Royally Yours (Royally Series #4) by Emma Chase

     

Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook had an unusual childhood. She was raised to be a Queen—the first Queen of Wessco.

It’s a big deal.

When she’s crowned at just nineteen, the beautiful young monarch is prepared to rule. She’s charming, clever, confident and cunning.

What she isn’t… is married.

It’s her advising council’s first priority. It’s what Parliament is demanding, and what her people want.

Lenora has no desire to tie herself to a man—particularly one who only wants her for her crown. But compromises must be made and royals must do their duty.

Even Queens. Especially them.
**
Years ago, Edward Langdon Richard Dorian Rourke, walked away from his title and country. Now he’s an adventurer—climbing mountains, exploring jungles, going wherever he wants, when he wants—until family devotion brings him home.

And a sacred promise keeps him there.

To Edward, the haughty, guarded little Queen is intriguing, infuriating…and utterly captivating. Wanting her just might drive him mad—or become his greatest adventure.
**
Within the cold, stone walls of the royal palace—mistrust threatens, wills clash, and an undeniable, passionate love will change the future of the monarchy forever.

Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story.

This is theirs.


MY REVIEW

I read this book in a day.  Absolutely loved my very first Emma Chase read.  Royally Yours (Royally #4) by Emma Chase has it all - love, death & everything in between.  

You won't be able to get enough of Lenora, her innocence turned to fierce strength.  Miriam, Lenora's wild, free spirited sister & the family bond that is stoic on the outside, but full of love on the inside.  Thomas & Edward ~ so different, yet the same in heart & spirit.  

Sorrowful, romantic, sexy & joy filled.  A gasp worthy story of heart wrenching loss, struggle, true friendship & love ~ of finding life's purpose, meeting challenges & coming home to a queen & her new reign.

"It's beautiful. Amazing."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Trailer Park Heart by Rachel Higginson

Blurb:

Trailer park born and raised. It’s my legacy. That’s how my mama lived. And that’s how her mama lived. It’s the life I was born into and it’s the life I swore I would leave the second I was old enough to make it out.

Only legacies have a funny way of sneaking up on you. An innocent decision the night of high school graduation led to a series of complications in my plans to escape.

Seven years later, I’ve resigned myself to this small town and the roots I’m tied to. Nothing could make me leave. And nothing could make me spill the secrets that keep me here.

Until he walks back into town with a chip on his shoulder and a stupid hunch nobody else in town has been smart enough to follow.

Levi Cole is my opposite. Born on the right side of the tracks with family money to spare, he’s the kind of black sheep that can afford to be rebellious—because his family will always pay for his mistakes. He’s also the only living heir to Cole Family Farms, after his brother Logan was killed in duty seven years ago.

He sees something in my life that he thinks he has a right to. But he’s wrong. And obnoxious. And he needs to take his stubborn good looks and that intense way he looks at me and go back to wherever it was he came from.

I know better than to trust men like him. I was born and raised in a trailer park, I know nothing good happens to girls like me—girls with trailer park lives and trailer park hearts. Especially from gorgeous, kind, pigheaded men like him.

My Review

Trailer Park Heart by Rachel Higginson is a beautiful coming of age, second chance romance that will have you so hooked by the prologue, you won't be able to put down.  Angsty, funny & sweet, this sexy, emotion filled & heart wrenching tale will make your heart feel full.

You will be instantly drawn in by the "...lifetime of tug-of-war familiarity..."  between these characters "This man was my nemesis and yet he'd managed to light up my entire body with the tiniest touch and the smell of clean laundry."    Secrets & surprise twists you won't see coming are what are in store.  A "...life-altering, soul-shattering, world-rocking kiss." an irresistible pull, passion & the ability to be seen like no other ever had.  Friendships old & new, of the tried & true kind - Lessons in "...passion and promise, anger and truth." Learning to let go of the burdens of "...regret and humiliation and fear." & let others in. 

Written with so much heart, the genuine tenderness can't help but shine through.  I struggled with this review because I don't want to give away to much & spoil the pure beauty.  Couldn't get enough of Ruby's independence & fierce protectiveness of those she holds most dear - without apology.   Levi & the way he makes Ruby feel seen - knows her so well.  So much raw emotion, I absolutely loved this story. 

"...life is hard and heavy..." "...but its also beautiful and so full of joy and laughter and...purpose."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Saint (Mercy #2) by JB Salsbury

BLURB

Milo sold his soul to the devil to save an angel.
Now he’s after revenge.

There are worse prisons than the lush estate of a notorious drug smuggler in Mexico. Mercy lives out her days alone and hidden from the world, but her sleep is riddled with nightmares of the muti and all the boys and girls just like her who weren’t lucky enough to get away.

If the people who kept her as a child are in Mexico, is it possible she could find them?

What starts as vigilante justice unravels a web of human trafficking deeper and darker than Milo and Mercy could’ve imagined. When she comes face-to-face with the people she once considered family, she proves she is far from the Angel they raised her to be.

MY REVIEW

 

Saint by JB Salsbury, book 2 of her Mercy duet, this is the sexy contemporary romance & mystery thriller conclusion to Mercy & Milo's story.  Picking up right where the Ghostgirl epic cliffhanger left off, Saint with Milo "...doing what was best for those I love. You know what they say. Hindsight is a bitch."  A romance entwined with drug cartels & international human trafficking...

The connection between these characters continues to extend past the physical, toward soul deep, heart wrenching emotion.  While Milo risks all for revenge, Mercy struggles to hold on to the man she loves  "Forever. You and me. Not a single thing on earth will ever come between us." all the while fighting to be free once more from a all new kind of imprisonment.  Secrets, vengeance & lies "For your protection, it's better that you don't know."  A wild ride as a new mystery unfolds, one evil put behind them only to fight another.  "There is so much evil in the world. No matter what I do, I can't seem to get away from it."  A story of a savior, of healing of body & soul ~ finding faith in humanity & seeking destined purpose in this world.  

I love seeing these characters grow into themselves "I realize I'm not an angel, that I have no supernatural powers, but that doesn't mean I can't make a difference in a person's life."  So much love & affection.  An ending that won't disappoint.

"Everything is a journey, a wild ride with constant surprises."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Listen, Pitch (There's No Crying in Baseball #3) by Lani Lynn Vale

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rhys Rivera is the star short-stop for the Longview Lumberjacks. Many know him, even more love him. He has a pretty face, a quick smile, and an air of danger about him that everyone seems to adore.

He’s not known as the bad boy of baseball for nothing.

It all started with his father, who decided to be a criminal mob boss, then die.

Fortunately for his uncle, Rhys wants absolutely nothing to do with the family business and runs before anyone can figure out which way is up.

By the time his uncle, the successor to his father’s criminal empire, thinks to look for him, Rhys has made too big of a name for himself to be taken out quietly, and he wants to keep it that way.

Fast forward eight years, and Rhys is living life one breath at a time, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. That shoe coming in the form of a nosy neighbor who has no idea just how hot she is in her mail carrier uniform.

Her sweet little body and positive outlook on life make him want to laugh at how naïve she is when it comes to the way of the world.

The harder he tries to stay away, the weaker he seems to get, until one day he decides to put his morals on hold long enough to satisfy his cravings.

One time is all he needs—or so he tells himself.

But then two pink lines change everything, and all of a sudden, he doesn’t have just himself to worry about anymore.    

Listen, Pitch by Lani Lynn Vale is book 3 in her There's No Crying in Baseball series, but can totally be read as a standalone.  I say this with certainty, because it is exactly what I did.

 

Told in first person, from dual perspectives this is a bad boy, sports, mob, angsty contemporary romance that will have you chasing the next page turning twist.  Sarcastic, sexy banter & heartwarming suspense all in one.  Henley & Rhys are perfectly matched - "I don't want Netflix and Chill. I want Amazon Prime and Commitment. -Henley's secret thoughts"  "Rivera? He was hella attractive, he had a great personality, he was hard working... and he cared."  These characters had me on the edge of my seat - life, death & everything in between before it's all said & done.

Enjoy the ride as these two team up to make sure the underdog lands on top.

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

Player by Staci Hart

MY REVIEW
He’s a player.

He plays the bass with expert fingers. He plays women with intoxicating charm. And he’ll play me with the ease of a virtuoso.

Who better to teach me to play than the master himself?

I’m his model student, front row, pencil sharp. Pick up lines? I’ve got them. Free drinks? By the dozen. Kissing? Let me grab my chapstick.

But the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that there’s so much I don’t know. Like why his touch sets off a chain reaction straight to my nethers. Or how I’m certain each kiss is the best I’ll ever have, until the moment his lips take mine again.

There’s so much I don’t know.

Like the fact that I’m only a bet.

But we are what we are. He’s a player, through and through.

And I’m the fool who fell in love with him.

MY REVIEW

Player by Staci Hart is a hot contemporary romantic comedy that reminded me of that Freddie Prinz Jr. movie "She's All That" Set around a New York City Broadway musical orchestra & musicians looking for sex & love.  Awareness of self & what this life has to offer the heart if you take the risk.

 

Told in first person, from dual perspectives this page turner will have you laughing out loud from the start "I had a vibrator and internet access.  What more could a girl want?"  Val & her "Four glorious wallflowers." roommates & best friends are so much fun.  Supportive & caring, with quirks all their own.  Sam, a man with a heart of gold & all he could want out of life.  Drawn to Val, to protect her from guys like he thinks himself to be.  Protection that brings these two together for lessons in how to snag a guy - quickly turn dangerously - into lessons in trust & of heart break.  In the end "It's about figuring out what you want and going after it." 

 

This story is sexy & sweet, full of taking chances & embracing beauty, inside & out.  Loving your true self & letting others do the same.  "...unexpected harmony."

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

Ridge (The Crow Brothers, #4)

  SYNOPSIS

The One didn’t exist.

Then I met Meadow.

The band's honorary little sister was off-limits. Too late for that. She says we’re “nothing serious,” but she’s gotten under my skin and I can’t stop thinking about her. And when I touch her, I know we’re meant to be.

Happy Endings don’t exist.

Not even with Ridge.

My big plans never included falling for a rock star. Too soon for that. He wants to make us a “thing,” and I can’t deny our chemistry is combustible. His persistence is wearing me down, making his proposition hard to resist.

If true love only exists in fairy tales, why am I beginning to believe that Ridge just might be my happily ever after?

This STANDALONE Second Chance Rock Star Romance by New York Times Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, will have you falling in love with Ridge Carson while introducing you to his Sexy as Sin band mates—Jet, Tulsa, and Rivers Crow.

Ridge by S.L. Scott, the 4th installment of her The Crow Brothers series - can be read as a standalone, but I don't recommend that.  Simply because you would be missing out on 3 more amazing novels from S.L. including some spectacular story's & cross over characters.  This rock star romance series is one you won't want to miss.

Told from dual perspectives, with flashback & inner monologue action throughout.  This coming of age, second chances rock star romance is angsty & heart wrenching all the way to it's roller coaster "will they", "won't they" end. "Playful. Sexy. Fun." & "A stunning mess of emotions." From the start, nothing is clearer than what Meadow & Ridge have is nothing serious - not meant to last.  Meadow is coming into her own & doesn't want anything getting in the way of her master plan - never need to depend on anyone & most definitely not looking for "the one".  Dave is working his way threw embracing his success in doing what he loves, while having to sacrifice being there for those he holds most dear.  With wonderful relationships among siblings, band mates & friends who are family.  This is a story of great chemistry, but timing that is less than ideal.  "...it's not always easy even if it's meant to be."  So much heat - desire "So bad. So naughty. Sexy. Mmm."  Overcoming fear of losing the fight for HEA.  "Instead of asking yourself what if, ask yourself why not."

I love the pull between these two characters.  So genuine in their connection, in spite of their conflicted hearts.  "...the sunshine to my rainy-day heart."  I love the way these friends & families bond together.  The truth in fearing the unknown in life & love.  I didn't want this book - the series to end...

"Four guys. Four friends. Four musicians. One band. One Family." 

Adored this series.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

#1 Muse (#1 Series, Book 5) by T. Gephart

Synopsis:

Landing a writing gig in Hollywood was just as difficult as becoming an actor, and something Claire Becker had learned the hard way.

Sure, she didn’t have to conform to ridiculous beauty standards and give up her love for raw cookie dough, but the sting of rejection burned all the same. The only things that kept her sane were her two amazing roommates and her guilty pleasure—writing fan-fiction.

Getting lost in her own world, she’d forget that she had yet to land her dream job, and instead spent time with her dream man—Nick Larsson. Well, at least in the literary sense. Too bad he wasn’t aware or an active participant—her fictional love life, outstanding.

Tall, good-looking and sexy beyond comprehension, Nick Larsson not only had a famous last name—and four equally smoldering brothers—but was talented beyond belief. A star on the rise with a critically acclaimed series, his body and face were what fantasy scripts—and dreams—were made of. Made for some pretty steamy writing opportunities too.

And yes, it was probably “wrong” for Claire to objectify him, but it wasn’t like anyone knew about it. Just her, and her two amazing, supportive roommates.

Or at least they were amazing and supportive, and bound to be missed after Claire killed them.

In a moment of unexplained insanity, one of them —or both, each as bad as the other—sent her latest installments to the man himself.

Cue panic of epic proportions.

All Claire needed to do was sneak into his apartment and retrieve the misappropriated story before Nick, or anyone else, read it and mistook her for a creepy stalker. Although, breaking and entering probably wouldn’t convince anyone to the contrary either.

Claire was going to get the best material of her life, or end up with a restraining order. Either way, the story was getting a hell of lot more interesting.

MY REVIEW

#1 Muse by T. Gephart, book 5 in her #1 series, this contemporary romance can be read as a standalone - which is exactly what I did.  Funny "Sure, I could diet, work out six hours a day, and become a size zero, but I valued joy, happiness and cookie dough over a skinny ass." sexy & sweet this angsty romance will not disappoint. 

 

Set in the mecca of Hollywood & all the demands of the entertainment industry.  Making her way to the forefront of screenwriters, Claire can use all the help she can get "Nick inspired me, excited me, and lit a fire in me I hadn't experience in a while. He was...My. Muse."  Just like Nick, this story is "...definitely flirty. And charming. And sexy. And playful. Super hot as well."  full of all the things, love & friendship should be.  There are bumps before it's all said & done - "Lust, love, anger, hurt, confusion and passion..." working through trust & doubt, testing whether dreams can come true.

 

I loved the flirty banter.  The supporting character friendships that are loyal, endearing & heartwarmingly sweet.  Funny & entertaining, a great read!

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

Once Upon a Wild Thing (Heartbreakers #3) by Lauren Blakely

BLURB

My brother's best friend has a proposition for me. Have I mentioned he's a sexy single dad? Tell me more...

There are a million reasons why Miles Hart isn't the man I should date but allow me to enumerate the top three. He's friends with my brother, he's a single dad, and he's a sexy, in-demand rock star. He might as well wear an off-limits, totally unavailable, and don't-even-attempt-to-ride-this-ride sign.
Then he asks me to be his plus-one when his band plays at his high school reunion, and the night unfolds in ways I never expect.
***
I have three good reasons to keep my hands off Roxy Sterling--her brother's my business manager and good buddy, my kid is the center of my world, and the last time I fell hard for a woman I was burned so badly that my interest in relationships has gone up in flames. But once I bring Roxy's body next to mine on the dance floor, I want all the not-safe-for-work things I can't have with her. So I make a proposition.

 

Then I learn exactly how risky we might be.

MY REVEIW

Once Upon a Wild Fling by Lauren Blakely can be read as a standalone, but personal opinion, as the final book three of her new Heartbreakers series - you are missing out if you don't read all three!

If you can relate to the struggles of dating, pregnancy & parenthood - and love a great friends to lovers story, you are going to simply adore this book.  Another angsty, sexy & funny, contemporary romance from Blakely.  She delivers a story that brings you characters that are down to earth, hopeful & eager to love.  Full of "...fantastic wit, big heart..." in the pursuit of epic heart bursting happiness.

 

Be ready from the start to have a sore cheeks from smiling big at this funny, witty & endearing read.  Roxy is no stranger to all that can go wrong while looking for mister right in this busy modern age - where you don't necessarily need a relationship with a man to get what you want out of life.  A girl after my own heart "At the end of the day, nothing beats pulling on yoga pants and a sweatshirt." "Truth," While Miles, ever the dedicated brother & bandmate is "...laser-focused on music, singing, and taking care of this awesome kid."  What's not to love with a guy who is "...funny, sharp, and so damn good to his son."  So much angst, these two have lists of reasons why they would never work together.  Then a favor of the plus-one kind gleans all sorts of possibilities.  A sweat & sexy story of timing, moving on & taking chances. "The heartbreak and the hurt and the joy."  Filled with friends & family "...warmth, chased by hope." ~ a romantic & sweet heart warming - real struggles page turner.  

