Book Review: Losers: Part 1 by Harley Laroux

Title: Losers Part 1

Author: Harley Laroux

Series/Standalone: Losers Duet (Book #1)

Genre: Adult, Smut, Why Choose Romance, Dark

Pages: 594

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"I was supposed to have it all.

I'd been Prom Queen, Cheer Captain- high school's most savage Queen Bee. I could have everything I wanted. Except them. The freaks, the weirdos, the school's ultimate losers; Manson, Jason, Lucas, and Vincent. our hatred for each other couldn't keep us apart, not even when my own mistake got Manson expelled and made me the ultimate villain to the rest of them.

One night was supposed to be enough.

I couldn't resist forever. For one night I gave myself over to the men I wasn't supposed to want and satisfied the darkest parts of my soul. But some things are meant to stay in the dark. One night, and it was over.

Nothing more than a game.

Now, with college behind me, our worlds collide yet again. Four men, all willing to share me as their plaything until my debt to them is paid. Another game to satiate my dark cravings, the twisted rules of which bring us all even closer than before. but games aren't meant to last.

When the debt is paid and the game is done, what if I don't want to walk away?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was such a wild read. I've read some other dark romances, so I was somewhat prepared going into this, but I don't think that I had a clue what I was getting into. The smut is insane, the plot is fun, and the characters are all very unique. I'm curious to see where the rest of the series goes, and I look forward to reading more by the author. While the writing style isn't my favourite, it is entertaining.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Mistake of Magic by Alex Lidell

Title: Mistake of Magic

Author: Alex Lidell

Series/Standalone: Power of Five Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 218

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2018

Format:  Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Three trials stand between Lera and exile. Unless the training kills her first.

Quint magic has never chosen a human before, and the Elders Council is convinced Lera is a mistake.

When the quint refuses to be cleaved apart, the enraged elders give them a choice: exile from Lunos or demotion to the lowest of trainees. Subject again to the humiliations and deadly trials they endured centuries ago, the males now face a new challenge- training Lera to survive.

River, Shade, Coal and Tye will do whatever it takes to keep Lera safe. But Lera will do whatever she must to keep them together- even if it means putting herself in mortal danger."

My Rating: 3.5/5

These are super fun, pretty short romantasy reads. If you are looking for a reverse harem-style read with fae men who will burn the world down for the woman they love (whether or not all of them admit their love), this may be for you. I love picking these up and flying through the story; the smut is also fun. Overall, it was a good time! The only complaint I have is that there isn't a lot of unpredictability in the plot, which is fine if you are ok with that, but I would love just a bit more intrigue. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Pucking Around by Emily Rath

Title: Pucking Around

Author: Emily Rath

Series/Standalone: Jacksonville Rays Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult, Romance, Sports Romance, Smut

Pages: 756

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (K.U)

First Line: "Rachel!"

"My name is Rachel Price, and two months ago, I walked away from the perfect man. Sweet and funny, and so hot it should be illegal—we shared one magical night. No names. No strings. I never thought I’d see him again.

I was wrong. It turns out Mr. Perfect is the playboy grinder for the Jacksonville Rays, the NHL’s hottest new hockey team…and I’m his new physical therapist. Oh, and the jerk doesn’t even recognize me!

This fellowship is going to be the longest ten months of my life. Mr. Perfect Mistake will do anything to get back on my good side. Meanwhile, his best friend is the surly new equipment manager always riding my case. Worst of all, I’ve got an uncooperative goalie who thinks I can’t tell he’s hiding an injury!

This is my chance to prove myself, and I’m not risking it for anything. But with one unexpected night, one secret revealed, these men are ready to test all my limits. I can’t fall for a player…let alone three. But if love is a game, these guys are playing to win."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I really enjoyed reading this. I thought when picking it up that there was no way it would fly by, but Emily Rath writes romance in such a fun tone it's hard not to fly through it. The smut in this book is not for the faint of heart and the fact that it is why choose is not something to overlook. I enjoyed the hockey atmosphere and the banter between characters throughout the story. The plot was the perfect amount of drama. I look forward to continuing the story in the next book ASAP. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Twisted Love by Ana Huang

Title: Twisted Love

Author: Ana Huang

Series/Standalone: Twisted Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult,    

Pages: 360

Publisher: Originally Self-Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "There are worse things than being stranded in the middle of nowhere during a rainstorm."

