True (Temptation VI) by Ella Frank

Synopsis

True - adjective: That which is accurate or exact.

I dare you to try.

I think you’re my truth.

Terrify me.

Marry me.

Marry me.

Marry me...
 

Four years ago, Logan Mitchell walked into Tate’s life and challenged him to see it differently.
 

He dared Tate to try a kiss, when normally he wouldn’t have.

He begged him to take a chance, when he probably shouldn’t have.

But most importantly, he asked Tate to trust that he would love him, and he did. From that moment on, Tate realized exactly what his life had been missing—Logan.
 

Happily-ever-afters come in many different forms. But for Tate Morrison, there’s only one ending he wants. The one where the guy marries the guy and true love conquers all.
 

Now all he has to do is tell Logan.
 

Join Logan and Tate as they finally realize what the rest of us knew all along. That they belong together for better or worse—always.

The Temptation series by Ella Frank is the first M/M for read for me.  Although I am of an open mind, I was not prepared to fall for these characters & their story the way I did.  I know I’m only echoing how many of you feel.  But, I’m still blown away by the fact that by the end of Try, I was ready for Take, & then Trust & Tease & oh lord Tate.  I was so excited for True, & am so thrilled with how this love story like no other has closed -what I’m hoping will be it’s not so last chapter- of their happily ever after as we “…celebrate the love these two found in the most unlikely of people.”

True (Temptation IV) is a love story of epic proportions.  These men have fought for the fierce love they share over the years & now is their time to have everything they never imagined they would.  “You’re everything I didn’t know I should be looking for…” They continue to take a chance on what they want. “…For loving me even when it terrified you.”  With the support of friends & family these guys work through struggles so many couples face.  “Logan knew this was exactly the way love was supposed to be—scary, beautiful, and at times, all-consuming.”  This book is all of this & more, funny & endearing, full of intense emotional moments & incredibly sexy “…the heat that lit Logan’s eyes was both possessive and full of love.”  Family bonds are both mended & severed, closure is found where it is needed most. “A family he never knew he’d have, and one he’d never felt more loved by…”  Friendships are strengthened & a surprise answer  – at least I was surprised – to a question we’ve had is revealed.  You will laugh & blush & cry… & blush, & cry…over these men whom we’ve come to admire & love.  “Ah, it’s so romantic I can hardly stand it.”

I love the way Ella has made these guys so genuine that not only did I forget this was a story about a gay couple, I found that if I didn’t know it before, I sure do now – it doesn’t remotely matter. “Perfectly imperfect is this relationship. But it’s one of the strongest and most loving I have ever seen, and nothing feels more right…”  I love that everything about this epic love story is of the heart & have enjoyed each & everyone of my "fictional family members" to the fullest.  Tates dad – the love in that man, holy crap, hands down some of the most intensely emotional stuff I’ve read.  And Rachel & Cole, I just – Oh my god, I’m going to miss them so much!  My only complaint is that this final book in the Temptation series was so much like coming home, such an easy read, that it ended far too soon.  I spent a mere two days all tied up (wink) in this wonderful gift of Logan & Tate from Ella Frank & I can't thank her enough!  For the HOTTEST & SEXIEST shit I’ve ever read.  For making my heart tight in my chest & tears of happiness stream down my face.  Thank you most of all Ella, for not writing an epilogue.

“I’m so damn happy my face hurts from smiling.”

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

The Beast Within (The Conversion Series Book #5) by S.C. Stephens

 

BLURB

Nika Adams has had a challenging year. She gave her heart to Hunter Evans, only to have him break it. But Nika refuses to give up hope. Not when there's a chance she can save her true-love—even if she must save him from himself.

Julian Adams finally knows what he wants, and is truly happy. But when he gets mixed up in Nika's suicide mission to save her wayward boyfriend, he begins to wonder if his dream girl can handle the dangerous life that comes with being an Adams 

MY REVEIW

From S.C. Stephens, The Beast Within starts right where The Next Generation leaves you.  Told in first person, from dual perspectives, the continuation of this story will not disappoint.  You'll appreciate way S.C. brings you back up to speed with all the players.  Prepare to be entranced by bonds that may not always remain unbroken.

As Hunter Evans begins working through the reality of becoming what he's been taught to hate - "And who wouldn't struggle with becoming a bloodthirsty nightmare?" He will do what ever it takes to put things right, to avenge his lost soul, bring his unbeating heart peace & justice to this new life.  In the meantime, Nika is left reeling with the remnants of a shattered heart, & feeling every moment of bliss her brother has with his new love, through their ever present emotional bond. 

This story paranormal romance has it all, love, romance, action, surprise twists & an ending that will keep you begging for more.  Heartbreak like no other "Even though we could both potentially live for several millennia, there was no future for us."  Deciding whether to fight, or to let go for self preservation & that of the one held most dear.  Dealing with loss - "My entire life swept away in one painful bite, replaced by a life I barely recognized, and didn't want."

So much emotional turmoil, "I felt lost as I stared into her eyes. I also felt found." - your heart will race, you will get choked up, giggle, worry & feel relieved - all while these characters are learning to accept the new normal & coming to understand that the most important bonds aren't always what you might expect.  Delivering heartbreak & breaking bonds between one another to protect those they love the most, even if - "Her ache was my ache."  Surviving betrayal & abandonment of the worst kinds.  Loving the family who live & fight & put their lives on the line for one another, without thinking twice.  "So long as my undead heart still had life in it, I would use it to protect them. They were all that mattered now."

Have I mentioned how great it is that S.C. throws in some pretty funny dialogue along the way - "Wow, I was about to get staked, just like in some lame vampire flick." LOVE ~ I love that these characters continue to grow & learn life lessons - you can't hate what you don't understand "...see past the species, to the person beneath it."   That they continue to care even when they think they shouldn't & begin to find the beauty in the darkness.  I couldn't get enough of the strong family ties "Family is important. It's possibly the most important thing there is."  I simply can't wait to read more ~ Family is Forever: The Conversion Series Book #6 coming next year

"I'm not scared of you. I'm in love with you."

"So...good..."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

 

The V Card by Lauren Blakely & Lili Valente

 

A brand new sinfully sexy standalone romantic comedy from bestselling authors Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente!

 

When you think about how easy it is to lose keys, phones, sunglasses and your dignity on social media, you might figure it'd be a cinch for me to ditch my V Card.

 

You'd be wrong.

 

At 25, I run a successful business, live in a fantastic apartment, and have fabulous friends to go out with any night of the week. And yet I'm still a card-carrying member of a club I don't want to belong to anymore. Good thing I know just the man for the deflowering job—my brother’s business partner and best friend.

 

Graham Campbell is charming, smart, and, I’m told, oh-so-skilled in the sack. As long as I keep my eyes on the prize, there’s no way this pluck-the-flower project could possibly complicate matters.

 

***

 

Work and pleasure. As the CEO of a fast-growing company, I've been enjoying both to the fullest. What do I do when the board throws me for an unexpected loop so I can keep my business in my hands? I enlist the help of my best friend's little sister since she holds a big stake in the company. But then I learn there's another big stake she wants.

 

The one between my legs.

 

I can do this. Seven nights to teach her everything I know in the bedroom. There's no way I'll fall for her, even though she’s earning top grades in every single sinfully sexy lesson. And turns out I’m learning something too. The trouble is I don’t have the answer key to what to do when I fall hard for her.

 

And that throws a whole new hitch in my plans.

 

 

 

The V Card is a super hot contemporary romance on "...lessons in seduction..." CJ is a girl after my own heart "...an unrepentant bookworm..." focused on "Operation V Card." losing her V card while keeping her friendship & heart safe.  Enter Graham, the only person CJ trusts enough to get the job done-only there are two problems with her plan 1.) Graham is her brothers best friend 2.) who also happens to be on a "Sex-batical..." to ensure focus on the love of his life - the business he built from the ground up with CJ's brother. 

 

Told in first person from dual perspectives, this story is sexy "This is kissing like I've never been kissed before.", funny "It's a win-win. All win. Total win." And I just said "win" four times." & clever.  Surprisingly sweet & sentimental-learning "...how short life can be and how imperative it is to be brave." So very sexy- "It's such an intoxicating mix of soft and filthy at the same damn time."

 

"You're going to be hooked in one go, like a drug addict..."

 

I loved that these characters are sexy, fun & sweet & know each other so well.  I enjoyed the funny banter, sexual innuendo's, the movie references.  "This is wonderful and wicked..."

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

Everest by S.L. Scott

SYNOPSIS

Six foot three. Dynamic green eyes. Utterly irresistible.

Ethan Everest stole my breath the first time I saw him. He romanced me with skill, dazzled me with his charisma, and proceeded to steal my heart right after.

I might have fallen for his easy going smile the first time we met, but I fell for him the second time.
 

Honey-colored hair. Cherry-kissed lips. Captivatingly gorgeous.

Singer Davis was the first, and only, woman to ever intimidate me. She spoke to my heart with her wit, seduced me with her eyes, and became the only thing that made sense in a world that made none.
 

I let her slip through my fingers once. I won’t make that mistake twice.

Secrets broke us apart. Can a second chance bring us back together?

My Review

 

“Ethan Everest. The Man. The Myth. The Mountain.”, a Texan through & through, carefree, with the world at his feet – but all of that changes in the most scandalous of ways. Everyone seems to want something from Ethan, everyone except Singer Davis. They met one night in Brooklyn, only to be pulled apart, only to get a second chance to play out the “what if’s”… “Tales of unsettled hearts, otherwise known as a romance novel.”

Told in first person from dual perspectives, Everest is a second chance mystery romance with more emotional intensity, suspense & intrigue than I ever expected.  Set in the big apple, the city that “…eats up dreams and spits them out.”  Full range of emotions - fun banter, witty, romantic, sexy “The chemistry…combustible.” & heart wrenching “…overflowing emotions…” With flashbacks throughout, these characters reconnect only to throw mixed signals at each other while struggling with secrets & burdens of their own.  She wants so much to make it in life & in love but is cautious, wanting to “…protect myself and my heart.” While his trust issues have caused him to swear off connections of any kind, dating is not an option “I think I’ve been friend-zoned, and you know there’s no coming back from that.”  Thank goodness “They’re called friends-to-lovers romances for a reason.”  With a mix of strong, friends who are family & love deeply-for a lifetime bond, to those who commit ultimate betrayals that destroy lives.  Secrets are exposed, surprise gut-wrenching twists that will have you gasping out loud…on the edge of your seat until the end.  “The universe sometimes has a mind of its own. But no matter what has happened, we fought our fate and found our destiny.”

I love that he loves sports & she loves books.  Couldn't get enough of Singers genuineness & the way she empowered Ethan – simply by accepting him for who he is.  The intensity between all of the characters, loyalty & love, is so good! 

Thank you S.L. – like Singer, “I love getting lost in a good book.”

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

Villain (Hero #1.5) by Samantha Young

Nadia Ray is not just a broadcast meteorologist. She’s Boston’s morning television It Girl. Successful and independent, she’s put a past she’s ashamed of behind her and is forging a future she can be proud of. However, when her new boss discovers her secret he blackmails her, intent on using Nadia’s popularity to make them the number one morning show in Massachusetts. He wants her to be part of uncovering the city’s biggest scandal - a secret billionaire Caine Carraway is hiding.

Soon Nadia is thrown into the path of Caine’s best friend: sexy, wealthy bachelor Henry Lexington. But she doesn’t encounter the dashing high society gentleman Henry is purported to be. Instead she’s faced with an insulting and defensive villain who misjudges her at every turn.

When Henry finally realizes the truth, and decides to make amends, Nadia wants nothing to do with him. But she underestimates his determination and charm and soon they find themselves embroiled in an intense, passionate affair.

An affair Nadia knows must come to an end before their feelings grow any deeper and he discovers her secrets.

After all, Henry Lexington isn’t the only one who played the part of a villain once…

A fun novella accompaniment to her novel Hero, Samantha Young’s Villain:  Told in first person from Nadia’s point of view, this is a fast paced, sexy read that has angst, is sexy, funny & witty.  Set in Boston, where the city has a romantic role of its own.  Intriguing twists, both Nadia & Henry have secrets they are protecting.  They share an attraction of “…base need.” “Affection and heat…”– while finding trust & a shared honesty – to something real. “This is happening between us and it’s real.” Family bonds are tested while friendships are made & only grow stronger.  It was nice to read more of Caine & Lexi’s story while Henry & Nadia’s unfolded.

I love how “…funny and down-to-earth. Real.” Nadia is & Henry’s sexy “…primal possessiveness.”  I couldn’t get enough of the push-pull between she & “Henry, when he wasn’t being a villain, was naturally flirtatious and charming.” or the witty banter between these sexy & confident characters.

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

The Bachelor Contract (The Bachelors of Arizona Book 3) by Rachel Van Dyken

BLURB

She's everywhere.

Ex-wife.

Love of his life.

The last person in the world he wanted to see...ever.

And now that he's working beside her every day, he can't escape her. Her scent, glimpses of her smile, even the tension in the air that makes his body hum with the kind of need he'd only experienced with one person-all of it is driving him over the edge.

Brant Wellington was certain of three things:

Alcohol wasn't going to solve this.

He really was losing his F-ing mind.

And his gorgeous ex-wife was going to be the death of him.

MY REVIEW

 

Told in third person from dual perspectives, The Bachelor Contract is a sexy & surprisingly emotional contemporary romance.  This second chance romance is a steady read, perfect for the hopeless romantic in all of us.  Full of heartfelt strong friendships & family bonds, witty & sarcastic banter.  These characters struggle to overcome gut-wrenching loss, “After, we were nothing, we were too broken, too damaged.” sadness, grief, guilt, broken hearts & “…anger. At her. At himself. At the world.” , to gain real closure & earn back trust.  They must choose to “Be brave.” & fight for peace & love, to “…go after what you want.”  A sexy & often funny, yet emotionally intense story of “…both closure and new beginnings.”

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

The Bed Mate (A Room Mate Novella #3.5) by Kendall Ryan

 

I might be a typical guy, but these last few years, my love life’s been anything but. From crazy ex-girlfriends to one night stands who are stage-five clingers, my relationships go bad faster than the milk in your fridge. The only constant has been my best friend Maggie.

Fresh off a bad breakup of her own, I invite Maggie to my guy’s skiing weekend knowing she needs an escape from reality. But then something funny starts to happen. I start noticing things about her that I never noticed before.

She’s beautiful and doesn’t know it, she’s funny without even trying, and now she’s suddenly single for the first time in forever.

Sharing a hotel room with her proves to be the tipping point in our very platonic friendship. Suddenly I want to put my hands, my mouth, and my ... other parts ... all over her gorgeous body. I want to claim her, make sure no man touches her ever again. But then her groveling ex shows up, and Maggie’s torn.

Am I ready to screw up the best relationship I’ve ever had for a shot at something more?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this perfectly paced novella from Kendall Ryan serves as #3.5 of her Room Mate series, but is a great standalone story.  A sexy “…hot and sweet…” & oh so funny “…after that brother-sister comment? Alcohol was the best idea I’d had all day.” , friends to lovers – opposites attract story. “We were as different as night and day, but for some reason, we clicked and I felt more comfortable around him than pretty much anyone else.”  Maggie is the ever so cautious, practical lover of everything wintertime.  While Sam is her opposite – fun loving, adventure seeking great friend.  They’ve been friends forever & know each other better than anyone else.  It’ obvious to friends to everyone, friends & strangers alike that they should be more. “Like we were fated to be.”  The perfect amount of angst, with a sweet ending that won’t disappoint.

I loved this little novella, perfect for a “…cozy evening by a crackling fire…”.  Couldn’t get enough of the ways these characters paid attention to all the little things & fit so well together, so romantic!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

The Bodyguar by CD Reiss

 

BLURB

Protecting a celebrity in Hollywood isn’t easy, but protecting Emily could break his heart.

As a world-class dancer at the height of her career, Emily enjoys all the perks of fame—the parties, the glamour, the tours—but they’ve also attracted the attention of a dangerous ex-boyfriend hell-bent on getting her back.

Enter Carter Kincaid, a bodyguard so crushingly sexy he takes her breath away.

Carter’s the best in the business, and Emily is—professionally speaking—off-limits. But when it comes to stirring his desires, she’s making all the right moves. What’s happening between them is so hot it could get both of them burned. As Emily’s past gets closer, Carter is willing to break every rule of the job to save her. But letting Emily into his life also means letting her in on the secrets of his own past. For these two, falling in love could be the greatest risk of all.

 

Told in first person from dual perspectives, The Bodyguard from CD Reiss is a hot contemporary romance with a twist. Emily & her bestie were on their way to stardom when it happens for just one of them, their friendship only gets stronger. Carter is a protector not only professionally, but personally, it is who he is. Both dedicated to their careers as crafts, these characters are brought together by necessity beyond what you expect “I have the best security system money can buy.” “Yeah. And his name is Carter Kincaid.” An instant attraction, “Everything about her made me wild.” That leads to a super-hot passion – “…a whole new level of sexy.” & love “…let yourself fall a little in love. Just a little. See what happens.” Self-doubt, broken trust, surprise treats & secrets are revealed before it’s all said & done.

 

I enjoyed the angst & push-pull between these witty & strong characters. A wonderful twist to the story, the made my heartache.

 

 Another great read from CD Reiss!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK 

 

Eversong (The Kindred Book 1) by Donna Grant

BLURB

To live in the light, they hunt in the dark…

Unparalleled in beauty and daring, Leoma has been raised with a single-minded focus—to wipe out corrupt witches. But when her new target leads her to a discovery that unveils a graver plan from the Coven, she doesn’t hesitate to follow. Yet, she’s not the only one on the hunt. And the sexy, infuriating man who crosses her path could prove to be a distraction—something she’s never encountered before.

Honor and family mean everything to Braith. When his life is turned upside down by the murder of his ward and heir without cause or reason, he has no choice but to turn to vengeance. Until a stunning, dangerous woman continues to thwart his efforts at every turn. Now, he must battle not only his need for revenge but his desire for the female, as well.

MY REVIEW

Eversong is the first book in Donna Grant’s new historical paranormal series, The Kindred.  Told in third person from multiple character points of view to balance story-lines that intertwine.  An action packed tale with more than a few surprises, this is a captivating heroine driven, epic historical paranormal romance, told in a medieval world.  Set in England & Scotland, you’ll encounter witches & magic of good & evil.  “First, you need to understand two truths.  There are witches among us, and magic is real.” Mystical creatures & Celtic & Norse lure & a prophecy or two. The Hunter & the Knight, both courageous & strong, they become “…partners with a common enemy.” working together in the hunt for vengeance, retribution. A romance with a solid connection, which turns hot quickly, “The fire that was between them grew quickly and turning into an inferno, scorching everything around them.”  Desire on a primal level, “…it made him burn with need. It was fiery and brilliant.” Another of the unrequited sort.  

“There was blood, and there was death. There were losers. And there were victors.”

This book left me “Surprised and intrigued.” I’m particularly fond of the Varroki leader story line & am so looking forward to seeing her story continue to unfold… Look for the next Kindred book, Spring 2018

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Constant by Rachel Higginson

 

Blurb

Fifteen years ago I met Sayer Wesley. I fell in love with him. I promised I would never leave him. I swore nothing could break us apart.

Five years ago I broke my promise. I ran away. I took the one secret that could destroy us both and disappeared. 

Five days ago I thought I saw him. 

I knew it was impossible. Sayer was locked away, serving a deserved sentence in federal prison. He couldn’t find me. 

He wouldn’t find me. I was too good at hiding. Too good at surviving. 

Because if Sayer ever found me, there would be hell to pay for a plethora of sins. The worst of which, he didn’t even know about. 

Five hours ago, I told myself I was crazy. 

Five minutes ago, I saw him again. 

Five seconds ago, I was too late. 

 

My Review

“We’ve heard the siren’s song and responded to her deathly lure. We’re not criminals. We’re artists. Con artists.” 

Told in first person, this romantic suspense is a steady read that will keep you guessing.  Taking you from the criminal underbelly of downtown DC to Midwest Colorado with flashbacks throughout that keep the twists coming to the very cliff hanger end.  It has who dun it mystery, light moments of humor & heart stopping ones all wrapped into one.  These characters have the most unconventional pasts, which lead them to go to great lengths in search of a life they can call their own for the future.  “We dreamed of distant places untouched by mafia and career criminals.”  A story of family, loyalty & betrayal.  How family isn’t always blood, “I knew from experience that blood could be bought and loyalty wasn’t an inherited trait.”  An intense second chances love story that is sexy, “…hungry, greedy, possessive.” It’s heartbreakingly intense “And it’s deep and wild and forever.”

I love the unique way these characters were brought together, their survival skills & protective nature.  Caroline is my hero, strong & brave even when she doesn’t believe it herself. Sayer – Oh Sayer – sexy, intense, feral “That’s why I keep kissing you.” love him!  I’m glad Rachel chose to turn this tale into a duet & am so looking forward to book two, Consequence, the conclusion to Sayer & Caroline’s epic love story – coming February 2018.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

 

On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner

BLURB

What makes you happy?

That was the question Emery Reed asked me the day we met, and I couldn’t give him a single answer. I could have said my dog, or my books, or yoga — but I just stared.

And then, I got in his car.

It was crazy to take a road trip with a stranger, but after years of standing still, he was my one-way ticket to a new life, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

We shared the same space, the same car, the same hotel room — and still, we were strangers.

One day we’d be laughing, the next, we wouldn’t speak. Emery was surrounded by impenetrable walls, but I wanted in.

Discovering his journal changed everything.

I read his thoughts, words not meant for anyone’s eyes, and the more I learned about him, the harder I fell. It turned out nothing made Emery Reed happy, and I wanted to change that.

I earned his trust by violating his privacy, and as wrong as it was, it worked — until one entry revealed a darkness I never knew existed, a timer I never knew was ticking.

Suddenly, what made me happy was saving Emery from himself. I just didn’t know if I could. 

MY REVIEW

Told in first person from dual perspectives in a unique way – via journal – with flashbacks along the way. This story is a steady read that you won’t want to put down.  Unexpected twists from the start, I was struck by honesty of difficult struggles & loss that will shred your heart with unexpected hope & strength found where it is lease expected.  A wonderful connection between strangers “He nodded, and though I hadn’t told him anything, he seemed to understand everything I didn’t want to say.” who are the same & so different all at the same time.  Risking it all to get more out of life & overcome loss, these deeply emotional, wild & wise characters are “…passion unleashed.” sexy & loving “It’s almost impossible to find someone who really loves you – the real you – flaws and all.”  From Alabama all the way to the California coast – you’ll experience not just a road trip but an important coming of age journey of self-discovery – healing of mind, body, heart & soul.  Putting the possibilities of coming back from being broken, stepping out of the box, & having faith that they will their place in this world. “You’re not getting kidnapped, you’re getting free ride to a new life.” 

I loved the way Kandi Steiner’s use of imagery makes you see & feel places, to such an extent they themselves are supporting characters.  “The way the sun always manages to come back, no matter how dark the storm, made me happy.”  I was gutted by the battles of depression & appreciated so much the level of honest truth with which this tough subject was written. “You are loved, you are understood, and you are needed.”

“What makes you happy?”

THIS BOOK!!!

“It’s about growing together. Changing. And figuring life out along the way,” 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

Wicked Torture (Stark World 3) by J. Kenner

 

   

 

BLURB

Outwardly, Noah Carter is riding high as the tech world’s hottest new genius. Inside, he’s still reeling from the abduction of his wife and baby daughter eight years ago, and then the devastating discovery of his child’s body. For years, he kept up hope that his wife was alive, but now that she’s been declared legally dead, he’s thrown himself even more deeply into his work, cutting himself off from emotional ties because they just hurt too damn much.

Then he meets Kiki Porter, an eternal optimist with a killer work ethic and dreams of fronting a band. And everything changes. Even though he tries his damnedest to fight it…

Sexually, they are combustible together. But their true fire is emotional, though it is a slow to burn. But once it lights, it is all consuming. The relationship grows emotionally, the sex is hot, things are good.

But just when it’s looking like they might have a real future together, the past comes back to haunt them. And Noah’s going to have to decide what he’s willing to give up for love …    

MY REVIEW

Although all of J. Kenner’s Wicked novels can be read as standalone, after reading Wicked Torture, I recommend reading Wicked Dirty beforehand as well.  Not only because you should be reading the entire Stark World Series because if not, you are missing out, but also since it will provide clarity a little sooner if you do.

Wicked Torture, the third in the Stark World Series from J. Kenner.  Featuring Noah, a man who needs “…to slide back into the world.” & Kiki, who has just gotten her life back on track.  An unexpected coincidence brings them together again after almost a decade leading straight to “Desire mixed with anger. Fury bolstered by memory.”

This very, very sexy, second chances romance is told in third person, with a lot of flash-back action throughout.  Moving along at a steady pace, this is a story riddled with – “…deep emotion and strong passion.”, guilt, loss, heartache & self-reflection.  Broken hearts are healed, lovers have moved on, only to be tested with the possibility of another chance at a love – “…a mixture of both longing and regret.”  The search for trust & commitment, to be better than those before, to do the right thing, all put to the ultimate test with a twist to the tale, before all is revealed.  “…where ghosts and fears and everything he thought he’d gotten past were right back beside him again.” 

Though the storyline did not flow as smoothly as I’d have liked, “…it’s on the shiny side of good.”  Noah & Kiki’s story was interesting & I always enjoy the strong friendships & cross over characters from Wicked Grind & Wicked Dirty.

“…we fit. We’ve always fit.” 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK