Family is Forever (Conversion #6) by S.C. Stephens

BLURB

Julian Adams would give anything to rewind the last few months. His sister has been forever altered, a man he distrusts is now a permanent part of his family, and the woman of his dreams no longer remembers him. The only thing left for Julian to do is start over.

Nika Adams is finally content with her life. She's forever bound to her soul mate, and helping him with a project that has given him purpose. But just when it seems peace is on the horizon, an unintended consequence of Hunter's work arises, and everyone must pull together to find a way to keep the family safe ... forever.

 

From S.C. Stephens, the conclusion of her Conversion Trilogy, Family is Forever, gives fans everything you are hoping for, with a little extra bite.  Take your time & enjoy this final installment because - “Just…saying goodbye. A lot happened here, you know?”  S.C. does it one last time, bringing us up to speed with all the players, while introducing new ones.  Told in first person, from dual perspectives, you will follow Julie, Nika & their family into a whole new world of disconnection & intense connection, through the ”…game-changing political alliance between vampires and their sworn enemies.” “…Vampire Justice League.” to the constant goal of protection of the family.

 

This series ends where it all began, a coming of age story for the paranormal romance lover in all of us “Becoming an adult, whether you were human, vampire or some odd mixture of the two, was no easy task.” With incredible family bonds, intense friendships, eternal love “…desire, the confusion, the hope and uncertainty.”  These characters overcome the challenges that come with being part of a family with secrets to protect & surviving the heartbreak of what fate has torn apart.  Working to right a wrong & facing a fight with an enemy no one saw coming.  Choices are made between “Duty, family…or love?”  Funny “Party dress or not, she was a force to be reckoned with.”, romantic, “…my partner for eternal life.”, & oh so sexy ”…thank God for vampire-soundproofing.”  Emotionally intense, action packed, with a puzzle that needs solving & an ending that won’t disappoint. 

 

Thank you S.C. for in your own words, a series that was ultimately “…a zest for love and life that was infectious and inspiring.”
 

“This was it for now. And it was enough.”

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. 

 

Amazon US/UK



Regret (Twisted Hearts Duet, Book #2) by Max Henry

BLURB

Four simple rules when you’re a woman in denial:

1. Don’t stalk your father’s best friend online.
2. Don’t talk to him via Messenger.
3. Definitely don’t go to his house.
4. And whatever you do, don’t tell him you’re still in love.

I’ve never been one for doing what I’m told.

MY REVIEW

Regret, book two of Max Henry’s Twisted Hearts contemporary romance duet ~ like book one, it is loaded with emotion, heartache & angst, “language” & lust filled romance-- it will be over all to soon, you will not be able to put this book down.  Three years later, this story really turns a corner into a coming of age romance for youngish & older-ish alike~ "...a lot about life. About how suck arse it can be, and how against the odds, you can come back chin high and show the world who the f*ck you are."  The reality of how different relationships can be when you know how good you had it once upon a time, shine through. "You can't force love, and you also can't make do with second best."  Regret is always close by as Belle & Zeus consider decisions made seemingly a lifetime ago.  

 

On a mission to make a fresh start, to secure their own independent futures, the attraction between Belle & Zeus continues to be tangible – "Three years overseas, and the effect that man has on me didn't lessen in the slightest. If anything it's grown worse."  So very sexy –  Thriving in adulthood "I found my passion, and just like Zeus wanted me to, I found myself. My work is everything. Without it I'm a lost girl lusting after things she can't have all over again." & overcoming perceptions of who these two characters should be.  Friendships are reclaimed & tested, only to be found again through new allies.  You will be blown away by family secrets, you won't see coming - seriously surprising!  Wisdom in "You can't change what's been." I learnt that early on. "Only move forward."

 

I love how these characters evolved from book one to book two, that it was natural & genuine.  I couldn’t get enough of Belle & loved the journey she took finding herself.  And of course Zeus with an "...undying need to protect those he loves." 

I loved this duet of “...a love that never died.”

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Spark by S.L. Scott

Blurb

One break is all The Crow Brothers need and we’re about to get it.

Johnny Outlaw, rock legend and lead singer of The Resistance, is here to watch us play. But he’s not the only familiar face in the crowd—killer little body, heart-shaped face, and drop-dead gorgeous.

Hannah Nichols sitting at the bar makes it hard to concentrate, sparks already reigniting. The beauty was never a groupie and tonight she’s not here to catch our show. She came to drop a bomb. “You have a son.”

She underestimated me. I’ll prove to my son, and her, that I can be the dad he needs.

What is it about musicians? Why are they so damn sexy?

My heart was Jet Crow’s the moment he opened his sexy mouth and sang that first song. One stolen night with that man would never be enough, but I’m not here to fall into his bed. Again. I’m here to fight for custody of a son he’s never known.

There’s just one problem. Those sparks between us have become flames. If we’re not careful we’re both going to get burned.

 

 MY REVIEW

 Spark, the first in a new series from one of my favorite authors, S.L. Scott & sweet lord was this worth the wait.  Hitting the ground running, I couldn't put this book down.  Jet is a hard working, up & coming musician & eldest brother to his band mates, The Crow Brothers Band.    Hannah is a young, beautiful girl who's working to overcome a past full of secrets, with struggles & burdens to bare.  Neither of them could have known that their lives would become tangled in such an unusual way, that they'd have so much more in common than one amazing night.

Set in Austin Texas, & told in first person, from dual perspectives, with flashbacks thorough out, this book holds a spectrum of emotion I wasn't expecting from a rock band contemporary romance "...beautiful complicated emotions."  Heartfelt "...loves fiercely...", "Sultry. Sexy." as hell "...the spark that kindled the flame", funny as all get out "Good grief, this kid." & a tear jerking story of survival, overcoming loss & the anguish that comes with it, to learn how to live again & put what is important in life in perspective.  "Time together is more important. ... Love. ...Family. That's most important." With surprising twists & betrayals before it's all said & done, expect an ultimate love story that shines on the beauty of the undying love of a mother - who will always give all.  To ensure a boy is "Loved. Cherished. Affirmed."  "I want his future to be full of hope and full of choices."  Appreciation for a family you are born with "They're happy and the best friends and brothers a guy could ask for, even if disorderly and sometimes embarrassing." & "...who we choose regardless of relation, blood, or bone." Asking the ultimate question...
"There's no being careful when it comes to love. You're either willing to fall in the moment or the opportunity passes you by. What will you do, wildflower?"

Although probably completely politically incorrect, I think Jet just made smoking sexy again.  I loved the bond between brothers, the boundless strength of a woman "Beautiful and brave." & of a boy with a heart big enough for all of them  "I didn't make ramen noodles. Since we're in life together, I can make them tomorrow." 

Who do I need to talk to in order to give this book MORE than 5 stars?

 

"Dreaming doesn't cost a thing, so I'll keep doing it."

 

One of my absolute all time favorites!

 

The Resistance and the Hard to Resist Series - The Crow Brothers Books... holy crap I can't wait to get my hands on more of the stories behind these wonderful characters. 

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

AMAZON US / UK

Eulogy (Eagle Elite Book 9) by Rachel Van Dyken

 

All is lost.

All.
 I don't recognize myself in the mirror anymore.
 My thoughts are filled with hatred and dripping with rage.
 I've lost my soul.
She took it to the depths of Hell with her and haunts me with images of what could have been.
 Sixty lives are mine to take.
 Sixty lives stand in the way of my vengeance.
Sixty lives plus one more.
 Mine.
 When the last drop of blood falls — mine will be spilled.
 Only one person stands in the way.
She doesn't realize I'll kill her too.
I don't own a heart.
And even if I did — I wouldn't fall prey to its lies again.
 I am Chase Abandonato.
Heir to a legacy of betrayal.
 And I will kill them all.
Even if it means pointing the gun at myself.
A life for a life.
 A soul for a soul.

Now I lay me down to sleep… I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Blood in. No out.

