Hunted (SEAL Endgame #1) by Leslie North

 

Former Navy SEAL Clint Backwater just wants to keep his head down and mind his business. So when a beautiful, young mother arrives at his gun range desperate to buy a weapon, he knows he has a problem. No way he can sell a gun to someone as frantic as Leila Ortiz. But he feels driven to protect the terrified woman and her child, at all cost. With her abusive ex-husband released from prison, Leila will do whatever it takes to keep her baby safe. She wants a gun, not a protector. But when Leila wants and what she needs are two different things. And it isn't long before she finds herself falling for the honorable former SEAL...And falling hard. Hunted by Leslie North was published in September 2019. This is the first book in SEAL Endgame series. 

This book was a pleasant surprise. I have read a lot of military romance theme books and some of the books can feel repetitive. This one had it's own idea that I haven't seen yet in the books that I have read in the past. The two characters Clint Backwater and Leila Ortiz are a little flat with I wanted more personality but it was easy to over look especially as the book went I felt like they needed some umph in their personality. Also thought that Clint would be more freaking out about the mess in his house after he said he liked to keep his place clean. Also thought that Leila might chew his head off if he made any comments about it. It was a little too soft on that aspect. Though, I really enjoyed the plot in this story. I thought it flowed really well and there was no long slow parts that were hard to trudge through which is a huge plus. The smut isn't very spark inducing which is normal for a lot of military books I have read. Though, I wish there were more. Also I wanted to see more interaction between Clint and Thomas (Leila's little boy). All all its a wonderful book and can't wait to read book 2. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"The way you let your fear override the joy in your life. You keep your head down and your heart locked away, thinking that's the best way to keep it safe, but in reality, all it does is make you sad, lonely, miserable man when you could have so much more." 

"She's not your wife. And maybe if you treated her like the queen she is when you had the chance, she never would've left you. How about we settle this man to man? Or are you going to hide behind the women." 

SEAL Endgame series 

1. Hunted 

2. Guarding His Pretend Wife

3. Guarding His Unexpected Twins 

Tropes

Men in Uniform - Military

Single Parent 

Fake Fiancée of a Billionaire by Noelle Stone

 

I left Maple Fall to succeed as an event planner in New York City. I met Ava, the high priestess of the scene, who challenged me to open a successful business in my hometown in six months or work for her. In Maple Falls, I ran into Liam, the billionaire, and introduced my business. He suggested a fake engagement for family expectations and high-profile connections. Fake Fiancée of a Billionaire by Noelle Stone was published in January 2024. 

I received this book for my honest review. Since I am being honest I need to admit that I came so close many times on dnf this book. I had to tell a few friends some of my issues while I read who also were nice enough to keep pushing me to finish the book. But first let's talk about things that I did enjoy of this book. I really enjoyed the idea of this book. I have read a lot of fake fiancée or fake dating a billionaire type books. But this story has a different take on it which worked really well. It gave the book it's own style which I enjoyed. The reasons that I almost dnf this book are a lot. The one big one is I needed more personality of the two main characters. I felt both of the characters lacked in personalities and I couldn't see how they had any form of relationship with each other. The humor in this book fell flat if they were trying to be a Rom Com. Also the dialogue between characters did not flow well at all. I tried reading the dialogue pieces out loud and had a hard time picturing actual people using it. I think part of that issue was the fact that there was massive huge words throughout the book. There were other issues in this book but those would have been easier to overlook if the other issues I have posted would be fixed. But, if those things don't bother you feel free to check out this book. 

Quotes That I Liked

"And say what? Hi, Mr. Harrington, sorry for accidentally sending you a voicemail of me masturbating? Please forget my voice saying your name in ways no professional contact ever should?"

"Liam, that's insane. We're neck-deep in this crazy scheme, and now you want to add playing house into the mix?" 

"Fuck yeah....Just like that."

"Come for me...right now." 

"Sounds like someone's catching feelings in her own love story."

"You feel like heaven."

"There's not a damn thing sexier than watching you come." 

Tropes

Billionaire

Fake Fiancée

Slow Burn 

Rom Com 

 

For you, Anything by Elizabeth SaFleur

 

Rayen came to Washington, D.C. to do great things. Not fall for a womanizing billionaire real estate developer. Budding personal chef Rayen is quickly learning several things about this town. No one cooks here. Running a business is hard. And her bachelor clients are hopeless around women. Like billionaire real estate developer Knox Michaelson. Sure, he's gorgeous, wealthy and charming - sometimes. But he's clueless about the opposite sex. Rayen tells him, too. Which is why when he offers to help her with her business in exchange for tips on women, she's shocked but can't say no. She needs the help, and the "let me show you my penthouse view" player needs education. But an inconvenient heat quickly forms between them, and Rayen finds herself not only taking in his, ahem, view but falling for the man who's completely wrong for her. For you, Anything by Elizabeth SaFleur was published in January 2024. 

I needed to take a break from all the dark romances and check out a rom com. So let's talk about the two characters in this book first. So Rayen is a chief who just moved to be close with her big sister in D.C., amazing and she's a great chief at least the food that she talks about sounds really good and she has her knowledge about food. But, I want to know more about why did she move there. What happened to get her to move other then start a business. Did she have a bad breakup or too much pressure from family for something. I needed more background on her so that I can get to know the character. Knox, is a billionaire that sells land. You see him talking about it a lot and the feud he has with his dad. It kept hinting that Knox was ignored by his parents but you don't know all that happened with it. Also don't understand why Knox wanted his buildings to be bigger and better than his dad. So his background was lacking as well in the book. I felt like I couldn't get into the characters as much as I would have liked. So I would say they are two sided rather then a rounded character. The plot in this book had great flow. Everything flowed from each scene wonderfully and I wasn't lacking anything when it came to the plot. What was lacking was the dialogue. I wanted more depth and longer dialogue in this book. The humor parts usually come from dialogue in rom com and this one was lacking. There were a few pieces where I chuckled but not much which is unusual for Rom Com's. But, don't just take my word for this book, check it our yourself. 

Quotes That I Loved 

If outer space aliens existed - and the jury was still out - Knox Michaelson was positive rush hour traffic was why they'd fly right by the planet. A sloth moved faster than the sea of red taillights blocking his progress. 

"Someday, you'll be someone's baby, and he will be lucky." 

"As you said, there's always hope."

"You know what I hope for?.....You."

"Me?"

"And I'm not usually someone who relies on hopes and wishes. You're......disarming me." 

"Look at my little vixen, luring me to her lair." 

"This is how it's going to go. I'm going to make you come. Then, you're going to tell me exactly what else you want. How you want it. And where." 

"What are you doing to me?"

"You self-involved ass......What are you doing to me?"

"You drive me crazy."

"that makes two of us."

"I haven't slept in over two weeks, I'll have you know."

"Oh, poor baby.....I haven't either. So don't think you're someone special, gold-leafed, Tiffany snowflake--" 

"You couldn't sleep either, huh?" 

"Because you're the love of my life. Because I didn't even know how to have a love of my life. Until you." 

Tropes

Billionaire

Rom Com 

Opposites Attract 

Slow Burn 

Stranger Session by Lauren Biel

 

In the heart of a blind-date photo shoot, my obsession for her ignites. After we part ways, her image carves a path through my thoughts, leading me to dark places. Disguised by a mask, I cater to her every desire as I play the part of a stranger, but the secrets I harbor threaten to shatter the illicit passion we've found. Then she catches the eye of someone else, casting a sinister veil over our connection. I morph into her protector, even though it means she might end up hating me in the end. Are we destined to remain strangers, or can we turn into something picture-perfect? Stranger Session by Lauren Biel will be published January 31st, 2024. 

This book threw me on my back in shock through the whole story. The characters in this book are unique in their personalities. I didn't see much personalities from the main female as much as the male. But you get very little backstory for either characters which I think if the book was a novel, it would have been easier to trickle more backstory. So the characters I feel fell flat. I felt like the main female character could have fallen in love with either male. The plot in this story is a lot of smut type scenes and not much plot. It was instant falling in love in the beginning of the story. Then it got darker and darker through out the book. There was a scene I was gagging a lot. But that's because it deals with lotion (I despise the feel of lotion). Some of the parts where it's suppose to surprise the reader really didn't surprise me. I needed more wow factor in this story some where. If you want some good dark smut, check out this quick read. 

Quotes That I Liked

ItsVenti: You want to be scared? 

Whorista: I think I do.

ItsVenti: How scared? Like, chased through the woods kind of scared?

"Run, little whore!....Run! Because when I catch you, I'm going to fuck you!" 

"Are you scared yet? Afraid of what I'll do to your pussy once I catch you?...I'm going to rip you limb from limb with my cock. Tear your legs apart and take you!" 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Stalker 

Savage Little Games (Sin City Mafia #1) by Lane Hart

 

In an ironic twist of fate, I've found myself entangled in Dante Salvato's world. The ruthless mafia king is no stranger to violence; but when he lays his eyes on my bruised and battered face, he's furious. I thought my makeup was thick enough to cover the beating I suffered until my inappropriately flirtatious boss noticed. As a cocktail waitress in his casino, I've always been on Mr. Salvato's radar, but now he's obsessed, demanding to know who hurt me and why, intent on making them suffer. When Dante discovers that my boyfriend Mitch not only owes money to another vicious Vegas mobster but is also cheating on me, he offers him one hell of a deal - Dante will pay off Mitch's debt in exchange for the one thing he wants more than anything - me. Savage Little Games by Lane Heart was published January 2024. This is book one of of Sin City Mafia series. 

This book just came out and I was able to get an advance copy of it so I could give all of you guys my honest review. They can't swindle me into giving them all stars for free books. But, the author doesn't need to swindle or make deals with me because I could not put this book down. The characters in this book make me laugh and angry at times. Let's talk about the amazing main characters first. Vanessa...she is a waitress in a restaurant at a casino. She is described to being petite and blonde. But, this lady has so much more to her that makes your head spin. She has a secret that she is hiding from not only the main male character, her child, and everyone else in the book but to the reader. It's kind of amazing how the character even when you are in her point of view never let's it slip what the secret is. Though there are hints throughout the book that readers will be able to start putting things together if they pay attention. I loved her personality. She has many different ways she reacts to conflict and one of them is fighting back. She's a tough cookie. Dante, main male character holy smokes does he make me laugh with his sexual comments of Vanessa. He's a lot more to the eye and you see it through out the book. Both of the characters are well rounded and act like actual human beings rather then a character in a book. 

The plot in this book has great flow. The slow scenes are short and not heavy but they help build up the fast past action or smut scenes. Though, there might be a little too much in this book that is happening there is always some down scenes to make you keep reading. I could totally picture what was happening on each page. Though, I don't know if Dante would forgive Vanessa so quickly for her secret. It was a great book and I can't wait to read book two when it comes out. Though I hope we get see more from Vanessa and Dante in the next book. Oh...the smut scenes in this book are top notch. There is not a lot of quotes coming from those scenes as there wasn't much being said during those scenes. There is one where Vanessa does something to occupy Dante to take the day off of being a mobster. You get the idea....It's a great scene and they are spicy. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You could come sit that fine ass of yours on my cock." 

"One of these days, when you finally say yes to me, you're going to regret waiting for so long, butterfly." 

"Who did this to you?" 

Then, I'm going to figure out a way to keep her safe and make her mine. 

"I said what I said, butterfly....Breaking you is going to be so much fun." 

"Right, blame me for not being wise enough to see how amazing you are or whatever. Maybe, I just have common sense and know better than to willingly stroll into a hungry lion's den wearing nothing but Lady Gaga's meat dress." 

"Oh, butterfly. You don't know me at all. Unlike a lion, I can't ever be tamed." 

"How about lying down in a den of vipers?"

"There's no antivenom for my bite."

"Fine. You're a one-of-a-kind savage beast no one survives. Maybe that's why I've avoided you." 

"Glad you finally have a better perspective." 

"No, I perfer a suit that covers me, not these tiny triangles and string that wouldn't cover a mouse's tits or ass!" 

"Good girl. All day it is, butterfly." 

Sin City Mafia Series 

1. Savage Little Games 

2. Ruthless Little Games (TBA) 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Single Parent

Mafia / Organized Crime

Forced Proximity

Deserving Cora (The Refuge #4) by Susan Stoker

 

She needs to win him at the bachelor auction to save her friend...but didn't plan on falling in love. Cora needs to win the representative from The Refuge in the bachelor auction...it's literally a matter of life and death. But nothing goes according to her plan, and yet, she still manages to find herself in a diner with Pipe, telling him about her best friend who she is convinced has been kidnapped and is being held against her will. She needs Pipe and his former military friends from The Refuge to go to Arizona with her and find her friend, and break her out if necessary. Deserving Cora by Susan Stoker was published in November 2023. This is book four of The Refuge series. 

Eeep, the wait was long to get this book from the library. But it was totally worth it to continue reading one of my favorite authors. This book was different then a lot of Susan Stoker's book. Where it doesn't finish and it leaves us with a cliffhanger. Susan....I don't like cliffhangers when the next book hasn't come out yet. Anyways, let's talk about the characters in this book. While you get to see some of the previous characters from the other books in this series they don't have the main part in this book. Yes, you get to hear about Tex in this book as well. Pipe is an introvert who doesn't like being the center of attention and yet he is being shoved on a stage where women try to buy him. Buy him a date. Of course the female lead, Cora tries to bid for him and she doesn't win but she got his attention. Which is a good thing because she needs his help. I thought Cora was really well rounded in this book. I could see how her past which you learn in pieces here and there and also hinted at some of it. But I didn't feel really contacted with Pipe in this book. I needed to know more about this man to be able to see what Cora sees of him. There was a little discontent. I did love the plot in this story though no happy ending for the whole plot. Which I have a feeling will come to end in the next book. I really like how it shows the men planning in this book of their next step on getting Lara out of her situation. I feel like all in all the men at Refuge are developing and opening more in each book in the series. The flow of this book is great and didn't want me to put it down (huge plus). The smut in this book and in a lot of Susan Stoker's books is tame. Which gives me a good breather from other books. Also....the mystery hacker I have a feeling more and more I know who it is...and it's not a male. I can't wait for the men at the Refuge to find that out in the future books. All in all it's a great read and can't wait to read the next one in the series. 

Quotes That I Loved 

She didn't want a pretty boy. She wanted someone who made people walk the other way when they saw him. Someone who wouldn't put up with anyone talking shit. Someone who looked as if they could, and would, protect their woman. 

She was the kind of woman he'd always wanted by his side. Someone who wasn't scared to be with him, who would stick up for him, love him for who he was. 

"Stupid woman doesn't realize that if the shit hits the fan while we're here, you'd be the person most likely to run to her rescue." 

"....You and your friends...you're protectors." 

"She's been here for like fifteen minutes and you guys are already claiming her?"

"...That kind of love and devotion is something people rarely experience. Your friend is damn lucky to have you, Cora. And in my eyes, that doesn't just make you pretty, it makes you fucking beautiful." 

The Refuge Series in Order

1. Deserving Alaska 

2. Deserving Henley

3. Deserving Reese 

4. Deserving Cora 

5. Deserving Lara (February 6, 2024) 

6. Deserving Maisy (October 1, 2024)

7. Deserving Ryleigh (TBR) 

Tropes 

Men in Uniform - Military

Check out More books in Stoker's World

Wicked Addiction (Club Wicked #1) by Barbara Nolan

 

Samson is torn between the woman he wants to save and the woman he wants to love. Samson hasn't had many breaks in his young life until the mob boss, Frank Barnett puts him in charge of Oasis, a Brooklyn strip club used to wash the mobster's dirty money. When Lisbeth walks into the Oasis desperate for a job Samson hires the leggy beauty, then finds himself helplessly drawn to her startling blue eyes and sweet smile. Wicked Addiction by Barbara Nolan was published on June 2023. This is book one of Club Wicked series. 

This book had so much potential to be an amazing book, but I felt like it fell flat in areas. First let's talk about the things that I enjoyed. I loved the whole idea of this story. I think the idea is great one to base the story off of. I could picture it happening in a book. But, in my opinion the story-line the ideas written fell flat. In the beginning of the book, I was actually so tempted to dnf. I was bored out of my mind. The backstory, was all put up front of Samson and I felt like a lot of the backstory could have been sprinkled throughout the book. Then you don't even know really the backstory of Lisbeth at all. You know that her father was in trouble but that's about it. But yet they mentioned that she had a great childhood and her father adored her. Yet find out she was kicked out of her parents house. It was all confusing of her background to make sense on why she was now stripping. I was actually, waiting for Frank (mob boss) to be the parent of either Samson or Lisbeth or maybe both of them. But the first part of the story was hard to get through. Then the last part of the book was jumping through so many things at once. It was hard to figure out what was happening and who is was happening. I couldn't picture any form of relationship between Lisbeth or Samson at all in the book. I felt like this story needed a new structure because it was not getting the ebb and flow that a book really needs. The ups and downs of a roller coaster. Then the hard part is I really wanted to get to know Samson and Lisbeth but I felt like both of the two characters fell flat. I didn't really get to know their personalities. I felt like they were just going through the motions. I needed more. If you don't mind any of things that I had issues with or want to check it feel free to read it. It just wasn't the type of book that I could enjoy. 

Quotes That I Liked 

"Flattered. I mean, I've been looking at tits and ass all night, and all I can see is you."

"Now, I'm confused."

"That came out shitty, but what I mean is, even though I've seen some real hot ass tonight, all I can think about is you." 

"When we get together, I want it wild, dirty, and out of our minds - coming so hard you can't see straight and screaming so loud the neighbors call the cops. I'm talking about being fucked long and well." 

"There's my greedy girl." 

"I want to feel your warm body moving under me, pushing against me, and being one with me....I want to be inside of you so deep, feeling you squeeze me while I fill you up."

"I want to fuck you 'til I got nothing left." 

Club Wicked Series in Order 

1. Wicked Addiction

2. Wicked Temptation

3. Wicked Lies

4. Wicked Truths 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Slow Burn 

Mafia/Mob 

Sex Worker/OF/Camboy or Girl

Drug / Alcohol Addiction

Claiming Alexis (Ace Security #2) by Susan Stoker

 

Nothing is more important to Blake Anderson than the work he does with his brothers at Ace Security. At least that's what he thinks until he meets the fiercely independent Alexis Grant. The security firm's new intern pushes all of his buttons - and makes his temperature rise. But giving in to temptation might be risky business. Alexis can tell that Blake has his doubts about her ability to commit. But while most people look at her and see only a flighty rich girl, she knows he sees much more. Determined to prove herself to Blake, Alexis jumps at the chance to work undercover. And when her case takes a dangerous turn, she puts her trust - and her heart- in his hands. Now, as Alexis digs into the deadly secrets of a local gang, Blake will lay everything on the line to protect the woman he's come to love. Claiming Alexis by Susan Stoker was published in July 2017. This is the second book in the Ace Security series. 

Another book of Susan Stoker. It's not like I like the author at all. It's not like I have read almost all of the books by her. Okay, that was a lie. Don't come after me. I really enjoy books by Susan Stoker. It's why I read a lot of her books as soon as I can get my hands on them. Let's talk about the amazing characters in this book. I absolutely loved how the author creates the characters. All of her characters that I have come across by have backstories that are told throughout the book. But not only that they are so in depth that you just get lost into that you forget it's a character in a book instead of being an actual human in real life. I really enjoyed the plot in this book. I felt like this book had a great rise and fall. It helps to read the first book in the series because you get to know what the business is. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

Ace Security Series in Order 

1. Claiming Grace 

2. Claiming Bailey

3. Claiming Felicity

4. Claiming Sarah

Tropes 

Men in Uniform - Military

Susan Stoker's World

Whispers in the Dark by Delilah Croww

 

Is he real, or was it all in her mind? Alice's parents had always told her when she was nine that the abandoned estate they moved into was just a fixer-upper, but Alice knew better. From the moment she stepped inside, she could feel the dark energy that permeated the walls. It wasn't long before she heard whispers in the darkness, a haunting male voice that seemed to be calling to her, or noises coming from the walls of the estate. During her senior year of high school, she begins to party recklessly, trying to explore her sexuality and searching for a way to escape the haunting messages that follow her everywhere. But at night, he gives her that she craves. The more reckless she becomes, the encounters become real. She wants to discover the truth and begins to unravel the estate's secrets to discover the reality haunting her for so long. Whispers in the Dark by Delilah Croww was published December 2023. 

I received this book for my honest review. This book was totally not what I was expecting at all. This book put me through the ringer and kept flipping the script in my mind. I felt for Alice in the way that her mom treated her and the way her stepfather was treating her. He gave me a huge ick from the get go of the book. There is so much going on in this book. Anyways, I feel for Alice throughout the book as people were saying she was freak. She didn't know whether she was imagining things or if they were really happening to her. Hades in the book was confusing as heck. I couldn't decide how he fell in love with Alice in the book. In the end of the book it was explained but I was still confused how it all happened. There was not much back history of the two of them in the book. Though, I thought he was so interesting having two sides of him. But...I needed more in the book. The plot had a lot of good points there was point I thought something was going to happen but it didn't. But it did not take away from the scene. The smut in this book is so dark and very graphic that it was the lead in the book. I actually think in some places that the smut took over from the story. I needed more in their relationship and the ending really threw off the totally book. Was it all a dream or did it really happen. Or was it a premotion that going to happen. So confused.... but it's a good read. I recommend checking it out. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You asked what I wanted. I want...you, Alice."

"Do you like it, Alice?...Did you like me fucking you with my tongue? You came all over my face, and I sucked you dry." 

"Your fear is addicting, Alice. I feed off it, but when you come, when I'm inside you, that...is my favorite thing." 

"You're dying for me to fuck you....Soon. If you behave and take what I give you." 

"What do you like to drink?"

"That depends."

"On what?"

"How it tastes when I drink it the first time." 

"Who are you? Why did you kill him?"

"He was going to rape you, and he touched...touched you. If you were so horny and dying to fuck, you could have waited for me in your bed with your legs wide open."

"You're crazy."

"Last I heard, so are you."

"Fuck you." 

"You want to feel or do you want to see, Alice. My mask or yours? Either way, you will be chained to your bed like last time. The choice is yours, but tonight, I will not leave until your cunt drips with my come." 

"I'm not on the pill, and you can't force me."

"I don't think you will kick me out when I'm pounding you into the mattress, Alice." 

"You're so wet for me, Alice. You want me to turn you into a filthy whore." 

"Mm...your innocence tastes so good, Alice."  

 

 Tropes

Dark Romance

Horror / Thriller

Praise (Salacious Player's Club #1) by Sara Cate

 

He calls me perfect. His flawless pet. His good girl. Broken down and wounded by my emotionally neglectful ex, I wanted someone to tell me I was good enough. Then, I stumbled into a new job with a boss who brings me to my knees - literally. He has me do things a real secretary would never do. Emerson Grant tells me I'm more than just good enough. I'm worthy of his praise. There are a million reasons why I should stay away. The owner of the Salacious Players' Club is not just my new boss, he's twice my age. And my ex-boyfriend's father. With him, I am treasured. I am adored. I am his. I'm a good girl, but I'm falling for the wrong man. Praise by Sara Cate was published in March 2022. This book is the first book in Salacious Player's Club. This book was a nominee for Swoon Award for Erotic Romances in 2022. 

HOLY SMOKES on a cracker was this book spicy. But first, we need to talk about the characters in this book. The two main characters are very different from each other. One is a Dad of an adult son and a divorcee and he runs a kink club with several of his friends. Also has a kink of being a Dom I believe. The other is a girl who can not get her life on track. After having a nasty breakup and a father who has abandon his family she is just trying to keep her head above water. She finds out that she has a kink of being praised. Both characters have personalities but I didn't think of them as three dimensional quality. I needed more faults in this book to come in play I think and needed more just in personality. The plot in this book though really does make up for the characters lack. The plot was so well written and I loved getting inside both of the main characters head. I loved finding out the background of what started the club. But I didn't feel like the two main character showed that they had feelings for each other outside of bedroom/kink activities. But that did not take away from the book at all so it was easy to over look. I actually loved the smut scenes were throughout the book and not so much that it became the plot. Which I am sure is a big risk when you right about a person owning a kink club (be kind of fun to find one of these clubs for myself.) The age-gap in this book didn't bother me at all though I think the female character kind of had some daddy issues. I really enjoyed all aspects of this book, especially the intense smut scenes. I really enjoyed it but I wouldn't say it was one of my top favorite books. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"So, I had a fistful of her hair in my hand, and we were both in the moment when I looked her right in the eye and said, 'Suck my cock like a good little girl.' The next thing I knew, she reared back her fist and clocked me right in the face." 

"Ms. Underwood, you looked exquisite on your knees." 

"You're such a good girl, Charlotte." 

"You are so fucking beautiful. Make yourself come, baby." 

"Ill fill out that form for you if you want, but I don't need to. You want me to tell you that I want to taste you, Charlotte? Because I do. I want to touch you, tease you, fuck you, bend you over my knee and turn that pretty little backside red. There's not a thing on that list I don't want to do with you, so you can put the paper and pen away, little girl. Every single thing would get a five from me." 

"You taste so fucking good." 

"Do you want me to fuck you, baby girl?"

"Yes"

"Tell me you're worth it. Tell me how beautiful you are." 

"Stop being a fucking tease, Charlotte, and suck my cock like a good little secretary." 

Salacious Players Club Series in Order

1. Praise

2. Eyes on Me

3. Give Me More 

4. Mercy 

5. Highest Bidder

6. Madame 

Tropes 

BDSM

Age-Gap

Dark Romance

Boss / employee 

Billionaire 

Rescuing Kassie (Delta Force Heroes #5) by Susan Stoker

 

Every girl likes a sharp dressed man, and Kassie is no exception. Graham "Hollywood" Caverly feels the chemistry with Kassie Anderson in the emails they've been exchanging a dating site. When they finally meet in person, and that online chemistry proves to have real-life sizzle, he knows she's the one. He couldn't be happier when their first date, at an annual Army Ball, goes better than he could have imagined. Until Kassie drops a bomb. Rescuing Kassie by Susan Stoker was published in May 2017. This was the fifth book in the Delta Force Heroes. 

I have to say that Susan Stoker is one of the authors that I will reread over and over again. Yet, I don't see her often on booktok or book Instagram like she deserves. I absolutely loved the two main characters in this book. Kassie who got roped into taking down this military man and his friends who accidently falls in love with the man she was suppose to take down. Then this military man, Hollywood, who always gets the girls fawning all over them meeting someone on line and thinking this girl might be the one. Both of these two characters have such a personality its hard to not imagine them as an actual person. Miss Stroker knows how to make her character different from each other with their own backstories. Some of the backstories are interwoven in other series in some sort. But she also gives each book their own individual plot. Sometimes it throws you for a loop on how talented she is. I absolutely loved this story, as it's not the normal plot lines that her other books have fallen in. It has it's own suspense and yet you get to see the normal characters from the pervious series. Yes, Tex even gets mentioned in this book. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

Delta Force Heroes Series in Order 

1. Rescuing Rayne

1.5. Rescuing (Assisting) Aimee

2. Rescuing Emily

3. Rescuing Harley

4. Marrying Emily

5. Rescuing Kassie 

6. Rescuing Bryn

7. Rescuing Casey

7.5. Rescuing Sadie

8. Rescuing Wendy

9. Rescuing Mary

9.5. Rescuing Macie

10. Rescuing Annie 

Tropes 

Men in Uniform - Military

Check out other books in Stoker World

A Tangle of Serpents (Serpent's Nest #1) by Alice Blackmoor

 

All Elizabeth wanted was to enjoy her kid-free nights with a few drinks and some quality people-watching at her favorite restaurant bars. But then she meets Damien Marchetti, and fate seems determined to push her firmly into the middle of his dark and dangerous world. As her personal and professional lives continue to collide, making her a person of interest to not one but two criminal organizations, will she be able to escape back to her normal, everyday life? Or will she be forever entangled with the serpents that rule in the dark? A Tangle of Serpents by Alice Blackmoor will be published February 27th, 2024. This is the first book of the Serpent's Nest series. 

I was given this advance copy for my honest review of this book. So....I am going to try to give my best review without any spoilers because this book brought on so many emotions. Also since I literally just threw my kindle across the room because of this book it brought on many many emotions until the very last page. Also I believe this is the first book that Alice Blackmoor has written and can I just be frank with you author. You need to be writing a lot more books because this book was AMAZING. So this book has three main characters of such but only two in the love story portions at least in this book (there's hint of things happening in the future at least I am hoping). I absolutely loved this book. Just don't talk to my two friends who heard some cuss words from the end of the book. 

But first let's talk about the characters. Elizabeth has such a wide arrange personality. When you meet Elizabeth she is at a bar currently faced with her ex-husband wanting their son to meet his current/mistress. She is not only trying to figure out her life from that but also people-watching (my FAVORITE HOBBY). When a guy approaches her from the bar and then Elizabeth life changes from then on. When her people-watching hobby gets her in a lot of trouble. Anyway, she's like an introvert/ tough chick. She is so well rounded and I want to be her friend. Then you have Vince, the best friend to the main guy. Vince is like a puppy with his personality and has a nasty bite. But he is more then what he shows and you pick it up that he could have some feelings that he doesn't show. Anyways, author portrays him so well in the way his looks are described but his many different personalities being shown till the end of the book (still not happy about). Then you got the main guy, Damien. Holy hotness on a cracker. He is the mafia guy that you know has a soft side and also a very dark side. He is super protective which of course drives Elizabeth nuts in the book. Also trying to avoid his feelings for the girl. But, he's got so much going on with his personality and you see it all. Especially when you are inside his head which is throughout the book. Readers can see that he fell first before he even realizes it. Characters are amazing and well rounded. I could totally picture all three and will be looking for them when I go out. 

The plot in this book is absolutely amazing. There are so many foreshadows throughout the book and yet not ALL MY QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED in this book. Which is why I believe there is a second book. The author hides things throughout the book and you have to be observant from the get go kind of like how Elizabeth is. Find the pieces in the middle of the lines. I absolutely loved how they didn't just fall in love in this book. I loved how their weird friendship grows and grows till someone just falls. This book has action though, I still think one of the scene there could be more that is happening. Also loved how there were pieces of other famous lines from other books that I know. Harry Potter....and Princess Bride...yes please, are just a few. The ending.......I can't talk much but it came out of no where and you are left with questioning on why you read the book. If you do not like cliffhangers (like myself) you might want to wait till book 2 comes out. But I can't wait to read it when it does. If Alice Blackmoor is reading this amazing review...please message me to read book 2 like ASAP...I need the details. I highly recommend this book no matter if I threw my kindle to the ground at the end. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"Whichever guy has you so frustrated that you're giggling to yourself, Harley Quinn style." 

"You're certainly tougher than I expected. But I wonder, pet, can you truly be considered capable when you blatantly ignore the instincts telling you to run in the face of a predator?" 

"You're not the first predator I've met, and frankly, I'm sick of living my life at the whims of men who do whatever they please. So, sorry, serpent, but this mouse just doesn't give a fuck right now." 

"Are you regretting learning what I really am now that you've seen the monster in action, pet?.....Do you fear me now? The way all those other people in that restaurant fear me?" 

Get a grip, Elizabeth. This man is actively trying to convince you that he could snap your neck on a whim, and you're sitting here fantasizing about how he'd taste.

"What is going on in that brain of yours?"

"I'm thinking that if you don't kiss me soon, I may very well explode from the tension."

"What if it's not the tension that makes you explode?"

"If only we could be so lucky." 

"God damnit, Elizabeth. You're so wet for me, pet. Have you been craving me as much as I have you? Hmmm?"

"Oh pet.....I love the sounds of my name on your lips. I want to hear you scream it when you come."

"As you wish." 

Serpent's Nest Series 

1. A Tangle of Serpents (February 27th, 2024)  

2. Drowning in Venom (TBA)

Tropes 

Mafia / Organized Crime

Dark Romance 

He Fell First 

Crimson Ties (Crimson #1) by Wendy Owens

 

Born into a world of power and danger, Amelia King's life is gilded cage, ruled by the iron fist of her father, the notorious head of the King crime family. Her every move is watched, her destiny controlled. Yet, Amelia yearns for freedom, for a taste of the wild side. And on one fateful night, she indulges in a moment of recklessness, surrendering to a fiery passion with a mysterious stranger in the shadows of an alleyway. But fate has a twisted sense of humor. Amelia is caught in a whirlwind of secret rendezvous and sultry nights with Alexei. He's the epitome of everything she's been taught to despise, yet he's the one man she finds irresistibly alluring. When someone discovers their love and attempts to use for the information to seize power for themselves, can they survive in the deadly chessboard of mafia wars, or will it be the spark that ignites an all-out conflict? Crimson Ties by Wendy Owens will be published on January 30th, 2024. This is the first book of the Crimson series. 

I was given this advanced copy for my honest review. Let's first talk about the two main characters in this book. Amelia King is the daughter of a Mafia boss and has many layers to personality. Some of the things of her personalities clash. One minute she's the sweet girl and wants to please everyone then the next she this tough chick who going to rule the world. But some reason to me the character still felt flat. I wanted to and needed to know more about Amelia to get the understanding of how she fell into a relationship with Alexei. So let's talk about the male lead Alexei, he was said to be this tough mafia killing machine but you don't see that in this book at all. You never really see his dark side and yet you hear about it from other characters. You see more dark side from his friend a side character. I could not see him as a mafia character at all. I did like the story-line in this book, I loved how Alexei and Amelia met. How they didn't know who each other was till later and were already craving each other. But I felt like there was no build up in their relationship to make me seem like they were in love other then the characters saying that they love each other. I was waiting for Alexie to actually admit he didn't love Amelia and was trying to take her family apart starting with deceiving her. Also I could have used more in the battle scenes (they needed more umpf). The smut scenes that you see once in awhile were great. Especially the first one in an alley...it's spicy. I needed more though of everything. I needed more of an arc in the story-line. All in all the book has a good start and good foundation. Also love that it's a Romeo and Juliet themed. 

Quotes That I Loved 

"I didn't retrieve you just so you can hide yourself away in a corner all night."

"I'm just....observing."

"Isn't that what predators do before they strike?" 

"Perhaps." 

"Ah, little sister...You and I know you are no predator."

"Check up on me? Why the fuck would you think I need you to come and check on me? Let me guess, just like your misogynist asshole friend, you think I'm a little girl who needs you to rescue me? Fuck you; the last thing I need is some man to rescue me. I mean, who the hell do you think you are?" 

"Because you're mine, Amelia....and no one gets to touch what's mine." 

"I thought we both agreed we weren't looking for a relationship."

"Who said anything about a relationship?"

"What then?"

"A claiming...You're mine, and I'm yours." 

Crimson Series in Order 

1. Crimson Ties (January 30th, 2024)

2. Crimson Fate (March 5th, 2024)

3. Crimson Vowse (April 16th, 2024)

4. Crimson Sins (May 21st, 2024) 

Tropes

Mafia / Organized Crime

Dark Romance 

Forbidden Love 

Vengeance Born: A Grim & Reaper Netherworld Tale by L.C. Son

 

Two dark tales. One deliciously haunting book. Enter the Netherworld and dive into the dark with Grim and Reaper. The resident lords of Purgia may govern the deathly dealings of the night, but faced with the matters of their heart, their worlds get turned upside down. When an enigmatic woman begs Thelios Mirth to save she and her sister from the clutches of Hades, the Grim Lord finds himself gambling with the unexpected. His heart. Lord Roark wants for nothing but to reap the strays and vagbonds roaming the city of Purgia, but when a ward of the High Prince seeks his help against rebel forces, he forsakes his better judgement with hopes to reap something forbidden. Love. Vengeance Born: A Grim & Reaper Netherworld Tale by L.C. Son was published January 2024. 

I was given this book for my honest review. I really liked the back cover and saw a lot of potential in this book. The characters in this book were interesting and could possibly keep my attention if it was just one love story. Such as if one book was made for Grim and Sidney, another book for just Reaper and Pella. But I felt like I was severally lacking in back story in both stories as they were mashed together. I felt like I was lost in most of the book plot and had no clue what was really going on in most of the book. There were some cringe wording in the book especially when the two male characters were describing their parts and women's body. Something that I would not hear from any males around me at all. But this book has so much hope, there's a story line for both parts of this book but I felt like they both needed more depth to the story. As it is it feels rushed and with fantasy type of books it's not always a good thing for fantasy to be rushed. Readers need to be able to picture the scene and know the background to understand what is happening. How can Grim and Sidney and Reaper and Pella fall in love in this dark place. That being said I really enjoyed some of the action scenes in this book. Also enjoyed being able to see everyone thoughts. I also enjoyed some of the smut scenes. I recommend checking this book out for your self. It may just be a book that wasn't the style that I like but it might be yours. 

Quotes That I Liked 

"Mmm...I like the way you beg." 

"You won't dare offer what is mine to that wretch! You are mine! Is that clear?"

"That's my good girl." 

"You like that?.....You like the feel of my shadows touching you?" 

"Wrap me in your shadow....Fill me with your darkness." 

"If you let that pretty little chin drop once more, I'll impale you on my dick so hard, you'll see stars....Then I'll fuck that pretty little mouth of yours." 

"That's right, my sweet Syd. Milk me. Fucking drain me..."

"Look at you, taking me so well. I knew those pretty red lips were made to take this dick." 

Besides with the size of my girth alone. I nearly killed the last woman I was with. 

"Very good....So, is this how you taste?" 

"My lord, Reaper....Please don't eat me!" 

".....Then came you. You challenge me, correct me, you even protect me. I never want to be without you. I......"

"Good girl...your lips look perfect like this. Make it nice and wet so I can ease into that sweet golden pussy." 

"My endless, dark, eternal love." 

Tropes 

Paranormal Romance 

Dark Romance