Every Last Breath (Final Hour #1) by Juno Rushdan
#RomanticSuspense #SecondChanceRomance
5 STARS
| This was a new author for me and I am hooked. This action-packed romantic suspense is written in third person from multiple POV. I loved Maddox. She is a woman who is super tough and knows how to push through physical and emotional pain to get where she wants to go. Cole is a man from her past. Their complicated relationship is explained over the course of the book. They must work through feelings of shock, anger and betrayal to get to a place of honesty and forgiveness. They have a smoking physical chemistry going for them, and I love how the author incorporates so much of their feelings and emotions into the physical scenes. I appreciate how protective he is of her once he accepts that he still loves her. His anguish and fear for her safety is palpable. The story was well-written and I enjoyed the secondary characters and their relationship to Maddox. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat as they race the clock to find the bioweapon while overcoming some serious obstacles. I am hooked on the series and I am dying to find out what happens next. Cole and Maddox get their HEA in this book. There is an underlying plot that will continue through other books in the series. |
One Take Only (Brighton Rocks #2) by Lynsey M. Stewart
(ARC: Release Date- 11/14/2020)
#FriendsToLovers #ARC
5 STARS
This author takes the friends-to-lovers trope to a new level with Will and Skye. It is a full-length novel written in first person from dual POV.
Will has loved Skye since he met her. He has suppressed his feelings for several reasons. His fear of losing her from his life entirely outweighed his desire to risk what they had as friends for something that he wanted them to be. He has been rock-steady for Skye, always there to help and support her in any way she needs. They have a lively, snarky banter with each other that is fun and amusing as they both stifle their real feelings.
To say that Skye has some baggage would be an understatement. She is a little lost. She is buried in grief, guilt, and fear. And she is in complete denial. At the same time, she is working hard, is successful in her business ventures, and is making an impact volunteering at the LGBTQ+ clinic.
I love that Will sees her as she is, loves and supports her, and wants more for her than she thinks she deserves. I love how tender they are with each other when they let down their guard and become vulnerable. They have plenty of chemistry, and when things heat up between them it is real and raw. Will leaves her so many little notes: reminders of how valuable she is to him and to the world. He is 100% swoon-worthy, nerdy, a little awkward, and I loved him.
In addition to the love story as Will and Skye’s relationship evolves into something more, the book deals with real issues in a realistic way. The story addresses some of the mixed and sometimes dangerous messages that are present in the porn that is so readily available. It touches on how that can impact people, especially teens and those coming to terms with their sexuality. It boldly addresses how difficult it can be for teens to come to terms with their sexuality and how at risk they can become for suicide. The story addresses safe and consensual sex, emotional connection in a sexual relationship, and sexual health (along with conversations about that that are often awkward, though it should not be.) Skye’s grief is palpable. Her guilt and her denial of the impact of events on her mental health felt very realistic. I was happy to read about her journey to a better mind set, her growth through the course of the book, and her ability to accept and love herself. I especially loved when she was able to give her all to a HEA with Will. Don’t think this is a light and fluffy read, though there are certainly light and funny moments mixed in. This author writes books that are deep and pack an emotional punch. I always know I will get a book that makes me think and this one did not disappoint.
Will has loved Skye since he met her. He has suppressed his feelings for several reasons. His fear of losing her from his life entirely outweighed his desire to risk what they had as friends for something that he wanted them to be. He has been rock-steady for Skye, always there to help and support her in any way she needs. They have a lively, snarky banter with each other that is fun and amusing as they both stifle their real feelings.
To say that Skye has some baggage would be an understatement. She is a little lost. She is buried in grief, guilt, and fear. And she is in complete denial. At the same time, she is working hard, is successful in her business ventures, and is making an impact volunteering at the LGBTQ+ clinic.
I love that Will sees her as she is, loves and supports her, and wants more for her than she thinks she deserves. I love how tender they are with each other when they let down their guard and become vulnerable. They have plenty of chemistry, and when things heat up between them it is real and raw. Will leaves her so many little notes: reminders of how valuable she is to him and to the world. He is 100% swoon-worthy, nerdy, a little awkward, and I loved him.
In addition to the love story as Will and Skye’s relationship evolves into something more, the book deals with real issues in a realistic way. The story addresses some of the mixed and sometimes dangerous messages that are present in the porn that is so readily available. It touches on how that can impact people, especially teens and those coming to terms with their sexuality. It boldly addresses how difficult it can be for teens to come to terms with their sexuality and how at risk they can become for suicide. The story addresses safe and consensual sex, emotional connection in a sexual relationship, and sexual health (along with conversations about that that are often awkward, though it should not be.) Skye’s grief is palpable. Her guilt and her denial of the impact of events on her mental health felt very realistic. I was happy to read about her journey to a better mind set, her growth through the course of the book, and her ability to accept and love herself. I especially loved when she was able to give her all to a HEA with Will. Don’t think this is a light and fluffy read, though there are certainly light and funny moments mixed in. This author writes books that are deep and pack an emotional punch. I always know I will get a book that makes me think and this one did not disappoint.
Garnish With A Candy Cane by Nikki Belaire
(ARC: Release Date- 11/11/2020)
#MafiaRomance #HolidayRomance #ARC
4 STARS
| This is a fun holiday mafia romance novella. It is written in first person from dual POV. Duke is a mob boss who is quick to issue dire orders and pull his own gun. When he meets Noelle, eve he recognizes that she causes him to act different from his norm. Noelle is an innocent young woman who just wants to be good, take care of her grandmother, and do the right thing to make her proud. She is an adorable drunk and Duke falls hard and fast, much to his consternation. Once Noelle is sober, she must come to terms with fear of falling for a man like Duke and her very intense feelings for him. This is an insta-love novella with a possessive, growly, alpha male who feels a deep need to immediately take care of Noelle and never let her go. The pacing is good, and the characters are interesting. I found that I liked Duke, despite his mob boss, sometimes over the top actions. This was a captivating steamy read, and the first book I have read by this author. I will definitely be reading more by her. |
McKenzie's Turn to Fall by Harlow James
(ARC: Release Date- 11/8/2020)
#HolidayRomance #SmallTownRomance #ARC
5 STARS
| This was a sweet and sexy book written in first person from dual POV. I loved McKenzie. She is a successful romance author who has the same insecurities about her curvy body that many real women have. Dylan is a younger man who is perfect book boyfriend material. This guy says ALL the right things and means them. Their meet cute is adorable. The relationship they form is sweet and steamy. Their HEA is perfect. I very much enjoyed this holiday read about a couple who make each other’s dreams come true. |
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