MY REVIEW

 

In Eulogy, book 9 of Rachel Van Dyken’s Eagle Elite series, you’ll follow Chase in the aftermath of a loss he can’t quit get a grip on “A Eulogy – she did not deserve.” a betrayal amongst “Royalty.” One he’ll lose himself in before it’s all done.  – Enraged, book 8 is a must read beforehand. All consuming revenge that will end one way.  Luciana is the complete opposite of any woman this Mafia family has ever seen “She wore headbands! I killed people. She had pearls.”   

A story of violence & rage “Nothing helped. Nothing but blood.” lies, betrayal & brokenness, with feral attraction & twists that will have you reeling.  As witty & funny “How dare he go from threatening to kill me to drawing me a freaking bubble bath?”, as it is sexy, violent & disturbing.  Hitting the ground running, told in first person from multiple perspectives, with flash back action, this is a book you won’t be able to put down.  “Beautifully cruel.” twists & turns that will keep you guessing as all the pieces start coming together – secrets & surprises revealed!!!  Loyalty, honor & discovering what it really is to love & to be loved “Our love had been a lie. Her betrayal my only truth.”  Everything you’ve come to expect from this series & So. Much. More.  “As the broken…By finally shattering…Became whole.”

I love the way these characters find love in darkness.  The protection & loyalty of these families – men & women alike can’t be underestimated & I simply can’t get enough of it.  SO GOOD!!!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

The Schemer (Harbor City #3) by Avery Flynn

 

Tyler Jacobson has a plan for everything—except how to handle his completely annoying, utterly frustrating, and totally sexy upstairs neighbor. He couldn't care less if Everly Ribinski thinks he's equally irritating—until he discovers she's the only one who can help him land a business deal that will finally make him feel like he's more than just a guy from the wrong side of the tracks.

Color him shocked when Everly refuses to help, insisting she should have run him over in the parking garage when she had the chance. Harsh. But possibly deserved. Tyler may have spent the last few months reveling in annoying the fiery gallery owner with a dark past, but he's got secret leverage she can't refuse.

If only one meeting didn't turn into a fake date that turned into more. Way more. Like naked and hot as hell more.

The last thing either of them wants is to catch feelings for someone who is so obviously not their type. Good thing that will never happen. Right?

Each book in the Harbor City series is STANDALONE:
* The Negotiator
* The Charmer
* The Schemer

 

 

  The Schemer, the third in Avery Flynn's Harbor City series can be read as a standalone as the other two, but I don't recommend it.  The Negotiator (Harbor City #1) & The Charmer (Harbor City #2) are absolute MUST READS - so why not read them before this newest release?  Get to it & then pick up Tyler’s story – a man after my own heart… “Honey, I am a book nerd.” & the woman that will give him a run for his money in a “…full-on bad girl, somebody-hold-my-earrings kinda way.” 

 

Told in third person, from dual points of view, full of fun movie references, this story is funny “He was as close to being an *ss as  donkey.  Too bad he kissed like a god.”, & sexy – leaving you “…hot and expectant.” Full of sizzling passion that two words sum up– “Good God.” Also, heartfelt & sweet, “…beyond wrinkled sheets and sweaty satisfaction.” with a wonderful spark between characters & their surprisingly emotional pasts.  These off-limits neighbor nemesis’ clash in the most delicious ways “She was layers of intelligence and motives—like a @#$!ing parfait.”  Strong family ties shine through “…when your grandma, along with her circle of cutthroat bingo partners, practically raised you…”  See what happens when “…emotion & passion mixed: temporary insanity…”  Wonderful secondary storyline I wasn’t expecting, but as a fan of the series really enjoyed ~ “…second chances don’t come around every day, and when they do, you must seize them.”

 

I love the strong friendships & family bonds that Avery brings to these stories.  The importance of love & loyalty– “…love was loyalty and always being there for the other person.” Loyalty wasn’t just a thing—it was the most important thing.” And the push-pull flow that takes you exactly where you want to be.  "It was fantastic." 

 

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK