loverofromance's reviews
4345 reviews

Hold Me Until Morning by A.L. Jackson

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

 Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ
Intimacy Level: πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
Relationship Building: πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’
Heart & Feels:πŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’ž
 Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Page Turner Level:πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
 Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨

You want to know what I feel like right now, Hailey? I feel like a king who’s just been offered the greatest treasure.”

First Impressions
Hold Me Until Morning was a book that completely BLEW MY HEART AND SOUL away! In fact, this is the best book of the series and I will die on this hill. I haven't read this author's other work but I do think its some of her best work. It worked in every way for me and I couldn't put it down (both the kindle and Audio editions) This author really knocked this book out of the park. I had some issues with some of the other books in the series, but Hold Me Until Morning was just perfection for me. I honestly didn't have issues with any part of this book, it just worked all the way and I read it right when I needed to.

First Line
My eyes devoured the outline of his perfect shape.

The Main Protagonists
 The Hero: Cody
 The Heroine: Hailey

 My stupid heart smashed. But in that moment, I didn’t care. I wanted it. I wanted it all. I wanted to be selfish and take and take. I wanted to feel something brighter than I’d felt in years. In so long. In ever.

Summary
Hold Me Until Morning begins with Hailey who has a young daughter, and is on the run from a dangerous ex. She is determined to create a life with her daughter which is safe and full of happiness and not the nightmare that they came from. Her next door neighbor, is none other than the boy who broke her heart and hurt her in the worst of ways and he doesn't even recognize her at first. She is focused on her daughter and not creating anything with this cocky man. But there are secrets that he keeps hidden beneath the cocky playboy act. As Hailey and Cody learn to let go of their tough barriers, they rediscover their love that was always there just needed air to breathe. But they have enemies, enemies that they least expect....will they survive the coming turmoil about to enter their lives?

 β€œI hate him, Hailey. Hate that that bastard could ever make you feel that way. I want to destroy him just for the fact that he would ever try to tamp or trap the beauty that you are. I would never fucking do that. Would never hurt you. Would never use you. Would never think of you as any less than the fiery, sassy, strong, unforgettable woman that you are.”

What I Loved
What was it about this book that just worked for me in every way? It was like catnip to my inner feline. I gobbled it up like candy. The conflict in the relationship gets resolved earlier, and the focus is outer conflict of the story which I was really fascinated by. The author really built the suspense side of the plot just right and we really see how that is delicately built throughout the story. The romance that is developed is beyond entertaining. I love a good cocky playboy hero and Cody ENTERTAINED the hell out of the story for me. They are my weakness I swear. I know some readers don't care for this type of hero, but I feel like he just worked right for Hailey. I think she needed someone more playful and pushing her to take some risk but she is so focused on her daughter and being safe, that he teaches her how to truly live every moment. We also see some flashbacks that really add depth to their relationship and what both Cody and Hailey had to go through when they were younger. My heart just bled for Cody especially, with everything he had to give up for a while because he was protecting his mother and sisters and took on the "man of the house" role with his father dying at such a young age. I just wanted to hug this young Cody who was so responsible and sacrificed so much for those he loved.

 β€œHold me until morning,” I whispered there, to that clock frozen at eight-seventeen. He brushed his lips across my forehead and held me tighter. β€œDon’t worry, darlin’. I’m not going to let go.”

What I Struggled With
Honestly.....nothing lol I don't understand readers issue with this book, maybe it wasn't inner angsty enough but it knocked my feet off the ground!

 β€œYou don’t get it, Hailey. Getting to be in your space is enough reward for me. Getting to stand for you is a prize. A fucking honor.”

Narration
Like with the other books in the series, the narrator really handled this book just right. This author has very lyrical writing and it really comes out beautifully in narration form. In fact, if you like audiobooks, I can't recommend the narration enough.

 β€œYou want to run, Hailey? Then I’ll run with you. You want to fight? Then I’ll fight for you. But what I’m not willing to do is let you go. Not when you’re doing it out of fear.”

Overall View
Hold Me Until Morning is a romantic small town thriller that will curl your toes with delicious swoons and keep you on edge with the plot twists and characters that will endear to your heart for a long time.

 β€œI’ve made a million mistakes in my life, but standing here, with you? For you? That’s not one of them. Because when you love someone the way I love you? You don’t bail when things get rough. You stand closer to them in their battles. You pick them up when they fall. You carry them when they can’t run. You love them with all you’ve got because they are the very meaning of time. Because you and Maddie are the reason I’m living it. You are the sun setting and the sun rising. Every minute. Every second. Every fucking beat.”


Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Playboy/Manwhore, Tortured Hero, Single Mom
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Kids/Teens, Danger/Suspense, Heart/Touching
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Second Chance Love

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend but more plot than relationship

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Jennifer Ryan
Catherine Cowles
Corinne Michaels

Song This Book Inspires
The Scientist by Corinne Bailey Rae

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations
 
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Narrators:
Stephen Dexter 
Erin Mallon 
 
The Starlight Rite by Cherise Sinclair

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3.0

 Quickie Review

The Starlight Rite is a sci fi erotic romance from Cherise Sincliar. This is also my first Sinclair and it was intriguing. I didn't know this was a erotic romance though or I might have picked something else but the set up of the story really pulled me into it pretty quickly. I really love the setups of the heroine being caught doing something and having to do some sort of indentured servitude. Now granted she was in a bad situation and on the run and I understood her motives...at first. Now I was under the impression that this one was just a regular sci fi romance and not a erotic romance. But the steam in this book isn't even the reason why it was such a low rating. I wanted to love this one but the way these two acted around each other in the third act was just ridiculous. So much drama and I just couldn't get behind the reasoning the heroine had to not telling the hero the truth. I get that she was afraid, but what does she have to lose? She felt so wish washy to me. and while I wish my first try of this author had gone better (but this doesn't mean I won't try her again) it does make me apprehensive to try her again. So while it had some cool factors to the story, there were just some aspects to the story that were just annoying and I wasn't a fan of. 
Show No Mercy by Cindy Gerard

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adventurous challenging tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

 Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ
Intimacy Level: πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
Relationship Building: πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’
Heart & Feels:πŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’ž
 Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Page Turner Level:πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
 Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Show No Mercy is the 1st book in the "Black Ops Inc" series and this is a author that I have been meaning to try out for such a long time and this book was a great way to delve into her writing. It definitely had such a classic romantic suspense feel to it. So if you are looking for suspense similar to Suzanne Brockmann, this is definitely an author that you should dig further into. I found "Show No Mercy" to be such an intriguing read though. I was so fascinated by it and I was really intrigued to see what would happen to this couple. I never know what I will find when I run across a journalist heroine, but shocker, I actually didn't hate it and she seemed to compliment Gabe so well.

First Line
Tracer rounds zipped across the murky darkness, lighting up the night sky in brilliant slashes of red, yellow and green.

The Main Protagonists
 The Hero: Gabe
 The Heroine: Jenna

Summary
Jenna is a professional journalist and her passion is to get stories in the heat of war and intense situations. While she grew up on a farm, her desire for a career burns somewhere else despite the dangers. Jenna and Gabe once met when he rescued her from a dangerous situation, and now they are forced into another situation once again, an enemy of Gabe's is wanting revenge, and now all of their lives are in danger. But Gabe is determined not to lose Jenna to this enemy like he lost another lost love. But their love might not be enough to save them both...

What I Loved
There were quite a few things that I truly enjoyed about this one. The connection between Jenna and Gabe is intense and wild. You can see their connection even if they fight it for a while. The plot is well build and portrays the thrilling edge that you expect in a romantic suspense. The story is half romance and half suspense and the author seemed to really balance these two aspects quite well. There is also a setup of brotherhood between these military men who will fight for each other and I gobbled that aspect like candy. And if you love a truly evil villain, you will adore this one. Boy he is downright evil and added a certain flavor to the story that it justly needed.

What I Struggled With
The pacing at times was hard to keep into at times and I do wish that there was a bit more focus on the romance. I needed more swoony moments than what we received.

Narration
Very well done. It kept up with the intense pacing of the story and really added the right inflections to deliver the various range of emotions that was needed especially for a romantic suspense.

Overall View
Show No Mercy was a edgy romance that takes you to a unique part of the globe that we rarely see in a romance. It had a precision masterful plot, a villain to give you nightmares and a love tale to curl your toes from beginning to end!

Favorite Quote(s)

β€œI'm not Lois Lane and you are neither Superman nor Clark Kent," she fired back. "It's crazy for you to go anywhere in this condition, and if you had the sense God gave a rock, you'd stay put."
Gabe stopped in his tracks. "Did you just compare me to a rock?"
She snorted. "I have the utmost respect for rocks. They're hard, they're heavy. They make good paperweights.”


Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Tortured Hero, Journalist Heroine, Alpha Male, Military/Security Badass
Themes: Laughs/Giggles, Witty Banter, Danger
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Second Chance, Fling

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Suzanne Brockmann
Pamela Clare
Maya Banks

Song This Book Inspires
Closer to the Edge by Thirty Seconds

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Narrators:
J.F. Harding 
Lock & Key by Cat Porter

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dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

0.25

 DNF Review:

I wish I could say that I loved this one, and to be honest I was really in the mood for a gritty MC romance. This came to me by a recommendation of a good friend and honestly I have no clue how to tell her this just didn't vibe with me at all. I really struggled with this and read it both physically and through the audio. And it actually wasn't the actual style of writing. Nope I actually was very into the story. But the plot and character development left much to be desire. And I get MC romances I really really do! I need to feel invested in my characters and Lock and Grace have such a toxic relationship, its not even funny. There was a TON of cheating and sleeping around on each other. And what the club forces her to do, and the hero doesn't fight it at all? Just accepts his girl whoring herself for the club, and being around some dangerous drugs? All the while her sister is dying of cancer and she has a nephew to protect. This is NOT how MC's take care of their widows especially with how much she sacrificed for the club and then for them to ask her to do this. And the romance wasn't even a romance to be honest. I read almost to 70% of the book and they felt like strangers. There was hardly any time of them being together and that was disappointing because I had such high hopes because in the beginning their chemistry was EXPLOSVE and I just felt so disappointed. I mean are y'all five starring this book for the spice? Cause I just don't see how this is a convincing romance in any way. And now I need to heal myself with some Joanna Wylde who actually knows how to write a convincing romance in the MC world. *just saying* lol 
Sold to an Alpha Wolf by Kayla Wolf

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adventurous challenging funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ
Intimacy Level: πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
Relationship Building: πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’
Heart & Feels:πŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’ž
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Page Turner Level:πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Sold to an Alpha Mate is my first book from this author and also my very first official "Omegaverse" romance. I have been curious about this but honestly haven't read much of it or hardly any of it because my PNR I normally delve into just doesn't have this type of things. But I was just itching for this type of read and this really just hit the spot. Its not perfect, its not polished and the editing could really use some work, but the storytelling was captivating and the author definitely held me intrigued from beginning to end.

First Line
Exhaustion clung to my muscles as strongly as rust to iron.

Summary
Our heroine, is the omega of her pack, and while out running errands into town, she runs into an alpha of a rival pack, but surprise they are fated mates which is rare for their kind and what is even more rare is to be rejected by your mate. But her alpha had his reasons for rejecting her, their packs are enemies and it would have caused conflict to risk many lives. Now some time later, when a attack happens, she is offered up in trade as a sacrifice. But now she is having to adjust to having a mate who is wanting to accept her and their bond and being a part of a pack that is more like a family. But her previous pack is out for revenge and may destroy them all...

What I Loved
This had such an endearing love story and I really felt like the writing pulls you into the story. I think fans of Cate C Wells will enjoy it, but like many PNR indie authors the editing really needs work. But I will say that I found the whole setup to be really fascinating and I love the whole idea in how the author wrote the omegaverse elements to the story. There is some redemption that the hero has to go through, but the heroine doesn't drag it out too long. The family bonds between the pack was affectionate and endearing and I just had a ball of fun with this one.

What I Struggled With
There were some plot holes, could have had better character development, it definitely needed 200 more pages, and it needed some TLC of editing and polishing to the story. But the actual story itself had much promise and I had quite a fun time with it.

Overall View
Sold to the Alpha Wolf is a intriguing setup that kept me engaged and invested from the beginning to end.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Shape Shifter, Werewolf, Alpha Male
Themes: Small Town, Psychic Abilities, Omegaverse, Couple Together Early On, Low Angst
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Opposites Attract, Enemies to Lovers, Fated Love

Book Perspective
1st POV-Heroine

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Cate C Wells
K. Loraine
Amara Rae

Recommendation For Reading Order
Standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
 
Surrender by Lisa Renee Jones

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ
Intimacy Level: πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
Relationship Building: πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’
Heart & Feels:πŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’ž
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Page Turner Level:πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨

"I choose you and I choose us. I will always choose us."

First Impressions
Surrender is the epic finale of the "Careless Whispers" trilogy and in this book we finally get to see what happens in the epic conclusion in the story of Kayden and Ella. We have seen this couple go through their ups and downs while also trying to hunt down the priceless necklace and the secrets that come with locating it. Surrender starts off from where "Demand" left off and we learn some precious truths about Ella, she is a spy for the U.S. Government and now tensions are high because she wonders how on earth she can be with Kayden when she is the enemy. But Kayden is a man who will fight for his woman at ALL costs and never give up and that determination is what ends up winning in the end and was so brilliantly written by this delightful author.

Exposing my past might steal everything we think we are and want to be together."

First Line
Ella's Alive! It is the news I have hoped and prayed to receive for months on end.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Kayden Wilkens
The Heroine: Ella Ferguson

Summary
Despite the reveal of who Ella truly is and the pieces of much of her past really clicking in place, and the reveal that she is the best friend of Sara and Chris and has connections to Marcus, the puzzle is starting to make sense. But Ella is still at a loss, because she wonders how she and Kayden could find a way to be together when a clue from her past is fully revealed especially in light of what her training had turned her into. But Kayden doesn't care about her past or what she had to do, he is willing to fight for her and protect her no matter what.

This man is my soul mate. My shelter in every storm I will ever face, and in all the ones I now relive."

What I Loved
This book was thrilling, edgy and full of surprises that not even I was expecting and I have read quite a few of this authors' books. What I truly admire about Lisa Renee Jones is her books aren't ever the same and she always seems to be able to surprise me when I don't expect it to happen. The plot is what truly made this book a punch in the chest for the reader. There are many aspects that really come together in this story. We see Ella's memory come back fully, we see how protective and tender Kayden is, we see the true strength that has always been within Ella. We see the friendship between her and Sara (and especially after seeing some of the glimpses of Marcus, Sara and Chris ---I know what series I am reading next haha because wow she really made it all come together and kept me yearning for so much more. The villain in the story is truly evil and cunning so it made what happens in the third act so thrilling and edgy and whew it was intense but I can always rely on this author to take me into those tight spots that I actually love to read.

" Win at all costs, or die forgotten."


What I Struggled With
Nothing really to be honest. I would have loved to see more of Chris and Sara though.

Narration
Like the previous two books, this narrator really brings this author's characters to life and it was astounding and I had a blast with it.

Overall View
Surrender is a story of thrilling adventures, secrets left and right being revealed, surprised side characters to fall in love with and our couple finding their happy ever after through much fight and resilience and trust. A ACTION PACKED THRILLING ROMANCE TO CURL YOUR TOES AND LEAVE YOU ON THE EDGE!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Alpha Male, Kick Ass Heroine, Morally Grey Hero, Law Enforcement
Themes: Exotic Locale, Holy Grail Mystery, Friendships
Tropes: Amnesia, Epic Love

Book Perspective
1st POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Laurelin Page
Maya Banks
Maya Cross

Song This Book Inspires
Family by Badflower

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yep

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Narrators:
Elizabeth Louise 
Demand by Lisa Renee Jones

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ
Intimacy Level: πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
Relationship Building: πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’
Heart & Feels:πŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’ž
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Page Turner Level:πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.75


First Impressions
Demand is the second book in the "Careless Whispers" series and this series has been melting my heart and I have become so hooked I haven't wanted to place these down. At the end of Denial, Ella has some memories that become revealed, ones that connect to Kayden and she begins to doubt his true intentions. But as the secrets and reveals begin to pour out between them, a honest trust forms even more solidly. But their search for the necklace becomes even more paramount and hiding Ella from some hidden enemies that would destroy her if they got their hands on her with the intent to destroy all that she loves...

First Line
I sit inside the show, the water's spray washing blood from my jeans and T-shirt and splattering Kayden, who kneels in front of me.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Kayden Wilkens
The Heroine: Ella Ferguson

What I Loved
Whew this book was a wild ride that just continues on from "Denial" and I wasn't sure how this author would even up the ante in this one but boy does she ever! Its books like this that is a testament on why I truly love this author so much. Because even when her stories aren't quite perfect, they are a niche of the genre that I just want to gobble up all day long. This book is really focused on Ella's past, her connection to her parents and we get some more memories that become revealed to her. The true villain of the story is slowly revealed and what he has put Ella through is definitely some bad stuff. So you can see why she is so tormented even in fractured memories that are just bits and pieces of who she is. The memories that I found the most impactful were the ones with her father. Man my heart just broke about what we learn about her parents but you also see how it only is the driving force for Ella and who she truly is.

What I Struggled With
I don't think I truly struggled with anything in this book. I loved all the happy couple time with some angsty moments that we see between this couple. Now this type of romance storytelling might not work for everyone, but I was just endeared seeing this couple really come together and just enjoy their moments together.

Narration
As with book 2, this narrator did a spectacular job in really building up the tension and plot building while centering the reader with the character depth.

Overall View
Demand is a superb installment that only delves deeper into Kayden and Ella's relationship, giving us more clues on the mystery to be solved and a truly passionate affair that is so touching and poignant in brilliantly mastered emotion.

Favorite Quote(s)
β€œNever judge a man by his uniform or his attitude, good or bad. The truth is in his eyes and his actions. Never forget that, baby girl.”

Once the game is over, the king and the pawn really do go back in the same box. In death they are indeed equal. But in life, we are not. In life we are a product of more than our decisions. We are the consequence of how we cope with those decisions, and too often that is fear and guilt. Don’t let it be fear and guilt.

β€œAnd I’ve said it before and I will say it again. We choose if we are enemies.” He kisses me, and in that kiss there is demand. So much demand. And his demand is that I refuse to be his enemy.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Alpha Male, Spirited Heroine, Kick Ass Heroine, Law Enforcement
Themes: Happy Couple Time, Kink Smexy Time, Treasure Hunting
Tropes: Epic Love, Amnesia

Book Perspective
1st POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Meghan March
Cherise Sinclair
Katy Evans

Song This Book Inspires
Come Out and Play by Billie Eilish

Recommendation For Reading Order
YES, You MUST read these books in order.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Narrators:
Elizabeth Louise 
Denial by Lisa Renee Jones

Go to review page

adventurous challenging funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ
Intimacy Level: πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
Relationship Building: πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’
Heart & Feels:πŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’ž
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Page Turner Level:πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Denial is the first book in the "Careless Whispers" series and in this book we have a story that sets up this couple. Our heroine, wakes up with amnesia of everything in her life before she meets Kayden who is dark and handsome and mysterious and full of secrets. I found Denial to be such a captivating read, I was so easily pulled into this story which is very common with Lisa Renee Jones and I love how I was so swept into this romance and I absolutely adore AMNESIA setups and this one was so curious because there are so many secrets and mysteries with everyone involved so its like trying to solve a puzzle. Lisa Renee Jones does a good job in slowly building up the trust between Elle and Kayden, while also giving the reader enough cookie crumbs to keep them invested.

First Line
I blink and open my eyes to stare at the familiar white ceiling, a dull throbbing at the back of my head.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Kayden Wilkens
The Heroine: Ella Ferguson

Summary
Ella awakes alone in Italy, with a throbbing headache and a gorgeous man she labels a "beautiful angel" and with zero memory from her life before. Not her name, where she is from or anything about her family. She is sheltered by mysterious powerful ...Kayden Wilkens, who runs a underground operation in saving priceless art and artifacts and returning them to its rightful owners. He is a man of mystery but she connects with him and there is a part of her that just knows that she can trust him despite the endless secrets and mysteries behind him. But when she learns some truths about the man that has been protecting her....will she continue to trust him or will it place a doubt and wedge between them?

What I Loved
Denial completely knocked my socks off and while it wasn't a perfect book or my favorite Lisa Renee Jones, it definitely delivered in all the ways that I expect from this author and the suspenseful notes were just right in this one here. Denial is a story that really takes this young woman who is lost and alone and pairs her with this rich powerful man that is so full of mystery. They both have some powerful chemistry that is slowly built over the story and their romance is just starting in this book. It didn't quite have the romance as impactful as I was hoping for but books 2 and 3 definitely made up for that. We also see so much strength that comes from our heroine, she was a delight. I really resonate with Jones heroines most of the time, and Ella is no different.

What I Struggled With
Its a bit slow going at times, there is a certain build up on this story and it can take a bit before you completely get swept away but it does happen and it wasn't enough to take away any true enjoyment of the story for me.

Narration
BRILLAINT! Can that be all that I say for it? haha Anyway yes the narration was just right for this book. I did this book in a combination of physically reading and listening to it and BOTH are great editions to read or listen this book in. She really captured the mystery and the character essence so well!

Overall View
Denial is a captivating read that sweeps you away into the heart of Italy, with mysteries galore and a powerfully built romance that is just beginning for our couple....be prepared to be living on the edge with this story and not wanting to let go of Hayden and Ella till the conclusion!

Favorite Quote(s)
β€œYou’re mine to loseβ€”not his to take.” Mine to lose. The proclamation implies he has to work to keep me, not that he owns me, and it hits a nerve in a good way. β€œI was never his to take, Kayden.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Alpha Hero, Morally Grey Hero
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Hot Smexy Times, Cliffhanger, Touch Her and Die
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Protector, Amnesia

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
J. Kenner
Jennifer Ryan
Meghan March

Song This Book Inspires
Chances by Air Supply

Recommendation For Reading Order
YES! You must read this in order, although I would also recommend reading the Inside Out series first if possible but you don't have to, but I think it would make other factors from the series make a bit more sense overall

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Narrators:
Elizabeth Louise 
His Tesoro by Emilia Rossi

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ
Intimacy Level: πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
Relationship Building: πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’
Heart & Feels:πŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’ž
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Page Turner Level:πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–
Ending:🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
His Tesoro is a very typical arranged marriage romance but has the best type of vibes and also implements aspects to a romance that really just works so well especially if you are looking for just a classic mafia romance to truly enjoy. I truly loved so much of this book and while it definitely wasn't perfect, it was just about right up until the third act conflict. But other than that this book would have been a five star for me. The writing is compelling, plenty of banter and laughs, characters that resonate and the best tropes that sucked me into this story.

First Line
The first gun shot rents the air, and the clock starts ticking.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Matteo
The Heroine: Sofiya

Summary
His Tesoro starts with Sofiya who has been hidden and kept away by her father because of her chronic illness that keeps her in a wheelchair much of the time but she can walk if needed. But to her family, she is a weakness. Matteo is protective of his sister and their family was betrayed when his uncle murdered his parents and it took some years before Matteo regained their family position and needs to control all factors. For him, marriage is just a political match to strengthen connections between mafia and crime families. What he doesn't expect was to have such a lovely and graceful wife who starts to tear down his walls he built around his heart. But will their marriage be broken when their trust is manipulated?

What I Loved
So there were so many aspects to this book that I actually enjoyed. The first is the characters for the most both. Both have such good personalities and they really fit together just right once they got over some of their early issues. The hero is all gruff and broody and the heroine deals with a chronic illness/disability but also has a sweet nature that is definitely more feminine and its definitely more essential for them to have this type of dynamic. But don't discount the heroine, because she has some badass strengths that come out when protecting those she loves the most. I actually really loved seeing such a soft character in a mafia romance because that isn't common like it used to be and I really resonated with her for the most part. I love how she could outshoot any man in her husband's circle but yet had such a kind heart. The hero was so adorbs. He is all alpha and possessive and so emotionally challenged, but seeing him go all soft and sweet and caretaking with our heroine was so endearing.

What I Struggled With
So this section will have SPOILERS--I am warning you all

So basically this book was perfect until we got to the third act conflict. While what Matteo does something wrong, I actually understood it. But he and Sofiya were both manipulated and abused by someone they trusted. Then we have the heroine *sigh* there are multiple issues with her character here. So first she decides to just abandon Matteo and their relationship and take a risk on a assassin, and I don't care that she is female, assassins you just don't go exploring with on some whim. And shameful on her bodyguard allowing it. Then she goes off to save her sister when she is pregnant! Like hello your baby doesn't matter at all? And there was a risk. And then acting like Matteo was the only one that made a mistake.

Overall View
His Tesoro is the first book in this series, and what a book that left an impact on me. I was so hooked all the way through and it really delivered on those romantic swoony moments that left me captivated despite the issues I had in the third act.

Favorite Quote(s)
β€œYou are my wife and I’m your husband. You’re in pain, so I’m going to fix it.”

I looked down at my beautiful wife. Her hair was braided in a crown around her head, and her eyes were bright and happy. Killing three men in our kitchen probably would make her unhappy.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance
Character Types: Mafia, Sweet and Feminine Heroine, Disability
Themes: Mutual Pining, Kick Ass, Praise Kink
Tropes: Arranged Marriage

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Blend

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Cora Reilly
Anna Zaires
Pam Godwin

Song This Book Inspires
Beautiful People by Ed Sheeran

Recommendation For Reading Order
Its a standalone, so you can read it on its own

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
 
Lifeblood by Amara Rae

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”πŸ“”
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:πŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ¦ΈπŸ»β€β™€οΈ
Intimacy Level: πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
Relationship Building: πŸ’’πŸ’’πŸ’’
Heart & Feels:πŸ’žπŸ’žπŸ’ž
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Page Turner Level:πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–πŸ“–
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Lifeblood is a book that I have seen quite a bit on Instagram and Booktube and I have become curious over these books and I do love some refreshing PNR tellings. Lifeblood and the series that its a part of, is a bit darker than what most are used to. This is also this author's first book so for a first book its not bad at all. I will say that the writing style is a bit different so I did have to be patient with it, and the writing does get better the more you read into the story. I will admit that the dynamics of the set up for this romance is what encouraged me to read it and I am glad that I did pick it up, because it was a edgy paranormal and very refreshing.

First Line
Drip. Drip. Drip

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Makhi
The Heroine: Colette

Summary
Lifeblood is a story that bring two enemies together in the most unexpected bond they never expected to have from each other. Colette is a healer but also has a dark curse power that she will avoid using at all costs. But she also isn't a fighter, she is a healer and can't cause harm to another. She has a more softer, feminine, submissive personality. When she is brutally kidnapped and she ends up being the pet for Makhi, who is a warlock mix and is his clan's torturer, he plans on playing with Colette, but what he doesn't plan on, is his pet being his fated mate. But a bond forms between them in the darkest moments between them....but can Makhi protect his mate from their enemies?

What I Loved
Lifeblood was a very intriguing read and I was really fascinated by the world building. I do wish that these books were in audio format though. I was fascinated by the mix of creatures that exist in this world that this author has created. One of my favorite things about this book was that the heroine was softer. That tends to not be common in PNR anymore, and I have really missed it. I related so well to her because you really see the type of inner strength and determination to overcome, that most kick ass heroines can only dream of having. Then we have our hero, and what a delicious anti hero this man was and I knew that no matter what he did, he wouldn't have to do a big grovel ....SCORE!!! I am kinda sick of overly done grovels.

I know some readers thought the hero went in and did some crazy stuff but to be honest, I am not sure what they are referring to because while he does some hurtful things, its really not as bad as I thought it would be lol but Dark romance readers will really enjoy how its implemented. I also really enjoyed those sweet endearing moments between these two. A heroine that forgives and doesn't hold it against the hero, she understands him and connects with him and I truly loved her loving nature. And I absolutely loved she her true strengths come out before the end there. Truly captivating!


What I Struggled With
The pacing of this book and the writing style was a true struggle. It felt like the author was trying to cram in too much in the story. I get its the first book so there is a lot of world building she had to do, it just needed to be more fleshed in naturally with the story. I am hoping book 2 is better to get into.

Overall View
Lifeblood is a captivating read that delves into dark desires, honesty of the heart and the endearing moments of a fated mate match so flawlessly!

Favorite Quote(s)
I was her sun now. She would burn so bright for me.

There was something to be said about silence. I never appreciated it before. Now, the quiet let our connection build and blanket us in relief. Our bodies shifted closer, seeking warmth and connection.

She said 'we say the worst things to people we love. They hurt us most, and we hurt them most, because we love them.

I grinned and shook my head. β€œI never thought I’d say this, but... I’m glad you captured me.” His arms flexed around me, keeping me safe in all ways. β€œI captured you as you captured me, my soul.”


Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Dark Romance, Paranormal Romance
Character Types: Anti Hero, Jerk Hero, Submissive/Feminine Heroine, Healer
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Psychic Abilities
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Fated Mates, Opposites Attract

Book Perspective
DUO POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Lexi C. Foss
Kresley Cole
Aja James

Song This Book Inspires
Through the Dark by Human

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.