Liz’s Review~Ballistic~by Keri Lake

“…the highs and lows made up the good shit in life.”

Ballistic is the third book in the Vigilantes Series. Although I highly recommend reading the entire series, each book in the Vigilantes Series can be read as a stand-alone. Dax Wolfe never forgot about the girl who was kidnapped before his eyes. When he is finally face to face with the woman he has obsessed over, she is broken and needs a safe place to heal. Nicoleta has not had an easy life and yet, she will do whatever it takes to get vengeance. Nicoleta and Dax experience an instant connection and although both have deep secrets and demons from their past, somehow together they just make sense.

“He fucked me in every sense, shattering the ice with each drive of his hips.”

Told in multiple POV, Ballistic offers a perfect blend of action, suspense, and dark romance. The plot is quite complex with multiple characters all fighting for what they want. The dynamics between Nic and Dax are quite intense as their desire to be together is equal to their desire to bestow revenge on their enemies. The pacing of the read is swift and as the intensity in their circumstances continues to build the lines between right and wrong begin to blur. There are so many unique characters in this series and as always Keri Lake has crafted an unforgettable world with unforgettable characters.

“A thrill rippled through me like flames melting my insides into liquid rapture, intoxicating me until my grip faltered and I couldn’t hold on anymore.”

Overall, I highly recommend Ballistic and the entire Vigilantes Series to anyone who enjoys a dark romance with action, suspense, and smoking hot passion.

🧡🔫 This is an (F)BR with Loyda, CC, and WAR! 🔫🧡

*ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review!

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Liz’s Review~VOW~by Bethany-Kris

“I would burn this city down if that’s what it would take to have you.”

Vow is the second book in the Andino + Haven Duet. After an intense and passionate love affair that ended in a heartbreaking separation, Andino is gearing up for the fight of his life. Andino must maintain his honorable status in “the family” by leading his men AND find a way to win back the love of his life. Although Haven does not meet the typical “criteria” for a mob boss’ wife, she is the only one Andino wants to spend the rest of his life with. But when everyone is trying to keep them apart, will Haven and Andino be able to find their happy ever after?

“Even when you’re not here, you’re all around me.”

Told in multiple POV, Vow is a perfect blend of mob action, suspense, passion, and tender romance. Andino and Haven are both complex characters who exude strength and power with every breath that they take. The passion they share is explosive. In addition to the dynamic main characters, the supporting characters enhance the story greatly. The tempo of the read is intense as Andino and Haven are continuously coming together and being forced apart. I was on the edge of my seat through each and every moment of this read!!!

“You are in my dreams. My fucking blood. There’s no getting you out now.”

Overall, I highly recommend Vow to anyone who enjoys a dynamic mafia romance with an abundance of passion and intense mobster action. I adore both Haven and Andino and I simply could not get enough! Bethany-Kris is an excellent storyteller and I thoroughly enjoy her writing!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review!

ARC/LOYDA’S REVIEW~ Hate Notes by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

4★★★★Stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Dual

This review can also be found on GOODREADS and AMAZON.

Charlotte Darling had been cheated and now with a broken heart and jobless she was definitely in need of a change from her poor sad life.  One drunken night was all it took to change her life for good.

“I think it’s better to spend years treasuring a memory that might hurt sometimes than to never make one at all.”

Reed Eastwood didn’t believe in love any longer; after finding out the person he loved didn’t truly loved him he was done trying to find a second change.  He hide his feeling well under his hard attitude.

“Charlotte had no idea the level of impact she’d had on my life, the depth of my feelings for her, because I’d never told her.”

When Reed and Charlotte met it was definitely a day neither could forget.  Reed saw Charlotte as a fake and Charlotte thought he was a jerk and nothing what she had pictured.  I truly enjoyed this story a lot; I laughed so much with this two.  Charlotte’s character was refreshing her craziness was actually appealing and I found her very likable.   The chemistry between Reed and Charlotte was on point and the silly things they both ended up doing was so enjoyable to read.

“Love wasn’t about a beautiful dress, a note, or even poignant words. It was about being with someone through thick and thin, about seeing them through not only the best moments of life but also the worst.”

Overall; Hate Notes is an excellent story about true love and second changes.  Readers looking for a refreshing story with very likable characters will find this story appealing.

…This was a F(BR) with War! …

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📖#currentlyreading📖 #HateNotes 📝 by #vikeeland & #penelopeward Expected publication date November 6th 2018 📚Blurb📚 It all started with a mysterious blue note sewn into a wedding dress. Something blue. I’d gone to sell my own unworn bridal gown at a vintage clothing store. That’s when I found another bride’s “something old.” Stitched into the lining of a fabulously feathered design was the loveliest message I’d ever read: Thank you for making all of my dreams come true. The name embossed on the blue stationery: Reed Eastwood, obviously the most romantic man who ever lived. I also discovered he’s the most gorgeous. If only my true-love fantasies had stopped there. Because I’ve since found out something else about Mr. Starry-Eyed. He’s arrogant, cynical, and demanding. I should know. Thanks to a twist of fate, he’s my new boss. But that’s not going to stop me from discovering the story behind his last love letter. A love letter that did not result in a happily ever after. But that story is nothing compared to the one unfolding between us. It’s getting hotter, sweeter, and more surprising than anything I could have imagined. Something new. But I have no idea how this one is going to end . . . . . . . . . #craziesrusbookblog #currentlyreading #arc #book #amreading #contemporary #romance #books #bookstagram #instagram #werble #effects #buddyreads #novemberrelease

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Cover Reveal ~ When Ashes Fall by Marni Mann

 

Expected Publication: January 15, 2020

Pre-Order Links

Amazon   Apple Books  B&N  Kobo

Blurb

It’s been said that you can’t love two men at the same time.
You can’t split your heart, soul, and body in half.
But I’m here to tell you, you can.
Dylan Cole is like ice, sharp and unpredictable, the thunder inside a tumultuous storm.
Smith Reid is warmth, soft and gentle, perfect like a sunny day.
Both are mine.
But I can have only one.
There are two sides to this tale.
I’m here to tell you mine.
If you think this story is about a cheater, you couldn’t be more wrong. 

 

About the Author

Bestselling author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Marni was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotions. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband and their two dogs, who have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling, or devouring fabulous books.

Author Links

WEBSITE  FACEBOOK  TWITTER INSTAGRAM  NEWSLETTER

CC’s ARC Review ~ Preach. by Stylo Fantôme

Title: Preach.
Author: Stylo Fantôme
Genre:  Dark Romance
Type: Book 2 of a duet
POV: Shifting

Expected Publication: November 8, 2018

4 Stars!

 

Without interruption in the timeline, Emma Hartley and Church Logan are in a critical position if they are to move forward. Church knows they are meant to balance each other, but he needs Emma to also fully realize their dynamic to evolve as a couple. Despite her fears, Emma tests her resolve to prove she’s capable of trusting the darkness that lurks in her mind. 

“She wanted to become a monster. She wanted to use her teeth and claws to break bones and spill blood.”

While the first book concentrated on the heavy hand of Church’s manipulation for his own gain, this narrative takes a different path in that Church and Emma are equally working together toward a common goal. Though most of the time, Emma is trying to trust her feelings toward Church, she takes the necessary steps to acknowledge her weakness and take what is hers. Acting as a partner, Church gives Emma the space she needs until there isn’t any other choice.

“It means in order for us to fit together, we already have to be in pieces. My pieces can’t exactly fit if you don’t have any edges. If you’re already whole.”

From the beginning, the pace is swift with a looming sense of the unknown, as anything is possible due to Emma’s spontaneity and Church’s need to shield her. With shifting POVs, getting into Emma’s maze-like mind is like a riding a roller coaster, and I liked how her inner monologue intensifies her emotion. Getting more insight into Church made all the pieces connect into one giant sociopathic puzzle. I had a suspicion about a certain element and it proved to be a highlight of the plot. 

“He knew where to find me. It was all real. We don’t need words. We don’t need anything. We’re connected. Connected in every single way possible now.”

With Church being a sociopath and Emma on the wrong side of crazy, they make quite the pair and they accept all each has to offer. For me, I like how they have different pasts yet share a unique commonality. With all the turmoil, deception and scheming, Church and Emma were willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve their end game, thereby creating an intense emotional and physical connection. 

In closing this duet, many questions were answered which led to moments that were satisfying for different reasons. Though, I am still curious about some plot elements and how it would affect the characters in the long term. Overall, this story is one that stays true to the dark side of its characters to the very end. 

Preach. is a dark romantic thriller that would appeal to those who want to experience a fast paced storyline, intriguing characters and blurred boundaries. 

Church series:
 

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

This review can also be found on Goodreads! 

CC’s Review ~ The Necromancer’s Bride by Brianna Hale

Title: The Necromancer’s Bride
Author: Brianna Hale
Genre:  Fantasy Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person

4.5 Stars! 

As a little girl, Rhona became gravely ill until her father requests help from Meremon, the local village’s Necromancer. Despite her pleas, Rhona is saved and she forms a unique bond with the mysterious cloaked man. As such, she is treated as an outcast until years later when Rhona selflessly decides to approach Meremon in an effort to rid the village of impending deaths.

“I tasted your tears. I know what those people did to you and I wish I could have stopped them. You will know no more loneliness my Rhona. No more sadness and dark nights. I have you now.”

While reunited with Meremon, he seems the same yet Rhona has grown into a woman and the pulls she feels toward him intensifies. During this time, Meremon and Rhona become acquainted and she learns about his circumstances. However, Meremon being the ever resourceful sorcerer, is prepared to please his Rhona as much as he can and he hopes she will accept him for what he is. These moments offer kinky hot scenes but also tender and kind sentiments. 

“His breath is hot and ragged against my mouth as he kissed me between thrusts. After a moment he pulls his length out of me, seeming to marvel at the sight of it, think and hard and slick with my wetness.”

Told from Rhona’s POV, the narration is concise and sets a fantasy landscape in a world where superstitions persist and sorcery remains alluringly taboo. I must say, the magical elements definitely enhanced this story and made the kinkery quite hot and memorable. I like how Rhona is principled and a kind soul. As for Meremon, he melted my heart from the beginning and that feeling just deepened at the end.

The Necromancer’s Bride is a romance about unconditional acceptance and love. I could have read more as this theme and novella are enchantingly intriguing and perfectly crafted by Brianna Hale.

 

 

This review can also be found on Goodreads.

CC’s Review ~ Marrow by Tarryn Fisher

 

Title: Marrow
Author: Tarryn Fisher
Genre: Dark Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person

4.5 Stars! 

 

Margo Moon grew up in a derelict neighborhood and in a home where she had to fend for herself. Though she lives a lonely existence, Margo manages to befriend a neighbor who becomes her lifeline in many ways. Offering hope and providing the connection she needs, Margo slowly begins to realize her self-worth but she also discovers a stronger drive from within when a tragic event strikes.

“Weak people let their pain choke them to a slow, emotional death. Strong people use that pain, Margo. They use it as fuel.”

Told solely from Margo’s point of view, the narration sets the tone for all that Margo sees and feels. The mundane details are included as it establishes a certain pace and creates a realistic landscape of her life. Margo’s fears, vulnerabilities and flaws are out in the open, but like most living in the Bone, no one seems to notice while they’re contending with their own issues. And, that sense of desperation and apathy underscores Margo’s newfound purpose. 

“You can’t run from who you are. You have to accept who and what you are, you have to embrace it. You can’t run away from your marrow.”

The theme of this complex story is steeped in a dark, serious and twisty premise. With deep character development, Margo’s flaws are exposed and it makes her endearing. Plus, Margo’s motivations are uniquely hers, though based upon the idea of righting wrongs, it also comes with consequences. Going down Margo’s path is one that evokes sympathy and it also emphasizes the importance of coping mechanisms. From the beginning, I felt her insecurities and the effects of her family situation. Ultimately, I was rooting for Margo and understood her provocations. 

“I am so afraid that someone will see me for who I am.”

Marrow is a compelling and pensive narrative that seems to live and breathe on its very own. It’s real, disturbing and brutally honest yet hopeful. Tarryn Fisher is an author who isn’t intimidated to write about the conditions that make us fragile or genuine.