort to give her the benefit of the doubt. I get loving your sister. I get worrying when there is cause for worry. But when ALL OF THE CLUES HINT TO DANGER, maybe do the smart thing. If everyone seems to be against you, if there are people out to get you, maybe get yourself gone. Get some outside help. Figure something else out. You know, take rational, intelligent steps.
Then again, if Nadine was as reasonable as I wanted her to be, this story wouldn't have worked as well as it did. Her naivete worked in this book's favor. If she was a bit more clever, she would have picked up on the innuendos far too soon and it was fun to see her floundering around, turned about, and completely discombobulated like a newborn deer.
I was very entertained. I know I shouldn't have laughed as much as I did, but Nadine made keeping a straight face impossible.
Then there's Cal, who I couldn't get a real handle on and honestly... I still don't get this man and the story is over. He was friend and foe. He was savior and tormentor. And he was the only person who seemed to want Nadine to live, even if we didn't know his reasons.
In the end, I was thankful that there weren't any loose ends and I got the answers I needed. The truth of this story is rough, but it was well worth the read.
1/2I feel so guilty for thinking of this as a romance of any kind, but there's no denying that as horrifying and terrifying as this story turned out to be, a love story was building there the entire time.
Nadine was a naive fool and I guess I was supposed to care that she was only 21 with limited life experiences, but she tried to make herself appear mature and so I made the effort to give her the benefit of the doubt. I get loving your sister. I get worrying when there is cause for worry. But when ALL OF THE CLUES HINT TO DANGER, maybe do the smart thing. If everyone seems to be against you, if there are people out to get you, maybe get yourself gone. Get some outside help. Figure something else out. You know, take rational, intelligent steps.
"I don't—are you saying you're dangerous?"
"Yes"
Yes. It seemed to echo in the otherwise silent car. "To me?"
"Especially to you, little sparrow."
"Yes"
Yes. It seemed to echo in the otherwise silent car. "To me?"
"Especially to you, little sparrow."
Then again, if Nadine was as reasonable as I wanted her to be, this story wouldn't have worked as well as it did. Her naivete worked in this book's favor. If she was a bit more clever, she would have picked up on the innuendos far too soon and it was fun to see her floundering around, turned about, and completely discombobulated like a newborn deer.
I was very entertained. I know I shouldn't have laughed as much as I did, but Nadine made keeping a straight face impossible.
Then there's Cal, who I couldn't get a real handle on and honestly... I still don't get this man and the story is over. He was friend and foe. He was savior and tormentor. And he was the only person who seemed to want Nadine to live, even if we didn't know his reasons.
In the end, I was thankful that there weren't any loose ends and I got the answers I needed. The truth of this story is rough, but it was well worth the read.
Twenty One by Clarissa Wild
dual pov, dark romance, explicit heat, 346 pages
Originally read in 2018
21 years
On her 21st birthday she’s taken. Collected by a rich family as an unpaid debt. Her body sold. Her mind his.
21 weeks
For 21 weeks she carried a burden no girl should ever have to carry. Now she loses her freedom to a man born to destroy her.
21 days
His name: Angel DeLuca. His mission: To break her in 21 days before she sees through his lies. But she won’t give up without a fight.
21 minutes
It takes only 21 minutes for their lives to be forever entwined.
21 seconds
21 seconds to spill. Time is running out.
Secrets ruin them … but not all truths are worth the price.
Rating -
I'm currently going through a dark phase and when I asked a fellow avid reader for a recommendation, this is what I got. Not bad. There were several elements of this story that I liked, such as the existing connection between Angel and Sky (their names couldn't be more original), the contentious relationship between Angel and his father, the betrayal, the deceit, and ultimately what Sky is willing to sacrifice her life for.
I'm a fan of descriptive torture scenes. Not particularly gory but evocative. It helps me build a connection to the captive and/or the captor. Yes, I'm that weird!
There were elements I didn't like, such as the timeline. I kept getting confused! I eventually caught on but listing "yesterday" and "past" became a bit much for me. Also, Sky was one of those captives who think that the more you mouth off and cause problems, the safer you will be. It was pretty unbelievable because in a true captive/captor relationship, she would have been dead already. If I would have killed her, I suspect a vicious captor would as well. I'm just saying.
Overall, a good dark read that I would recommend to anyone who likes a good dark read.
I'm currently going through a dark phase and when I asked a fellow avid reader for a recommendation, this is what I got. Not bad. There were several elements of this story that I liked, such as the existing connection between Angel and Sky (their names couldn't be more original), the contentious relationship between Angel and his father, the betrayal, the deceit, and ultimately what Sky is willing to sacrifice her life for.
I'm a fan of descriptive torture scenes. Not particularly gory but evocative. It helps me build a connection to the captive and/or the captor. Yes, I'm that weird!
There were elements I didn't like, such as the timeline. I kept getting confused! I eventually caught on but listing "yesterday" and "past" became a bit much for me. Also, Sky was one of those captives who think that the more you mouth off and cause problems, the safer you will be. It was pretty unbelievable because in a true captive/captor relationship, she would have been dead already. If I would have killed her, I suspect a vicious captor would as well. I'm just saying.
Overall, a good dark read that I would recommend to anyone who likes a good dark read.
Unruly by Cora Brent
Originally read in 2016
Contemporary Romance
After a humiliating betrayal, Claudia Giordano heads home only long enough to watch her irresponsible father, Jack, marry her old high school nemesis.
Claudia doesn’t believe in love stories anymore.
But she never planned on connecting with a wild young baseball player named Easton Malone. She tells herself Easton is cocky, careless and a bad choice on every level. The only option is to forget the hot, reckless week they shared, no matter what her heart says.
***
Jack Giordano thinks that after all the mistakes he’s made since becoming a teenage father he’s finally found his happily ever after with sweet Anya.
Jack believes love can conquer anything.
But he didn’t understand how the joy of building the perfect family would dissolve into agony as he watches the girl of his dreams fade away.
***
In the midst of one couple’s tragic ending, another will find a new beginning.
And it turns out the most unruly collision of two hearts might have been fated all along…
Rating -
Easton was your typical cocky, arrogant hotboy. No surprise there. But at his core he was such a sweetheart. The way he felt towards Claudia made me empathize with him, especially when he described his crush and the lengths he went to to gain her attention lol. He was just too cute with the skateboard incident.
Claudia was confusing and I think it was more because of the fact that she kept harping about the age difference. To me, age really ain't nothin but a number. Her father Jack proved that in spades.
As for Jack. I'm glad he found love finally. Reading about him and Anya was a treat. We get to see him come into not only adulthood but also fatherhood, and it wasn't too late.
This story is a tale of love and loss. Please don't be confused. There are two love stories involved and they are extremely touching. I enjoyed it.
Easton was your typical cocky, arrogant hotboy. No surprise there. But at his core he was such a sweetheart. The way he felt towards Claudia made me empathize with him, especially when he described his crush and the lengths he went to to gain her attention lol. He was just too cute with the skateboard incident.
Claudia was confusing and I think it was more because of the fact that she kept harping about the age difference. To me, age really ain't nothin but a number. Her father Jack proved that in spades.
As for Jack. I'm glad he found love finally. Reading about him and Anya was a treat. We get to see him come into not only adulthood but also fatherhood, and it wasn't too late.
This story is a tale of love and loss. Please don't be confused. There are two love stories involved and they are extremely touching. I enjoyed it.
"We're forever. The unintended became a love I could never live without it."
"You'll never have to."
Available in Kindle Unlimited — https://amzn.to/4bVqBXF
"You'll never have to."
Available in Kindle Unlimited — https://amzn.to/4bVqBXF
Unintended by Ari Reavis
Rating -
Standalone - More Than One Night #2
Release - January 16, 2023
Genre - Contemporary Romance / one night stand (instalove)
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit
Source - Kindle Unlimited
Length - 238 pages
Previous book in the series: Unexpected
Unintended.
That’s exactly what the first time Livia and Owen come face to face is. When she tases a guy she thinks is trying to break into her hotel room, she doesn’t expect that to somehow turn into a date. And that date certainly isn’t supposed to turn into a one night stand.
Owen may be curled into a ball on the floor, but even that doesn’t stop him from noticing the beauty before him. He’s not going to let the pain prevent him from using their electrifying beginning to get Livia to agree to go out with him. With each smile, laugh, and time that her eyes come to his, he realizes one night with her will never be enough.
Their one night stand is far from the end of their time together though. A pregnancy makes sure of that. There’s too much on the line now for either of them to leave, but Livia has secrets that could tear everything they’re building apart. They’ll have to fight to stay together, because something much more violent is going to try to rip them apart.
That’s exactly what the first time Livia and Owen come face to face is. When she tases a guy she thinks is trying to break into her hotel room, she doesn’t expect that to somehow turn into a date. And that date certainly isn’t supposed to turn into a one night stand.
Owen may be curled into a ball on the floor, but even that doesn’t stop him from noticing the beauty before him. He’s not going to let the pain prevent him from using their electrifying beginning to get Livia to agree to go out with him. With each smile, laugh, and time that her eyes come to his, he realizes one night with her will never be enough.
Their one night stand is far from the end of their time together though. A pregnancy makes sure of that. There’s too much on the line now for either of them to leave, but Livia has secrets that could tear everything they’re building apart. They’ll have to fight to stay together, because something much more violent is going to try to rip them apart.
Ari Reavis has this consistent ability to tug at my heartstrings. Her books are so unique, her stories are full of feels, and I'm in love with the way she writes.
Livia had escaped a traumatic relationship and was determined to never give her heart to anyone ever again. Then she met Owen, a man unlike any other and she couldn't help but give him all of herself and more. He deserved someone special because Owen was one heck of a guy and I was thrilled that Livia, despite her fear, stepped up to the plate. Their relationship was so special and while there was a ton of tension, angst, and absolute terror, their love shone through every moment.
This second book of the series was much darker than the first, but this difference was still tempered by the love story that developed between these characters. Livia's ex was a nightmare, and his antics were extremely dangerous, but it only added dimension to what Livia and Owen shared. That no matter what came at them, they would face it together.
I was so happy to see the first couple make appearances throughout the story and Livia's dad and Owen's uncle were such amazing father figures.. I've been getting teased with Bryce's story and I'm excited to get to that one next.
Ari Reavis is a wife and mother of five. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, she enjoys staying in, devouring books and watching movies. Her kids are running around, her husband is trying to show her martial arts moves, and she's trying to write. Her day in a nutshell.
Find more about Ari and her books on her site: https://arireavis.wordpress.com
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 :)
Master of Salt & Bones by Keri Lake
dual POV, dark romance
When I was a little girl, I dreamed a handsome knight would come and rescue me from my wretched mother. He'd ride up on his white steed and break the curse I've been fated to carry since the day I was born.
Funny how things changed over time. How the fairy tale twisted into something far more crooked, darker than I ever imagined.
In reality, my knight is scarred and broken, living alone in a castle of bones that overlooks the sea. He isn’t searching for me. He never was.
Lucian Blackthorne is as cursed as I am, and equally shunned by the locals, the fishers of men, who believe him to be the devil in the flesh.
Perhaps he is, with the way his amber eyes draw me in, ignite me like an infernal blaze. And the sins he whispers in my ear are as wickedly intoxicating as the man himself.
Yet, his touch is heaven and his will is my weakness.
He calls us forbidden, an unsalvageable tragedy, with no happy end. Maybe we are. But in this story, he’s the one who needs saving.
My Rating -
I've loved everything else I've read from this author and assumed that I'd love this book. It sounds so good, but actually being in it, I wasn't feeling it. Honestly, I wasn't feeling much of anything. I didn't care about anything, which is the strangest thing because I've got tons of books on my shelves, some even signed, by this author. Ah well, not every book will be a winner right? I'll try something else by her for sure.
I've loved everything else I've read from this author and assumed that I'd love this book. It sounds so good, but actually being in it, I wasn't feeling it. Honestly, I wasn't feeling much of anything. I didn't care about anything, which is the strangest thing because I've got tons of books on my shelves, some even signed, by this author. Ah well, not every book will be a winner right? I'll try something else by her for sure.
Second Chance Baby by Natasha L. Black
In walks my past, hotter than ever.
I never could tell her no.
If Ava thinks she can walk back into my life
Thinks I’ll help her out when she’s desperate for a job,
If she thinks I’m going to lay awake wanting her back…
She’s right.
My first love, my first heartbreak, and now she needs me.
I’m not the kind of man who would walk away from her.
Loyal to the core, running my family’s bar and working sixteen hour days.
The next thing I know I’m working long nights with Ava
Feels like old times, and an old flame that never stopped burning
Is about to become an inferno.
All that desire, all those years apart
How could we make the same mistake again?
The one that cost us everything all those years ago
When we couldn’t get past what we’d lost.
Can we survive it this time, older, wiser, more in love than ever?
Or will it tear us apart just like it did back then?
My Rating -
This story was pretty basic, but sometimes you need some basic in your life. You know?
So I gave it a chance.
The heroine: boring
The hero: boring
The story: boring
But that's ok.
Until it wasn't.
I DNF'd at chapter 38 because I was too tired of the heroine's antics. She's pregnant, a man knocked her to the ground, the hero had just lost his dad and that anger fueled him in punching dude a bit, and she basically tells the hero no. Then yes. Then no. Then yes.
I couldn't even bring myself to read the remaining two chapters.
This story was pretty basic, but sometimes you need some basic in your life. You know?
So I gave it a chance.
The heroine: boring
The hero: boring
The story: boring
But that's ok.
Until it wasn't.
I DNF'd at chapter 38 because I was too tired of the heroine's antics. She's pregnant, a man knocked her to the ground, the hero had just lost his dad and that anger fueled him in punching dude a bit, and she basically tells the hero no. Then yes. Then no. Then yes.
I couldn't even bring myself to read the remaining two chapters.
Fable of Happiness: Book One by Pepper Winters
A house hidden in the middle of nowhere.
A man who’s lived alone for a decade.
A woman who trespasses on his solitude.
A love full of hate as well as hunger.
The thing about my life is... I was never in control of it.
I just I thought I was.
I thought I had everything figured out—a good career, fun hobbies, a bright future, but everything changed when I found an ivy-cloaked house, tucked in a forgotten valley, hiding the man who would corrupt my world forever.
I thought I was successful, until he showed me fortune and happiness could be snatched away in an instant.
I believed I was blessed, but really, I was cursed.
Cursed to become a plaything for a monster.
Cursed to become a prisoner just because I trespassed.
Now, I know nothing.
I am nothing.
I’m just his.
My Rating -
I can't believe I'm doing this.
I love PW. Seriously lurve her work.
Her books line my shelves -- signed, sealed, delivered
So why did I have such a hard time with this book? Why did I not fall in love with its depravity?
I didn't care about Gemma AT ALL and Kassen didn't have strong enough appeal to keep me going.
Every book can't be a winner, right?
I can't believe I'm doing this.
I love PW. Seriously lurve her work.
Her books line my shelves -- signed, sealed, delivered
So why did I have such a hard time with this book? Why did I not fall in love with its depravity?
I didn't care about Gemma AT ALL and Kassen didn't have strong enough appeal to keep me going.
Every book can't be a winner, right?
I'm back with a series of books that I read a long time ago, but I remember enjoying them.
The Interrupted series is a second chance contemporary romance.
Hopefully my reviews inspire someone to give this series a chance.
Part One
There are only three things Cam Ellison wants in life: a loving husband, a baby and to find her first love, Ayden Park. But all that is taken away from her in a blink of an eye.
Picking up the pieces to her life, Cam buries herself in work and her new boss, a young, millionaire CEO, A. Sharp.
But he’s the man with two rules:
1. No repeats
2. No relationships
Cam pushes herself into Sharp's life, breaking down the walls he’s built. Soon they find themselves in a situation neither wants to walk away from. But when the door opens, everything changes.
Rating -
I really liked this book. Both Cam and Sharp are likeable characters. I believe many women can empathize with Cam. Her struggle towards motherhood and a failing marriage is relatable. Sharp has a phobia against commitment but we don't understand why as of yet. But we do get to see that he is a devoted son and father and a great employer.
I hope we get some answers in book 2. Why didn't Henry want Cam in his hospital room? Where is Greyson's mom? I have some ideas and I'm excited to find out if I'm right!
I really liked this book. Both Cam and Sharp are likeable characters. I believe many women can empathize with Cam. Her struggle towards motherhood and a failing marriage is relatable. Sharp has a phobia against commitment but we don't understand why as of yet. But we do get to see that he is a devoted son and father and a great employer.
I hope we get some answers in book 2. Why didn't Henry want Cam in his hospital room? Where is Greyson's mom? I have some ideas and I'm excited to find out if I'm right!
Part Two
Lies.
Deception.
As soon as the doors open everything will change. As soon as my eyes connect with his I'm drawn to him as if I were a teenager again.
Little by little the truth is coming out. Everything he's done to get me back is coming to light.
Love is supposed to be easy when it comes to us, but there's nothing easy about this. I've finally come to realize...
We'll never be together.
Rating -
The plot was way too fast. I didn't get a chance to become intrigued by the storyline because I was busy suffering from whiplash. For practically 99% of the book, Cam is begging Sharp to forgive her for something she didn't do and trying to prove to him that she really loves him. Meanwhile he's already convinced himself that she's a liar and therefore untrustworthy and he won't give her more than sex. The reader knows he's mistaken about her abandoning him 10 years ago. I wonder when that "miscommunication" will be revealed. Dude did a lot behind her back in the name of hate. What he seems to think she did is minuscule in comparison to the crazy ish he's done.
I hope book 3 has a slower-paced plot. Some anticipation would be nice.
The plot was way too fast. I didn't get a chance to become intrigued by the storyline because I was busy suffering from whiplash. For practically 99% of the book, Cam is begging Sharp to forgive her for something she didn't do and trying to prove to him that she really loves him. Meanwhile he's already convinced himself that she's a liar and therefore untrustworthy and he won't give her more than sex. The reader knows he's mistaken about her abandoning him 10 years ago. I wonder when that "miscommunication" will be revealed. Dude did a lot behind her back in the name of hate. What he seems to think she did is minuscule in comparison to the crazy ish he's done.
I hope book 3 has a slower-paced plot. Some anticipation would be nice.
Part Three
His words play in my head over and over. Everywhere I look he's there and it's killing me. Whenever our eyes meet all I can see is the darkness in his eyes.
I hate him. I hate that I spent all my time worrying about him and looking for him. I hate everything he stands for. I don't care if we share an unbreakable bond.
It doesn't matter that he won't let me go. I won't go back to him. I'm moving on with my life with my other half and I'll be happy.
How can I spend my life with someone who lies? How can I love him again knowing his cold heart will never thaw?
I'll never fall for his games. I'll never believe his words.
I hate him.
Rating -
Though not as rushed as the second book, I still found the plot wasn't fleshed out as much as it could be. Ayden was still being a hardass and Camila was still pretty pathetic at times. She even apologized for things she didn't do. They were both so confusing that they left me confused. I should... I shouldn't... They kept flip flopping and the word love was thrown around like the word hello. Other than the pace and what seems as a lack of direction, the story was pretty good. I think I more enjoyed the concept rather than the actual plot though. And what was that teasing us with swingers??? Too much was happening behind the scenes for me.
Though not as rushed as the second book, I still found the plot wasn't fleshed out as much as it could be. Ayden was still being a hardass and Camila was still pretty pathetic at times. She even apologized for things she didn't do. They were both so confusing that they left me confused. I should... I shouldn't... They kept flip flopping and the word love was thrown around like the word hello. Other than the pace and what seems as a lack of direction, the story was pretty good. I think I more enjoyed the concept rather than the actual plot though. And what was that teasing us with swingers??? Too much was happening behind the scenes for me.
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