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Book reviews for books read July 20th-31st

 


Another month down. This month I read a total of 18 books. That included several novellas and one box set that I counted as one. I read one ARC during this last stretch of the month by a new-to-me author. I also read three books off  my TBR. It has been a hectic month and my words are gone at the moment. So I will wish everyone a Happy August. Let's read some fantastic books.



Property of Blade (Kings of Anarchy MC: Alaska #1) 

by Kathleen Kelly

ARC: Release Date- 08/04/2025

#OppositesAttract #MC #Paranormal #Shifters #ARC

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. This is a first-in-series- book set in a larger multi-author world of the Kings of Anarchy. Written in first person from an alternating multiple POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. This was my first book by this author, and the first book I have read in the KoA world. I can tell you now that I am going to continue to devour this series as it develops. I am hooked.

I was offered an advance copy of this book and once I read the premise, I knew I had to read it. After living in Alaska for the majority of my adult life, I can be a little critical of books set there. This book did not raise my criticism though. Alaska has a history of attracting the misfits of society, people who want a new start, and those running from their past. It makes it a perfect setting for this MC which is composed of a variety of paranormal MC misfits. This is the first book in a long time where I wanted to make a notebook of characters as I read it. Not only are Blade and Hannah fascinating, but the secondary characters are introduced in a way that makes me yearn for their books RIGHT NOW.

Blade is the president of the Alaska chapter of the Kings of Anarchy MC in Alaska. He has secrets. We find out along the way he isn’t quite the man he appears, but we don’t know what he is until almost the end of the book. I had a guess, but I was wrong. He is a pleasant surprise. His protective and caring instincts toward Hannah are a thing of beauty. Hannah is full of self-doubt after an accident leaves her with physical scars and her ex left her with emotional ones. She picks up her life in LA and moves to Alaska for a fresh start. I loved her resilience, her analytical nature, and her acceptance of things that are unexpected along the way. She sees Blade for his heart and is not deterred by his outward, intimidating appearance. They share a mutual attraction that quickly becomes more as Blade shows Hannah how much he desires and adores her.

The rest of the MC is introduced, and I feel like I got to know them just enough to be desperate for their stories. I am excited about this series, and I am putting the next release on my calendar now.



Tear Me to Pieces (Sinners and Saints #3) 

by Janice Whiteaker

#MorallyGrayHero #RomanticSuspense #HealingLove

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. That said, there are interconnected characters in this book from other books in this series and in The Lost Boys series. Book one of this series might be especially helpful for readers to read prior to this book for background. Sensitive readers should consider the author’s triggers warnings prior to reading. Readers should also be aware that this book leaves things slightly unfinished in regard to Butch and Becca. Their story is coming in December as part of the Alaskan Security series.

Simon falls hard and fast for Myra, yet he doesn’t hesitate to make sure she has time to adjust and heal before he lets her know that. Meanwhile, he has his own baggage that taking care of Myra and her goals seem to heal.  Myra has grown and healed so much in the year since she was able to get away from her horrible ex-husband and the cult where she was raised. I love her spunk and her will to be her own woman by reclaiming parts of herself that had been lost. The final piece of that puzzle involves Simon and the feelings they develop for each other.

This series is full of danger, drama, and heat. I have loved every second of it.


True North (North Brothers #1) by Amy Knupp

#GrumpyHero #Workplace

Written in third person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Sierra is a fierce character. She is a woman who owns and works in her construction, renovation company. She is driven, successful, and passionate about what she does. She has the respect of her crew, her family, and her industry. I loved her and her bada$$ boss self. She is not afraid to ask the tough questions or to call out Cole when necessary, even when it hurts.

Cole was an interesting character. I believe he is probably a character on the ASD spectrum, though that is not specifically stated. He has a sky-high IQ, a whole lot of internal thought that has shaped him, and a bit of a chip on his shoulder because he has always been different. He reminds me a lot of my adult son in many ways. His character has a lot of growth to accomplish during this story and Sierra and his feelings for her are the catalyst to making that happen. I loved it when he finally reached the point where he made the necessary changes to allow himself the happiness he never believed he deserved.

I fell in love with the whole North family. Cole’s relationship with his brothers only offered a glimpse into their characters and I was hooked. This was my first book by this author, but I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.



Kiss Cam Billionaire (Masters of Manhattan #0.5) 

by L. Knight

#Billionaire #InstaLove #Novella

With kiss cams in the media, I realized I had grabbed this free novella recently and decided to read a happier spin on the experience. This quick novella is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and stands alone.

With a little bit of heat, very little angst, and a sweet HEA this was a quick and fun read. Because of its length, I didn’t really get to know the characters well, but I enjoyed their light-speed romance and their connection.


Just Say Yes (King Family #5) by Lena Hendrix

#FamilySeries #SmallTown #Sports

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this final book in series gives readers a sweet HEA. Though Logan and MJ’s story stands alone, readers may find the most benefit from reading the series in order.

I love that MJ finally got her happy ending. She has been a character that was caring and kind from the very first Sullivan book. She formed relationships with her residents that demonstrated her caring nature. As I read through both the Sullivans and the Kings, MJ was the constant. As her family secrets were exposed, she stoically persevered despite her pain. I appreciated that Logan falls hard and fast for her. Logan was a good guy who takes a hot minute to get his head on straight. I loved the tenderness and care he showed MJ, and I loved how he was protective of her. More than that, I really loved how MJ comes into her own strength in this book. In part, that is because of Logan’s belief in her and showing her that she is loveable. This was a fun read and I am sad to leave Outtatowner.




Free Use at the Fire Station by Cleo Carnell
#Erotica #Novella #FreeUse

A quick and smutty read.


Working Off her Debt by Elizabeth Roubaix
#Erotica #Novella #Historical #FreeUse

Set in the 1800's, this was an interesting take on how a woman could pay off the debts garnered by her adult son to keep him out of debtor's prison. Fast, fun, smut.

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