Book Review: Tarnished Crown by Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison

Title: Tarnished Crown

Author: Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison

Series/Standalone: The Lochlann Feuds Series (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 398

Publisher: Indie Published (Self-Published)

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Rowan was finally going to do something right.

Marry for love and for her kingdom. Keep her people safe. Until an archaic law enslaved her to the most feared man in all of  Socair, a man who treats her like a pawn and calls her his pet.

But when enemies emerge from unexpected places, she's forced to realize that being Evander's property might just be the only thing keeping her alive.

Can she fulfill her blood debt to Bear, even if it means losing Theo forever?

Even if it means sacrificing her heart?"

My Rating: 5/5

If you had told me a year ago that I would be loving a steamy but not spicy young adult romantasy series, I would have been shocked. Not that I've completely shied away from young adult fantasy, but I feel that I've leaned more into adult content in the past few years, so to revisit this area feels both nostalgic and brand new all at once. The authors of this series know exactly how to write angsty, longing and enemies-to-lovers. While some emotions are going fast (it's kinda par for the course in the genre), the banter, the plot, all of it is phenomenal. Don't worry, the next book in the series, she's downloaded!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A False Start by Elsie Silver

Title: A False Start

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch Series (Book #4)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Contemporary

Pages: 432

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"I kissed my best friend's little sister, and the world stood still.

That night we were two perfect strangers, the town's grumpy recluse and a gorgeous girl in the back of a bar. Until we weren't.

Because Nadia Dalca isn't just some girl. She's the girl I can't have. Fourteen years younger than me and completely off-limits.

My plan is to stay away, but the universe keeps pushing us together. It's like some sort of cosmic joke, to give me a taste of something so electric - so real- something that breathed life back into me.

Because I can look, but I can't touch.

Her sinful curves, her light-hearted laughter, her wild side... I'm addicted to every last bit of her.

And when she turns those sultry eyes on me-- the ones so full of longing and so free of judgement? I've always considered myself a strong man. But when she looks at me I'm weak.

To give in to our connection would be a betrayal. My life is beyond complicated, and she has the world at her fingertips. Her brother is the only family she has left, and sad as it sounds, he's also my only friend.

But I kissed her again anyway.

And now I can't stop."

My Rating: 5/5

This was once again Elsie Silver, just writing perfection. The tension between our main characters is excellent. The spicy scenes were wonderful, and the plot was fantastic. I was so grateful for the way the author chose to end this book. She has this way of making each character so unique that I feel like they are real people. This series isn't quite as good as Chestnut Springs in my opinion, but I can't wait to read the Rose Hill Series.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Deal

Author: Elle Kennedy

Series/Standalone: Off-Campus Series (Book #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Sports Romance

Pages: 342

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"She's about to make a deal with the college bad boy...

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice... even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it's going to be oh so good.

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure the position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him."

My Rating: 4/5

This was a really fun read. And while it was a little predictable, it was also unexpected in some of the turns. I look forward to continuing the series, especially since the author is a Canadian and reading some books from my fellow Canadians seems like the move to make right now. I will say it is a bit of a product of the time. It felt very 2015 if that makes any sense. Would recommend if you're looking for good banter, steamy scenes and a sports romance that isn't too too sports heavy. Trigger warning for mention of SA.

Thanks for reading.

Sidny

Book Review: Savage Lover by Sophie Lark

Title: Savage Lover

Author: Sophie Lark

Series/Standalone: Brutal Birthright Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Dark, Mafia

Pages: 338

Publisher: Indie/Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Two people who believe they're unworthy of love.. until they meet each other.

Camille Rivera is drowning. Her father's sick, her brother's in deep with a dirty cop, and her mechanic shop is failing.

Nero Gallo is the neighborhood psychopath. As vicious as he is gorgeous, Camille has watched him burn through every girl in a ten-mile radius, breaking hearts and never, ever getting attached.

Which is why she can't believe it when Nero saves her from a seriously sticky situation. They've lived next to each other all their lives- is it possible she never really knew him at all?

Camille is about to learn that the only thing more dangerous than trusting Nero is falling for him."

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed the start of this book. Sophie Lark does an amazing job of making each character feel unique and different from one another, which is saying something when you're reading a companion series one after another. I liked the smut, I liked the plot, but some parts of the book just felt disjointed to me. There were almost pieces missing, or parts that I thought would be expanded on that just weren't. I look forward to reading the rest of this series, but I am going to take a little break. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark

Title: Stolen Heir

Author: Sophie Lark

Series/Standalone: Brutal Birthright Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Mafia, Dark

Pages: 430

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"They murdered my father, so I stole their daughter....

She's my captive, my little ballerina who dances only for me.

Nessa is sweet and innocent. She doesn't deserve any of this. But that's how our world works- the wolves eat the lambs, no matter how gentle they may be.

I'll use her to get my revenge. Unless I give in to my hunger first..."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This wasn't as good for me as the first one in the series. Sometimes when authors pull out retellings I love them and other times it feels a little too in your face. This one was the later. I found that over and over the author appeared to be saying, "See it's a retelling, look it, did you forget the retelling aspect" and to that, I said woah, let me enjoy it for what it is. I will be continuing the series because the smut is great, the side characters are fascinating and the story overall is fantastic. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark

Title: Brutal Prince

Author: Sophie Lark

Series/Standalone: Brutal Birthright Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance, Dark, Mafia

Pages: 376

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"He's No Prince Charming....

Callum Griffin is the heir to the Irish Mafia. He's ruthless, arrogant and he wants to kill me. 

We got off on the wrong foot when I set a (very small) fire in his house.

Our families believe a marriage pact is the only thing that will prevent all-out warfare.

I think I might need to murder him while he sleeps.

This would all be a lot easier if Callum wasn't so damned good-looking.

But I've got a lockbox around my heart. Because even if I'm forced to marry him...

I could never love a brutal prince."

My Rating:5/5

I think this is the first romance that I've read that has fallen under the mafia category and I feel like it was a great starting pick. If you want something that lands right between contemporary and dark romance, this is it I think. It still has the shock value, the plot, the intrigue, but without as many triggers I would say it is a dark romance. I LOVED IT! I can't remember the last time I finished a book (that wasn't an audiobook) in such a short amount of time. I immediately resubscribed to Kindle Unlimited to binge this series.

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: The Distraction by Morgan Elizabeth

Title: The Distraction

Author: Morgan Elizabeth

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

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Pages: 309

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"The last thing he needs is a distraction

Hunter Hutchin's success is due to one thing and one thing only: his unerring focus on Beaten Path, the outdoor recreation company eh built from the ground up after his first business was an utter failure. 

When his dad gets sick, Hunter is forced to go back to his hometown and prove once and for all that his father's belief in him wasn't for nothing. With illness looming, distractions are unacceptable.

Staying with his sister, he meets Hannah, the sexy nanny who has had his head in a frenzy since they met.

When Hunter's dad gets sick, he's forced to leave the city and move back into the small town he grew up in at his sister's house. Ever since he watched Hannah dance into his life, he's finding himself drifting from his goal and purpose- or is he drifting closer to them?

She refuses to make the same mistakes as her mother.

Hannah Keller grew up watching what happens when a family falls apart and lived through those consequences. When it's time, she won't make the same mistake by settling for anyone.

But when the uncle of the kids she nannies comes to stay for the summer, she can't help but find herself drawn to the handsome, standoffish man who is definitely not for her.

Can she get through the summer while protecting her heart? Or will he break through and leave her broken?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was a fun little contemporary romance read. The smut was fantastically written, the plot on the other hand was not all I hoped for. I did appreciate Hannah, as a character because I can relate to her a lot. I did appreciate that Hunter has his own issues, but the lack of communication from Hunter to his family members drives me insane. Miscommunication on this level is hard for me to read because I find it drags on for far too long.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver

Title: A Photo Finish

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, 

Pages: 420

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"I've seen every square inch of Wiolet Eaton's delectable body and she has no idea who I am.

Until now.

What happened between us online, in our chats, was meant to stay anonymous and in the past.

Until it didn't.

It's a small world, but Ruby Creek is even smaller. When I move to the tiny town, the grumpy, facade I've created slips when we're forced to live under the same roof.

Every flush of her cheeks, every time her eyes flare with what, every time she begs me not to stop, the ice I've encased myself in melts. She has me wanting things I can't want. Things I've been dreaming about since I first laid eyes on her two years ago- things I don't deserve.

But my invisible wounds have the power to ruin us both. As a former soldier, I should have the discipline to walk away, but the more I open up to Violet, the more I want to keep her.

I came back from the war a different man, but my scars are older and deeper than anyone knows- and I planned to keep it that way. I planned to keep my secrets hidden.

Until her."

My Rating: 5/5

This has been my favourite so far. Could it be the grumpy sunshine trope, could it be Elsie Silver's ability to tie together relationships from the current books with previous books, or even other series, or is it because this romance was too damn good. The long-term yearning was excellently written and the characters were unique in a way that wasn't unsettling, but also distinguishable. I look forward to continuing the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Sabotage by Shantel Tessier

Title: Sabotage

Author: Shantel Tessier

Series/Standalone: L.O.R.D.S (Book #4)
Genre: Dark Romance, New Adult, 

Pages: 229

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"COLTON

Raylee Lexington Adams is my stepsister and the one woman in the world who can make my blood boil.

She's vindictive, a lot of crazy and absolutely stunning.

I hate everything about her except for when she's on her knees begging me to use her as my own personal toy. 

We've been playing a game of cat and mouse for far too long. We have used each other for our own sick pleasure.

I've ruined every relationship my little princess has ever had. A sure way that she'll come crawling back to me, begging me for what only I can give her when another man fails her.

But I'm tired of watching others get a piece of what is mine. So, I did what any rational man would do- I staked my claims, showed the world that she belonged to me, and I'm going to do whatever it take to make her believe it too.

RAYLEE

Colton Remington Knox is a man I despise but can't say no to.

He's what any girl would call a walking red flag. But I've never claimed to be a smart woman when it comes to men. Why should he be any different?

I've always managed to hold my own against him. But this time, he's gone too far. Posting a video of me on my knees for him, for what? To brag? Embarrass me? He's acting like he doesn't know me very well.

Colt wants to play a game? I'll do whatever it takes to make sure I win. No matter what it costs me.

People already think I have no dignity, so why let them down?"

My Rating: 2/5

After realising the starting plot points, I wanted the start of this, but there was something about how certain things were handled at the end that just disappointed me. I wanted a little more thoughtfulness towards a certain trigger warning, but that's why trigger warnings exist right? It wasn't my favourite in the series, but I look forward to the next one.

Sidny

Book Review: The Sacrifice by Shantel Tessier

Title: The Sacrifice

Author: Shantel Tessier

Series/Standalone: L.O.R.D.S. (Book #3)

Genre: New Adult, Dark, Romance

Pages: 644

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"HIS LADY

A Lord is to marry after he graduates from Barrington University, an elite college for the rich. A Lady's job is to help him fit into a world unaware of his secret society. The Lord does not get to choose who he spends the rest of his life with. But there is always an exception to the rule. And I just so happen to be his.

I VOW. YOU VOW. WE VOW.

I was to wed a Lord of my parents' choosing. Wealth can't buy you everything or I would have had freedom years ago. Instead, my strict parents made sure I lived a dull life in a mansion resembling a prison.

But on my wedding day, I was handed over to another man- an even more ruthless Lord that my family hated.

Tyson Riley Crawford only wanted me for his revenge. I'm nothing more than a debt to be paid. I didn't have a say in the matter. So when I said my vows before the congregation, I knew I'd break them. Consequences be damned.

Too bad I underestimated my husband and didn't realize he was more determined to punish me than I was to succeed at escaping. He'll make me choke on those words I used to bind myself to him.

Yet even he couldn't have seen what our future held. Ultimately, we're all just pawns in a game that none of us can win unless you're willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice... and even that may not be enough."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Before we get into it, this is a dark romance. It's messed up and has a lot of things that may not be for everyone. I highly recommend reading a trigger warning list before you start any books in this series. This one was my favourite so far in the series. It leaned into our main character's life story and after seeing Tyson in the first two books, it was exciting to see within his world with the Lords. The plot twists in this one were exactly the overtop thing I needed and the smut was insane.

I look forward to continuing the series and learning more about Carnage. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Emperor of Evening Stars by Laura Thalassa

Title: The Emperor of Evening Stars

Author: Laura Thalassa

Series/Standalone: The Bargainer Series (Book #2.5)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult

Pages: 219

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2017

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"In the beginning, there was darkness. 

Before he met Callie, before he became the Bargainer, there was Desmond Flynn, the bastard son of a scribe. A boy born to a weak mother, cursed with little magic, and destined to marry a slave.

But fate had something else in mind.

Till darkness dies.

From the barren caves of Arestys the palace of Somnia to the streets of earth, this is how Desmond Flynn, a fairy who began with nothing, became the Emperor of Evening Stars."

My Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed this instalment far more than the other ones in the series. I always love a prequel; seeing where a character's traits come from helps understand a side character. I really enjoyed how fast-paced it was but I was hoping for more info about Desmond before the first book in the series had taken place. I will be finishing out the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Sinner by Shantel Tessier

Title: The Sinner

Author: Shantel Tessier

Series/Standalone: The L.O.R.D.S (Book #2)

Genre: Dark Romance, Adult Fiction, 

Pages: 640

Publisher: Self-Published 

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"LITTLE DEMON

I was raised in a world where money and power are at your fingertips. My father is a LORD, a very respected member of a secret society that knows no bounds. When tragedy struck my family, we discovered we weren't untouchable. Just when I thought life couldn't get any worse, I was shown what hell is really like. Then he came and saved me. The devil disguised as my personal hero. But of course, nothing is for free. Not when a soul is up for grabs.

I VOW. YOU VOW. WE VOW.

Easton Bardley Sinnett- Sin- uses his power for his own sick pleasure. Like a typical Lord, he never thought about the consequences of his actions. I grew up with him, obsessed over him, craved him. He was who I pictured when I imagined doing things my body shouldn't want.

One day, I realized he was not who I thought he was. It didn't change anything, though, because I was already too far gone. If anything, I fell for him harder.

Every now and then, someone enters your life who flips it upside down. Sin wrecked me in the worst way, and I thanked him for it by serving on my knees.

As they say, nothing lasts forever. Men like him never stay with a woman like me. I'm what they use, not keep. So when he threw me away, I shouldn't have been all that surprised.

My body had always craved the darker side of love. The kind that left bruises and scars. I was what most would call unholy. And when the devil whispered in my ear that he loved me, I was more than determined to show him just how devoted I could be.

My Rating: 4/5

These books are not for the faint of heart. You definitely have to know what you're getting into if you're picking up a dark romance of any kind please check the trigger warnings. For me, this was fun and shocking but it did what it set out to do. The plot twists were outrageous in the best way and I can't even count how many times I said, "What the fuck?" I am excited to see where the series goes from here, now that the author has expanded the universe. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Strange Hymn by Laura Thalass

Title: A Strange Hymn

Author: Laura Thalassa

Series/Standalone: The Bargainer Series (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance

Pages: 385

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2017

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "Wings."

"She survived the mad king... but the nightmare isn't over.

Siren Callypso Lillis still wears the physical reminders of her time as Karnon's captive, even after reuniting with soulmate Desmond Flynn, the King of Night. Not only that, but mounting evidence suggests the Thief of Souls, the being responsible for the disappearance of countless fae warriors, is still out there.

Invited to an annual Solstice celebration, Callie and Des journey to the Kingdom of Flora to continue their investigation. But under the bright lights and striking blooms of the realm, new complications arise, one that no amount of bargaining can undo. Soldiers begin to go missing from the gathering, and some of the fae begin to suspect Des is the man behind it all. To Callie, one thing is no one is who they appear to be. Not even her soulmate.

Fairies play dangerous games. Some want love, some want vengeance, some want flesh, and some want horrors too unspeakable to name. Something is stirring in the Land of All that Grows, and if Callie isn't careful, it will claim everything she loves- and her along with it. "

My Rating: 3.5/5

I expected something else out of a second book. Once again the plot was fine, but it seemed to move too fast by the end. It started to pick up and just as it did, it was over. The plot twists were good, not great, but good. I will be reading the next book and am excited about it because it's a prequel. I have enjoyed the series, but it hasn't been mind-blowing, as long as the novella goes well I will finish the series. I would recommend it to people who haven't read ACOTAR. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Big Nick Energy by Morgan Elizabeth

Title: Big Nick Energy

Author: Morgan Elizabeth

Series/Standalone: Seasons of Revenge Series (Book #4)

Genre: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Adult

Pages: 294

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "'I'm going on a date tonight,' Connor says into the phone."

"When Connor Finch insists his one-time Tinder Match, Shae, comes to his dad's house for Thanksgiving with her two daughters, it's because he refuses to let them be alone on her first holiday post-divorce.

But when she arrives at the Christmas tree farm and ranch he grew up on, she meets his father- the crazy tall, built, golden retriever cowboy who tells her girls about the magic of the stupid elf on a shelf.

Of course, when she later corners him and tells him thanks a lot for nothing and that she's way too overwhelmed to have to deal with yet another responsibility, he feels terrible.

So terrible, he finds himself driving two hours every night just to deliver an elf, move him about, and create some Christmas magic for her girls. 

But what happens when he decides meeting her the way he did was some kind of Christmas miracle, and he needs to convince Shae to give him a shot?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was such a fun and sweet book, in comparison with Tis the Season (which I also really enjoyed). This had so many tropes that I enjoyed, and while I haven't read a slow burn that was this good in a while I loved it. I think the characters were super well written, the dual p.o.v was excellent and it was the perfect mix of hallmark and smutty. I would strongly recommend it for the holiday season. 

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: Hopeless by Elsie Silver

Title: Hopeless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Spring Series (Book #5)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 486

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "I thought pissing off my brother and storming away would make me feel something."

"Beau Eaton is the town prince, a handsome military hero with a tortured past.

I'm the outcast bartender, a shy girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

He's thirty-five and all man, and I'm twenty-two and all.... virgin.

He's also my fiance. Correction: my fake fiance.

We start out as a bet. He doesn't believe that anyone holds my last name against me. So he offers his to prove a point.

It's win-win. He gets a break from his concerned family's prying, and I get a chance to shed my family's reputation while I save up to ditch this small town.

He says all I have to do is wear his ring, follow his lead, and pretend I can't keep my hands off of him in public.

But it's what happens between us in private that blurs all those carefully drawn lines.

It's what transpires behind closed doors that doesn't feel like pretending at all.

This engagement was supposed to be for show. This agreement? It has an end date.

He once told me he'd never fall in love.

And yet here I am head over heels for my fake fiance."

My Rating: 4/5

This one wasn't my favourite in the series, but it was still a really great read. It was nice to see the characters all together one more time and it did feel bitter-sweet in a lot of ways. I loved this whole series and all the characters we were introduced to throughout the series. The smut was on point, and this series really has a lot going for it. The romance, the comedy, the characters, the tropes that are done so incredibly well, the plot lines and overall the feeling of family. I was teary-eyed as I finished this final book and I would highly recommend not just this book but the whole series to anyone who is even remotely interested. Elsie Silver builds a family that feels so real you wish you could sit at their table for the Eaton Family Dinner.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

Title: The Ritual 

Author: Shantel Tessier

Series/Standalone: The L.O.R.D.S Series (Book #1)

Genre: Dark Romance, New Adult, Fiction

Pages: 628

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "A Lord takes his oath seriously."

"THE CHOSEN ONE

I vow. You vow. We vow.

Barrington University is home of the Lords, a secret society that requires their blood in payment. They are above all- the most powerful men in the world. They devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. And during their senior year, they are offered a chosen one.

People think growing up with money is freeing, but I promise you, it's not. My entire life has been planned out for me. I never got the chance to do what I wanted until Ryat Alexander Archer came along and gave me an option for a better life. He offered me what no one else ever had- freedom.

I chose to be his. He made me believe that anyway, but it was just another lie. A way that the Lords manipulate you into doing what they want.

After being sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords, I embraced my new role and allowed Ryat to parade me around like the trophy I was to him. But like all things, what started out as a game soon became a fight for survival. And the only way out was death."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This book has trigger warnings a mile long so please before you read any dark romance find a trigger warning list and make sure that the content is something you feel safe to consume. That being said this book was really fun for a dark romance, the plot went so many different directions, the spicey scenes were insane, and the world was fascinating. Was it a literary classic, probably not. Would I read it again? Absolutely. I will be continuing on with the series. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: You've Lost a Lot of Blood by Eric LaRocca

Title: You've Lost a Lot of Blood 

Author: Eric LaRocca

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Horror, Adult

Pages: 236

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"A disturbing new vision of terror from the author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke.

'Each precious thing I show you in this book is a holy relic from the night we both perished- the night when I combed you from my hair and watered the moon with your blood.

You've lost a lot of blood..."

My Rating: 2/5

This book was disturbing for me. The use of insects and the way the story is told is excellent. But I felt like either I was missing something or the book was. While it was uncomfortable, it wasn't exactly what I thought I was getting into. I would really enjoy reading more from the author and seeing if there is something I would enjoy more from this author.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny