Smoky Darling (Darling #1) by S.J Tilly

 

I fell in love with Beckett when I was 7. He broke my heart when I was 15. When I was 18, I promised myself I'd forget about him. And I did. For a dozen years. But now he's back home. Here. In Darling Lake. And I don't know if I should give in to the temptation swirling between us or run the other way. 

She had a crush on me when she was a kid. But she was my brother's best friend's little sister. I didn't see her like that. And even if I had, she was too young. Our age difference was too great. But now I'm back home. And she's here. And she's all the way grown up. It wouldn't have worked back then. But I'll be damned if I won't get a taste of her now. Smoky Darling by S.J. Tilly was published on January 2023. This is the first book in the Darling series. 

I found S.J. Tilly though another series and after that it's been history. I absolutely love the way she writes her books. I love that she gives a great story-line and also lots of fun pages sprinkled throughout. I love the backstory between the two characters and then fast forward to what was happening at the present. I didn't feel like their relationship was super fast because they have history. Even hinted at some history more then what was in the book. The characters both have faults but also strength which keeps each character balanced to seem real. They were both really easy to picture in my head. I really love a lot of scenes in this book and their banter back and forth. I highly recommend checking this book out. You won't be disappointed in S.J. Tilly books. 

Quotes That I Loved 

Elouise is hopping around, and her tits are bouncing, and I no longer care that there's a fire. What fire? Tits. All I see are tits. 

"Are you gonna be quiet for me? Or do I need to leave?"

"I'll be quiet..."

"No one else sees you....Not even a silhouette....And no one hears you....not a single sound.....not a single moan....not even the smallest groan...not a peep, Elouise. Behave this time, or I'll have to find another way to keep your mouth occupied." 

"If you know what's good for you, you're gonna shut your mouth and take your punishment like a good girl." 

Darling Series 

1. Smoky Darling

2. Latte Darling 

Tropes 

Age-Gap

Friends to Lovers

Brother's Best Friend

Small Town 

Shelter for Sophie (Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes #8) by Susan Stoker

 

She's shy, he's stoic...not the hardest personality traits to overcome, but Sophie Carson and Roman "Chief" Proudfit have their work cut out for them. Sophie has a crush on the silent-but-studly firefighter next door. She's been pining away silently while secretly helping the hardworking man by mowing his lawn-which he thinks is being done by her nonexistent husband and/or boyfriend. He's definitely not big on neighborly chitchat, but with her stutter, that suits Sophie just fine. But now a misunderstanding at a bar has put him even further out of her reach. Roman's difficult upbringing on an Indian reservation is a sore spot, so when he thinks Sophie is taking advantage of poor people for medical trails at her workplace, he lets her know exactly what he thinks. But when he discovers he misunderstood, he's man enough to admit it...and also that he should have opened his eyes to his beautiful sensitive neighbor sooner. Shelter for Sophie by Susan Stoker was published in August 2017. This is book eight of the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series. 

This is one of my favorite authors so bare with me when you see a lot of her work. Her books are not filled with smut as so much but they have amazing plots. Also the love stories are amazing and sweet. I loved this book so much. I love how sweet Sophie is to people who are homeless. Also love how she knows how hard Chief works and tries to help in the little things. I love how she accepts him and his beliefs throughout the book. I love how they treat others. The characters both have faults and you see their strengths through the book. I love that Susan Stoker works really hard to make sure that the faults of the main characters stand out. It helps in making them feel real and not overly perfect. The romance is strong in this book and the smut is tame then some of the books I have read from this author. All in all it's a sweet book to read when you need a book between Dark Romance. 

Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series 

1. Justice for Mackenzie

2. Justice for Mickie 

3. Justice for Corrie

4. Justice for Laine

5. Shelter for Elizabeth 

6. Justice for Boone 

7. Shelter for Adeline 

8. Shelter for Sophie 

9. Justice for Erin

10. Justice for Milena

11. Shelter for Blythe 

12. Justice for Hope

13. Shelter for Quinn

14. Shelter for Koren

15. Shelter for Penelope

Tropes 

Men in Uniform - Firefighter

Friends to Lover

Small Town

Malevolent (Deviants of Onyx Grove #1) by Lainey Delaroque

 

"You'll be Onyx Grove's savior, just like your parents." But my parents died under suspicious circumstances, and I was shipped off to another state. It took me 13 years to return, but now I'm back in Onyx Grove - the crime-ridden city I once called home. Generations ago, everything belonged to my family. Now, the Warricks reign instead. Families have been replaced by gangs, and businesses, by profitable illegal ventures. To claim my birthright, I go undercover in one of their companies as a secretary. A timid little mouse with three targets. Malevolent by Lainey Delaroque was published on March 2024. This is the first book of the Deviants of Onyx Grove series. 

This book will have you thrown for a loop from the get go. You follow Jade through the book and fall in love with her spirit. You know that not everything is as they seem from the get go. But, the author still throws in multiple other loops that through you off so much. Also so many stalkers following each other. You won't know who is the bad guy in this book at all. I am sure there is multiple bad guys. I loved the characters in this book. They all had major faults from the get go but also have different strengths. It was not like the siblings in this book or other characters are carbon copy of each other. (I have seen that happen with personalities). I felt like each character could be an actual person in real life. It helps in making them feel like I know them. The smut and kinks in this book are so well written I sometimes i had to remind myself that I am reading a book of fiction people not a nonfiction. I loved this book and can not wait to read the next book in the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Don't apologize.....Remorse on beautiful lips like yours? I don't like it."

"That would sound sleazy if it wasn't coming from you....I mean it."

"You can beg me for forgiveness, but don't say you're sorry." 

"Okay. For tonight only, I will let your attitude slide....Next time, you will do as I say. And after that, you will let me pull your pretty little strings. And if you keep being a good girl, you will have the time of your life." 

"Would you run if I told you I want to see you bleed?" 

Deviants of Onyx Grove Series

1. Malevolent 

Tropes

Dark Romance 

MMF 

Crime Family

Stalker 

Why Choose

Revenge

Dirty Score (Hawkeyes Hockey #5) by Kenna King

 

The puck bunnies might all be swooning over the new tatted-up player sitting on the home bench, but she won't be fooled. He's a wolf, disguised in a Hawkeyes jersey. Penelope has never shared the heart-wrenching details of her and Slade's past with anyone, let alone her dad, but Slade's sudden appearance threatens to unravel her carefully guarded disdain. Slade Matthews, her father's protege and her college bully are one and the same. She thought she'd never have to see him again, but with a new opening on the team and time of the essence to fill it, Slade gets his chance to move up. Now she has to hide her six-year-long-grudge against the charismatic player who won't stop trying to win her over as he forgot what he did to her all those years ago. Dirty Score by Kenna King was published March 2024. This is book five of the Hawkeyes Hockey series. 

I was given this book for my honest review. I really wanted to like this book but I felt like the characters did not draw me in. I didn't love them at all so it was hard to finish the book. The story-line is cute and could really be an amazing book if some of the errors and the story-line flowed a little better. I wanted to see Penelope to have her grudge last longer and show up but it barely was even simmering. I wanted to see Slade try hard to be able to get Penelope to fall in love with him again. Also...Penelope's father had no clue why his daughter was not liking him. But yet he just forgave Slade quickly. All in all it was a decent read but not a book that I would read over and over again. 

Quotes That I Loved 

I hope she rips his heart into a million pieces and then skates over them with razor-sharp ice skates for poetic justice. 

And...does Slade Matthews have a nipple ring? 

"Are you on birth control?"

"Yes, but it won't be necessary because you won't be coming."

"Is this your way of punishing me?"

"Maybe."

"And after this...am I forgiven?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"You're going to torture me before you forgive me, aren't you?" 

Hawkeyes Hockey Series

1. Cocky Score

2. Filthy Score

3. Brutal Score

4. Rough Score

5. Dirty Score 

6. Lucky Score

7. Tough Score

8. Wrong Score 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Hockey

Enemies to Lovers

Second Chance 

He falls first 

The Naughty List by Jade West

Ella, a desperate, newly single goth girl with a mountain of debt, would do anything to see her parents this Christmas...the problem is, her parents live on the other side of the world. So, when she's granted access to The Naughty List - marketplace for dirty proposals from rich strangers - she opts to take everything and anything she can get. She thinks she's a good player, getting five-star reviews like a good girl and climbing the ranks - until she stumbles onto The Naughty List's most daring group of all...The Hardcorers. Players who will fulfill any proposal clients ask them to, just so long as the price is right. Can Ella be one? Can she really climb The Naughty List right the way to the top of the tree? The idea gets even more thrilling when she meets Weston...the hottest Hardcorers of them all. The Naughty List by Jade West was published in December 2023. 

This book threw me for a huge loop while I read it. I was on my seat with each time as she went to a new client. Always throughout the book. While the character grew and changed throughout the bys wondering what was the next client was going to request of her to do. Some of the client's scenes were a little intense in not my style of kink at all. Also some of it kind of grossed me out. But I learned a lot about myself as I read this book. This book is not for the starting out reading romance book at all. This book is intense and filled with spicy scenes that make you question yourself multiple times. This book is filled with a lot of characters that you might think you need to keep track of but then they are nothing later on. Ella is really the only character that you need to keep track and follow I still felt like her character didn't have much personality outside the realm of being a escort. It was hard to stay with Ella because I just couldn't picture her as much in life. But I think part of it was because she was two different personalities in the book. If you need a lot of spice in your life check out this unique book. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"I like to dominate cute goth girls like you. I like to treat entertainers like the sluts and whores I'm paying you to be. I want to make you gag on my cock and stretch you with toys until your pussy is used up and dripping, juicy. I want anal play, deep and hard, and I want to slap your ass while I'm doing it. Another thing, high on my list, is that I want to punish those lovely big tits of yours. And all the while, I want you to be a good little girl and call me Sir." 

"Good girl, Holly. That's it. I know Daddy's the one you want. Nobody else will ever touch you like this." 

"That's a good, sweetheart...suck Daddy's cock as hard as you can." 

Tropes 

Holiday Romance 

BDSM

MMF

Sex Worker 

 

Luca ( A Dark Hearts Stand-Alone Novel #1) by Nikki J. Summers

 

Anyone else struggling in April and May with a million things happening. No...well that is what is happening to me these past few months. I have four kiddos ranging from 13 to 5. Two of the kids had birthdays in April (still need to plan their parties). My oldest is in three choirs and was in a musical at hers school (which performed in April) and the choir concerts were split between the two months. Then my younger two kiddos are in soccer (which sucks your life out). Not only that but I have my brand new niece who hangs out with me while mom and dad work. Whew...it's a lot and not lot of time to write a book review down. I have lots on their way...I haven't stopped reading. 

What you're about to read is my story, my truth. A truth that spans over twenty years of a love for two brothers. A love that was cruel, sometimes harsh and raw, but for me, always honest and true. A best friend to one, but to the other, so much more. Ours was a love that defied all reason. It pushed us to our limits. It was never easy, but nothing worth having ever is; and Luca Marquez is so worth having. He's mine, he always has been and no one will take him away from me. Luca by Nikki J. Summers was published December 2018. 

I really really wanted to fall in love with this book. But, it was really hard to get into this story. The characters were hard to love. I felt like I needed to know more about each of them. I had a hard time getting into this plot. Usually books take me 1 to 3 days tops. But this book lasted me a couple of weeks. I liked pieces of the book when you see more personality from the two main characters but it was not through the whole book. I felt like each scene didn't flow right into the next. Also some of the scenes were hard to imagine that you come out in the end clean. But, like always just because it was my ick doesn't mean it's not your yum. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"I hope we can catch up when all this is over. I've missed you, little sis. I really have." 

"You thought it was a good idea to play cards with a card sharp, whilst you waited for me to get home? And Strip poker at that? Seriously, it took you guys to get down to your underwear to figure out she's a cheat?" 

"Stay in your room then..." 

"Yeah, great idea. How about you get the handcuffs out and chain me up whilst you're at it." 

"Kinky..."

"Don't fucking tempt me." 

Series in Order 

1. Luca 

2. This Cruel Love 

3. Hurt to Love

Tropes

Dark Romance

Childhood Friends 

Mafia 

Billionaire Romance 

Get a Room by Casey Dembowski

 

Brian Hawkins has had the worst year. He watched his girlfriend marry another man, lost his job and his apartment, and, after a summer under his parents' roof, has taken refuge with his younger sister. A quiet few months in Philadelphia is just what he needs to clear his head and get back on his feet. But he's barely unpacked before the bane of his existence, his sister's best friend shows up. His planned solitude is replaced by pop songs, rom-coms, and bright pink hair. Which would be fine, except there's only one extra bed, and there's no way he's sharing it with her. Get a Room by Casey Dembowski was published July 2023. 

I don't know how many times I was laughing at the silly antics of Brian and Sarah. Doesn't help that my best friend name is Sarah. I loved the two main characters in this book. They both had a lot of personality both things that make you wonder what the heck they are doing to OMG they are so cute. They both grew into an actual adult in this book with ways to handle situations. I absolutely loved how they were taking care of each other without saying that there might be something going on. I could totally see Brian and Sarah being people that I would hang out. The plot in this story is perfect and I was just waiting for something to happen to their little bubble. Didn't know whether it was going to be Brian getting a job out of the city or if Brian sister was going to find out that the two of them were hooking up. But this book did not disappoint me at all. It's the perfect Rom-Com with the humor throughout the book. You see minor action going on between the two. It really read like a chick flick that you would find for all ages to watch. Minor hints that things were happening between closed doors and minor petting. But it didn't take away from the story at all. I highly recommend this light story. 

Quotes that I Liked 

"You're beautiful...I've wanted to since you fell into my lap...How could I not?" 

"You can have the bed back."

"What?"

"It's your room. She was always saving it for you." 

"Why are you walking around like an ad for Old Spice?" 

Tropes

Rom-Com

Best Friend's Brother

Enemy to Lovers

Forced Proximity 

Fake Dating

Forbidden Romance

The Wrong Bride (The Windsors #1) by Catharina Maura

 

She's his fiancee's younger sister. He's the man she's always loved. When her sister doesn't show up on her wedding day, Raven has no choice but to take her place - but marriage to Ares Windsor is nothing short of torture. The elusive billionaire media mongul is the man she's always loved...yet he's only ever had eyes for her sister. Married to him at last, Raven is determined to win him over. After all, everything is fair in love and war. And this? This is war. The Wrong Bride by Catharina Maura was published October 2022. This is book one of The Windsors series. 

I really struggled with this book, but I did not dnf it. The characters were interesting to me but I felt like both of the characters felt flat. I didn't love either one of them with how they were treating others and especially how Ares was treating Raven throughout the book. I wanted to hug that poor girl through most of the book. She really drew the short end of the stick from everything that was happening. The plot was interesting but I felt like there was so much going in this book it was hard to keep track of what was going on. I felt like some of the story could have happened in another book. I did not see much love Ares had for Raven so it was hard to see how they were going to be in love. Though, I could see Raven being in love with him. It's a book that left me with more questions then there were answers. But, please don't take my word for it you may have a different experience all together. 

Quotes That I Liked 

"What?....Can't stand the idea of Raven being with anyone else? I thought you didn't want her as your wife?" 

"Fuck off" 

"Why can't I ever be anyone's priority? What makes me so undeserving of that? Why can I never measure up against Hannah in my parents' eyes? In Ares's eyes? What is it that she's got and I'll never have? Why is my best never enough..." 

"Good girl..." 

"Let go of my wife..." 

"Let's normalize walking away from toxic situations. You don't have to stick it out when your mental health is taking a beating, just because that's what everyone expects of you. It's okay to reassess and decide whether or not a situation is still acceptable to you." 

The Windsors Series

1. The Wrong Bride

2. The Temporary Wife

3. The Unwanted Marriage

4. The Broken Vows 

5. The Secret Fiancee 

6. Unnamed (July 26th, 2024)

Tropes

Forbidden Love

Friends to lovers

Marriage of Convenience

Billionaire

Age-Gap

Best Friend's brother 

Slow Burn 

King of Greed (Kings of Sin #3) by Ana Huang

 

Powerful, brilliant, and ambitious, Dominic Davenport clawed his way up from nothing to become the King of Wall Street. He has everything - a beautiful home, a beautiful wife, and more money than he could spend in a lifetime. But no matter how much he accumulates, he's never satisfied. In his endless quest for more, he drives away the only person who saw him as enough. It isn't until she's gone that he realizes there may be more to life than riches and glory...but by then, it may be too late. King of Greed by Ana Huang was published in October 2023. This is book three of the Kings of Sin series. 

This is such a huge change to most romantic books that I have read. I actually was not sure that I would even like it. But I liked a lot of other books by Ana Huang so I thought I would give it ago. Plus, I really like when I see characters that I fell in love with in different books. This book starts off with the two main characters married. They were already in love with each other. But you would remember from the other books that Alessandra Davenport doesn't look happy when she is spotted. The ladies always comment on how sad she looks in the book. Anyways, let's talk about the characters in this book. I really wanted to smack or punch, maim, or kill Dominic. He had this amazing women at home and yet he was a workaholic. This lady wanted kids, she wanted a life with her husband. She did not care for the money that he was always pushing to have. But, the author found ways to make his addiction to work and money make sense with the way he grew up. Also she did over time in the book make me fall in love with Dominic once he realized who he was pushing away. Alessandra, I thought would be the stick in the mud rich lady. But she wasn't at all. She had this amazing view on life and was trying to find out who she is. Also she was making some incredible friends who were helping her along the way. I want to become like her when I get old. Though she might be younger then me. I fell in love with her and her drive. The plot in this story is so perfect and it really shows what is important and that is the love of others. I highly recommend checking out this story. 

Quotes That I Liked 

"I don't have the money to buy you all the flowers you deserve yet...so I made them instead." 

"I'm asking you one last time....Where is my wife?" 

"It didn't sound like a mistake when you were screaming my name and begging me to let you come." 

"I would destroy the world if it would please you. I would ruin every man who thought he could have you." 

"Fuck me like you mean that, Dom."

"What makes you think I don't?"

"Our divorce papers." 

Kings of Sin series

1. King of Wrath

2. King of Pride

3. King of Greed

4. King of Sloth (April 30th, 2024) 

5. King of Envy (TBA)

6. King of Gluttony (TBA)

7. King of Lust (TBA) 

Tropes

Second Chance

Billionaire

Marriage

King of Pride (Kings of Sin #2) by Ana Huang

 

She's his opposite in every way...and the greatest temptation he's ever known. Reserved, controlled, and proper to a fault, Kai Young has neither the time nor inclination for chaos - and Isabella, with her purple hair and inappropriate jokes, is chaos personified. With a crucial CEO vote looming and media empire at stake, the billionaire heir can't afford the distraction she brings. Isabella is everything she shouldn't want, but with every look and every touch, he's tempted to break all his rules...and claim her as his own. King of Pride by Ana Huang was published in April 2023. This is the second book in King of Sins series. This book was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance in 2023. 

I think I fell in love with Kai in the first book of this series. Kai is one of those guys you know is goofy at times but also can be super serious. In this book you also see his fun sexual side as well. I love his personality in this book and you see a lot of it through his view and also Isabella's view of him. Isabella is such a quirky girl that I absolutely want to be my best friend. She has a lot of secrets in this book and a lot of pressure from her family (especially her brother). But, I knew that there was more to Isabella then having a rich brother. She shows sides of her that keep you guessing but you get hints along the way what her secret is. I totally saw the two of them coming together in a relationship. Their personalities just mesh in an uncomplicated way. Also when they do get together it's steamy that you might need to take a breather. I absolutely loved this book and could not wait to read the next book in the series. Ana Huang has a way with words and of course a way to write the dirty side of romance books perfect. I will forever be reading her works of arts as they are masterpieces. 

Quotes That I Liked 

For all the girls who think smart is sexy. (And who know the quiet ones are the freakiest.) 

"So you didn't use the glow-in-the-dark condoms I gave you?" 

"You said you finally consulted a doctor about a sense of humor implant. It's experimental technology, but the situation is dire." 

"Friends don't let friends answer the door with phallic accessories. Don't come running to me if your husband keels over from cardiac shock." 

"That's it, love.....Be a good girl and come for me." 

Kings of Sin Series

1. King of Wrath

2. King of Pride

3. King of Greed

4. King of Sloth (April 30th, 2024)

5. King of Envy (TBA)

6. King of Gluttony (TBA)

7. King of Lust (TBA) 

Tropes 

Billionaire 

Friends to Lovers

Forbidden

Grumpy-Sunshine

The Hero (Game of Chance #3) by Susan Stoker

 

Any solider who gets out of the service with his life should be happy to leave danger behind. Though his army brothers are content running their new business in Maine, Kendric "Bob" Evans isn't ready to give up the fight. He's been supplementing his hours with covert rescue missions organized by the FBI. But his latest charge may be more than he bargained for. Marlowe Kennedy is on a routine archaeology dig in Thailand when she's arrested for drug trafficking. She has suspicious about the true culprit, but even when she's rescued from prison, there's nothing she can do about it without proof. Her protective bodyguard's only objective is to keep her safe until they cross the border into friendly territory. The best way to do that? Travel as man and wife. The Hero by Susan Stoker was published March 2024. This is the third book in the Game of Chance series. 

I  love reading books written by Susan Stoker. Her creative mind is something I would love to be able to go deep within to see how she creates everything. Let's first talk about the characters. I absolutely loved Kendric in this book. You got glimpse of him in the previous two books and how he interacted with his friends and their girlfriends. But, didn't really know him and his back history until this book. While you do learn more about Kendric I felt like I needed more. Why didn't he get know his parents more. What made him get into the military. Did he always have the drive to rescue people? I still loved him and how he treated Marlow. He's got the cinnamon roll type feel to him. I had a hard time connecting to Marlow in this book. I wanted to know more of her personality but I felt like he hid a lot of her personality through the book. Not sure if it's because she trained herself while in prison to keep it hidden to stay safe or if it's something else in her past. I loved the two characters together and felt like I could see their relationship develop as they were trying to get out of the country. I also love how they switched places and Marlow became the hero in parts of the book. The story-line in this book is great and it follows a lot of the other military romance books that I have read. But it always works with them and don't change something if it works. Though Susan Stoker knows how to change the plot and story-line a little bit to make each one different. I highly recommend checking out this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

Quotes That I Liked 

"For doing what? Having an ID for me? Distracting the cops so they wouldn't look at my prision-issue shoes? Giving me a kiss that curled my toes and made me forget for just a moment that my life has gone to shit? Yeah, Kendric. I forgive you." 

...Because in that second, he knew. This women was his. His. 

He was in big trouble. This women had him wrapped around her little finger after a total of a few hours....and she had no clue. 

"Marry now..."

"What?"

"Mary now. Here. Then can stay in safe place under floor. Together. Even if the police search, they will no find you. I can make arrangements. Now."

"You're right. If it means we can stay together, stay safe, and you can have that shower I know you want so badly, we'll do it. But I'll be damned if I cheat you out of this.....Marlowe Kennedy....will you marry me?" 

"You really think I'd let you give yourself up so I can get away? I've never been that guy, and I never will be. You're under my protection, Marlowe. Hell, you're my wife, and I'm going to protect you with my last breath if need be. You will get back home." 

Game of Chance series 

1. The Protector

2. The Royal

3. The Hero

4. The Lumberjack (July 30th, 2024) 

Tropes 

Men in Uniform - Military

Forced Proximity

Marriage Convenience

Bodyguard 

Risky Attraction (Wolf Security #1) by Kendall Talbot

 

Two grieving strangers are thrust into a deadly chase, now both their hearts and lives at risk. Ryder Westwood is still reeling from the revelation that the love of his life had lied to him before her shocking death. Now all he craves is solitude. But when the grumpy Border Force Captain rushes to rescue a yacht that's sinking after colliding with a mysterious object, his pain and anger are tested by Piper Harrison, the yacht's feisty skipper. Piper, a single mom and grieving widow, was sailing around Australia with her rebellious teenager. But as their yacht vanishes beneath the waves, a gruesome discovery catapults them into the crosshairs of a sinister underworld. When Piper's daughter is kidnapped, Piper and Ryder are drawn into a whirlwind of desire and danger. Bullets fly, and with the body count rising, they enlist the help of the Alpha Tactical Ops heroes to rescue Piper's daughter from ruthless enemies. Will they save all that Piper has left? Risky Attraction by Kendall Talbot was published March 2024. This is book one of the Wolf Security series. 

This was another advance read book that I was given for my honest review. I enjoy military type romance books even though a lot of them have the same kind of story-line. So I was so grateful to get the opportunity to read this book. It took me a long time to realize that this book was based out of Australia so I was slightly confused at first of the book. I really loved the two main characters in this book. I felt like both characters had some history that made each of them who they are. Though, I thought it was interesting that they both had their first love (high school sweetheart) die before the book started. Though, it worked as they had similar ground to connect with. I fell in love with the snotty nose teenager that Piper was raising. This girl made me chuckle so much but I was also interesting to see her pain of losing her father. Though, I did want to smack her a few times for how she was treating her mom (I have a preteen daughter so I get the frustration). I loved Ryder, but I wanted to see more personality out of him. Like why didn't he try to step in to help Piper with her daughter's attitude more. I felt like the book was rushed in a way. That the two main characters fell in love quickly, I am not sure if  it's because in the end it skips ahead by months or not. I also was bummed that there is no final of who was the cause of the shipping container. Who is B......it's going to drive me nuts. I am just hoping that the next book in the series more mysterious come out. The smut in this book is very little but it didn't take away from the romance in this book. It's pretty clean book. So if you are looking for smut...this might not be a book for you. I highly recommend checking out this book though. I can't wait to read book two. 

Wolf Security series 

1. Risky Attraction 

2. Risky Desires (June 28, 2024) 

Tropes

Men in Uniform -Border Force 

Grumpy/Sunshine

Single Parent 

The Boss on the Brain (New York Office Billionaires #1) by Meg Garnet

 

The arrogant man I gave my V-card to years ago, only to get dumped, is my new billionaire boss. When I run into Desmond McKinley ten years after high-school, he's a billionaire while I'm struggling small business owner. He controls the country's largest luxury hotel company, but I still hated him for breaking my teenage heart in the worst possible way. I never want to see the infuriating man again. But who's the billionaire saving my falling business? My first love. As per the contract, I'm forced to work with Desmond. Resisting his charms and the way  he fills out his bespoke suits. I try to not get distracted by his commanding gaze in meetings or think about how frustratingly single he is. As my boss, he's strictly off-limits, especially if one powerful glance from him reminds me of the bed we once shared. Forbidden or not, Desmond seems determined to rekindle what we had. I'm not ready to trust him again. But one steamy incident in the office convinces me to forget my fears for awhile. I give in, and our time in bed is hotter than before. It's just physical...Just because he's back, I'd never fall for the man who shouldn't be given a second chance. The man I spent years getting over...until it's too late. The Boss on the Brain by Meg Garnet was published on February 2024. This is the first book in the series of New York Office Billionaire series. 

I was given this book for my honest review. I really enjoyed the story-line of this story. I love how they run into each other again outside when she starts working for him. I do wish that they had some of the flashbacks of when they were teens. I wanted to see how the two of them meant in high school and came to be back then. As those moments in the past are just as important as their moments in the book at current. So it was hard to see the two of them fall in love in the current book or their love further become deeper. I also wanted to see more personality from the two of them by themselves and together. We saw why Desmond was very on edge with his family's health through the book. But I needed more from her. I did enjoy the book and the witty comments that came back from both characters. I felt like I could get to know these characters but they were not my friend yet. I love to get to become friends with the main characters in the book. It makes me want to read more and possibly reread a book. The smut scenes are mild spicy but not bam...in your face. No loud declaration of love from either of them. It's a sweet book and one that I recommend checking out for sure. 

Quotes that I Liked 

"How would you rate the French fries at this fine establishment on the scale of yikes, I should've gone to McDonald's instead to ooh, I'd kill my date just to be able to eat his share?" 

"If you're the psychotic one, then your ex is the devil incarnate." 

"Taking care of others, Ava? When was the last time someone took care of you?"

"I've wanted to hold you again forever, Ava...To kiss you again...to touch you again." 

New York Office Billionaires

1. The Boss on the Brain 

Tropes

Second Chance 

Billionaire

Boss/Employee 

Letting It Ride (Betting on Love #2) by Kate Campfield

 

After my last break up, I know better than to gamble on love. And going after my best friend's younger sister is a sure way to lose it all. At thirty-four, I should be focused on buying my first house and funding my 401k- not dragging my best friend on a cruise to escape reality. But after a brutal breakup, this vacation is the only bright spot on my otherwise crappy life. Not on my cruise itinerary? My best friend's sister showing up...or gambling my heart with her in the worst rebound fling decision of my life. Letting it Ride by Kate Campfield. This book is book 2 in the Betting on Love series. 

Let me talk about the positives of this book. I really enjoyed the plot line of this story. I felt like the story flowed really well. That things progressed really well throughout the story. I felt like I could see how the two of them could fall in love on the boat and how things progressed from there. The thing that I had trouble with this book was that I couldn't get into the characters. I felt like there was so much that I needed to know about the characters. They felt very flat and one to me. I didn't love them at all and could not see how each of them could love the other. I needed more from the characters, more passion, more anger, sadness, enjoyment. I needed more and perhaps if I read book one first I may have known more about the characters but I am guessing not. While I didn't get into the story because of the characters doesn't mean that you won't. Check out this pretty good story. 

Quotes That I Liked

"Don't say the f word."

"How the fuck old do you think I am, Cam? I'm a fucking adult. I'll say fuck whenever the fuck I fucking feel like it. And fuck whoever I fucking want to." 

"I want to stare at the gorgeous ass while I'm deep inside you."

"Get on the bed, Addie. If I come, it's going to be inside you."

"I fucking love you too, my little hurricane." 

Betting on Love Series

1. Going All In 

2. Letting it Ride 

Tropes

Brother's Best Friend 

Forced Proximity

Forbidden Romance

Rom Com

The Grumpy One by Leslie North

 

Cleaning floors in Branson Couture was never part of my career plans. Neither was almost decapitating the CEO with a mop. Of course, I didn't know he was the CEO - my mind only registered "intruder" and "hot". Maybe not in that order. Meet James Branson: infuriatingly hot, obscenely wealthy, and as charming as a door slammed in your face. He's the king of high fashion. And, apparently, of ruining my day. The thing is, he wants to do more than just ruin my day. In my hasty retreat from the mop-attack I left my design journal behind. James discovers my designs and offers me truly insane money to work beside him. The Grumpy One by Leslie North was published February 2024. 

So, I received this story for my honest review. I would have been able to publish this earlier but my mom actually went into the hospital. With my kids activities and taking care of my mom I was stretched thin so didn't get a lot of reading or posting reviews of some of the books that I was able to read. So thanks for baring with me for awhile while I get back into my groove. Okay...back to the review. 

I loved the concept of this book. It had the parts of a Rom-com to the T. It had a lot of humor like the first scene with the mop attacking the CEO to her showing her boobs in the elevator to the CEO. It had lots of scenes that I was chuckling and then had to explain to my husband what I was laughing about. Though there were parts where I was like where is the grumpy boss and who is suppose to be grumpy. I didn't see anyone grumpy in the book maybe a little upset at certain events that were happening but grumpy nope. I also thought when Natalie went against James wishes in the book he would have a worse reaction to it then just brush it off and move on. I wanted more action between the two of them. I wanted to see James tip the scale to being angry. Both characters were flat. We did see some back story of James with his brother but nothing really happening with both characters. I didn't see much of who they are and what makes them tick. It was just a lot of scene hoping. I did see some chemistry between the two main characters but just a little. I would have loved to seen more. Little to no smut was in the book and it wasn't steamy that made me want to fan off the heat. It was a great book and I will read more from the author. 

Quotes That I Liked 

"You looked at me like I was the last slice of bacon at an all-you-can-eat buffet!" 

"There's nothing I hate more than men in positions of authority taking advantage of their power. I'm sure he thinks he can intimidate you into going out with him. I'd be happy to help you prove him wrong by squashing this bug of a human."

"How are you wet already?....Because I've wanted you all day. I can't stop thinking about fucking you." 

"Is that a fact? And what would we do in that pool house?" 

"Dirty things. Depraved things. I'll strip you naked and worship your entire body with my tongue. I'll make you come half a dozen times before I let my dick get anywhere near you. I'll tease you until you're begging for my cock. Then I'll fuck you from behind, because I know you come fast when we do it that way." 

Tropes 

Billionaire 

Boss/employee

Enemies to Lovers

RomCom 

Grump / Sunshine 

King of Wrath (Kings of Sin #1) by Ana Huang

Ruthless. Meticulous. Arrogant. Dante Russo thrives on control, both personally and professionally. The billionaire CEO never planned to marry - until the threat of blackmail forces him into an engagement with a woman he barely knows. Vivian Lau, jewelry heiress and daughter of his newest enemy. It doesn't matter how beautiful or charming she is. He'll do everything in his power to destroy the evidence and their betrothal. There's only one problem: now that he has her...he can't bring himself to let her go. King of Wrath by Ana Huang was published in October 2022. This is the first book of the Kings of Sin series. 

This book I felt like started slow to build up but quickly picked up. I felt like the build up the whole series was put into this book. At first I didn't like Vivian and the way she treated other people until I met her parents. Then I realized why Vivian was the way she was. But also I felt like there were things missing in the book. Like why was Dante at the event that Vivian put on in New York when he doesn't go to events. I think he was watching her at the event. I absolutely loved Dante in this book. I loved his power in the way he did everything. I also love how he fought his feelings for Vivian. Though I think a lot of their problems is lack of communications. I felt like both characters were a little flat in the beginning but the farther I progressed in the book the more rounded they were. I didn't feel like this book had a ton of smut and less story-line but it had a good amount that didn't over top the story plot lines. There was a healthy balance in this book. Also the conversations in this book didn't feel forced and they talked like normal people which is a huge plus. I highly recommend checking out this book if you have not yet. 

Quotes That I liked

One, Dante was going to be my fiancé. Two, we might kill each other before we ever made it to the alter. 

"You forget....You're my fiancee. Not Kai's. Not anyone else's. I don't give a fuck how handsome they are or what type of accent they have. You're mine, and no one....Touches what's mine." 

"If you won't say it, I will....it says you're mine. Puoi negarlo quanto vuoi, ma e la verita."

"You don't even like me."

"Like has nothing to do with this....That's it....Give into it, sweetheart. Let me feel you come all over my hand."

"Fuck you."

"That's the idea."

"The first hour was for trying to rob one of my stores. The second...is for threatening my wife." 

"That's a good girl." 

Kings of Sin Series 

1. King of Wrath

2. King of Pride

3. King of Greed

4. King of Sloth (April 30th, 2024)

5. King of Envy (TBA)

6. King of Gluttony (TBA)

7. King of Lust (TBA) 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Enemies to Lovers

Blackmail 

Arrange Marriage

Age-Gap

Grumpy Sunshine

Billionaire

Forced Proximity

Marriage of Convenience

Slow Burn