"He has a heart of ice... but for her, he'd burn the world.

Alex Volkov is a devil blessed with the face of an angel and cursed with a past he can't escape.

Driven by a tragedy that has haunted him for most of his life, his ruthless pursuits for success and vengeance leave little room for matters of the heart.

But when he's forced to look after his best friend's sister, he starts to feel something in his chest:

A crack.

A melt.

A fire that could end his world as he knew it.

Ava Chen is a free spirit trapped by nightmares of a childhood she can't remember.

But despite her broken past, she's never stopped seeing the beauty in the world...

including the heart beneath the icy exterior of a man she shouldn't want.

Her brother's best friend.

Her neighbor.

Her savior and her downfall.

Theirs is a love that was never supposed to happen- but when it does, it unleashes secrets that could destroy them both and everything they hold dear."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was one that I was hoping I would love but it was just ok for me. I think that the author did a lot within the story but the mysterious aspects were very obvious to me. I had no questions about who was doing what in the background of the plot. I knew exactly who was doing the behind the scenes evil. I guessed within moments of meeting the villains that they were the villains. The sex scenes we did get were great, but I would have liked more. I also am unsure if the series needed to be a companion series or if they would have done just fine as individual stories that were not interconnected. A princess, a photographer, a law student and a regular student all being friends and being introduced like Bratz dolls just wasn't for me. I liked it, I just didn't love it. I look forward to reading the next one, but mainly for the tropes. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Reckless by Elsie Silver

Title: Reckless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Springs Series (Book #4)

Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Pages: 466

Publisher: Self Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line:"'I can't fathom why you feel the need to go work at the dingy little hospital in the country.'"

"Theo Silva. Rowdy bull rider. Notorious ladies' man. Scorching hot trouble wrapped in a drool-worthy package.

And he's looking at me like I might be his next meal.

But I'm almost free of my toxic marriage and sworn off men entirely. So all I see when I look back is temptation served up with a heaping side of heartbreak.

The man is hard to trust-and even harder to resist.

Make that impossible. Because Theo is persistent. And no matter how hard I try to freeze him out, he melts my icy exteriors and pulls apart my defenses.

Over a drink in a small town bar, I blurt out my deepest, darkest secrets. Then I spend the singular hottest night of my life with him.

He worships my body. He makes me blush. I come alive beneath his hands.

Then I tell him to forget it ever happened. I want simple, and with him it all feels complicated.

It was supposed to be a one-time thing.

A secret.

But that little plus sign is going to make this secret impossible to keep."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my absolute favourite in the series so far. I always say that I love a grumpy-sunshine where the grump is the female lead. Because I am also the grump in my relationship. The trope that is in this book is written so well and really just added to the story overall (I mean how could it not). The way everything was written you couldn't help but root for this couple and the way they interact is incredible. Not to mention super sexy. I would highly recommend this series and I can't wait to read the final (?) book next month. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: 11 Hours by Octavia Jensen

Title: 11 Hours

Author: Octavia Jensen

Series/Standalone: Eleven Series (Book #1)

Genre: Novella, Smut

Pages: 53

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Kindle Unlimited

"A lawyer and a paralegal get trapped in an elevator- it sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but it's not a joke.

It's my life.

It's been hours with no sign of rescue, and the only thing I know for sure is that if I don't manage to either get out of here or under him soon, I'm going to go insane."

My Rating: 4/5

This is such a short little smutty novella that is fun. It has some plot, but it's mostly just people getting ready to get down and dirty. My only reason for it not checking all the boxes of the expectations I want it to be. There were a few things that moved a bit to out of left field, even for what it was.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Powerless by Elsie Silver

Title: Powerless    

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Springs Series (Book #3)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance, Smut

Pages: 396

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Kindle Unlimited

"Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That's all this was supposed to be. Afterall, I've been living in the friend zone for years now.

But hockey heartthrob Jasper Gervais isn't looking at me like a friend anymore. And he isn't touching me like one either.

To his fans, he's the handsome, talented athlete on TV. But to me he's still the lost boy with sad eyes and a heart of gold.

The man I've loved in secret for years.

So when my life falls apart on my wedding day, it only makes sense that he's the one to swoop in and save me. And when his world comes crashing down around him, I'm there to return the favor.

But the more time we spend alone, the more Jasper doesn't feel like a friend at all. He feels like everything I've ever wanted and thought I could never have.

Our feelings aren't straight forward though. They twist and turn around the pain of his past and the reality of my present.

Jasper Gervais acts like he wants me. 

But after years of turning me away, he's going to need to prove it."

My Rating: 3.25/5

This is such a precise rating, and I know it's odd but I just didn't love this as much as I anticipated. There were scenes that I enjoyed, there were the characters that I enjoyed revisiting, but there were portions that I just didn't love. I think that the third act was set to a very fast pace and I wanted to slow it down a little. I think that for now I'm gonna take a break from contemporary romance and then jump back in when I'm ready. But don't worry this series will be completed once the final book comes out. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Heartless by Elsie Silver

Title: Heartless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Spring Series (Book #2)

Genre: Adult, Romance, Smut, Contemporary

Pages: 476

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line:  "Lucy Reid's eyes flutter my way."

"Working as a nanny for the world's grumpiest single dad should have been simple. Except I can't keep my eyes off him. And he can't keep his hands off of me.

Cade Eaton is thirteen years older than i am and barely looks my way. Until I get him into the hot tub one night for a game of truth or dare. Then all bets are off- and so are our clothes.

He's gruff, a little rough around the edges. But broad-shoulder ranchers with calloused hands and filthy mouths are this city girl's kryptonite. So who am I to resist?

But it's in our quiet moments together that he softens. It's when he takes care of me that I realize his hardened exterior is just a facade. It's when I watch him go all sweet with his little boy that I really fall for him. 

Someone convinced him once that his best wasn't good enough. But I've never felt more cherished than I do in his arms.

My contract may say this arrangement is only for two months.

But my heart says this is forever."

My Rating: 5/5

I loved this second book. There were a few kinks that weren't necessarily for me but overall this book proved that certain tropes aren't ones I hate, they just need to be done well. I loved the smut, it was fun. The lusting after each other was great. The atmosphere was excellently written and the characters were fantastic. I also love the way the author introduces the next characters in the series so organically. It was excellent. I would highly recommend it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen

Title: Bonded by Thorns

Author: Elizabeth Helen

Series/Standalone: Beasts of the Briar (Book #1)

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Fantasy

Pages: 352

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Four beastly princess. One awkward bookworm. An enchanted world of fae, magic, and danger.

I've always loved fairytales. I never imagined I'd actually be in one.

When my father wanders into the enchanted realm of the fae. I know I have to go after him. And when he gets imprisoned, I'll do anything to save him... Even trade my freedom for his. I had no idea I'd end up imprisoned by four sexy fae who turn into beasts at night.

I have to win my freedom, and that means making a bargain with them. They must find their mates in order to break the curse. If I can help them do that, they'll set me free. Sounds simple right?

It's not. Because against my better judgement, I'm starting to fall for these beastly princes. One is smart and sweet, the other mysterious and deadly, another flirty and confident, and the last prince... He's handsome, strong, has a wicked temper, and is dead-set against breaking the curse. Why does he want to keep me here forever?

But it's not just my freedom on the line. If I don't break the princes' curse soon, all the magic in the Enchanted Vale will be stolen by the evil- and stupidly hot- Prince of Thorns. And I'm not letting my princes stay cursed.

Not after I've fallen in love with them."

My Rating: 1.5/5

This was not for me. It had so many elements that I thought would work for me and then when it came down to the moment, it just didn't hit right. The way the author pulled so much from the original content often took me out of the story. The princes were interesting and I was glad to hear their P.O.V but there wasn't enough smut to make up for the lack of content for me. The plot was fine, the concept was fun it just didn't land for me. This is definitely for someone and no shame if this is one of your favorites. It just wasn't for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood

Title: Stuck with You

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Series/Standalone: The STEMinist Novellas (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Novella, Smut

Pages: 127

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"Nothing like a little rivalry between scientists to take love to the next level.

Mara, Saide and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn...

Logically, Sadie knows that civil engineers are supposed to build bridges. However, as a woman of STEM she also understands that variables can change, and when you are stuck for hours in a tiny New York elevator with the man who broke your heart,  you earn the right to burn that brawny, blond bridge to the ground. Erik can apologize all he wants, but to quote her rebel leader- she'd just as soon kiss a Wookiee.

Not even the most sophisticated of Sadie's superstitious rituals could have predicted such a disastrous reunion. But while she refuses to acknowledge the siren call of Erik's steely forearms or the way his voice softens when he offers her his sweater, Sadie can't help but wonder if there might be more layers to her cold-hearted nemesis than meet the eye. Maybe, possibly, even burned bridges can still be crossed...."

My Rating: 4/5

I have really enjoyed these smutty little novellas. The smut is great, the plot is fun and they are a quick little read for on-the-go. I do have a complaint that our heroine is constantly the same archetype. She is so small, awkward, petite and has the same interests stereotypically (we did see a flux with some interest in soccer here). The male lead is also very similar. Tall, muscular and for the first time this one had a bit of a different look. But overall I can't distinguish any of the heroes or heroines written by the author. I would just like to see a bit more of a diverse range of characters. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Title: Fix Her Up

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Hot & Hammered Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Smut

Pages: 400

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"A brand new romantic comedy from New York Times bestseller Tessa Bailey!

Georgette Castle's family runs the best home renovations business in town, but she picked balloons instead of blueprints and they haven't taken her seriously since. Frankly, she's over it. Georgie loves planning children's birthday parties and making people laugh, just not at her own expense. She's determined to fix herself up into a Woman of the World... whatever that means.

Phase one: new framework for her business (a website from this decade, perhaps?)

Phase two: a gut-reno on her wardrobe (FYI, leggings are pants.)

Phase three: updates to her exterior (do people still wax?)

Phase four: put herself on the market (and stop crushing on Travis Ford!)

Living her best life means facing the truth: Georgie hasn't been on a date since, well ever. Nobody's asking the town clown out for a night of hot sex, that's for sure. Maybe if people think she's having a steamy love affair, they'll acknowledge she's not just the 'little sister' who paints faces for a living. And who better to help demolish that image than the resident sports star and tabloid favorite?

Travis Ford was major league baseball's hottest rookie when an injury ended his career. Now he's flipping houses to keep busy and trying to forget his glory days. But he can't even cross the street without someone recapping his greatest hits. Or making a joke about his.... bat. And then there's Georgie, his best friend's sister, who is not a kid anymore. When she proposes a wild scheme- that they pretend to date, to shock her family and help him land a new job- he agrees. What's the harm? It's not like it's real. But the girl Travis used to tease is now a funny, full-of-life woman and there's nothing fake about how much he wants her...."

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this story. I think the whole small town and best friend's younger sister trope was perfect. I have loved the two things that I have read from Tessa Bailey so far and I'm on a roll. I love how unique her characters are and the tropes that she is writing with. So far so good. The smut in this was pretty good as well. If you're looking for a hot summer read, and haven't read this (I don't know if you exist because I'm late to the party) pick it up.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Kingpin's Weakness by Jessa Kane

Title: The Kingpin's Weakness

Author: Jessa Kane

Series/Standalone: MMA Series (Book #2)

Genre: New Adult, Smut

Pages: 53

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Kindle Unlimited

"Easton Brawn, the notorious gangster and self-proclaimed devil, has requested Scout's presence in his luxury box at the MMA fight- after only one glance- and his reputation gives her no choice but to join him there. Anyone who gets too close to Easton becomes a target for his enemies, so although this girl makes his once-dead heart beat out of control, he can only offer her one night of unparalleled passion. Love has no time limits, however. And before Easton knows it, he'll be in a rush to keep the girl of his dreams safe... and his life forever."

My Rating: 2.75/5

This one was far better than the first one, mainly because it had tropes that I enjoyed more than this one. I enjoyed the mafia/gangster aspect way more than I thought I would. I can't wait to see what else she's written, that being said this is pure filth. Just absolute smut. But that's what I expected. It did "inspire" me to read more mafia romances.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Fighter's Prize by Jessa Kane

Title: The Fighter's Prize

Author: Jessa Kane

Series/Standalone: MMA Series (Book #1)

Genre: Smut, New Adult, Sports

Pages: 69

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Kindle Unlimited

"Whitney's father is up to his eyeballs in gambling debts and now he's placing her as the wager on a no-holds-barred MMA fight. But she refuses to have zero say in her own destiny. So she decides to motivate the Russian fighter, Maxim "Madman of MMA" Semenov, with a kiss. A kiss that turns into so much more and has the Russian vowing to win the fight and claim her forever."

My Rating: 1.5/5

I thought this might have some substance but this was pure smut. Filthy, fast and slightly questionably written smut. The characters had no personality (other than being Russian and poor), and the scenes that were written when they were not having sex weren't great. Overall, just a fun time.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Title: Icebreaker

Author: Hannah Grace

Series/Standalone: Maple Hills Series (Book #1)

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Smut

Pages: 435

Publisher: Pig & Bear Publishing

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "Again, Anastasia!"

"Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA.

A competitive figure skater since she was five years old, a full college scholarship thanks to her place on the Maple Hills skating team, and a schedule that would make even the most driver person weep, Stassie comes to win.

No exceptions.

Nathan Hawkins has never had a problem he couldn't solve. As captain of the Maple Hills Titans, he knows the responsibility of keeping the hockey tam on the ice rests on his shoulders.

When a misunderstanding results in the two teams sharing a rink, and Anastasia's partner gets hurt in the aftermath. Nate finds himself swapping his sticks for tights, and one scary couch for an even scarier one.

The pair find themselves stuck together in more ways than one, but it's fine, because Anastasia doesn't even like hockey players... right?"

My Rating: 4/5

For whatever reason, this book took me a long time to get through. I don't think that it had anything to do with the book itself but more so with the format I was reading it on. That being said there was a bit of a lull in the middle of the book for me. The last third of the book flew by though. The smut in this book was so well written and I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers format. The concept of them both being athletes helped the story along and I can't wait to read the next one in this series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood

Title: Under One Roof

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Series/Standalone: The STEMinist Novellas (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Smut, Novella

Pages: 112

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"A scientist should never cohabitate with her annoyingly hot nemesis- it leads to combustion.

Mara, Sadie and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn...

As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not stealing someone else's food. And other rules Liam, her detestable big-oil lawyer of a roommate, knows nothing about. Okay, sure, technically she's the interloper. Liam was already entrenched in his aunt's house like some glowering grumpy giant when Mara moved in, with his big muscles and kissable mouth just sitting there on the couch tempting respectable scientists to the dark side... but Helena was her mentor and Mara's not about to move out and give her inheritance without a fight. 

The problem is, living with someone means getting to know them. And the more Mara finds out about Liam, the harder it is to loathe him... and the easier it is to love him."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is what I expect from a four-hour romance novella audio. This was smut! It was fun, it was a bit of pining but mostly knowing that by the end the people are getting together and it's gonna be fun to read about. If you've read Ali Hazelwood's other work you might want to take a minute in between this and the rest as I'm finding that most of her female main characters are fairly similar. That being said if it isn't broken, don't fix it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Tis the Season for Revenge by

Title: Tis the Season for Revenge

Author: Morgan Elizabeth

Series/Standalone: Springbrook Hills (Book #5)

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Smut

Pages: 304

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Publisher: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "The costume is utter perfection."

"Abbie Keller thought that Richard Batholemew Benson the Third would be her forever. In their four years of dating, she never doubted that she wouldn't end up with his grandmother's engagement ring on her finger. Sure, she had to change a few things about herself to fit that mold, like dying her hair, dressing more conservatively, and finding golf enjoyable (honestly the most difficult of the changes), but she was sure that at the end of it all, it would be worth it.

That is until he leaves her crying outside her apartment wearing a Halloween costume, having broken it off with her because she's just not serious enough. She was just fun, he tells her- and now that Richard has becoming a partner at his law firm in his sights, he needs to focus on work.

So she does what every girl does when she's broken with: she calls her friends, gets drunk, dyes her hair, and formulates her plan for revenge. It just so happens that the universe supports her efforts and gives her the perfect match to prove to her ex that he made a huge mistake: his boss.

Abbie starts dating the founding partner of Richard's law firm, Damien Martinez, with one thing in mind: convincing him to invite her to the huge annual Christmas party as his date. 

But when the relationship starts to become something more than casual dating and Abbie sees that the tough New York lawyer has a soft side, will she be able to follow through with her plan of deceit?

Tis the Season for Revenge is a contemporary, grumpy, sunshine, age-gap, Christmas romance."

My Rating: 5/5

This was exactly what I wanted. Spicey as all hell has great characters, a fun plot and is all Christmas-centric without being to cliche around the holiday. This is not a book whose sex scenes are for the slight of heart. They are graphic and some of the steamiest I've read in a while. I plan on reading more by the author as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Credence by Penelope Douglas

Title: Credence

Author: Penelope Douglas

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: New Adult, Smut, Taboo
Pages: 470

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line:  "It's strange."

"Tiernan de Haas doesn't care about anything anymore. The only child of a film producer and his starlet wife, she's grown up with wealth and privilege but not love or guidance. Shipped off to boarding schools from an early age, it was still impossible to escape the loneliness and carve out a life of her own. The shadow of her parents' fame followed her everywhere.

And when they suddenly pass away, she knows she should be devastated. But has anything really changed? She's always been alone, hasn't she?

Jake Van der Berg, her farther's stepbrother and her only living relative, assumes guardianship of Tiernan who is still two months shy of eighteen. Sent to live with him and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, in the mountains of Colorado, Tiernan soon learns that these men now have a say in what she chooses to care and not care about anymore. As the three of them take her under their wing, teach her to work, and survive the remote woods far away from the rest of the world, she slowly finds her place among them.

And as a part of them.

She also realizes that lines blur and rules become easy to break when no one else is watching.

One of them has her.

The other one wants her.

But he....

He's going to keep her."

Overall Rating: 3/5

SMUT Rating: 5/5

This shit was taboo as hell. I should have known going in but I just didn't anticipate it to go so far so fast. If you are into threesomes, open relationships, or taboo shit this will be for you. The plot was there, but not really. I didn't read it for the plot, I was here for the spice and HOLY SHIT! This was porn and it was fun to read, shock value and detailed. If that's what you're looking for, go for it. If you like fade to black sex scenes, RUN! This is not for you. Also, this treads the line on gross shit. Dark romance for sure! Has this inspired me to read more age-gap yes, has it inspired me to read more by Penelope Douglas... ummm not sure yet, ask me again after I've read a New Adult Fantasy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

Title: A Touch of Darkness    

Author: Scarlett St. Clair    

Series/Standalone: Hades x Persephone Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Retelling, Smut

Pages: 282

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shrivelled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.

Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.

After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead, and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. 

The bet does more than expose Persephone's failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows- and it's forbidden."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Spice Rating 5/5

This book was perfectly spicey. A great read for people who are interested in the Persephone and Hades retelling without it relying to heavily on past knowledge. You also have to be ok with it being a modern retelling. I loved the world that Scarlett St. Clair created and the undeniable attraction between our hero and heroine was so well written. The smutty scenes in this book were so incredibly spicey. So if you can't handle smut, I would not recommend it. But if you're looking for a smutty, steamy retelling with unbelievable chemistry between your main characters I would recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

 

Book Review: Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

Title: Ice Planet Barbarians

Author: Ruby Dixon

Series/Standalone: Ice Planet Barbarians Series ( Book #1)

Genre: Smut, Romance, New Adult

Pages: 188

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"You'd think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to me. And you'd be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble, and they've left their cargo of human women- including me- on an ice planet.

And the only native inhabitant I've met? He's big, horned, blue and really, really has a thing for me..."

General Rating: 2.5/5

Smut Rating: 4/5

I finally gave in and read this. Wow was it fun! If you've heard anything about this series you know that this isn't a series to be taken seriously. It's for smut, for jokes and for having a fun time. The plot was predictable, the aliens were hot, but also still very much aliens, and the smut was fun. Not super well written, but I'm not that picky. I think I'll continue with this series when I feel that my reading has gotten a little tedious, a nice little pick me up.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny.

Book Review: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah. J. Maas

Title: A Court of Silver Flames

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (Book #4)

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 757

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2021

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

First Line: "The black water nipping at her thrashing heels was freezing."

"Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key is halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared with war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance- and healing- in each other's arms."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Wow, it took me long enough to get to this book. And overall, I enjoyed it. Could I have gone in right after I read ACOWAR the first time, maybe, but I'm glad I did an overall reread? I also found that the novella right before this one really helps put you in the headspace for this one, and things that happen in that book are referenced quite frequently, so don't miss it. I've taken up the CAWPILE method for rating books, and this one I added a range for rating, smut. The characters in this were as lovely as always, it was great to get a different perspective. The atmosphere and the writing were good for me. The plot is where I found this story really lacked. Yes, there was a plot, but it just wasn't at the forefront for me. Intrigue about the romance was there, the logic for the plot was just okay. BUT THE SMUT! It was next level for this series, and I was LIVING for it. I will be continuing the series, and Sarah J. Maas can just keep the spice coming.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny