ARC Review: Flame by Donna Grant

Length: 352 pages

Published: June 30, 2020

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Source: ARC from NetGalley

Synopsis

If she believed in destiny, she would believe they were meant for each other.

But that fire was put out long ago. . .

Living among the Dragon Kings, Cain has spent lifetimes learning to distrust both mortals and Fae. He is a warrior born—and every instinct demands that he fight to keep his own kind safe. But when a fringe member of the Dark Fae contacts the Kings with an urgent warning, Cain is torn for the first time. How can he trust this beautiful creature when resisting his primal attraction to her is battle enough?

Noreen is horrified by what her kind and the malevolent Others are planning for the Dragon Kings. Dark Fae or not, there are lines she will not cross—even if it means risking her life. But she never imagined that she would risk her heart until she meets Cain. She wants him with a soul-deep desire that frightens her…and endangers them both. Is saying goodbye to everything Noreen has ever known worth a love that will span time and realms?

My thoughts 💭

This book was amazing! Betrayal, mates, steam, dragons, and trying to stop evil…this book kept me on the edge and I enjoyed it! Dragon King and a Dark Fae/Other isn’t supposed to be together but their chemistry can’t be denied. Cain and Noreen’s story is interesting with plenty of steam! I definitely recommend reading this!

Release Blitz/ARC Review: Catch Me Twice by Charmaine Pauls!

Title: Catch Me Twice
Author:
Charmaine Pauls
Genre:
Second Chance Romance
Release Date: September 24, 2019
Blurb
If a man
tells you he’s no good for you, best heed the warning. I learned the hard way.
I had Jake Basson’s baby. He left to chase his dream. Now he’s back, demanding
a second chance, but why should I give him anything after four years of
nothing? No correspondence, no news. I finally have my life back on track. Jake
has never been uncomplicated. He never follows the rules. I should’ve known
he’d play dirty. He caught me once. I’m not going to let him catch me twice.

(Disclosure: This story contains
cheating. HEA guaranteed.)

My Thoughts 💭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

OMG! This story broke my heart and put it back together again! I enjoyed Kristi and Jake’s story. Their chemistry was hot even when you’re unsure about Jake! This is definitely an angst filled second chance romance you have to give a chance and it won’t disappoint!

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Author Bio
Charmaine Pauls was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. She obtained
a degree in Communication at the University of Potchestroom, and followed a
diverse career path in journalism, public relations, advertising,
communications, photography, graphic design, and brand marketing. Her writing
has always been an integral part of her professions.
After relocating to Chile with her French husband, she fulfilled her passion to
write creatively full-time. Charmaine has published over twenty novels since 2011, as
well as several short stories and articles. Two of her shorts have been
selected by the International Literary Society for an anthology from across the
African continent.

When she is not writing, she likes to travel, read, and rescue cats. Charmaine
currently lives in France with her husband and children. Their household is a
linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.

Author Links

Release Blitz/ARC Review: Covetous by Natalie Bennett

Title: Covetous
Author: Natalie Bennett
Genre: Dark Romance
Release Date: August 31, 2019
Warnings come with everything forbidden. Consequences follow every sordid action.


An illicit affair results in me becoming captive to the one man I dared to trust.
Pierce Serban had always been off limits. Cruel and dangerous, I knew to stay away.
I didn’t.
Now a pawn in a game played by devils in suits, I must standby as his carefully controlled chaos unravels, and do all I can to survive the wreckage.
18+ Previously titled Sordid Mistress

My Thoughts 💭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was an intriguing and dark read. Pierce and Willow were perfect for each other. Their crazy played very well together. This was an enjoyable read. The suspense, secrets and hot scenes had me hooked! I definitely recommend reading this thriller!

Natalie Bennett is the creator of erotic stories that always come with a warning label. She writes about depraved alpha a**holes and women that love to hate them. Her books don’t follow any specific tropes, have no set word counts, and tend to deviate from traditional HEA’s.

When she isn’t in front of her computer she’s spending time with her husband and their three little boys.

Natalie is an avid fan of caramel frappes, horror movies, Shameless, and of course, reading.

You can find Natalie on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Blog Tour/ARC Review: I Hate You by Ilsa Madden-Mills!

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I want you . . . even when I hate you.

I Hate You, an all-new enemies to lovers sports romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills, is available now!

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Blaze Townsend: I hate you.

Charisma Rossi: I hate you more.

She’s been expecting this ever since their latest showdown. She had good reason.

Hottest guy she’s ever seen.

Former fling.

Dumped her in front of her friends.

At her own party.

So no, she’s not about to forgive and forget just because he sits next to her in class.

He thinks all he has to do is turn on those baby blues, and she’ll melt right back into his arms. Please.She’d be crazy to let this cocky player affect her again. (Tell that to her body.)

Charisma Rossi.

Nerd girl with a dash of bad.

The one who got under his skin.

The one he cut loose.

Blaze knows she’s the riskiest prospect at Waylon University, but none of the interchangeable girls he hooks up with have ever made him feel the way she did. There’s absolutely no way he can have the girl and the game.

So why can’t he stop trying to win her back?

Can this wide receiver score the girl or will he make the biggest fumble of his life

My Thoughts 💭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved Charm and Blaze’s story! They went from hating each other due to insecurities and miscommunication to just taking a chance on love! They both had issues but when they finally overcame them it was the sweetest thing ever! This story was adorable and I enjoyed reading!

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Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KF0tWN

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/IHateYou

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2ZhXn09

Excerpt:

“Need some help?”

I’m on my tiptoes when the question comes, trying to reach a book on the top shelf in the bookstore at the student center.

My heart does a nosedive off a cliff as that familiar gruff voice washes over me, his accent a smooth drawl that’s reminiscent of hot summer nights and slow kisses—kisses we never had…well, except for that one time freshman year.

I ignore him and try to grab the book.

“You’re too short. Let me,” Blaze says, this time closer, his voice soft.

I ease back on my feet and whip around, internally wishing I’d worn something more I hate you and don’t you wish you still had me, but sadly, I’m not in my kickass shoes and itchy dress. Today it’s flat-soled red Converse, black joggers, and a Yankees sweatshirt. I blow at a piece of hair in my face. Shit.

Of course, he looks magnificent in a tight long-sleeved black shirt that clings to his broad chest and tapered jeans molded to those leg muscles. His face is unshaven, the darkness on his jawline adding a broody look.

Curse him and his hotness.

I stare at him a little too long, until I snap out of it.

“I don’t need help,” My voice is strangled as I move to brush past him—forget the textbooks—but he reaches out and takes my elbow.

“Charisma—”

His fingers are a hot brand on my skin—it’s the first time we’ve touched in three months—and I pull away. A tremble starts in my legs. How dare he?It was one thing to see him in a social setting and pretend I was fine, but when we’re face to face without people watching… “Don’t put your hands on me. I’m not your hookup anymore, football player.”

His face reddens, and he drops his arms. “I didn’t mean—” he stops, not finishing as he studies my face.

I wonder what he sees. You know what he sees, Charisma—someone who wasn’t up to his usual standards.

Everything I didn’t say last night rushes out. “Didn’t mean to what? Dump me in the middle of my own sorority’s party in front of all my friends and half of campus? And you know, that’s totally fine. We both knew I wasn’t enough to keep your attention.”

His jaw clenches and he frowns, his brow furrowing. “I didn’t plan for things to happen that way.”

“How did you want to break up with me? Over candlelight? A text would have worked just fine,” I bite out.

The silence builds between us, and he watches me intently, as if trying to figure me out. He starts at my hair and works his way down to my feet, then comes back to my face. Just when I think I might combust from the intensity of his eyes, he looks away.

“What?” I cock my hip. “You look like you want to say something.”

He taps his hand against his leg. Ice-blue eyes, ones I used to stare into and get butterflies from, glitter down at me. “You just can’t handle that ended things, sweetheart.”

“Not your sweetheart.”

“Never were.”

Shit…shit…my heart feels like an anvil just landed on it, heavy and hard, and I can’t breathe for a second at his words, part of me pissed, the other part devastated. I wanted to be his sweetheart, I did, but he…

You’re not my type.

“Thanks for the reminder,” I say quietly, my anger folding away piece by piece and slipping into that horrible self-pity I despise.

He closes his eyes and scrubs his face with those talented hands, strong and big and capable, skillful with a football.

He steps in front of me, much like he did last night, and I tilt my head back to take him in. At my height of five feet, three inches, it’s hard to glare at a guy who towers over you and not look ridiculous, but I manage—until his eyes flicker with lingering emotion.

I dart my eyes around the store, searching for a way out, but I’m stuck between him and a bookshelf. “You’re blocking my path.” I focus on his legs. No sexiness there—well, except for the tight muscles under that denim.

“This is what I know,” he says in a low voice, ignoring my statement. “You told me we were just messing around. You set all the rules. Isn’t that how you operate? So why does me ending things with you even matter?”

“You never asked for more. You could have.” The revealing words fall around us, tinged with hurt, and I want to pull them back.

The silence between us crackles, yet I’m aware of other people around us. There are a few girls on another aisle, and I glance over as one of them pulls out her phone. No doubt she’s taking a picture of him. Part of me retreats, anxious she’ll get me in that photo—a girl who clearly doesn’t belong. He doesn’t notice. Everyone knows who he is, and they’re probably wondering why he’s talking to me.

“No, I didn’t,” he finally says, the words taut as if pulled from him unwillingly. He taps his leg, his tell that he’s anxious or angry. We weren’t together long, but every moment we spent together, I studied him like a wine connoisseur given a glass of rare cabernet. I know what makes him laugh, usually random things that make no sense. I know that groan he makes deep in this throat when he slides inside me, like he’s home. I know the feel of his hand when he cups my face and stares at me, a hesitant expression on his face—

“You can’t even look at me anymore. I wonder why,” he says, his voice a challenge.

Steeling myself, I face those baby blues. “You know why. I wish we’d never met up last fall. I wish you’d never flirted with me. I wish I’d never fucked you that first time in the library—”

“Same page. Same fucking page, Charisma.” And then he’s walking away, broad shoulders swaying as he stalks down the aisle…


About Ilsa Madden-Mills

Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

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Connect with Ilsa

Join her Unicorn Girls Group on FB, the best way to keep up: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ilsasunicorngirls/

Sign up for phone alert for book releases (max of 4) Text ROMANCE to 21000

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2nY2pxT

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Stay up to day with Ilsa by joining her mailing list: http://www.ilsamaddenmills.com/contact

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Book+Main: https://bookandmainbites.com/ilsamaddenmills

Blog Tour/ARC Review: Alessio By Bethany-Kris!

ALESSIO

by Bethany-Kris
Guzzi Legacy Duet, #2
Publication Date: August 5, 2019
Genres: Adult, Romantic Suspense, Organized Crime. Erotic Romance, MMF

BUY NOW (#FREE with #KINDLEUNLIMITED)

SYNOPSIS

The son of a prominent Cosa Nostra Don, Corrado Guzzi’s life should have been all mapped out. He would be what every other Guzzi man was, too—made, mafia. It’s their way. But when given another choice, the chance to be something more, he takes it. Even if it comes with strings.

It’s there that he might find where he belongs, and Alessio Sorrento. The man who could change his whole life.

This love thing? It should have been easy, but they made it hard. Nothing about a relationship like theirs is simple. Dictated by rules, weighed down with things left unsaid, and already hanging by a frayed thread.

This is what love looks like before, and after.
Before she came along.
And after she was there.

It takes one woman to change everything.

Ginevra Calabrese wasn’t ready for this—for them.

So, what happens now?

*

NOTE: Corrado (book one) and Alessio (book two) are a duet within The Guzzi Legacy series, and should be read in order. All other titles in the series are standalone. This is NOT a love triangle.

My Thoughts 💭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😍

This was sooo amazing! This book was so hot and sweet and hoooootttt! I absolutely loved Ginny, Alessio & Corrado’s story! The love between the trio and their family was amazing! I definitely recommend reading this duet! You won’t be able to put it down!

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READ WHERE IT ALL STARTED…

BUY NOW (FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED)

ABOUT BETHANY-KRIS

Bethany-Kris is a Canadian author, lover of much, and mother to four young sons, one cat, and two dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a hubby calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something … when she can find the time.

To keep up-to-date with new releases from Bethany-Kris, sign up to her New Release Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bf9lzD

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ARC Review: Sky Lord’s Desire By Alana Serra & Holly Lexington

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Length: 89 pages

Source: Arc from author

Synopsis

It’s hard to resist a demon warlord. Aramon is everything I never knew I wanted, and he’s completely devoted to my happiness. When there’s a chance to get back to Earth, I find myself wondering if that’s really what I want. But my heart–and an unexpected enemy–may have other plans.

My Thoughts 💭

I am enjoying this series! I liked how Allie and Aramon are getting a little closer. They’re so cute! There’s betrayal, danger and Allie still not sure about staying. It ends in a cliffhanger and I definitely can’t wait to read the next book!

ARC Review: Quill By Esther E. Schmidt

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Length: 140 pages

Source: Received ARC from author

Synopsis

There’s a legend amongst members of the Wicked Throttle MC. Something that’s rooted deep into their DNA. Once a soul finds its other half, there is no going back. Only one option; Love and claim at first sight.

The danger lurking at every turn in her life has left Adley alone and on the run. That is until a certain biker finally tracked her down and is determined to help her.

Quill can’t get the woman who he couldn’t hold onto out of his head and heart. Dead set to pull her out of the danger she’s wrapped in, he stumbles into a web where not only Adley, but others are tangled in as well. Can they take one day at a time to explore their connection and save those around them? Or will a shift of direction spiral into a lost chance in love and life?

Quill can be read as a HEA standalone but does have a cliffhanger involving the next character (book four in this series). For a greater reading experience, recommended to read in order.

My Thoughts 💭

I enjoyed Quill and Adley’s story! I was hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely loved Adley and her quirks and how Quill just went with it. Their chemistry was amazing. I absolutely love the Wicked Throttle MC legend/curse! If you’re looking for a instalove with some action and suspense then I definitely recommend this book!

Review: Sky Lord’s Mate by Alana Serra & Holly Lexington

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Length:87 pages

Source: Received ARC from one of the authors

Synopsis

My whole life, I’ve never been anything special. I’ve struggled for every penny, every grade, and every opportunity. When there’s a chance to make some extra cash, I’m all in–right into another realm, and a war between angels and demons. Now a hotter than hellfire demon warlord is saying I’m his mate. He offers me a bite of the sweetest forbidden fruit, everything I’ve always wanted. But this place isn’t my home, and as I’m caught between two worlds, I can’t tell if I’m careening towards sin or salvation.

Sky Lord’s Mate is the first book in Sin & Salvation, a fantasy romance series where sinfully sexy demons find their fated human mates. These novellas feature explicit, steamy scenes that aren’t for the faint of heart! In true serial format, they also end on cliffhangers, but we promise to always be consistent in getting you the next installment.

My Thoughts 💭

This was an interesting start and now I must read the next book! I absolutely loved Aramon! He’s not to be messed with but soooo sweet to his mate! I also loved Allie. She handled being kidnapped and the attention of a “demon” pretty good. This is definitely a must read for paranormal romance lovers! Also beware of the cliffhanger! I can’t wait to read the next book!!

Release Blitz/ARC Review: Freak by Winter Travers!

Title: Freak
Series: Fallen Lords MC Book 7
Author: Winter Travers
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: July 29, 2019

Freak has watched his brothers fall for the women they love time and time again and is more than familiar with the signs of a man about to hand over his heart.

When Carnie comes tumbling into the clubhouse asking for help, all it takes is a bat of her innocent stare and sassy tongue for Freak to know what is about to happen. But when he finds out how old she is, he hesitates to stake his claim. As a Fallen Lord through and through, he will make sure to protect her even though he’s promised himself not to touch her.

Can Carnie convince Freak age is just a number, or is he on a one way track out of her life?

My Thoughts 💭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely love this series! Carnie and Freak’s story is full of love and action! I loved their chemistry! This story kept me interested from beginning to end! This was a great addition to the series I definitely recommend reading!

        
    

Winter Travers is a devoted wife, mother, and aunt turned author who was born and raised in Wisconsin. After a brief stint in South Carolina following her heart to chase the man who is now her hubby, they retreated back up North to the changing seasons, and the place they now call home.

Winter spends her days writing happily ever afters, and her nights zipping around on her forklift at work. She also has an addiction to anything MC related, her dog Thunder, and Mexican food! (Tamales!)

Winter loves to stay connected with her readers. Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact her.
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Review: Guarding Her Heart by Adore Ian

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length:323 pages
Source: Received ARC from author

TITLE: Guarding Her Heart (Braxton Arcade Book Two)

AUTHOR: Adore Ian

BLURB: She moved into his house… then into his heart.

Elle Lee is on the run—hiding from her ex and his family. After secretly moving to the other side of the country, she wants nothing more than to stay shielded behind the carefully constructed armor that’s kept her, and her secrets, safe all these years.

But when she befriends Conor—the strong, quiet guard who works security for the mysterious Alice Braxton—she finds herself wanting to step out from behind her armor and experience life again.

Conor Kahele is a protector—always has been, always will be. So when timid Elle gets a job at the Braxton Arcade, he can’t help but watch out for her. They become fast friends and when Elle finds herself with little money and no place to live, Conor is unable to stop himself from asking her to move in.

Platonically, of course.

But friendship goes out the window the more they learn about one another, and soon Conor finds himself agreeing to take Elle’s virginity. What neither agreed to was giving the other their heart.

While people from Elle’s past hunt her, demons from Conor’s past haunt him. If he can guard her heart, Conor just might save them both. But if he fails, if he goes too far, he might become the very thing that stalks them.

GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/GHHGoodreads

AMAZON: http://bit.ly/GHHPreorder

(Soon to be available on Apple Books, Google Play, B&N, and Kobo)

Sign up for Adore’s Newsletter: http://bit.ly/AdoreNews

Website: http://www.AdoreIan.com

My Thoughts 💭

This book is amazing! The chemistry between the main characters was hot! I also enjoyed the other characters and how close they all are! Elle and Conor are both scared from their pasts. I enjoyed how they didn’t let their pasts determine their future. This was a well written book with suspense and very enjoyable hotness! I definitely recommend reading!

—-

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Adore Ian grew up in a mixed race family in Hawaii and has loved steamy romance novels ever since finding a Harper paperback discarded on the sidewalk when she was a kid. She’s a proud dyslexic, an intersectional feminist-in-progress, and a lover of standard poodles. She lives with her manfriend on the east coast where she spends too much time bunny watching and not enough time writing. She believes the ingredients to good romance are too much smut, quality fluff and angst, and a dash of guerrilla sex ed. Her novels are best enjoyed with a slice of pizza and an ice cold beer.

Website: http://www.AdoreIan.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/adoreian

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adore_Ian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adore_ian