 

"You should just be friends forever with her." No wiser words.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

✦ Amazon US/UK

Talkin' Trash (The Bear Bottom Guardians MC Book 2) by Lani Lynn Vale

BLURB

Linc has two very important things on his mind—professional football and his motorcycle club.

What he does not have on his mind is the woman that drives him crazy and makes him want to do stupid things, like throw caution to the wind.

Nope, not Linc.

At least, that’s the lie he tells everyone.

In reality, every time Conleigh’s name is mentioned, he squirms.

She’s everything that he wants, wrapped up in a cute little package that is stamped ‘hands freakin’ off.’

She’s four years younger than him, in school to be a doctor, and thinks football is stupid.

Even more, Linc and Conleigh get along like oil and water.

There’s not a single second that they’re in each other’s presence that they’re not at each other’s throats.

But all it takes is hearing that she’s in trouble for Linc to drop every single thing—football and MC duties alike—and head to her side.

A side that he’ll remain at until they either kill each other, or finally give into the heat between them.

Either way you look at it, he’s well and truly screwed.    

MY REVIEW

 

Talkin' Trash by Lani Lynn Vale, the second in her new Motor Cycle Club contemporary romance series, The Bear Bottom Guardians MC.  Set in small town Bear Bottom, Texas, USA, this is a white hot sexy contemporary romance that is so super funny, romantic, angsty & sweet.  Be prepared to laugh out loud during this fast pace read - another book to get you hooked on the Bear Bottom Guardians MC series.

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this "will they", "won't they" second chancesromance is full of witty sarcastic banter & wonderful chemistry "...our attraction to each other had never been one of our problems." while also angsty & heart wrenchingly romantic.  Between Linc with his "I'm-sexy-as-fuck beard." & Conleigh "...not a girly girl." the struggle of pride is real.  On the one hand, overprotectiveness for a shot at something better, while on the other fighting the inevitable in an effort to avoid a broken heart.  "...trying to protect yourself, while he's trying to protect you."  Trust is tested & belief in each other will bring out the best of friends, family & love.

 

Looking forward How About No - book 3 coming in November!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

 

Fragments of Ash (A Modern Fairytale) by Katy Regnery

My name is Ashley Ellis…

I was thirteen years old when my mother – retired supermodel, Tig – married Mosier Răumann, who was twice her age and the head of the Răumann crime family.

When I turned eighteen, my mother mysteriously died. Only then did I discover the dark plans my stepfather had in store for me all along; the debauched “work” he expected me to do.

With the help of my godfather, Gus, I have escaped from Mosier’s clutches, but his twin sons and henchmen have been tasked with hunting me down. And they will stop at nothing to return my virgin body to their father

…dead or alive.

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a dark and twisted retelling of the beloved fairytale, Cinderella!
 

** Contemporary Romance. Due to profanity and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.** 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Fragments of Ash is part of the ~a modern fairytale~ collection: contemporary, standalone romances inspired by beloved fairy tales.

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a dark and twisted retelling of the beloved fairytale, Cinderella!

 

Fragments of Ash by Katy Regnery is a dark tale of a young woman born to a single mother led astray by the temptations of life, only to be abandoned in a time of dire need.  Ashley, isolated & unknowingly a practical mirror reflection of the life her mother wanted to protect her from.  "Dreaming of something, but scared it won't come true." 

 

This Cinderella-esk tale with a twist is complete with a chillingly evil stepfather.  The contempt of the family & lack of love or even caring is heart breaking.  "...of being alone, of being unwanted, of being frightened..."  Cruel & crude - shocking abuse, emotional & physical.  Making the idea of kindness, difficult to believe.  Escape in search of finding the ever eluding safety.  Falling into a haven under the protection of a man with his own secrets, closed off to trusting anyone.  The chemistry is palpable, lust that beyond intense.  You'll be on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds - secrets revealed, compassion, kindness, romance & desire shine through.  "...learning that sometimes love isn't in the words we say, but in how we give and what we sacrifice..." 

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK