aira 's bookshelf: all en-US Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:16:49 -0700 60 aira 's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[False Start (Kingsmen Football, #0.5)]]> 63039202
Campus� most popular guy, the starting quarterback, the same guy I’ve crushed on forever, notices me—the quiet introvert.

Although, he never would’ve noticed me if he didn’t need my help passing our biology class. I didn’t think I had a chance with him until he started flirting with me and asking me questions like, “Who was the guy you were talking to?� and “Do you have a boyfriend?�

It took a few tutoring sessions before we ditched the library to “study� at Lee’s apartment.

It was a fantasy come true until I found out the truth and vowed that Lee Burrows would never get another chance with me again.

This the prequel to the Kingsmen Football Starts series. You do not have to read it to enjoy, You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows.]]> 69 Piper Rayne aira 4 2025 3.87 False Start (Kingsmen Football, #0.5)
author: Piper Rayne
name: aira
average rating: 3.87
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: 2025
review:

]]> Daydream (Maple Hills, #3) 199798652
When his procrastination lands him in a difficult class with his least favorite professor, Henry Turner knows he’s going to have to work extra hard to survive his junior year of college. And now with his new title of captain for the hockey team—which he didn’t even want—Henry absolutely cannot fail. Enter Halle Jacobs, a fellow junior who finds herself befriended by Henry when he accidentally crashes her book club.

Halle may not have the romantic pursuits of her favorite fictional leads, but she’s an academic superstar, and as soon as she hears about Henry’s problems with his class reading material, she offers to help. Too bad being a private tutor isn’t exactly ideal given her own studies, job, book club, and the novel she’s trying to write. But new experiences are the key to beating her writer’s block, and Henry’s promising to be the one to give them to her.

They just need to stick to their rule book.

Oh, and not fall in love.]]> 433 Hannah Grace 1668026252 aira 4 2025
Henry Turner:
"This might be my favorite romance book, but we’re my favorite love story."
"The only person I want to entertain is you."
"You and your dramatics keep me totally occupied."
╰┈� My God, he is the standard for green-flag men. Period! There is no changing my mind. All a girl who lives to read fiction needs is Henry Turner. I desperately need an order link because I would like to buy a Henry for myself asap.

Halle Jacobs:
"People can enjoy reading and still maintain a healthy attachment to reality."
"An obsession sounds pretty dramatic if you ask me."
"You always make me feel pretty."
╰┈� I could definitely see aspects of myself in her. She is such a relatable character and I was so glad that she finally appreciated herself. My girl took nice to a whole other level though. It is completely alright to say "no" sometimes especially if people are taking advantage of your kindness.

Plot + Chemistry:
╰┈� Their chemistry had that friends to lovers vibe. I've been enjoying these kinds of book so much more and I'm so glad because I was missing out on so much. I also absolutely loved how this book didn't have too much smut. It was perfect and slow-burn(ish?). The only thing that made this a 4-star book instead of a 5-star book was the length. Although, the content in the book never got boring, it was a little too long for a contemporary romance. Otherwise, I would have absolutely given this 5 stars.

Thank you Sasha for (speed) reading this with me!! we totally gotta do more buddy reads and ilysm!! ]]> 3.92 2024 Daydream (Maple Hills, #3)
author: Hannah Grace
name: aira
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/09
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: 2025
review:
Me and Sasha got so excited that we finished this in under 24 hours and it was so worth it!! This is the best book in the series and nobody can change our minds.

Henry Turner:
"This might be my favorite romance book, but we’re my favorite love story."
"The only person I want to entertain is you."
"You and your dramatics keep me totally occupied."
╰┈� My God, he is the standard for green-flag men. Period! There is no changing my mind. All a girl who lives to read fiction needs is Henry Turner. I desperately need an order link because I would like to buy a Henry for myself asap.

Halle Jacobs:
"People can enjoy reading and still maintain a healthy attachment to reality."
"An obsession sounds pretty dramatic if you ask me."
"You always make me feel pretty."
╰┈� I could definitely see aspects of myself in her. She is such a relatable character and I was so glad that she finally appreciated herself. My girl took nice to a whole other level though. It is completely alright to say "no" sometimes especially if people are taking advantage of your kindness.

Plot + Chemistry:
╰┈� Their chemistry had that friends to lovers vibe. I've been enjoying these kinds of book so much more and I'm so glad because I was missing out on so much. I also absolutely loved how this book didn't have too much smut. It was perfect and slow-burn(ish?). The only thing that made this a 4-star book instead of a 5-star book was the length. Although, the content in the book never got boring, it was a little too long for a contemporary romance. Otherwise, I would have absolutely given this 5 stars.

Thank you Sasha for (speed) reading this with me!! we totally gotta do more buddy reads and ilysm!!
]]> The Mistake (Off-Campus, #2) 45756920 283 Elle Kennedy aira 0 2025, currently-reading 3.91 2015 The Mistake (Off-Campus, #2)
author: Elle Kennedy
name: aira
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: 2025, currently-reading
review:
pre-read: my most anticipated book from the series; logan is such a cutie.
]]> The Deal (Off-Campus, #1) 45484397
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 his 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.]]> 360 Elle Kennedy aira 3 2025
Hannah Wells:
“You won't let anything bad happen to me, will you, Garrett?"
╰┈� She is honestly a strong, smart woman. I definitely felt bad for her, especially when she was narrating some of her past to Garrett, because it quite literally broke my heart. I pray that no person - especially a woman - ever has to have those kind of experiences.

Garrett Graham:
“Baby, I could watch you watching paint dry, and I still wouldn’t be bored.�
“It breaks my fucking heart to hear you cry.�
╰┈� He was kind of ass at times, but he also had his moments. His father, however, is a major asshole and there is nothing in this world that would make me think that Garett could be like his father because he isn't. That's the reason he was able to redeem himself.

Plot:
╰┈� The first half of it felt a little underwhelming for me that I was so close to rating it 2 stars. However, the second half picked up so I think 3.5 would be the perfect rating. The plot line was nice and interesting. The bonus chapter cracked me up bc the possessive fuck, marry, kill was literally so hilarious. I did not really appreciate when Hannah kissed Dean, but I'm willing to let that go, because it was kind of funny to see Hannah walking in on him with someone when she was his tutor. I almost fell out of my chair during the locker room scene. Why was that so funny?

I am very much interested in reading Logan's book and lucky for me, it's next in the series. Anyways, Tucker is also interesting and Dean seems kind of annoying. I shall see how they fare in their books.

Thank you felicia for reading this with me!! ]]> 4.17 2015 The Deal (Off-Campus, #1)
author: Elle Kennedy
name: aira
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/08
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: 2025
review:
I'm always scared to read hyped series which is why I put this off for so long. However, this was actually pretty good on my standards so I'm going to say I liked it. This book had some hilarious moments that had me wheezing.

Hannah Wells:
“You won't let anything bad happen to me, will you, Garrett?"
╰┈� She is honestly a strong, smart woman. I definitely felt bad for her, especially when she was narrating some of her past to Garrett, because it quite literally broke my heart. I pray that no person - especially a woman - ever has to have those kind of experiences.

Garrett Graham:
“Baby, I could watch you watching paint dry, and I still wouldn’t be bored.�
“It breaks my fucking heart to hear you cry.�
╰┈� He was kind of ass at times, but he also had his moments. His father, however, is a major asshole and there is nothing in this world that would make me think that Garett could be like his father because he isn't. That's the reason he was able to redeem himself.

Plot:
╰┈� The first half of it felt a little underwhelming for me that I was so close to rating it 2 stars. However, the second half picked up so I think 3.5 would be the perfect rating. The plot line was nice and interesting. The bonus chapter cracked me up bc the possessive fuck, marry, kill was literally so hilarious. I did not really appreciate when Hannah kissed Dean, but I'm willing to let that go, because it was kind of funny to see Hannah walking in on him with someone when she was his tutor. I almost fell out of my chair during the locker room scene. Why was that so funny?

I am very much interested in reading Logan's book and lucky for me, it's next in the series. Anyways, Tucker is also interesting and Dean seems kind of annoying. I shall see how they fare in their books.

Thank you felicia for reading this with me!!
]]> <![CDATA[Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews (Kingsmen Football Stars #3)]]> 60915588
The Kingsmen’s top tight end.
My brother’s friend and teammate.
My new neighbor.
The grumpy to my sunshine.

But underneath that grumpy exterior, there’s so much more.

Chase likes to pretend nothing affects him, but I’ve seen glimpses of his other side in the time we’ve spent together.

And the more we get to know each other, the more I’m falling for him.

Under normal circumstances, this would be great. Except my hyper-protective big brother thinks no man is good enough for me, and my ex-fiancé is trying to win me back.

One charming, seemingly good man already broke my heart. Am I stupid to give a self-confessed relationship-adverse football player a chance to break it a second time?]]> 222 Piper Rayne 1990098797 aira 4 2025 4.17 Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews (Kingsmen Football Stars #3)
author: Piper Rayne
name: aira
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/08
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: 2025
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Ravenous Kingpin (Kingpins of the Syndicate #4)]]> 208515890
Now, I had a secret husband.

Cold and calculating Killian Brennan Cullen.

The hottest man I’d ever met.

And the heir to the Irish Cullen mafia

He promised to be a gentleman by day. But it was the nights that worried me. In the dark of the night he was commanding, ruthless, and possessive.

The agreement was two years. He’d protect me and my position in the Syndicate.

But who would protect me from him?]]> 280 Eva Winners aira 0 to-read 4.24 2024 Ravenous Kingpin (Kingpins of the Syndicate #4)
author: Eva Winners
name: aira
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Exception to the Rule (The Improbable Meet-Cute, #1)]]> 200033357 New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners.

One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates� are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask�what if we actually met?

Christina Lauren’s The Exception to the Rule is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.]]> 101 Christina Lauren 1662519893 aira 4 2025
-------

with uni starting today, I decided to start another book.

is this a good idea? nope.

am I still going to do it? yep.

while i'm at it, might as well struggle a little more.]]> 4.21 2024 The Exception to the Rule (The Improbable Meet-Cute, #1)
author: Christina Lauren
name: aira
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/10
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves: 2025
review:
it was good!

-------

with uni starting today, I decided to start another book.

is this a good idea? nope.

am I still going to do it? yep.

while i'm at it, might as well struggle a little more.
]]> <![CDATA[You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsmen Football Stars #1)]]> 60438831
Lee f’ing Burrows
The Kingsmen’s star quarterback.
Legendary throwing arm.
Six-pack abs.
Kissable lips.

Oh, but don’t forget, he’s also a lying, heartless egomaniac who broke my heart in college.

It took me years to build myself back up after his deceit, and now I have the dream opportunity to prove myself working as a sports therapist for a professional team.
The hurdle? Or mountain to be more accurate�

The job is with the San Francisco Kingsmen.

Back when I was a naïve college girl, I felt lucky that he even noticed me. Now eight years later, he’d be lucky if I gave him the time of day.

Which I won’t. Not ever.

Some people don’t deserve a second chance and Lee Burrows is one of them.

Now if someone could only tell him that because he’s hell-bent on scoring the winning touchdown and won’t accept that it’s game over for us.]]> 260 Piper Rayne aira 4 2025 3.90 2022 You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsmen Football Stars #1)
author: Piper Rayne
name: aira
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/07
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves: 2025
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Offside (Rules of the Game, #1)]]> 219446175
Following a string of scandals and substandard grades, Chase is on thin ice with his teammates and tyrannical coach. The last thing he needs is to have his focus and loyalty called into question by fraternizing with his team's #1 rival. But a beautiful stranger who throws herself at him one night is too tempting to pass up... Until she throws up on his shoes.

Caught in the midst of a bitter rivalry that extends far beyond the arena, Bailey and Chase are on opposite sides of the bench. He's worked his entire life to secure a future in the NHL. She's tagged along for the ride while her brother Derek, star defensive for the Bruder College Bulldogs, has done the same. Fraternizing with the enemy is definitely out of the question. Except this enemy is impossible to resist.

*

Please This listing is for the published, revised version of Offside only as there will be some substantial edits and changes.

To review the Wattpad version, please find the other listing for Offside.]]> 560 Avery Keelan 1250400600 aira 0 to-read 3.88 2019 Offside (Rules of the Game, #1)
author: Avery Keelan
name: aira
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Never Thought I'd End Up Here 216879705 From the author of the instant New York Times bestseller I Hope This Doesn't Find You, Never Thought I'd End Up Here is another hilarious and romantic romcom from Ann Liang, this time following a former model determined to get revenge on the boy who ruined her life.

Leah Zhang has spent her whole life in LA - it's all she's ever known. But after accidentally wishing her cousin ill health and a very depressing marriage at her wedding, her parents stage an intervention. She's forgotten most of her Mandarin, has zero regard for etiquette, and can't hold a conversation with her own grandparents for longer than a minute. Their solution? Send her on an intensive two-week travel program across China's most beautiful cities. To them, it's the perfect opportunity for Leah to get back to her roots. To Leah, it's simply a much-needed escape.

But before Leah can even begin to enjoy the luxurious hotels, stunning scenery, and mouth-watering cuisine, she finds that also on the trip is her former classmate and least favorite person cynical, sarcastic Cyrus, who's somehow only gotten more annoyingly handsome since they last saw each other.

While Leah might be tempted to shove him off the peak of the Yellow Mountain when nobody's looking, she can't get rid of him just yet. After all, she might never get another chance to get revenge on the boy who ruined her life.

Yet the deeper they wander into China's provinces, the deeper Leah finds herself falling in love - with the boy she once thought she despised, the home she never thought she'd call her own, and the parts of herself she thought were already lost.]]> 320 Ann Liang 1546110674 aira 0 to-read 4.56 2025 Never Thought I'd End Up Here
author: Ann Liang
name: aira
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Only Between Us (Oakwood Bay, #2)]]> 220161497 The highly anticipated sequel to the “achingly tender and deliciously sexy� (Jillian Meadows, author of Give Me Butterflies) Only in Your Dreams is a steamy, whip-smart sports romance about a former pro football star who agrees to fake date the fan-favorite ex of another high-profile NFL player so they can both save what’s most dear to them while fighting their growing feelings for each other.

After a death-defying injury sidelined him for two seasons, Brooks Attwood’s pro football comeback has hit a major snag. Naughty photos from a post-break-up bender have leaked, and they’re killing his chances with the Rebels—his old team, and the only one he wants to play on.

As he trains with the hope of being signed before the first kickoff of the season, Brooks’s plans to keep a low profile are suddenly upended when his selfie with a fiery fan goes viral, and tabloids mistake them as the football world’s newest It couple.

Turns out, Siena Pippen is the ex-girlfriend of the “face� of the League. And she wants nothing more to do with that world after being with her nightmare ex. While she and Brooks are busy blaming each other for the media circus surrounding them, NFL teams are suddenly scrambling to sign a housebroken Brooks. Meanwhile, Siena realizes that all this buzz could be the Hail Mary her family’s struggling business needs.

Together, Brooks and Siena hatch a ignore the will to kill each other and pretend to be madly in love—at least, until Brooks signs with a team. But the longer they pretend, the less fake their fauxmance begins to feel…and Brooks becomes as determined to convince Siena they’re truly meant to be as he is to land a spot on the Rebels� roster.]]> 416 Ellie K. Wilde 1668093839 aira 4 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
Brooks Attwood:
╰┈� Hot. Filthy mouth. Ambitious. Football player. What more could a woman dream of? Absolutely nothing, bc this man could also be vulnerable when he needed to be. He had his sweet moments and I was so happy to see him finally get where he wants in life.

Siena Pippen:
╰┈� Sweet. Kind. She was the perfect representation of those women/girls who wouldn't want to disappoint their parents, knowing fully well that their parents would love them regardless of what they chose to do in life. She deserves so much happiness.

Chemistry + Plot:
╰┈� The chemistry was off the charts and the plot was really good. You had me fake dating and it doesn't get better than that. They had this push and pull type slow-(ish?) burn to them that had me frustrated, but giggling at the same time. I will admit that it took me a while to get into it bc I was on the first chapter for almost 2 weeks - I would get distracted with other books, but I finally finished. Loved it! So glad I read it!

Thank you to Ellie K. Wilde, Atria Books and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 4.27 2025 Only Between Us (Oakwood Bay, #2)
author: Ellie K. Wilde
name: aira
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
Faking dating where the lines blur will never get old regardless of how many times I read it, I will be kicking my feet and giggling every time bc it just works.

Brooks Attwood:
╰┈� Hot. Filthy mouth. Ambitious. Football player. What more could a woman dream of? Absolutely nothing, bc this man could also be vulnerable when he needed to be. He had his sweet moments and I was so happy to see him finally get where he wants in life.

Siena Pippen:
╰┈� Sweet. Kind. She was the perfect representation of those women/girls who wouldn't want to disappoint their parents, knowing fully well that their parents would love them regardless of what they chose to do in life. She deserves so much happiness.

Chemistry + Plot:
╰┈� The chemistry was off the charts and the plot was really good. You had me fake dating and it doesn't get better than that. They had this push and pull type slow-(ish?) burn to them that had me frustrated, but giggling at the same time. I will admit that it took me a while to get into it bc I was on the first chapter for almost 2 weeks - I would get distracted with other books, but I finally finished. Loved it! So glad I read it!

Thank you to Ellie K. Wilde, Atria Books and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> <![CDATA[The Darkest Temptation (Made, #3)]]> 56250307 410 Danielle Lori aira 2 As a fellow 20-year old, I'm kind of offended. Not all of us act like that, you know.

I would be a hypocrite if I said that Stockholm Syndrome was the reason I didn't like this book bc I've rated other books that have it higher.

Mila was so naive that I couldn't believe she made it 20 years on the planet.

Ronan spoke Russian and tried to act mysterious. He also slapped her, so kind of unforgivable in my eyes, but she forgot about it very quickly.

I'm just super glad I finished this in a few days rather than it taking months so I'll take my wins where I can. Idk what else to say.

------

pre-read: idk why I'm still reading this after the 1-star for book 1 and 2-stars for book 2, but I also need to finish the series. Watch this take me a few months to finish. ]]> 4.04 2020 The Darkest Temptation (Made, #3)
author: Danielle Lori
name: aira
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2020
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: 2025, mafia-romance, dark-romance
review:
As a fellow 20-year old, I'm kind of offended. Not all of us act like that, you know.

I would be a hypocrite if I said that Stockholm Syndrome was the reason I didn't like this book bc I've rated other books that have it higher.

Mila was so naive that I couldn't believe she made it 20 years on the planet.

Ronan spoke Russian and tried to act mysterious. He also slapped her, so kind of unforgivable in my eyes, but she forgot about it very quickly.

I'm just super glad I finished this in a few days rather than it taking months so I'll take my wins where I can. Idk what else to say.

------

pre-read: idk why I'm still reading this after the 1-star for book 1 and 2-stars for book 2, but I also need to finish the series. Watch this take me a few months to finish.
]]> <![CDATA[The Sweetest Oblivion (Made, #1)]]> 39083635
In the murky waters of New York’s underworld, Elena’s sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo. A Made Man, a boss, a cheat—even measured against mafia standards. His reputation stretches far and wide and is darker than his black suits and ties. After his and Elena’s first encounter ends with an accidental glare on her part, she realizes he’s just as rude as he is handsome. She doesn’t like the man or anything he stands for, though that doesn’t stop her heart from pattering like rain against glass when he’s near, nor the shiver that ghosts down her spine at the sound of his voice. And he’s always near. Telling her what to do. Making her feel hotter than any future brother-in-law should. Elena may be the Sweet Abelli on the outside, but she’s beginning to learn she has a taste for the darkness, for rough hands, cigarettes, and whiskey-colored eyes. Having already escaped one scandal, however, she can hardly afford to be swept up in another. Besides, even if he were hers, everyone knows you don’t fall in love with a Made Man... Right?]]> 384 Danielle Lori 1721284443 aira 1 "When something was overhyped, it was always a letdown." ]]> 3.98 2018 The Sweetest Oblivion (Made, #1)
author: Danielle Lori
name: aira
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2018
rating: 1
read at: 2024/10/17
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: mafia-romance, 2024, dark-romance
review:
"When something was overhyped, it was always a letdown."

]]> The Reaper (Dark Verse, #2) 53027547 What happens when the untameable wind and the endless sea collide in the dark of the night?

Tristan ‘The Predator� Caine had been unprepared for Morana Vitalio. After spending his entire life with a vow he broke on a rainy night, he finds himself torn in a battle between his painful past and an uncertain future. The only thing he knows? Her life still belongs to him.

For Morana, the line between enemies and allies has blurred. Everything she once held dear to her has disintegrated and the unknown gapes at her, leaving her with both her freedom and life on the line in enemy territory. The only thing she knows? His life has always belonged to her.

With twenty years of history tying them to each other, Tristan and Morana begin their hunt for the truth together. And they realize that the mystery of the missing girls is just the tip of the iceberg.

Skeletons are uncovered. Dominoes begin to fall.

A storm is born.]]> 420 RuNyx 0463895789 aira 4 4.29 2020 The Reaper (Dark Verse, #2)
author: RuNyx
name: aira
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/12
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: dark-romance, 2024, mafia-romance
review:

]]> The Predator (Dark Verse, #1) 52871061 What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object in the field of death?

In the dark underbelly of the mob, Tristan Caine has been an anomaly. As the only non-blooded member in the high circle of the Tenebrae Outfit, he is an enigma to all - his skills unparalleled, his morality questionable, and his motives unknown. He is lethal and he knows it.

As does Morana Vitalio, the genius extraordinaire daughter of the rival family. What Caine does with weapons, Morana does with computers. When a twenty-year old mystery resurfaces, Morana infiltrates Caine's house, intent on killing him, unaware of a tie that binds them together. Hate, heat, and history clash together with unexpected sparks.

But something bigger, something worse is happening in their world. And despite their animosity, only they can fight it down.]]> 318 RuNyx aira 4 3.98 2020 The Predator (Dark Verse, #1)
author: RuNyx
name: aira
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/12
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: dark-romance, 2024, mafia-romance
review:

]]> The Finisher (Dark Verse, #4) 53473067 What happens when a beast of blood finds a bride of light in the land of death?

Growing up on the streets of Los Fortis, Alessandro 'Alpha' Villanova scrapped his way to the top, fighting for his very survival, losing everything in the process. A city that shunned him then is now the one he rules, albeit alone, as the king of a dark empire few know about.

Far from Alpha's world, Zephyr de la Vega has a normal life, normal family, normal drama. Her biggest problem is people trying to make her lose a few pounds. When a chance encounter puts her on his path, she makes a proposition that changes the course of their lives.

As a killer goes on a spree in Alpha's city, taking apart his scarred empire corpse by corpse, and The Syndicate comes into play, their partnership evolves into something deeper, more enduring, more powerful than either of them anticipated.

Evil ascends. Darkness descends.

A new order is born.]]> 314 RuNyx aira 5
“Don't leave me again, rainbow."

"I don't know if I'll ever remember anything. I don't know if what I feel is love. I don't know what the future holds. But I know I want you by my side. I know I don't want to forget you now.�

hits every single time.

-------------

This has to be one my favorite marriage of convenience books. period! and you can’t convince me otherwise.

i already knew I would love this book when I saw the playlist. Side to Side by Ariana Grande, like yes, please!!!

The vibes of this book are so so so unique. Even after re-reading this book and knowing what’s going to happen, I still get that edge-of-my-seat feeling EVERY SINGLE TIME! Honestly, I find myself tearing up which is kind of rare.]]> 4.06 2021 The Finisher (Dark Verse, #4)
author: RuNyx
name: aira
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2024/09/13
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: dark-romance, five-stars, 2024, mafia-romance
review:
reread #�:

“Don't leave me again, rainbow."

"I don't know if I'll ever remember anything. I don't know if what I feel is love. I don't know what the future holds. But I know I want you by my side. I know I don't want to forget you now.�

hits every single time.

-------------

This has to be one my favorite marriage of convenience books. period! and you can’t convince me otherwise.

i already knew I would love this book when I saw the playlist. Side to Side by Ariana Grande, like yes, please!!!

The vibes of this book are so so so unique. Even after re-reading this book and knowing what’s going to happen, I still get that edge-of-my-seat feeling EVERY SINGLE TIME! Honestly, I find myself tearing up which is kind of rare.
]]> The Emperor (Dark Verse, #3) 53473056 What happens when a legacy of ruin mates with a realm of blood?

Heir to the notorious Tenebrae Outfit, Dante Maroni has been trained since birth. A silent rebel in the shadows, he has learned to hide his ruthlessness under his charm, his brutality under his suits, and his love for one woman under his silence. Infiltrating the Syndicate responsible for the missing children, Dante discovers information that shatters his reality and forces him to trigger a lethal game.

Daughter of the Maroni housekeeper, Amara has loved Dante for longer than she's known it. Abducted and tortured at the young age of fifteen, she loses herself, her life, and her home as she knows it. Years after, unknowingly protected, she's found some semblance of normalcy when her world collapses again, forcing her to join the game.

Mysteries are unraveled. Secrets are discovered. And their young love is transformed, replaced by a deep intimacy, power, and survival.

The reluctant king and inevitable queen play.

An empire of death is born. ]]> 443 RuNyx aira 3 4.20 2021 The Emperor (Dark Verse, #3)
author: RuNyx
name: aira
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/13
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: dark-romance, 2024, mafia-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Annihilator (Dark Verse, #5)]]> 54683187
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

She lives in the shadows. He rules them.

She's the moon, and he the dark night encompassing her.

She's surrounded by demons, and he's the biggest devil of them all.

And she's his.

Passion, obsession, possesion. Theirs is a tale of danger, deviance, dread, desires, and the darkest flavors of love.

𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻.

Disclaimer: This is not a standalone. The series must be read in order. Please read the author's note.]]> 257 RuNyx aira 3 4.11 2022 The Annihilator (Dark Verse, #5)
author: RuNyx
name: aira
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/14
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: dark-romance, 2024, mafia-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Syndicater (Dark Verse, #6)]]> 216953177 From the New York Times bestselling author of Gothikana, comes the highly anticipated finale of the Dark Verse series.

It ends where it begins.

Four couples. Six books. One saga.

Tristan and Morana. Dante and Amara. Alpha and Zephyr. Shadow Man and Lyla.

The world is darker. The game more dangerous. The stakes much more deadly.

A new era is born.

***

Please This is the sixth book in the series and must be read in order. Reading out of order is not recommended. This is a dark romance series. Please read the author's note for content warnings. ]]> 400 RuNyx aira 3 3.62 2024 The Syndicater (Dark Verse, #6)
author: RuNyx
name: aira
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/15
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: dark-romance, 2024, mafia-romance
review:

]]> The Fall Risk 223199392 Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.]]> 82 Abby Jimenez 1662529082 aira 3 2025 4.12 2025 The Fall Risk
author: Abby Jimenez
name: aira
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: 2025
review:

]]> Wildfire (Maple Hills, #2) 101145836
Maple Hills students Russ Callaghan and Aurora Roberts cross paths at a party celebrating the end of the academic year, where a drinking game results in them having a passionate one-night stand. Never one to overstay her welcome (or expect much from a man), Aurora slips away before Russ even has the chance to ask for her full name.

Imagine their surprise when they bump into each other on the first day of the summer camp where they are both counselors, hoping to escape their complicated home lives by spending the summer working. Russ hopes if he gets far enough away from Maple Hills, he can avoid dealing with the repercussions of his father’s gambling addiction, while Aurora is tired of craving attention from everyone around her, and wants to go back to the last place she truly felt at home.

Russ knows breaking the camp’s strict “no staff fraternizing� rule will have him heading back to Maple Hills before the summer is over, but unfortunately for him, Aurora has never been very good at caring about the rules. Will the two learn to peacefully coexist? Or did their one night together start a fire they can’t put out?]]> 387 Hannah Grace 1668026279 aira 3 2025
I'm looking at the attempted third-act breakup like this: ]]> 3.82 2023 Wildfire (Maple Hills, #2)
author: Hannah Grace
name: aira
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: 2025
review:
This was a cute, fluffy book filled with a lot of sweet moments!

I'm looking at the attempted third-act breakup like this:
]]> Deep End 212808709 A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Stanford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships—at least, that’s what she tells herself.

Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It’s how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.

So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water...]]> 464 Ali Hazelwood aira 0 to-read 3.96 2025 Deep End
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: aira
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Devil's Deal (Cavaleri Brothers #1)]]> 56931468
Everything changed fifteen years ago when her father killed mine. When she betrayed me. And every day since, all I’ve thought about was vengeance—brutal, twisted revenge.

I’ve been patient, rising from ruins, growing an empire with my brothers, waiting for my chance to take out her father--the boss of the Palermo crime family.

The time has come.
The devil will pay.
I'm about to take the only one he has left—his daughter.

She doesn't know I'm Dominic Cavaleri, the same boy she hurt, the one who loved her.

But she'll know soon enough--right before I destroy everything she’s ever known. She's nothing more than a game to me.

And this time, I’m playing to win.
Even if it means risking my heart.]]> 377 Lilian Harris aira 0 to-read 3.83 2021 The Devil's Deal (Cavaleri Brothers #1)
author: Lilian Harris
name: aira
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> If We Were Villains 60735395
As one of seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingenue, extra. But when the casting changes, and the secondary characters usurp the stars, the plays spill dangerously over into life, and one of them is found dead. The rest face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, and themselves, that they are blameless.]]> 354 M.L. Rio 1922711527 aira 0 to-read 4.19 2017 If We Were Villains
author: M.L. Rio
name: aira
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Bound (Fire on Ice, #1) 36468699
College senior Kate Camden has learned to adapt - to her last year of school, to the promise of motherhood, to the fact that she's doing it all alone. But just when she's learned to adjust, heartache threatens to break her apart.
Pro hockey player Jason "Ryke" Ryker has it all: adoring fans, a promising career, and a beautiful wife. But when his seemingly perfect life is shaken by tragedy, he's left questioning whether having it all is ever more than an illusion.
When circumstance brings Kate and Ryke together, they discover they don't have to hurt alone. Bound by a grief that haunts them both, they must rely on one another to survive heartbreak. But that grief is more powerful than they realize, and the tie that binds them together may ultimately tear them apart.]]> 243 Brenda Rothert aira 0 to-read 4.00 2013 Bound (Fire on Ice, #1)
author: Brenda Rothert
name: aira
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[All In (The Kings of Kroydon Hills, #1)]]> 200311027
I’ve been called football royalty my entire life.
Born into a family that has experienced the highs and lows of the game.
Constantly surrounded by football players and coaches.
Now I’m following my father across the country for yet another team.
I’m supposed to be spending this year finding myself, but can I do that with Brady by my side, or is he just another player?

Natalie Sinclair came into my world and changed my life.

Her father was the new professional coach in town, and her twin brother played on my team.
This tiny dancer fit into our circle of friends like she was the missing piece.
Neither of us might have been looking for something serious, but that changed the day we met.
Now nothing can keep her from me. Not her twin brother. Not the threats of a jealous ex. Not even myself. Now I just need to convince her.

She’s it for me. She’s the end game.
I’m all in.]]> 312 Bella Matthews aira 0 to-read 3.84 2020 All In (The Kings of Kroydon Hills, #1)
author: Bella Matthews
name: aira
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Keeper (Playing to Win, #1)]]> 181530988 Easton Hayes has been my knight in shining hockey skates since he saved my life.

This devastatingly handsome grump may be everyone’s favorite goalie, but to me, he’s my strength when demons haunt my dreams. And okay—so maybe he’s also the only man I’ve ever loved. But he doesn’t need to know that.

We’re friends.

It works for us.

At least, it did. Until I wake up with his ring on my finger and the hangover from hell. But what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas when he refuses to give me an annulment and follows me across the country instead.

Now our families are furious.

Our friends are playing matchmaker.

I’m getting goosebumps each time I hear the words “my wife.�

And I think my husband might be in love with me.]]> 275 Bella Matthews aira 0 to-read 3.96 2023 The Keeper (Playing to Win, #1)
author: Bella Matthews
name: aira
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Savage Prince (Ruthless Heirs)]]> 222246145
Savage Prince is the second seductive story in the blazing hot Ruthless Heirs series. Each book is a standalone novel complete with a HEA, of course, because even villains deserve a happy ending. This series is the next generation of the Kings of Temptation, but it is not necessary to read those stories first. Please this is a dark romance novel with scenes that may be triggering and sexually explicit in nature.

Kings of Temptation
Ruthless King
Savage King
Brutal King
Wicked King

Ruthless Heirs
Ruthless Guardian
Savage Prince]]> 383 Sienna Cross aira 0 arcs, 2025, currently-reading 4.50 Savage Prince (Ruthless Heirs)
author: Sienna Cross
name: aira
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: arcs, 2025, currently-reading
review:
pre-read: yeah, I'm probably reading too many books at the same time, but in my defense, I'm almost done with 2 of my current reads, so I'm starting this arc that I got bc I'm so excited!!
]]> <![CDATA[Crave the Villain (Villain, #3)]]> 230880374 From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes a standalone dark MM romance.

More information TBA.

Crave the Villain is a male x male dark romance.]]> Rina Kent aira 0 to-read 4.00 Crave the Villain (Villain, #3)
author: Rina Kent
name: aira
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Fabric of Our Souls 201515686
So when I wake up at the hospital with my brother weeping over me, I know my life is about to change. What I didn’t expect was to get a nurse with cruel eyes and a morbid sense of humor that surpasses my own.

I’m even more surprised when I arrive at Harlow Sanctum and realize that my brother selected an unorthodox rehabilitation center that rooms people based on their treatment plan. And my roommate is none other than the man with cruel eyes I met the day prior.

I crave death—he craves life.

Can two people like us cure each other?Please check the CW on my website before]]> 292 K.M. Moronova aira 0 to-read 4.22 2023 The Fabric of Our Souls
author: K.M. Moronova
name: aira
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Off the Ice (Chicago Hellblades)]]> 220658791
Logan has spent his entire life chasing hockey greatness, and he’s not about to let a scandal destroy his career. When the league tries to make him the face of their redemption, he has two choices: play by their rules or fight for something bigger. With Ava at his side, the lines between duty and desire blur, and soon, their late-night strategy meetings turn into something far more personal.

But exposing the truth comes at a cost, and as the pressure mounts, Ava and Logan have to decide if love is worth risking everything. Because in a game where reputations are everything, trusting the wrong person can cost you everything—including your heart.

Some risks are worth taking.

And loving Logan Bennett? That might be the biggest gamble of all.]]> 350 Emily Campbell aira 0 to-read, arcs 3.96 Off the Ice (Chicago Hellblades)
author: Emily Campbell
name: aira
average rating: 3.96
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: to-read, arcs
review:

]]> Replay (The Playbook #1) 223165358
I can still picture what she was wearing and how she took my breath away—she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen.



The love we shared was something I know I’ll never experience again...

but I walked away, even though it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.



When an injury takes away my spot as QB1, I jump at the chance to be near her again, even if it means torturing myself.



What I didn’t expect was the gut-wrenching pain of seeing her with him. Someone I used to call a friend until he let his jealousy get in the way. I know I deserve it after how I hurt her, but that doesn’t mean I have to make it easy for them.



Especially when I realize that everything I put us through was ultimately for nothing.



Now, all that’s left is to hope it’s not too late for her to give me one last chance.]]> 334 L.A. Shaw aira 0 to-read, arcs 4.41 Replay (The Playbook #1)
author: L.A. Shaw
name: aira
average rating: 4.41
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read, arcs
review:

]]> Caught Up (Into Darkness, #2) 220207768 From the viral TikTok author of the stalker romcom, Lights Out, comes Navessa Allen’s second book in bestselling The Into Darkness Trilogy, upping the ante with voyeurism and play club kink.

“I wanted this woman, and I was a man who always got what he wanted.�

Nico “Junior� Trocci knows Lauren Marchetti is off limits. She is sweetness and laughter, whereas Junior exists in a world of violence and depravity. Men like him don’t get to have women like her. It’s why he pushed her away back in high school and kept his distance ever since.

But when Junior looks Lauren up online, he discovers the shy, bookish girl he remembers is gone. In her place is a strikingly beautiful woman whose social media is filled with scantily clad pictures of herself and a connection to a nearby play club. Junior’s innocent curiosity quickly turns into a dark obsession. Watching Lauren from a distance isn’t enough; he needs to make her his.

“He’s ruthless; a walking red flag. Good thing red is my favorite color.�

Lauren is intrigued by the mystery man who keeps showing up at her club, who tempts her white-hot desires. But as their flirty online messages stir up a deeper form of connection, Lauren worries she’s developing real feelings for this brooding stranger. As their combined desire ratchets up to a breaking point, who will seduce who?]]> 352 Navessa Allen 1638932255 aira 0 to-read 4.17 2025 Caught Up (Into Darkness, #2)
author: Navessa Allen
name: aira
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Kiss the Villain (Villain #1) 220287670 From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes a scorching standalone professor/student dark MM romance set in the world of Legacy of Gods.

My darkness meets a darker soul.

I’m a golden boy.
A genius law student, the heir to the Carson empire, and the dutiful son.
Or, at least, that's what it looks like from the outside.
Deep inside, I have the urge to set the world on fire.
I keep these impulses in check, rarely indulging in mayhem.
Until one night of debauchery backfires, and I'm caught by a villain.
I bury the entire ordeal with the rest of my skeletons.
That is, until that night walks into my classroom in the form of my new professor.
Kayden Lockwood.
A criminal who’s teaching criminal law.
I can't expose what he's done without unmasking my secret life.
What I can do, however, is force him to taste the poison he gave me.
In the clash of titans, Kayden and I break and crumble.
And I'm starting to realize this dangerous game may have no winners.

Kiss the Villain is a dark MM romance. Please check the author's note or visit the website for content warnings before diving in. While this book can be enjoyed as a standalone, diving into the Legacy of Gods series will give you a deeper connection to the characters.]]> 514 Rina Kent aira 2 2025, dark-romance "It’s ok I’m ok
I don’t really gotta say it’s ok
You can have him anyway"
Gareth, you really didn't have worry about someone stealing your man. On behalf of most people out there, you can have him.

give me Vaughn, please and thank you ]]> 4.17 2025 Kiss the Villain (Villain #1)
author: Rina Kent
name: aira
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: 2025, dark-romance
review:
"It’s ok I’m ok
I don’t really gotta say it’s ok
You can have him anyway"

Gareth, you really didn't have worry about someone stealing your man. On behalf of most people out there, you can have him.

give me Vaughn, please and thank you
]]> <![CDATA[Matteo (Legacy of Heathens #1)]]> 209415094
So when their arranged engagement was announced, no one was surprised.

At least, that’s what I thought.

But lately, something felt off. Wherever I went, Matteo was there—lurking in the dark, concealed in the shadows, even in broad daylight, always watching.

I didn’t know what I’d done to capture his attention. I didn’t want it. Yet, I couldn’t stop my heart from trembling, like a bare soul caught in the icy grip of winter, whenever he came near. Nor could I ignore my body’s traitorous response to his voice, low and laced with wicked intent.

I fought to resist him. I truly did. But it was useless.

He knew it. And so did I.

So I ran.

But here’s the thing about the Vitales: they always give chase.]]> 452 Eva Winners aira 4 4.11 2025 Matteo (Legacy of Heathens #1)
author: Eva Winners
name: aira
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: 2025, dark-romance, mafia-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[King of Pride (Kings of Sin, #2)]]> 62994279 She's his opposite in every way...and the greatest temptation he's ever known.

Reserved, controlled, and proper to a fault, Kai Young has neither the time nor inclination for chaos—and Isabella, with her purple hair and inappropriate jokes, is chaos personified.

With a crucial CEO vote looming and a media empire at stake, the billionaire heir can’t afford the distraction she brings.

Isabella is everything he shouldn’t want, but with every look and every touch, he’s tempted to break all his rules…and claim her as his own.

***

Bold, impulsive, and full of life, Isabella Valencia has never met a party she doesn’t like or a man she couldn’t charm...except for Kai Young.

It shouldn’t matter. He’s not her type—the man translates classics into Latin for fun, and his membership at the exclusive club where she bartends means he’s strictly off limits.

But she can’t deny that, beneath his cool exterior, is a man who could make her melt with just a touch.

No matter how hard they try, they can’t resist giving into their forbidden desires.

Even if it costs them everything.

King of Pride is a steamy opposite attract, forbidden billionaire romance. It's book two in the Kings of Sin series but can be read as a standalone.

Contains explicit content and profanity. Recommended for mature readers only. ]]> 358 Ana Huang aira 5 five-stars, 2024, 2025 “I never really lived before you � And I don’t want to imagine living after you.�

“Stay with me, love. Please.�

This is my favorite book from the Kings of Sin series. Ugghhh, someone please tell me where I can find a Kai.

British people are just *chef's kiss* and Kai was no exception. My mind could just visualize his voice saying those dreamy things.

"Love" in a normal accent would be perfect, but "Love" in a British accent is heavenly.

Now, all I need is someone to call me "Love" in a British accent. It's on my bucket list now lol.

Also, their first encounter was one of the best. It didn't feel forced and the situation was perfect!! This has to be my favorite book written by Ana!

I even was able to overlook the presence of Christian in this book, so that's saying a lot.

reviews:

King of Wrath | King of Pride | King of Greed | King of Sloth | King of Envy | King of Gluttony | King of Lust]]> 3.92 2023 King of Pride (Kings of Sin, #2)
author: Ana Huang
name: aira
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/29
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: five-stars, 2024, 2025
review:
“I never really lived before you � And I don’t want to imagine living after you.�

“Stay with me, love. Please.�


This is my favorite book from the Kings of Sin series. Ugghhh, someone please tell me where I can find a Kai.

British people are just *chef's kiss* and Kai was no exception. My mind could just visualize his voice saying those dreamy things.

"Love" in a normal accent would be perfect, but "Love" in a British accent is heavenly.

Now, all I need is someone to call me "Love" in a British accent. It's on my bucket list now lol.

Also, their first encounter was one of the best. It didn't feel forced and the situation was perfect!! This has to be my favorite book written by Ana!

I even was able to overlook the presence of Christian in this book, so that's saying a lot.

reviews:

King of Wrath | King of Pride | King of Greed | King of Sloth | King of Envy | King of Gluttony | King of Lust
]]> <![CDATA[The Way We Collide (The Bradford Boys, #4)]]> 229244393 Football is my life. I’m not interested in marriage or babies or poopy diapers. Yet here I am, standing in front of a judge saying “I do,� with a six-month-old on my hip and an aspiring storm-chaser on my arm.

From the time I was a little boy, sleeping with my head on a football, I’ve had one goal: carrying on the Bradford-family legacy.

Our famous father trained all my older brothers and me to be star athletes just like him, but seven years later, I’m the only one still focused on the game.

Until Raven Gale storms into my life.

She’s smart, sassy, curves for days, and lightning in the sack. When I met her at my little sister’s wedding we bonded immediately over our dedication to our dreams, our determination to let nothing stop us, and our insatiable, all-night, barrier-busting chemistry.

A baby girl is a surprise neither of us expected, but Raven has a plan. We’ll have a quickie marriage to secure her trust fund, be together three months tops, then shake hands and walk away.

The only problem is with every late night I spend chatting with my wife or consummating our marriage (which we both agreed was a bad idea) or rocking my baby girl to sleep or yes, even changing poopy diapers, the stronger our bond grows.

It never rains in California, there’s no football (for me) in south Alabama, but when you collide with a cyclone, everything changes, including what you thought were your plans.

(THE WAY WE COLLIDE is a small-town, surprise baby, sports romance with a marriage of convenience, close proximity, an over-protective alpha daddy, a feisty plus-sized FMC, and a few twisters. No cheating. No cliffhanger. No third-act breakup.)]]> 350 Tia Louise aira 4 arcs, 2025
Raven Gale
╰┈� I loved her for going after her dreams! No other words, seriously an inspiration!

Hendrix Bradford
╰┈� Green flag all around - such a perfect husband and the best dad! There's nothing else I could say without gushing about him! He has such a nice family!

Plot
╰┈� It was a nice plot. There wasn't anything over the top. It felt like a nice palate cleanser and I mean this in the best way possible. Haddy was the best part of the book, she definitely took over the entire book and the way she acted was super believable for a girl her age! The romance was good as well and the had some really cute scenes together and with Haddy. The family moments were everything, with those three and then with the entire family! Also, I love how I understood everything from the previous books even though I hadn't read them, but I also didn't feel like the plots for those books was spoiled.

Final Thoughts
╰┈� I did enjoy this! This has the vibes of a calm day in the park. I don't even know if that makes sense, but that's what I felt while I was reading it.

Thank you so much Tia Louise and Grey's Promo for this arc!! ]]> 4.57 The Way We Collide (The Bradford Boys, #4)
author: Tia Louise
name: aira
average rating: 4.57
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/29
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: arcs, 2025
review:
I don't know the first thing about football, but did I enjoy this book? Yes, I did.

Raven Gale
╰┈� I loved her for going after her dreams! No other words, seriously an inspiration!

Hendrix Bradford
╰┈� Green flag all around - such a perfect husband and the best dad! There's nothing else I could say without gushing about him! He has such a nice family!

Plot
╰┈� It was a nice plot. There wasn't anything over the top. It felt like a nice palate cleanser and I mean this in the best way possible. Haddy was the best part of the book, she definitely took over the entire book and the way she acted was super believable for a girl her age! The romance was good as well and the had some really cute scenes together and with Haddy. The family moments were everything, with those three and then with the entire family! Also, I love how I understood everything from the previous books even though I hadn't read them, but I also didn't feel like the plots for those books was spoiled.

Final Thoughts
╰┈� I did enjoy this! This has the vibes of a calm day in the park. I don't even know if that makes sense, but that's what I felt while I was reading it.

Thank you so much Tia Louise and Grey's Promo for this arc!!
]]> You Deserve Each Other 50027029 When your nemesis also happens to be your fiancé, happily ever after becomes a lot more complicated in this wickedly funny, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy debut.

Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. They never fight. They're preparing for their lavish wedding that's three months away. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him.

Naomi wants out, but there's a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.

But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they're finally being themselves--and having fun with the last person they expect: each other.]]> 368 Sarah Hogle aira 2 2025 absolutely require that reality check bc I do not ever want to be like that. Also, I will take the liberty of smacking said boyfriend, fiancé, husband if he consistently prioritizes his family over me like Nicholas did.

Indian television dramas could take inspo from Deborah for their future mother-in-law characters bc that woman was vile.

I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. Also, I'm sorry to those that loved it, but I'm super glad you liked it!!

---------

pre-read: reading this bc I gotta return the book soon. I'm so dang excited!!]]> 3.90 2020 You Deserve Each Other
author: Sarah Hogle
name: aira
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2020
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/28
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: 2025
review:
If I ever act as condescendingly as Naomi did, I give my future boyfriend, fiancé, husband, whoever he is, permission to smack me across the face. I will absolutely require that reality check bc I do not ever want to be like that. Also, I will take the liberty of smacking said boyfriend, fiancé, husband if he consistently prioritizes his family over me like Nicholas did.

Indian television dramas could take inspo from Deborah for their future mother-in-law characters bc that woman was vile.

I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. Also, I'm sorry to those that loved it, but I'm super glad you liked it!!

---------

pre-read: reading this bc I gotta return the book soon. I'm so dang excited!!
]]> <![CDATA[Finding Out (The Boston Revs Three Outs, #4)]]> 208098486
Everything in my life is rigidly planned, nothing ever takes me by surprise, until her.

Wren Jacobs.

I swear the woman was put on earth to drive me insane. She's too young, too beautiful, my daughter's best friend, and one of my best friend’s daughters. In other words, completely off limits.

And for one weekend she's the art curator assigned to help me pick up my newest painting.

My only job is keep my hands off the forbidden woman almost twenty years my junior. Every whisper of daddy Wilson that falls from her lips drives me closer to forgetting my rules and realizing this nightmare might be the fantasy I need for the night.

Even if one night could be enough, will everyone finding out destroy it all?

❄️DZ岹

⚾️Snowed In

❄️Daughter's Best Friend

⚾️Forbidden Romance]]> 212 Jenni Bara 1959389173 aira 3 2025 4.09 Finding Out (The Boston Revs Three Outs, #4)
author: Jenni Bara
name: aira
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/24
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: 2025
review:

]]> Just So You Know 201379112 You Deserve Each Other Christmas short story set years into the future. Found in Sarah Hogle's website.]]> 26 Sarah Hogle aira 3 2025 3.84 Just So You Know
author: Sarah Hogle
name: aira
average rating: 3.84
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/28
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: 2025
review:

]]> On Screen & Off Again 220298658 A romantic will-they-won’t-they debut with a Hollywood twist, for fans of Love & Other Words and Every Summer After.

When Dax left, Wil swore she’d never forgive him. But now they’re co-stars and each other’s second chance at stardom... and maybe something more.

Seven years ago, childhood sweethearts Wilhelmina Chase and Daxon Avery were on top of the world as the charismatic star and beloved sidekick of a hit kids TV series. But when the show got cancelled, Dax left for college across the country, and they broke up.

Now they’re in their twenties, and their paths have diverged. Wil gets more attention in the tabloids than she does in casting calls, and Dax is about to star in a buzzy new movie that could cement his place on the Hollywood A-list. The one problem? After weeks of searching and auditions, his studio still hasn’t found the right co-star.

Meanwhile, Wil has just been arrested for stealing something from the home of a Hollywood bigwig. She gets to make one call from jail, and Dax’s is the only phone number she can remember.

On a whim, Dax swings Wil an audition for the movie. It’s a long shot, but it soon becomes clear Wil hasn’t lost an ounce of her talent; the years have given her a depth and intensity that Dax (and the casting director) can't look away from. As filming begins, the chemistry on both sides of the camera is stratospheric. But this is Wil’s last chance to reclaim her career; she can’t get distracted. Plus, Dax already left her behind once.

Will their romance be an on-screen hit but an off-screen disaster?]]> 343 Caitlin Cross 1961795248 aira 5
Anyways, my review (ig spoiler-free):

Second chance is literally one of my favorite tropes ever and this book captures the essence of it perfectly, in the way that I just couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.

This is a pretty fast-paced book that covers two timelines: when they were younger and then in the present (Now and Then). I loved that we got to go inside both of their brain's in the past as well as in the present. The way that both characters matured over time in their POV's from the past to the present was just *chef's kiss* (perfection).

The thing that stood out to me most was the way their character stayed the same, yet different. Same as in, they had those character traits that time didn't erase, yet as the same time, so much had happened from when they were younger, that they grew as people. Also, I loved that there was a huge emphasis on their friendship since they were friends first. A lot of times, once characters become lovers, they lose out on the playfulness and banter that friends normally have, but this book carried that aspect of their friendship from the start to the finish.

Also I was hooked on the plot line for their movie. Honestly, I need a book on the ideas for that movie plot bc that was so beautiful and had me in tears. The way an extra storyline was integrated into this book was no easy thing, but it was incorporated so effortlessly that it just made sense.

For constructive criticism, the only thing I would say is I wish there was more of an explanation from Dax's side, maybe even some (more) groveling. There were a few things that glossed over a little fast, so I would have liked a little more. It didn't take away from the plot, but it left me with a couple questions.

Anyways, the cover is so gorgeous and it definitely is a motivating factor to read this book if the description wouldn't amaze you already!

I genuinely want to buy the paperback version of this book when it comes out.

Thank you to Caitlin Cross, 8th Note Press and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 3.53 2025 On Screen & Off Again
author: Caitlin Cross
name: aira
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/01
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, five-stars, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
I knew I was going to like this book and now I can say that I definitely LOVED this book. Loved it to the point that I felt like I lived it.

Anyways, my review (ig spoiler-free):

Second chance is literally one of my favorite tropes ever and this book captures the essence of it perfectly, in the way that I just couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.

This is a pretty fast-paced book that covers two timelines: when they were younger and then in the present (Now and Then). I loved that we got to go inside both of their brain's in the past as well as in the present. The way that both characters matured over time in their POV's from the past to the present was just *chef's kiss* (perfection).

The thing that stood out to me most was the way their character stayed the same, yet different. Same as in, they had those character traits that time didn't erase, yet as the same time, so much had happened from when they were younger, that they grew as people. Also, I loved that there was a huge emphasis on their friendship since they were friends first. A lot of times, once characters become lovers, they lose out on the playfulness and banter that friends normally have, but this book carried that aspect of their friendship from the start to the finish.

Also I was hooked on the plot line for their movie. Honestly, I need a book on the ideas for that movie plot bc that was so beautiful and had me in tears. The way an extra storyline was integrated into this book was no easy thing, but it was incorporated so effortlessly that it just made sense.

For constructive criticism, the only thing I would say is I wish there was more of an explanation from Dax's side, maybe even some (more) groveling. There were a few things that glossed over a little fast, so I would have liked a little more. It didn't take away from the plot, but it left me with a couple questions.

Anyways, the cover is so gorgeous and it definitely is a motivating factor to read this book if the description wouldn't amaze you already!

I genuinely want to buy the paperback version of this book when it comes out.

Thank you to Caitlin Cross, 8th Note Press and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> Let's Make a Scene 221273643 CATHERINE WALSH

'The most delicious, indulgent, funny and emotionally charged romcom' CRESSIDA McLAUGHLIN

Their story might be scripted, but the chemistry is real.

When Cynthie Taylor gets her first real acting job, starring in a small British movie, she is over the moon. There’s only one problem . . . Cynthie's arrogant and annoyingly handsome co-star Jack hates her, and the feeling is definitely mutual. While they may be at war behind the scenes, their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and the studio sees an opportunity � have the two young stars fake a romance that will charm fans and draw crowds.

Thirteen years later, Cynthie and Jack have successfully kept their promise to stay far away from one another, until a surprising offer comes to make a sequel to the cult classic that launched their careers. But there's a they must also rekindle their pretend relationship . . . and this time there's a documentary crew following their every move.

Cynthie and Jack both desperately need this film to work, but can two ex-rivals ever really trust each other? And what happens when the roles they're playing start to feel all too real?

⭐ Readers are OBSESSED with Laura Wood �
'I fell in love with Laura Wood's writing when I read Under Your Spell' JULIA QUINN
'I absolutely adored Under Your Spell the sweetest, sexiest, funniest romance' MARIAN KEYES
'So witty and smart. I am thoroughly under Laura Wood’s spell' HANNAH GRACE
'For any fans of Emily Henry, this is a romantic read supreme'  STYLIST
'A fizzy, magical romcom featuring a heroine to root for and a hero to swoon over' SARRA MANNING, RED]]> Laura Wood 139852980X aira 4 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
I am so flabbergasted that I loved this book to this extent!!! Like, don't get me wrong, I definitely knew this book had serious potential, but this one completely hit it out of the ballpark. There is just something amazing about books when they are based on actors, has fake-dating and enemies-to-lovers. LIKE, SAYING I LOVED THIS BOOK IS SUCH AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!! Uggggghhhhhhhh, this is when I really regret my career choice because I would so love a love-hate relationship with someone like Jack Turner-Jones. He's an actor AND he "hates" me, like, please, where can I sign up for the role of Cynthie Taylor? No lie, I would cherish the guy.

All I need for the enemies-to-lovers trope to hit would be a valid reason to "hate" each other and I got it with this book. The reason made perfect sense given their ages, maturity levels and where they were in life.

The movie storyline was so good! Like balancing the storyline between 13 years ago and the present was great already, and then when the storyline from the movie was intertwined, it was so much better!! I liked how the movie complemented the storyline and it didn't take over the entire storyline.

Jack Turner-Jones - I have no words. My God, I would get down ON MY KNEES for him! He's hot-headed and he "hates' with a passion, but he also loves just as hard, is sweet and super polite. BYEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Cynthie Taylor - She was good. The only thing I would say was that I wish she apologized for the things that she said in the past when he apologized for everything that he said. She was kind of insensitive to his feelings in the past. However, she was still a very likable character in general and my heart hurt for her. She went through so much, no spoilers, but one person better count their days bc I'm seriously going to throw hands. How dare you? It's not JACK, btw, bc my Jack would never.

Their relationship - God, the chemistry between these two is insane. Especially when they "hate" each other. They had their vulnerabilities and I liked how they opened up about it to each other bc it really showed the depth of their relationship.

13 years ago, for both of them, it was the right person, but the wrong time. They both dealt with a lot and the relationship between them wasn't meant to be then, but they ended up having another chance at HEA and I was here for it all!!

Thank you so much Laura Wood, Atria Books, and Netgalley for this arc!! ]]> 4.19 2025 Let's Make a Scene
author: Laura Wood
name: aira
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/15
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
OKAY, STOP!!!! NOBODY TALK TO ME RIGHT NOW BC WHY WAS THIS BOOK SO GOOD?!?!?

I am so flabbergasted that I loved this book to this extent!!! Like, don't get me wrong, I definitely knew this book had serious potential, but this one completely hit it out of the ballpark. There is just something amazing about books when they are based on actors, has fake-dating and enemies-to-lovers. LIKE, SAYING I LOVED THIS BOOK IS SUCH AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!! Uggggghhhhhhhh, this is when I really regret my career choice because I would so love a love-hate relationship with someone like Jack Turner-Jones. He's an actor AND he "hates" me, like, please, where can I sign up for the role of Cynthie Taylor? No lie, I would cherish the guy.

All I need for the enemies-to-lovers trope to hit would be a valid reason to "hate" each other and I got it with this book. The reason made perfect sense given their ages, maturity levels and where they were in life.

The movie storyline was so good! Like balancing the storyline between 13 years ago and the present was great already, and then when the storyline from the movie was intertwined, it was so much better!! I liked how the movie complemented the storyline and it didn't take over the entire storyline.

Jack Turner-Jones - I have no words. My God, I would get down ON MY KNEES for him! He's hot-headed and he "hates' with a passion, but he also loves just as hard, is sweet and super polite. BYEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Cynthie Taylor - She was good. The only thing I would say was that I wish she apologized for the things that she said in the past when he apologized for everything that he said. She was kind of insensitive to his feelings in the past. However, she was still a very likable character in general and my heart hurt for her. She went through so much, no spoilers, but one person better count their days bc I'm seriously going to throw hands. How dare you? It's not JACK, btw, bc my Jack would never.

Their relationship - God, the chemistry between these two is insane. Especially when they "hate" each other. They had their vulnerabilities and I liked how they opened up about it to each other bc it really showed the depth of their relationship.

13 years ago, for both of them, it was the right person, but the wrong time. They both dealt with a lot and the relationship between them wasn't meant to be then, but they ended up having another chance at HEA and I was here for it all!!

Thank you so much Laura Wood, Atria Books, and Netgalley for this arc!!
]]> <![CDATA[Heart Strings (A Love in Galway, #2)]]> 221473129 A sizzling exes-to-lovers second- chance romance from the author of Morbidly Yours, the “sweet, spicy, and fabulous� (Abby Jimenez, #1 New York Times bestselling author) TikTok sensation

She doesn’t do second chances. But he's not done writing their song.

Cielo “Lo� Valdez doesn’t believe in second chances. Surviving cancer taught her life is too short to spend time on someone who wronged you. But Aidan O’Toole is determined to show her life is best spent together.

When the tough-as-nails Texan moved to Galway for medical school, she wasn’t looking for love. Aidan, a gorgeous, tattooed, mandolin-playing lawyer, slipped past her defenses. They each fell hard and fast. But when Aidan was given the opportunity of a lifetime—to move to London and record an album—he took it, breaking Lo's heart. Yet more than two years and a successful album later, every song he writes is still about her, the one he let get away. And every time Lo hears his voice on the radio singing about love, it’s an arrow straight to her soul.

Now they’re on a collision course as maid of honor and best man at a weekend-long Irish castle wedding. Are some mistakes worth forgiving? Can Aidan convince Lo their song wasn’t meant to end?]]> Ivy Fairbanks 0593851897 aira 4 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
Firstly, from the book description, I thought Cielo was going to be a bitch, excuse my language. However, thankfully, I had misunderstood her severely. While I was reading, I realized that she has just been through so much and has a lot of expectations on her, both from the people around her, like her mother, as well as herself. She is an ambitious woman and I related so hard to her sometimes when it comes to expectations and even just overall, obviously minus the romance part ]]> 3.97 Heart Strings (A Love in Galway, #2)
author: Ivy Fairbanks
name: aira
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/06
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
I got to the 50% mark fairly easily, but then it took me a while to finish it, so I would give it a 3.5, rounded up!

Firstly, from the book description, I thought Cielo was going to be a bitch, excuse my language. However, thankfully, I had misunderstood her severely. While I was reading, I realized that she has just been through so much and has a lot of expectations on her, both from the people around her, like her mother, as well as herself. She is an ambitious woman and I related so hard to her sometimes when it comes to expectations and even just overall, obviously minus the romance part
]]> <![CDATA[Hard to Get (Big Love from Galway, #3)]]> 211840565 Tender, sexy, Southern small town romance that’s for everyone who’s ever had trouble trusting in love—or trusting in themselves.

Single and determined to stay that way, Andi Salazar treasures her independence, her charming small town and the dedication to hard work she inherited from her beloved Gram. To blow off steam, she occasionally takes the stage as a voluptuous bombshell singer who can rev you up even as she breaks your heart with a song.

Big, blond math teacher Kevin Mahoney is fresh off a bad breakup when he moves to Galway, NC. The school year’s about to start, and he’s determined to find the real Kev, not the “vanilla� guy his ex-fiancée didn’t want to marry. When he sees Andi onstage and then collides with her in the hallway, he damn near bursts into flame, and their hot, sweet hookup leaves him wanting more.

The man is entirely too attractive though—too endearing—so Andi breaks it off with very firm “no" to a second date. But when their work brings them together again, Andi and Kevin slowly embark on a friendship instead. Andi’s beginning to trust a man for the first time in maybe ever. Kevin’s beginning to enjoy having opinions of his own� and squabbling about them with his new friend. Silently they both yearn for more, even though they realize friendship is safer. But then an unexpected pregnancy turns their lives upside down in the best way possible.]]> Laura Moher aira 4 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
Hard to Get was such a nice title to describe this book though. I usually don't really spend much time thinking about the title of the book, but this was such a good title that I had to include a little bit about it (and very accurate).

Andi Salazar was such an icon. Period. The sheer independence this woman has and wants is *chef's kiss*. I love when a woman is strong and independent without having to depend on a man! She reminded me of myself more than once so the relatable element was also done well!!

I felt bad for Kevin at the start because of the description. My heart goes out to people who were told they were "boring" because they don't fit the other person's definition of "fun".

Life lesson: never let anyone dim your light because you are worth it and when the right person comes along, they will see you for you!

Thank you to Laura Moher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 3.92 Hard to Get (Big Love from Galway, #3)
author: Laura Moher
name: aira
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/10
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
This was a good book. I think I am a little bit pickier when it comes to how I like my small town romance, but this was a really good attempt at it. The storyline flowed really nicely and my heart was happy at the end.

Hard to Get was such a nice title to describe this book though. I usually don't really spend much time thinking about the title of the book, but this was such a good title that I had to include a little bit about it (and very accurate).

Andi Salazar was such an icon. Period. The sheer independence this woman has and wants is *chef's kiss*. I love when a woman is strong and independent without having to depend on a man! She reminded me of myself more than once so the relatable element was also done well!!

I felt bad for Kevin at the start because of the description. My heart goes out to people who were told they were "boring" because they don't fit the other person's definition of "fun".

Life lesson: never let anyone dim your light because you are worth it and when the right person comes along, they will see you for you!

Thank you to Laura Moher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> Crash Landing 216269037 A funny and heartwarming debut romance about two exes forced to reunite when a plane crash leaves them stranded on a deserted island.

Piper Adams is totally, one hundred percent, completely over Wyatt, the former love of her life. After he broke her heart, she stopped taking risks and focused instead on building a perfect—and perfectly safe—life. Bumping into him at the airport on the way to her best friend’s destination wedding wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was a canceled flight nor Wyatt’s offer of a ride on the tiny plane he’s flying to attend the same wedding. Desperate to make it on time she accepts his offer, but things go from awkward to full-blown nightmare when their plane crashes in the Caribbean, stranding Piper on a deserted island with the last person she ever wanted to see again. 

At first, rule-following Piper clashes with adventure-driven Wyatt, but as the days tick by, she begrudgingly admits that the boy she once knew has grown into a man. A man who makes her laugh, knows his way around a fire, and is annoyingly hot shirtless. As the chemistry still simmering between them boils over, Piper begins wishing Wyatt could be more than just a survival partner. But for their love to survive a second chance, she’ll have to not only trust Wyatt again, but also learn to trust herself and find the courage to let go of her carefully curated life for the chance at something far greater—if they survive the island long enough for rescue.]]> 304 Annie McQuaid 0063374862 aira 4 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
This book covers two timelines, the past and then the present. Handling two parallel plot lines within the same story is not very easy, but Annie McQuaid did it so well that I was just waiting for the switch in the stories of the past and the present.

Piper and Wyatt: These two had such a sweet relationship. Basically, they were friends first and that was the sweetest thing to read about. Every single moment between them in the past was something special and I lived for every single second of it. The heartbreak and the romance were both done well.

If you're expecting a book with a smooth, simple, cute plot that makes you feel good, then this is the perfect book for you. The only thing I might add was that I would have liked a little bit more angst. I was looking for the push-and-pull which would have made the reconnection a little more electric, however, I think the storyline was still good as it is given the current flow of the book!

Overall, I really liked it. I'm so glad I read it. Piper and Wyatt are definitely a dream couple!!

Thank you to Annie McQuaid, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for this arc!! ]]> 3.70 2025 Crash Landing
author: Annie McQuaid
name: aira
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
Second chance is one trope that I will read over and over again without ever getting bored. This book is the perfect example of a soft second chance romance. It felt like spending a chill day at the beach. Simple. Relaxing. Enjoying. Like a soft breeze on a sunny day. Refreshing.

This book covers two timelines, the past and then the present. Handling two parallel plot lines within the same story is not very easy, but Annie McQuaid did it so well that I was just waiting for the switch in the stories of the past and the present.

Piper and Wyatt: These two had such a sweet relationship. Basically, they were friends first and that was the sweetest thing to read about. Every single moment between them in the past was something special and I lived for every single second of it. The heartbreak and the romance were both done well.

If you're expecting a book with a smooth, simple, cute plot that makes you feel good, then this is the perfect book for you. The only thing I might add was that I would have liked a little bit more angst. I was looking for the push-and-pull which would have made the reconnection a little more electric, however, I think the storyline was still good as it is given the current flow of the book!

Overall, I really liked it. I'm so glad I read it. Piper and Wyatt are definitely a dream couple!!

Thank you to Annie McQuaid, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for this arc!!
]]> If You Stayed 216469080 There once was a man who loved me, until he forgot every memory we've ever shared�

Gabriel Sinclair would forever be my first. My first best friend, my first kiss, my first love…and my first heartbreak. The accident that nearly took his life ripped the memory of me from his grasp—and for the last decades, I've let the guilt of that one terrible night keep us apart.

It took me years to make peace with the fact that he would no longer be in my life, so when he shows up as the architect for my new home, my world's tossed upside down. Now, I'm trapped in a loveless marriage, raising a child, while Gabriel stirs up feelings I thought long buried. It feels like my soul is waking up after years of being in a deep slumber—and my controlling husband will do whatever it takes to keep us apart.

I know I should push Gabriel away to protect him from the shadows surrounding me. Yet, I can't deny the hope that blooms whenever he's near—the chance that he might remember me, that we could reclaim the chapters of our story that we've lost. 

Nothing good could come from us, but I can't help but wonder what would happen if this time...he stayed. 

There once was a man who loved me� And now he's my only hope for tomorrow.]]> 397 Brittainy C. Cherry 1728297168 aira 4 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
Gabriel was the perfect man. Honestly, I loved him as a character. I rarely read about fully green flag men, but they never disappoint. Everything that happened to him had me in tears.

These characters are a little bit on the older side in the present; they are not in their 20s, they are more mature. I don't remember the exact age, but it made sense.

I'm not a hugely emotional person, very rarely will a book have me full on sobbing, but I did tear up multiple times for both of them. They went through so much, but the good thing is that they both came out of it stronger. They both came out it with each other's love and support.

Can I just say that Kierra's husband was an absolute asshole, mind my language, sorry. No spoilers, but that man did not get everything he deserved. What a gaslighting idiot. But honestly, my heart goes out to the woman in marriages with men like this. Narcissistic, gaslighting, manipulative, maybe even slightly misogynistic, and borderline crazy.

This book gives you the hurt before it gives you the happy, but you would be thankful for the hurt that comes before the ending.

Thank you to Brittainy Cherry, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 4.48 If You Stayed
author: Brittainy C. Cherry
name: aira
average rating: 4.48
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/08
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
This book was almost perfect for me...I just wish it were a little longer bc there were some things I wish got more time.

Gabriel was the perfect man. Honestly, I loved him as a character. I rarely read about fully green flag men, but they never disappoint. Everything that happened to him had me in tears.

These characters are a little bit on the older side in the present; they are not in their 20s, they are more mature. I don't remember the exact age, but it made sense.

I'm not a hugely emotional person, very rarely will a book have me full on sobbing, but I did tear up multiple times for both of them. They went through so much, but the good thing is that they both came out of it stronger. They both came out it with each other's love and support.

Can I just say that Kierra's husband was an absolute asshole, mind my language, sorry. No spoilers, but that man did not get everything he deserved. What a gaslighting idiot. But honestly, my heart goes out to the woman in marriages with men like this. Narcissistic, gaslighting, manipulative, maybe even slightly misogynistic, and borderline crazy.

This book gives you the hurt before it gives you the happy, but you would be thankful for the hurt that comes before the ending.

Thank you to Brittainy Cherry, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> Friends to Lovers 220140302 Always each other’s plus-ones, but never each other’s real dates, two childhood best friends have one last summer wedding to fall in love in this dual-narrative debut.

“Left me feeling desperately romantic. Prepare for a book hangover—I loved it.”�—Annabel Monaghan, bestselling author of Summer Romance

Best friends Joni and Ren have been inseparable since childhood. So when Joni moves across the country for her job, the two devise a creative way to stay in they’ll be each other’s plus-ones every year for wedding season, no matter what else is happening in their lives.

It’s a tradition that works, until a line is crossed and the friendship they once thought was forever is ruined.

Now Joni is back at their families� shared summer home for her sister’s wedding, and she’s determined to make the week perfect, even if it means faking a friendship with Ren—and avoiding the truth of why they have to fake it in the first place. How hard can it be to pretend to be friends with the person who once knew you best?

But as sunny beach days together turn into starry nights, Joni begins to question what her life is without Ren in it. And when the wedding arrives, bringing past heartaches to the surface, she’ll be forced to decide if loving Ren means letting him go, or if theirs is a love story worth fighting for.

“Your heart will explode when you read this book. I defy you not to fall in love with Joni and Ren.” —Tessa Bickers, USA Today bestselling author of The Book Swap

Perfect for fans The Summer I Turned PrettyԻPeople We Meet on Vacation Reunion romances Forced Proximity Dual narratives & Single POV]]> Sally Blakely 0369762053 aira 4 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
Friends to Lovers isn't really my preferred trope bc I usually prefer something along the lines of enemies to lovers with a lot of angst. However, I actually liked it here when the characters go from friends to lovers.

I really like the writing style of Sally Blakely. It was easy to read and honestly can I say immaculate as well? I also think that Sally Blakely did a really good job in terms of content with the tropes and the storyline as well as pacing!

Thank you to Sally Blakely, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 4.08 2025 Friends to Lovers
author: Sally Blakely
name: aira
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/06
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
When the book said it was perfect for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, I knew I had to read it!

Friends to Lovers isn't really my preferred trope bc I usually prefer something along the lines of enemies to lovers with a lot of angst. However, I actually liked it here when the characters go from friends to lovers.

I really like the writing style of Sally Blakely. It was easy to read and honestly can I say immaculate as well? I also think that Sally Blakely did a really good job in terms of content with the tropes and the storyline as well as pacing!

Thank you to Sally Blakely, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> Wake Me Up 221732218 The more she learns, the less she understands.

I don’t remember the night of the fire. My memories burned alongside it, like tiny flickering embers, dissolving, becoming one with the nothingness. Not sure how I ended up floating in a river either, but I’m pretty sure I was supposed to die that night. With two years lost in a flash, traumatic images of the last moments of my previous life haunt me. Accusations of things I’ve done, relationships I’ve threatened � I remember none of it � not even the people most important to me. But as much as I struggle to learn the truth, my memory is not to be bullied � not even to warn me of the danger still coming.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Mystery
Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and mild sexual content.]]> 445 Devon Ashley aira 4 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
The mystery centered around the night of the fire was super interesting and it had me intrigued to figure out what actually happened that night.

The chemistry between the two main leads - Saige and Ford - was electric. The whole aspect of the "second chance" and then basically the third chance as well was good!

The only thing I would have wished for was if we had a way to get into the mind of Ford in the first half. I think it would have given me a better perspective of his thoughts regarding what happened as the mystery unfolded in the first 50% of the book, especially in response to what they find out along the way!

However, everything else was simply great!

Thank you to Devon Ashley and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 4.11 Wake Me Up
author: Devon Ashley
name: aira
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/02
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
I definitely think the starting was amazing with the whole waking up forgetting what happened. The plot twists along the way were very interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mystery was great and the amnesia trope was great as well - nothing over the top! This was a suspenseful romance done right and I enjoyed it so much! I'm so so so glad that I read this book.

The mystery centered around the night of the fire was super interesting and it had me intrigued to figure out what actually happened that night.

The chemistry between the two main leads - Saige and Ford - was electric. The whole aspect of the "second chance" and then basically the third chance as well was good!

The only thing I would have wished for was if we had a way to get into the mind of Ford in the first half. I think it would have given me a better perspective of his thoughts regarding what happened as the mystery unfolded in the first 50% of the book, especially in response to what they find out along the way!

However, everything else was simply great!

Thank you to Devon Ashley and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> Unloved (The Undone, #2) 214152028 The highly anticipated follow-up to Peyton Corinne’s “unputdownable and unforgettable� (Bal Khabra, author of Collide) TikTok sensation Unsteady follows hopeless romantic Ro and player—on and off the ice—Freddy as their feelings for each other grow from strictly friendly to so much more.

Matt “Freddy� Fedderic is all smiles—at least on the surface. On the ice, he’s the star left winger for the Waterfell Wolves with a stellar reputation in bed and a potential future in the NHL. But in the classroom, he’s barely scraping by on a 2.0 GPA, retaking dropped classes and struggling with a rough mix of dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Freddy had plans to enter the NHL draft at eighteen, but then his estranged father added a “graduation� clause to his inheritance, and now, he needs help to pass Biology with a professor who’s already betrayed him before.

Ro Shariff is a hopeless romantic with terrible luck in love—and now, Freddy’s new tutor. She keeps telling herself that she’s very happy with her on again/off again boyfriend, but Ro is desperate for real affection. As her tutoring sessions with Freddy lead to friendship and late-night phone calls, an undeniable heat begins to simmer between them, which they’re both trying desperately to ignore.

Although they are too protective of their newfound friendship to cross that line, Ro can’t stop thinking about how Freddy was her first kiss her freshman year at Waterfell, a spine-tingling moment seared into Ro’s memory that Freddy doesn’t seem to remember, and Freddy is determined to protect Ro from his reputation at all costs. Meanwhile, Ro wants to prove to him that despite what others have led him to believe, he’s worth more than his body. But maybe, just maybe, together they can learn how easily the right person can love every part of you, even your flaws.]]> 449 Peyton Corinne 1668068486 aira 4 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
I actually have not read the first book and neither did I know that there was a book 1 until after I finished reading this one. I def think I need to go back and read Unsteady now - I think that's the name of the book.

I don't know what else to say bc I have no words (genuinely and also bc of the side effects of my basically fever).

I totally forgot to write this out right when I read it, but here it is.

Thank you Peyton Corinne, Atria Books and NetGalley for the arc! ]]> 4.11 2025 Unloved (The Undone, #2)
author: Peyton Corinne
name: aira
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
this was a friends to lovers done right.

I actually have not read the first book and neither did I know that there was a book 1 until after I finished reading this one. I def think I need to go back and read Unsteady now - I think that's the name of the book.

I don't know what else to say bc I have no words (genuinely and also bc of the side effects of my basically fever).

I totally forgot to write this out right when I read it, but here it is.

Thank you Peyton Corinne, Atria Books and NetGalley for the arc!
]]> Game On 222376763 Hannah Grace
'A fresh, fun and fast-paced sports romance that readers won't be able to put down' Becka Mack
_______________________

Ella Davies didn’t trade her life in England for a year in Nashville to let anything—or anyone—throw her off her game. She only has one to prove herself on her new school’s elite cheer squad.

What she hadn’t planned for was meeting a gorgeous stranger on her first evening in America.

Hudson Fox is Whitland’s prized possession, a star quarterback who’s never lacked admirers. But this year, he's sworn off temptation—especially the new English cheerleader who’s proving impossible to ignore.

When Ella and Hudson are forced to spend more time together, their "just one night" pact soon shatters.

Until tumbling from the pyramid becomes the least of Ella’s worries. Because instead of hitting the mat, she's falling hard for the quarterback. . .
_______________________

Praise for Game On:

'Sexy, fun and sprinkled with the best things of a sports romance, I devoured Game On!' Elena Armas

'A spicy and tender romance' Hannah Bonam-Young

'Game On tackles new beginnings, healing, and the thrill of unexpected love' Bal Khabra

'Game On flies high and lands with grace, the kind of sports romance that has you rooting for both leads—as individuals and as a couple—from the first page until the last' Simone Soltani]]> 336 Ki Stephens 1250407842 aira 3 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
Plot:
╰┈� Let me preface this by saying that I think this was a good book and I liked it as I stated above. However, I had just read a book where the couple has a one-night stand and he was also a sportsperson, so it just felt like I was reading a similar book when I started. If I had read it at the different time, then I would have probably enjoyed this so much more. That being said, it was 100% a me thing.
╰┈� They had some pretty hot scenes. Overall, I felt like their chemistry and relationship was a little too fast-paced for me, but it did work. Their first meeting was kind of wild the way it happened. The scenes with their friends and some of those secondary characters have me low-key intrigued because there's stuff I need to know about them.

Final verdict:
╰┈� I read this in one sitting. It just took me a while to actually get to reading this book, but it kept my attention enough to finish it, so it's a good thing. If you like books that have a friends with benefits situation, then I think you might like this book!

Thank you to Ki Stephens, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 3.82 Game On
author: Ki Stephens
name: aira
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/25
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
ok, I'm going to say that I liked it. It was a good book, but idk if I have a lot to say because I'm still trying to process it.

Plot:
╰┈� Let me preface this by saying that I think this was a good book and I liked it as I stated above. However, I had just read a book where the couple has a one-night stand and he was also a sportsperson, so it just felt like I was reading a similar book when I started. If I had read it at the different time, then I would have probably enjoyed this so much more. That being said, it was 100% a me thing.
╰┈� They had some pretty hot scenes. Overall, I felt like their chemistry and relationship was a little too fast-paced for me, but it did work. Their first meeting was kind of wild the way it happened. The scenes with their friends and some of those secondary characters have me low-key intrigued because there's stuff I need to know about them.

Final verdict:
╰┈� I read this in one sitting. It just took me a while to actually get to reading this book, but it kept my attention enough to finish it, so it's a good thing. If you like books that have a friends with benefits situation, then I think you might like this book!

Thank you to Ki Stephens, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> <![CDATA[Terms & Conditions (Strangers #3)]]> 221850094
When one wrong choice lands him in hot water, Josh Davis has no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. By signing the dotted line, he’ll never have to worry about being implicated in what happened that night.

Elizabeth Cain lost her parents two months before her sixteenth birthday. Per their will, to gain her full inheritance and attend the school of her dreams, she must first be married. When her adoptive mother approaches her with a solution to all of their problems, it’s an offer Elizabeth can’t refuse, even if she wants to. By agreeing to the arranged marriage, Josh and Elizabeth are thrust into a life much different than the ones they imagined.

Over the course of the next decade, they play their parts, make their required public appearances, and successfully fool everyone into thinking they’re madly in love� But not even the perfect ruse can put time on their side. With the terms of their contract coming to an end, Josh and Elizabeth are faced with deciding whether they were meant to stay together or end things once and for all. Elizabeth wants out, but Josh isn’t sure he’s ready to let go. When she invokes the Last Hoorah Clause of their contract, Josh has no choice but to join her on a weekend trip with her friends in Palm Valley—and maybe find a way to keep the woman he never expected to want in the first place.

TERMS + CONDITIONS is a contemporary second-chance romance. It is the third book in the Strangers series, a series of interconnected standalones.

Tropes:

Arranged Marriage Romance
Second Chance Romance
One Last Hoorah
Friends to Lovers Romance
Other books in the series: Until Now and Strictly Business]]> 420 Jensen Parker aira 3 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
Honestly, I really liked the first 65% of this book. It had some back-and-forth, but it was a good kind. It was frustrating at times, but it was still enjoyable for me because the emotions were portrayed in a way that I was able to understand the reason behind it and why they act the way they did.

However, the last 35% had too much going on for me to be able to wrap my head around it all. Yes, the events made sense given the direction the story was going in, but there was just something that I couldn't pinpoint. Honestly, it could just be a me problem and I didn't get it.

This is the first book that I read which was all in the male perspective [spoilers removed] and I can say I liked it. I genuinely thought it was a refreshing change.

Thank you to Jensen Parker, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 3.78 Terms & Conditions (Strangers #3)
author: Jensen Parker
name: aira
average rating: 3.78
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/13
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
2.5!

Honestly, I really liked the first 65% of this book. It had some back-and-forth, but it was a good kind. It was frustrating at times, but it was still enjoyable for me because the emotions were portrayed in a way that I was able to understand the reason behind it and why they act the way they did.

However, the last 35% had too much going on for me to be able to wrap my head around it all. Yes, the events made sense given the direction the story was going in, but there was just something that I couldn't pinpoint. Honestly, it could just be a me problem and I didn't get it.

This is the first book that I read which was all in the male perspective [spoilers removed] and I can say I liked it. I genuinely thought it was a refreshing change.

Thank you to Jensen Parker, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> All We Lost Was Everything 218114292 A sexy, dark romantic thriller—with a shocking twist—by the author of Everything We Never Said.

River Santos is stuck—in her job at the diner, in her dead-end town, in her grief. Her father died in a house fire just a few months ago, her mother has been MIA for nearly a year, and the only people she can count on are the aunt she lives with and her best friend Tawny. 

Things feel like they’re turning around when Logan—the hot guy at the diner who’s always ignored her—seems interested. It’s complicated by her ex-boyfriend Noah, who she really needs closure with, and the fact that Tawny doesn’t think either of them is good enough for River� but the tension between River and Logan can’t be denied.

But love takes a backseat when new information surfaces about the fire. After all these months trying to move forward, River is forced to rethink everything� including the idea that maybe it wasn’t an accident after all. But who would commit this deadly act? And why?

River isn’t sure who to trust or who to turn to, but she needs to figure it out, fast. Because someone has more than love on their mind. They want revenge.]]> 352 Sloan Harlow 0593855949 aira 3 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
The poor girl, River, never caught a break. For her, it was heartbreak after heartbreak. Logan was a sweet boy. Noah, ughhh, I literally want to forget him. I didn't like him very much, aside from the rare moments when he helped River.

The easiest way to explain the complex love triangle situation here would be to compare it to Say You Swear because that is what it reminded me of.

Honestly this book felt a little too long. I started getting kind of bored around the 43% percent mark until it picked up a little at 62%.

Overall, this was a decent read, it was just that the book length was a little too long for me and there were some discrepancies which lead to some unanswered questions.

Thank you to Sloan Harlow, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 3.87 2025 All We Lost Was Everything
author: Sloan Harlow
name: aira
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/09
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
ok, this was the last book, I promise. I'm going to go read the textbook and actually study now. Yeah, right, we both know that't not going to end up happening.

The poor girl, River, never caught a break. For her, it was heartbreak after heartbreak. Logan was a sweet boy. Noah, ughhh, I literally want to forget him. I didn't like him very much, aside from the rare moments when he helped River.

The easiest way to explain the complex love triangle situation here would be to compare it to Say You Swear because that is what it reminded me of.

Honestly this book felt a little too long. I started getting kind of bored around the 43% percent mark until it picked up a little at 62%.

Overall, this was a decent read, it was just that the book length was a little too long for me and there were some discrepancies which lead to some unanswered questions.

Thank you to Sloan Harlow, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> The Wrong Daughter 221997154
“Do you have a sister, Ms. Fairview?� The little girl’s question, in all its buttery innocence, slices through me, and the answer catches in my throat. It isn’t as simple as yes or no. It hasn’t been, in nearly sixteen years.

The evening Caitlin and Olivia's parents leave them to go to a dinner party, both girls are bubbling with excitement. At ages 10 and 13, they are at last old enough to stay home alone. After all, in their idyllic town no one even bothers to lock their doors.

As the summer light fades, after TV and popcorn, the sisters finally put themselves to bed. They’re unaware of the figure watching them through an open window. Or of the back door opening once they’ve fallen asleep.

When their parents return, they will find Olivia's bed empty. Their golden-haired, long-limbed, eldest daughter gone. Never to return. Until now.

But is the woman who claims to be Olivia all she seems? Is everything Caitlin said she saw that night the whole truth? Their family have dreamed of this moment, but both sisters are keeping more than one secret. What price will they all pay if they end up believing the wrong daughter?]]> 304 Dandy Smith 1496757238 aira 3 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
The change in POVs between chapters was refreshing and I'm glad we had chapters with differing POVs.

This book had me hooked with the description and definitely has the vibes to hook a reader in from the very beginning, but the storyline could have unfolded a little bit differently in my opinion.

It was a decent read! I was glad to read it, but the ending was different from what I expected as the reader. It might not have worked for me, but it doesn't mean that it won't work for anyone else.

Thank you to Dandy Smith, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 3.67 2024 The Wrong Daughter
author: Dandy Smith
name: aira
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/14
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
This way very different from my usual selection of books and the ending surprised me a lot. I guess this is what happens when you veer outside your comfort zone :)

The change in POVs between chapters was refreshing and I'm glad we had chapters with differing POVs.

This book had me hooked with the description and definitely has the vibes to hook a reader in from the very beginning, but the storyline could have unfolded a little bit differently in my opinion.

It was a decent read! I was glad to read it, but the ending was different from what I expected as the reader. It might not have worked for me, but it doesn't mean that it won't work for anyone else.

Thank you to Dandy Smith, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> <![CDATA[Only in Your Dreams (Oakwood Bay, #1)]]> 217262692
If he can prove he loved her then, and he loves her still, this time might be different.

Ten years after one of the most heartbreaking nights of her life, Melody Woods is back in her small hometown of Oakwood Bay, broke, jaded, and unceremoniously dumped by her big-city boyfriend. To top it all off, her twin brother, Parker, is pushing her to take his spot on a camping trip with the one guy she’s spent a decade avoiding.

For college football coach Zac Porter, his best friend’s twin sister, Melody, has always been off-limits. And after fumbling his chance ten years ago, a devastated Zac was sure he’d lost Melody for good. So, when Melody shows up at the campsite instead of Parker, Zac realizes that now is the time to prove to her that they were always meant to be, no matter how long it takes to make up for his teenage self’s mistake.

Reeling from the truth of her last relationship, Melody plans to stay in town just long enough to get back on her feet. Then, she’s gone again. Meanwhile, Zac is facing an uphill battle to coach his team to its first winning game in years, to show Melody how she deserves to be loved, and to keep Parker from ever finding out. Maybe then, being with her will be more than just a dream.]]> 432 Ellie K. Wilde 1668093162 aira 3 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
Also, can we talk about the cover for a moment? It is literally gorgeous!

And then not having a third-act breakup is a huge win in my book!

I think I had a little problem with it being a little slow at the beginning, but at the same time, it may just be because the story needed time to pick up.

Honestly, I would say that it is a solid read!

Thank you to Ellie K. Wilde, Atria Books and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 3.92 2025 Only in Your Dreams (Oakwood Bay, #1)
author: Ellie K. Wilde
name: aira
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/06
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
The description of this book is so good! Definitely great to the point that it would hook any reader! It gives the reader enough information as to what to expect, but also leaves enough room for the reader to imagine what they want to imagine. Literal perfection!

Also, can we talk about the cover for a moment? It is literally gorgeous!

And then not having a third-act breakup is a huge win in my book!

I think I had a little problem with it being a little slow at the beginning, but at the same time, it may just be because the story needed time to pick up.

Honestly, I would say that it is a solid read!

Thank you to Ellie K. Wilde, Atria Books and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> Ride with Me (Lights Out, #2) 217927423 A marriage of convenience threatens to go off track in this steamy Formula 1 romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Cross the Line.

Stella Baldwin thought her life couldn’t get worse. Being left at the altar was bad enough, and the drunken rant she posted to her social media followers in the aftermath was the cherry on top. But having to show up at her cousin’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas barely two weeks later feels like a cruel joke.

Thomas Maxwell-Brown is just looking for a good time. With his family’s expectations pressing down, his career as a Formula 1 driver threatened by fresh talent, and a new reputation as the most hated man on the grid, he needs a break to clear his head. And what better way to decompress than with a stag party in Vegas?

Stella isn’t the woman Thomas expects to meet that night. And Thomas isn’t the man Stella expects to wake up next to in the morning—with a ring on her finger. Staying married might be the perfect solution to all their problems, even if it is a little wild. Sometimes, what happens in Vegas doesn’t need to stay there. . . .]]> 448 Simone Soltani 0593818164 aira 3 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
so Thomas is British and the first few times he called her darling, I was swooning. I think hot British guys might be my Roman Empire or something.

Vegas weddings are always hilarious...especially even when I know what's going to happen next, but I still eat it up every time. However, [spoilers removed] I kinda wish there was more Formula 1 stuff bc I was searching for it.

Def give this book a try if accidental marriage in Vegas leading to marriage of convenience is your style bc I think it could be enjoyable. Also, I kind of felt traces of a reverse grumpy x sunshine which I enjoyed bc why do men only get to be grumpy? ]]> 4.09 Ride with Me (Lights Out, #2)
author: Simone Soltani
name: aira
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/03
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
☆☆�.25

so Thomas is British and the first few times he called her darling, I was swooning. I think hot British guys might be my Roman Empire or something.

Vegas weddings are always hilarious...especially even when I know what's going to happen next, but I still eat it up every time. However, [spoilers removed] I kinda wish there was more Formula 1 stuff bc I was searching for it.

Def give this book a try if accidental marriage in Vegas leading to marriage of convenience is your style bc I think it could be enjoyable. Also, I kind of felt traces of a reverse grumpy x sunshine which I enjoyed bc why do men only get to be grumpy?
]]> Sweet Deception 222598770
But nothing is ever simple where Luca Morelli is involved.

As the powerful owner of the elite sugar baby agency, Sweet Connections, Luca has seen countless women come and go. But when Kylie walks into his world, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met. Determined to keep her for himself, Luca manipulates the rules to ensure she’s his and his alone.

What begins as a business arrangement quickly spirals into so much more than they bargained for. Kylie finds herself caught in Luca’s web, torn between her growing feelings for the man and the desperate mission that brought her into his world. Luca thought his attraction to Kylie would fade, but as his obsession with her only grows, he finds himself in over his head for the first time.

Sweet Deception is a steamy, high-stakes romance about love, sacrifice, and the fine line between trust and betrayal.]]> 362 Monroe Beckett aira 3 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
I liked the relationship between Kylie and Luca. They had good chemistry and a good relationship. I usually don't enjoy instalove, so that is on me, but it was still done well.

I think the biggest reason for me not enjoying this book was something else - it wasn't the book because this book is pretty good. I just came out of reading a suspenseful romance book and maybe I should have waited to read this because my mind was still on the book that I had read previously. If I had given it some time, then I think I would have fully enjoyed it.

Thank you to Monroe Beckett, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for this arc! ]]> 4.12 Sweet Deception
author: Monroe Beckett
name: aira
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/03
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
This was a decent read! The description did describe what the book was going to be about and it didn't over-project the content of the book.

I liked the relationship between Kylie and Luca. They had good chemistry and a good relationship. I usually don't enjoy instalove, so that is on me, but it was still done well.

I think the biggest reason for me not enjoying this book was something else - it wasn't the book because this book is pretty good. I just came out of reading a suspenseful romance book and maybe I should have waited to read this because my mind was still on the book that I had read previously. If I had given it some time, then I think I would have fully enjoyed it.

Thank you to Monroe Beckett, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for this arc!
]]> All the Perfect Days 216595969
But then Genevieve Longstaff comes back to their hometown, just as something extraordinary happens. Charlie begins to have a vision of the exact number of days a person has left until they die.

Charlie believes it’s a gift. It certainly seems like one—after all, he’s using it to help his patients, family and friends make the most of their to mend relationships, to travel, to retire. But this gift comes with awful consequences, and soon Charlie realizes there are things he doesn’t want to know—especially about the woman he still loves.]]> 351 Michael Thompson 1728265851 aira 3 arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
I am very glad that I gave this book a chance because it told me that I could potentially enjoy books with different sub-genres, but I don't think I enjoyed this book as much as I thought I would. It's a good book, but I don't know if it aligned with my reading style as of right now. I could see myself enjoying this book one day.

I think if you like books in the medical setting, then this book would be perfect for you.

Thank you to Micheal Thompson, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for this arc!

------------

trying to get through all the arcs I got, so here we are on arc #2, my hopes are high for this one.]]> 4.10 All the Perfect Days
author: Michael Thompson
name: aira
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/02
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: arcs, 2025, netgalley-arcs
review:
This was a very different type of genre from books I usually read. I'm obsessed with books in the romance category, but this one had the main focus in another genre. Like, it was almost a book infused with sci-fi elements.

I am very glad that I gave this book a chance because it told me that I could potentially enjoy books with different sub-genres, but I don't think I enjoyed this book as much as I thought I would. It's a good book, but I don't know if it aligned with my reading style as of right now. I could see myself enjoying this book one day.

I think if you like books in the medical setting, then this book would be perfect for you.

Thank you to Micheal Thompson, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for this arc!

------------

trying to get through all the arcs I got, so here we are on arc #2, my hopes are high for this one.
]]> It Kills Me (Betrayal, #1) 201437442
But if I want the job, it comes with stipulations. And one of those stipulations is to never mix business with pleasure. AKA, don't sleep with anyone on the job. My father leads by example, and not once have I ever seen him get involved with anyone, not even his beautiful assistant. That was an easy rule to follow...until Axel.

Axel is an expert distributor, someone who knows how to get our product past the ruthless regulations mandated by the government. My father has never had a partner, but he makes an exception for Axel because he's good at what he does.

But the second our eyes meet...there's fire. He's by far the most handsome man I've ever seen, and his I couldn't care less attitude makes me weak. But I put up boundaries and reject his advances.

But this man doesn't stop until he gets what he wants.]]> 298 Penelope Sky aira 1 4.26 It Kills Me (Betrayal, #1)
author: Penelope Sky
name: aira
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/03/08
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: 2025, dark-romance, mafia-romance, dnf
review:
don't even ask; all I'm going to say is his nickname for her was "pretty"
]]> Grave (Dark Kingdom, #3) 44415674 My life went to hell years ago, and I've had a death wish ever since then with fast cars, women, and drugs. They don't call me Grave for nothing!

But I do it because I need to feel something... anything. What's life worth living for without the high?

And then I saw her!

She's too good for me, and I should stay away. But like an addict, I switch one drug for another, and I'll be taking her to hell with me.

APRIL
I'm anything but sweet, despite what people think, so when he tells me I'm too good for him and I'm better off without him, I don't listen.

My life was simple before Grave stepped through that door, but who wants simple?

He makes me feel alive. It took one touch, and I became addicted!

But therein lies the problem. Addiction is Grave's middle name, and when he tells me he's taking me to hell with him, I don't know whether to take that as a threat or a promise!]]> 244 Shantel Tessier aira 3 4.36 2020 Grave (Dark Kingdom, #3)
author: Shantel Tessier
name: aira
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/28
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: 2024, mafia-romance, dark-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Wildest Dreams (Forbidden Love, #2)]]> 218485146 He’ll protect his best friend’s baby sister from anything…other than himself.

Rhyland

Dylan Casablancas is a forbidden fruit, undeniably delicious, but one bite just might kill you.
She’s my best friend’s baby sister, a single mom, and a royal pain in the ass.
When Little Miss Baggage moves downstairs to house-sit her brother’s Manhattan apartment, my potential business partner mistakes us as a couple.
He wants a family guy. I want access to his billions.
And Dylan? She needs a big, burly guy to scare off her loser ex.
Pretending to be engaged to the feisty girl next door gets messy when I take a bite of the illicit apple.
What can I say? I’m an instant gratification kind of guy.
We made a deal to walk out of each other’s lives once my contract is signed.
The only problem? She might take my heart with her when she leaves.

Dylan

Rhyland Coltridge is out of the question.
Unless the answer is: “Who’s the biggest man-whore you’ve ever met?�
Hedonistic. Wild card. Utterly corrupt. And those are just the traits the jerk prides himself on.
My life is too messy for a boyfriend. Even if it wasn’t, Rhyland would be the last man I’d consider.
He is supposed to be my ticket out of this nightmare.
But he’s fast becoming my wildest, most dangerous dream.]]> 432 L.J. Shen 1464223742 aira 0 to-read 4.69 Wildest Dreams (Forbidden Love, #2)
author: L.J. Shen
name: aira
average rating: 4.69
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Sweet Sinners 224078169 He Took Everything from Her. Now He’s the Only Thing She Craves.

Cali thought stepping into her family’s empire would be her hardest challenge until Connor walked back into her life. Once her stepbrother, now the man accused of murdering their parents, he’s out of prison but far from free. Bound by house arrest but still haunted by scandal, Connor is the last person Cali wants under her roof.

With his cocky smirk and infuriating charm, Connor is everything Cali hates� and everything she can’t resist. She tells herself it’s the reckless attitude, the lies, and the years he spent away that fuel her anger, but the truth is far worse, it’s the raw, possessive way he looks at her that makes her pulse race and threatens to unravel her carefully controlled world.

When new evidence about their parents� deaths surfaces, Cali and Connor are forced into an uneasy alliance. Working together to uncover the truth means confronting buried secrets, dangerous enemies, and the spark between them that refuses to die.

As the mystery unravels, so do the walls they’ve built between hate and desire. The closer they get to the killer, the closer they get to each other and the closer they come to crossing the one line they swore they never would.

Enemies. Off-Limits. Lovers.

How far would you go for the one person you were never meant to have?

Sweet Sinners is a dark, forbidden romance about survival, redemption, and a love that refuses to stay hidden.]]> 373 N.D. Roldan aira 4 arcs, 2025, dark-romance
Firstly, let me just say that this book has a morally-grey male lead that is not toxic. I love books where the male lead has those sweet, domestic moments with the female lead. I live for those moments. Morally-grey men don't have to be toxic in order for the book to be a good dark romance book and Conner is the perfect example of that. He was still dominant, cocky, and slightly arrogant, but he wasn't toxic and I loved that about him. And then we have Cali. OMG, she gave off girl boss vibes. Seriously the perfect businesswoman.

The romance. Where do I even get started? Over the past few months, I have gained a newfound appreciation for slow burn romance and this book was so good in that aspect. Both of them had some super hot scenes together.

I basically live for the tropes, like forced proximity and forbidden romance, please sign me up.

Thank you so much to @Sunnybabepr for sending me a copy of this book!]]> 4.33 Sweet Sinners
author: N.D. Roldan
name: aira
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/27
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves: arcs, 2025, dark-romance
review:
I don't even know where to start because I'm speechless; I really liked this. I read it in the span of a few hours. I just sat down and read it all. I literally couldn't even put the book down until it was done.

Firstly, let me just say that this book has a morally-grey male lead that is not toxic. I love books where the male lead has those sweet, domestic moments with the female lead. I live for those moments. Morally-grey men don't have to be toxic in order for the book to be a good dark romance book and Conner is the perfect example of that. He was still dominant, cocky, and slightly arrogant, but he wasn't toxic and I loved that about him. And then we have Cali. OMG, she gave off girl boss vibes. Seriously the perfect businesswoman.

The romance. Where do I even get started? Over the past few months, I have gained a newfound appreciation for slow burn romance and this book was so good in that aspect. Both of them had some super hot scenes together.

I basically live for the tropes, like forced proximity and forbidden romance, please sign me up.

Thank you so much to @Sunnybabepr for sending me a copy of this book!
]]> <![CDATA[Gabriel (Legacy of Heathens #4)]]> 223759732 Eva Winners aira 0 to-read 4.00 Gabriel (Legacy of Heathens #4)
author: Eva Winners
name: aira
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Enzo (Legacy of Heathens #3) 223759977 Eva Winners aira 0 to-read 4.00 Enzo (Legacy of Heathens #3)
author: Eva Winners
name: aira
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Gloves Off (Vancouver Storm, #4)]]> 222033792 The only way to receive her inheritance? Marry the NHL's grumpiest enforcer, a brutally handsome jerk, and the last man she'd ever fall for, from the viral TikTok author of Behind the Net.

In public, Georgia Greene and Alexei Volkov act as besotted newlyweds, but in private, they’re at each other’s throats. He’s competitive, arrogant, and surly. The guy’s never cracked a smile in his life. He’s jealous of her colleague, glares at her high heels, and insists he’s not attracted to her. He’s only marrying her for citizenship.

Fighting with Alexei is more fun than Georgia expected, though, and beneath his grouchy exterior, Alexei is surprisingly caring, protective, and generous.

He cuddles with her bunnies and worries about her safety. He sends her flowers with secret meanings and spends way too much money on her. He makes her sleep in his bed and calls her his wife.

For a guy who said he’d never love her, Alexei’s doing a great impression of it� and now Georgia is wondering if this marriage is fake after all.]]> 464 Stephanie Archer aira 0 to-read 4.67 2025 Gloves Off (Vancouver Storm, #4)
author: Stephanie Archer
name: aira
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Fall Out (The Boston Revs Three Outs, #1)]]> 210603087
Unfortunately, I’m not hers.

Not only is she the daughter of the Rev’s coach who hates me, she’s also sworn off dating for the year.

Little does she know we’ve been doing just that.

Sure, she says I’m her friend when we watch romcoms or spend holidays together, but I’m just biding my time until the year is up.

With her father against me, and a line of men interested in dating her, once she finds out my true intentions, will we survive the fallout?

Author Note: The Fall Out is book one of the Boston Revs Three Outs Series. It is a stand-alone baseball romcom that starts with a one-night stand with the coach's daughter. This friends-to-lovers grumpy sunshine romance will guarantee you tons of fun banter and swoony moments between the hot-headed baseball pitcher and the animal-loving heroine. Add in some laughs with the Revs team and an adorable pet puffin and it is sure to be fun for all.]]> 302 Jenni Bara 1959389122 aira 3 2025
Christian Damiano:
╰┈� He was pretty hot, ngl. He's a germaphobe and I'm very curious as to how he slept with other people if he was a germaphobe. I would imagine that people who are germaphobic to that level would have been a virgin for way longer or maybe that's just me. I don't really know, take it as you will. Baseball men in books might be tied with hockey men to be my favorite sportspeople and that's coming from someone that doesn't watch sports at all. I did not know anything about the sport, so when I find out that he's a pitcher, I had to go search that up. Anyways, he's hot, decent and a germaphobe.

Avery Wilson:
╰┈� She was a little confusing. Swearing off men for a whole year and then still kind of flirting with Christian. My favorite part about her was her love for the puffin. That was actually so cute because in a way, they found each other after their one night stand because of the puffin. She's obsessed with the bird and I can't blame her, because that bird is so cute from the descriptions. It's making me want a bird too now.

Grumpy x Sunshine:
╰┈� Let me just say that I have a lot of problems with this trope, so it is nothing against this book. I should have checked the tropes before I started reading, so I admit it's my mistake. Also, Christian wasn't really grumpy in my opinion, he gave off more golden retriever vibes.

Nickname:
╰┈� Can we talk about "blondie" for a second? He calls her "blondie" since he didn't know her name in their first meeting and the name kind of stuck. Listen, ik people have their kinks with nicknames, but blondie is a little crazy, or maybe it's just me, I don't know.

Plot:
╰┈� I was lost in some places, because there were characters introduced that I didn't know about. I have the memory of a goldfish these days, so I'll blame it on that. Other than that, once I got into it, I was reading through the chapters fairly fast. Overall, the plot was nice.

Final Thoughts:
╰┈� I liked it and I still want to read the other books in this series, so I will take my wins where I can. Overall, I would recommend it to people that like baseball romance with the "grumpy x sunshine" trope. If that's you, then pick this book up!!
------------

pre-read: idk what to say, but please hit!! ]]> 4.22 The Fall Out (The Boston Revs Three Outs, #1)
author: Jenni Bara
name: aira
average rating: 4.22
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/24
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves: 2025
review:
I liked it. I have a lot I want to say, but at the same time, I'm lazy, so we'll see how far I get.

Christian Damiano:
╰┈� He was pretty hot, ngl. He's a germaphobe and I'm very curious as to how he slept with other people if he was a germaphobe. I would imagine that people who are germaphobic to that level would have been a virgin for way longer or maybe that's just me. I don't really know, take it as you will. Baseball men in books might be tied with hockey men to be my favorite sportspeople and that's coming from someone that doesn't watch sports at all. I did not know anything about the sport, so when I find out that he's a pitcher, I had to go search that up. Anyways, he's hot, decent and a germaphobe.

Avery Wilson:
╰┈� She was a little confusing. Swearing off men for a whole year and then still kind of flirting with Christian. My favorite part about her was her love for the puffin. That was actually so cute because in a way, they found each other after their one night stand because of the puffin. She's obsessed with the bird and I can't blame her, because that bird is so cute from the descriptions. It's making me want a bird too now.

Grumpy x Sunshine:
╰┈� Let me just say that I have a lot of problems with this trope, so it is nothing against this book. I should have checked the tropes before I started reading, so I admit it's my mistake. Also, Christian wasn't really grumpy in my opinion, he gave off more golden retriever vibes.

Nickname:
╰┈� Can we talk about "blondie" for a second? He calls her "blondie" since he didn't know her name in their first meeting and the name kind of stuck. Listen, ik people have their kinks with nicknames, but blondie is a little crazy, or maybe it's just me, I don't know.

Plot:
╰┈� I was lost in some places, because there were characters introduced that I didn't know about. I have the memory of a goldfish these days, so I'll blame it on that. Other than that, once I got into it, I was reading through the chapters fairly fast. Overall, the plot was nice.

Final Thoughts:
╰┈� I liked it and I still want to read the other books in this series, so I will take my wins where I can. Overall, I would recommend it to people that like baseball romance with the "grumpy x sunshine" trope. If that's you, then pick this book up!!
------------

pre-read: idk what to say, but please hit!!
]]> <![CDATA[By Sin I Rise: Part Two (Sins of the Fathers, #2)]]> 58987445
Marcella gave Maddox the impossible choice, and he chose her.
Still, she wonders if Maddox is ready to commit to a relationship, or if he’s scared of losing the uninhibited freedom his biker lifestyle offered him.

All his life Maddox knew who his enemies were, but suddenly he’s at a loss whom to trust. Will he ever find a place in Marcella’s life and family, or will old companions give him a new home and purpose?

Can enemies ever truly become lovers if the odds are against them?]]> 268 Cora Reilly aira 3
Marcella Vitiello:
“Everyone who’d come to see my fall would see me rising from the goddamn ashes. I was my father’s daughter.�

╰┈� I have to say, she was one of the strongest female leads from this series. She got inducted into the Famiglia and she always emphasized how she didn't want to be a stereotypical woman from the Famiglia. Her character growth was pretty impressive, might I add.

Maddox White:
“She was a goddess. As fierce as Hera and as beautiful as Aphrodite. I would follow her into Hades if she asked me.�

╰┈� I liked him a lot more in this book. He did end up redeeming himself and I will always like him for standing up to Luca.

Chemistry:
╰┈� I still have a really hard time believing that these two love each other. Maybe it's just a me problem, but they "fell in love" too fast for my liking.

----------

pre-read: I have questions that require answers.]]> 3.52 2021 By Sin I Rise: Part Two (Sins of the Fathers, #2)
author: Cora Reilly
name: aira
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/22
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: 2025, dark-romance, mafia-romance
review:
Ok, so I did get my answers.

Marcella Vitiello:
“Everyone who’d come to see my fall would see me rising from the goddamn ashes. I was my father’s daughter.�

╰┈� I have to say, she was one of the strongest female leads from this series. She got inducted into the Famiglia and she always emphasized how she didn't want to be a stereotypical woman from the Famiglia. Her character growth was pretty impressive, might I add.

Maddox White:
“She was a goddess. As fierce as Hera and as beautiful as Aphrodite. I would follow her into Hades if she asked me.�

╰┈� I liked him a lot more in this book. He did end up redeeming himself and I will always like him for standing up to Luca.

Chemistry:
╰┈� I still have a really hard time believing that these two love each other. Maybe it's just a me problem, but they "fell in love" too fast for my liking.

----------

pre-read: I have questions that require answers.
]]> <![CDATA[By Sin I Rise: Part One (Sins of the Fathers, #1)]]> 57605673
Known as the spoilt princess of New York, Marcella Vitiello grew up in a golden cage. If your father is the most feared man in New York, people gift you with reverence.
Destined to marry the boyfriend approved by her father, Marcella is sick of being treated like an untouchable porcelain doll.
She resents the life forced upon her by her family until everything she took for granted is ripped from her. Where she’s now, her name doesn’t bring awe, only pain and humiliation.

If you’ve grown up in a high castle, the fall is all the deeper.

Sins of the fathers have a way of catching up…who’s going to bleed for them?]]> 274 Cora Reilly aira 3
Aria Vitiello:
Aria literally says and I quote: "You have nothing to be ashamed of. They forced you, and you looked proud and gorgeous despite the situation."
╰┈� Girl, bye. Are we talking about the same thing? The biker gang posted a nude video of your daughter to the internet and THIS is your response when you're trying to reassure your daughter. Girl, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee be so for real!! ]]> 3.63 2021 By Sin I Rise: Part One (Sins of the Fathers, #1)
author: Cora Reilly
name: aira
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/22
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: 2025, dark-romance, mafia-romance
review:
Hmmmmm, well I finished part 1 and now I gotta go read part 2, so I'll keep this short, but I gotta start off by talking about Aria because this was wild.

Aria Vitiello:
Aria literally says and I quote: "You have nothing to be ashamed of. They forced you, and you looked proud and gorgeous despite the situation."
╰┈� Girl, bye. Are we talking about the same thing? The biker gang posted a nude video of your daughter to the internet and THIS is your response when you're trying to reassure your daughter. Girl, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee be so for real!!
]]> Unholy Obsession 223289180 An enemies to lovers romance. 439 Stasia Black aira 0 to-read, arcs 4.29 2025 Unholy Obsession
author: Stasia Black
name: aira
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: to-read, arcs
review:

]]> Luca (Belles & Mobsters, #7) 61213727 Luca King.
The notorious playboy.
A master of one night stands.
My constant shadow.

Wherever I went, he was always there. Until he wasn’t. One wild night at a masquerade party was all it took. I got pregnant, broke my engagement, and failed my family.

The worst part.

I had no idea who the father of my baby was. I had only one clue. A Prince Albert piercing. Not exactly a smoking gun.

My parents disowned me after I refused to marry the prospects they presented. It wasn’t my fault I became gun shy. The last four men I met ended up dead. It was safer to have this baby on my own.

Our world was a dangerous one. And without the protection of my family... I was running out of time.

So it left me with no choice but to disappear, leaving no trace of where I went.

That was until Luca King found me at my lowest.

Maybe I should have tried harder to stay hidden because he would surely be my destruction.]]> 401 Eva Winners aira 3
IF ANYONE READS THIS SERIES, I WILL NEED UPDATES!

Margaret Callahan:
╰┈� I really liked her when she stood up for herself, especially against her aunt because the hate from that woman was unwarranted. However, there are places I cannot defend her like when she hated him because of who his father was. I can't blame her for that fully since she lost a lot because of that man and also because I despise his father too; Benito King is an ass and that's putting it lightly. I just wish she would've started off judging him based on him and not who is father is. But, my favorite thing about her would be some of her badass moments, so I was pretty satisfied.

Luca "King":
╰┈� He changed his last name to Di-something. I really don't remember and I'm too lazy to go and confirm, so I'll just call him Luca King. He loved her hard, albeit the method of it was a little suspicious for me to wrap my head around, but I guess it's fine. I think I subconsciously hold mafia men to a different standard than other men so maybe I didn't mind a lot of it. He was a great father and their domestic moments were nice.

Plot:
╰┈� It was alright, leaning towards good. I feel like I would have liked it a lot more if they didn't have so much miscommunication between them. I also would have preferred a little bit more action in the climax, like maybe just a chapter or two more. I had a feeling about the trajectory of their storyline because of the events in Cassio, but there was a lot that was different from what I thought. Luca's grandfather and Penelope are my two favorites from this book. I loved the cameos of everybody from the other books like Luciano, Grace, Cassio, Matteo, and Sasha (my favorite unhinged person).

Rankings:
╰┈� Now as promised, let's talk rankings, but I just need to say that this is purely based on my opinions and my mood at the time of reading!! (also, The Den of Sin is not really part of the series, but I grouped it here since the characters are related to characters here!!)

Books:
1. Alexei
2. Sasha
3. Luciano
4. Raphael
5. The Den of Sin
6. Cassio
7. Luca
8. Nico

MMCs:
1. Alexei (Paws off, he's mine! I will downright be miss possessive for him, i.e. "NO SERIOUSLY, GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY MAN" ]]> 4.16 2022 Luca (Belles & Mobsters, #7)
author: Eva Winners
name: aira
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/22
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: 2025, dark-romance, mafia-romance
review:
Last book of the series and it is a bittersweet ending. I'm happy I finished the series and excited for the second-gen series, but I'm sad because I can never experience reading it for the first time.

IF ANYONE READS THIS SERIES, I WILL NEED UPDATES!

Margaret Callahan:
╰┈� I really liked her when she stood up for herself, especially against her aunt because the hate from that woman was unwarranted. However, there are places I cannot defend her like when she hated him because of who his father was. I can't blame her for that fully since she lost a lot because of that man and also because I despise his father too; Benito King is an ass and that's putting it lightly. I just wish she would've started off judging him based on him and not who is father is. But, my favorite thing about her would be some of her badass moments, so I was pretty satisfied.

Luca "King":
╰┈� He changed his last name to Di-something. I really don't remember and I'm too lazy to go and confirm, so I'll just call him Luca King. He loved her hard, albeit the method of it was a little suspicious for me to wrap my head around, but I guess it's fine. I think I subconsciously hold mafia men to a different standard than other men so maybe I didn't mind a lot of it. He was a great father and their domestic moments were nice.

Plot:
╰┈� It was alright, leaning towards good. I feel like I would have liked it a lot more if they didn't have so much miscommunication between them. I also would have preferred a little bit more action in the climax, like maybe just a chapter or two more. I had a feeling about the trajectory of their storyline because of the events in Cassio, but there was a lot that was different from what I thought. Luca's grandfather and Penelope are my two favorites from this book. I loved the cameos of everybody from the other books like Luciano, Grace, Cassio, Matteo, and Sasha (my favorite unhinged person).

Rankings:
╰┈� Now as promised, let's talk rankings, but I just need to say that this is purely based on my opinions and my mood at the time of reading!! (also, The Den of Sin is not really part of the series, but I grouped it here since the characters are related to characters here!!)

Books:
1. Alexei
2. Sasha
3. Luciano
4. Raphael
5. The Den of Sin
6. Cassio
7. Luca
8. Nico

MMCs:
1. Alexei (Paws off, he's mine! I will downright be miss possessive for him, i.e. "NO SERIOUSLY, GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY MAN"
]]> The Den of Sin 59067932 Dangerous. Deadly. And most of all, devastating.

He’s the king of New Orleans.
Ruler of the Russian mafia and my best friend’s oldest, mouthwatering brother.

On Halloween night my last year in college, I gave him everything. My body. My heart. My soul.

He burned it all to the ground with the first ray of dawn.

Lessons learned. I’ve moved on. Now, five years later, I have a career I love, a boyfriend. But Vasili is back in my life again. A temptation I don’t need.

One thing is for certain. Nikolaev always settles the score.

He’ll destroy everything and everyone, including my boyfriend.

The question is� What is Vasili’s end game? Will he destroy me all over again or will I be the Phoenix rising from the ashes he left behind and take what I've always wanted? Him.]]> 282 Eva Winners aira 3 (this might have spoilers, don't come for me!)

Vasili Nikolaev:
"You're beautiful, malyskha."

"This time, I played for my queen."

╰┈� Hmmmm, I had mixed opinions about him. Firstly, Isabella is his younger sister's best friend, so they already knew each other by the time the stuff in the prologue happens. I wouldn't ever judge someone for their age gap preferences, given that both are of reasonable age, but he was a little old in my opinion. Yeah, a lot of the men in this series are in their late 30s, but the age gap was a little more wilder in this book. I'm fairly certain that their age gap was 20 years. Although I can't seem to mind much because Eva Winners has a way of making me swoon regardless of how old the male lead is. His little revenge was kind of cruel, maybe bordering unforgivable, but that's just my opinion again. All in all, he might not be my favorite Nikolaev, but he was still hot and I enjoyed his scenes. Sometimes, all you need in a book is a Russian man with his super hot Russian nickname and over the top possessiveness and Vasili delivered exactly that, so I am satisfied.

Isabella Taylor:
"I might lust after you but I do not want you."

╰┈� She was a little too desperate for him at the beginning, but I guess her "crush" on him did that to her and she acted on it. She's honestly really naive at the beginning, although she loses that innocence along the way. Anyways, she gets heartbroken after he "uses her" for some revenge and then I guess she kind of "hates" him, but still lusts after him. However, I'm glad she didn't immediately jump into bed with him the second he asked her to, forgetting everything that he did. She did resist at first regardless of how much she wanted him. I mean I gotta give sis her props because she lasted a couple chapters longer than I expected her to, obviously the resolve fell after, but she somewhat held on to it before that point.

Plot:
╰┈� The romance was super fast-paced at the start. Firstly, he smacks her ass in the prologue after throwing her over his shoulder. Then, they also have sex in the same chapter, so take that information whatever way you want. I guess I didn't mind it, but I'll just leave that little bit of information here. Malyskha - pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, all 3 Nikolaev men have the cutest Russian nicknames for their women. This was shorter than the books in the series, so it wasn't long and I didn't feel it drag.

Final verdict:
╰┈� Reading it for the first time, I liked it! I thought it was a good book for being a shorter, fast-paced mafia-romance. This was kind of like an "unofficial prequel" to the Belles and Mobsters series and I liked it. I probably won't read it again, but that's nothing against this book because re-reading is something that depends on my mood and the best friend's older brother isn't one of my favorite tropes.

‼️ disclaimer: This book wasn't part of the Belles and Mobsters series, but the characters were related to the people from the series so I grouped it with the series! ‼️

Only 1 more book left!!!! I have mixed feeling!! ]]> 3.83 2021 The Den of Sin
author: Eva Winners
name: aira
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/21
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2025, dark-romance, mafia-romance
review:
Well, buckle up people, I got a lot to say, and that means I'm going to type out as much as I can before I get lazy and give up on the rest. (this might have spoilers, don't come for me!)

Vasili Nikolaev:
"You're beautiful, malyskha."

"This time, I played for my queen."

╰┈� Hmmmm, I had mixed opinions about him. Firstly, Isabella is his younger sister's best friend, so they already knew each other by the time the stuff in the prologue happens. I wouldn't ever judge someone for their age gap preferences, given that both are of reasonable age, but he was a little old in my opinion. Yeah, a lot of the men in this series are in their late 30s, but the age gap was a little more wilder in this book. I'm fairly certain that their age gap was 20 years. Although I can't seem to mind much because Eva Winners has a way of making me swoon regardless of how old the male lead is. His little revenge was kind of cruel, maybe bordering unforgivable, but that's just my opinion again. All in all, he might not be my favorite Nikolaev, but he was still hot and I enjoyed his scenes. Sometimes, all you need in a book is a Russian man with his super hot Russian nickname and over the top possessiveness and Vasili delivered exactly that, so I am satisfied.

Isabella Taylor:
"I might lust after you but I do not want you."

╰┈� She was a little too desperate for him at the beginning, but I guess her "crush" on him did that to her and she acted on it. She's honestly really naive at the beginning, although she loses that innocence along the way. Anyways, she gets heartbroken after he "uses her" for some revenge and then I guess she kind of "hates" him, but still lusts after him. However, I'm glad she didn't immediately jump into bed with him the second he asked her to, forgetting everything that he did. She did resist at first regardless of how much she wanted him. I mean I gotta give sis her props because she lasted a couple chapters longer than I expected her to, obviously the resolve fell after, but she somewhat held on to it before that point.

Plot:
╰┈� The romance was super fast-paced at the start. Firstly, he smacks her ass in the prologue after throwing her over his shoulder. Then, they also have sex in the same chapter, so take that information whatever way you want. I guess I didn't mind it, but I'll just leave that little bit of information here. Malyskha - pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, all 3 Nikolaev men have the cutest Russian nicknames for their women. This was shorter than the books in the series, so it wasn't long and I didn't feel it drag.

Final verdict:
╰┈� Reading it for the first time, I liked it! I thought it was a good book for being a shorter, fast-paced mafia-romance. This was kind of like an "unofficial prequel" to the Belles and Mobsters series and I liked it. I probably won't read it again, but that's nothing against this book because re-reading is something that depends on my mood and the best friend's older brother isn't one of my favorite tropes.

‼️ disclaimer: This book wasn't part of the Belles and Mobsters series, but the characters were related to the people from the series so I grouped it with the series! ‼️

Only 1 more book left!!!! I have mixed feeling!!
]]> Twisted Lies (Twisted, #4) 60217302 He'll do anything to have her...including lie.

Charming, deadly, and smart enough to hide it, Christian Harper is a monster dressed in the perfectly tailored suits of a gentleman.

He has little use for morals and even less use for love, but he can’t deny the strange pull he feels toward the woman living just one floor below him.

She’s the object of his darkest desires, the only puzzle he can’t solve. And when the opportunity to get closer to her arises, he breaks his own rules to offer her a deal she can’t refuse.

Every monster has their weakness. She’s his.

His obsession.
His addiction.
His only exception.

**

Sweet, shy, and introverted despite her social media fame, Stella Alonso is a romantic who keeps her heart in a cage.

Between her two jobs, she has little time or desire for a relationship.

But when a threat from her past drives her into the arms—and house—of the most dangerous man she’s ever met, she’s tempted to let herself feel something for the first time in a long time.

Because despite Christian’s cold nature, he makes her feel everything when she’s with him.

Passionate.
Protected.
Truly wanted.

Theirs is a love twisted with secrets and tainted by lies…and when the truths are finally revealed, they could shatter everything.

Twisted Lies is a steamy, medium to slow burn fake dating romance. It is the fourth and final book in the Twisted series but can be read as a standalone.

WARNING: Contains a morally gray male MC, explicit content, violence, profanity, and topics that may be sensitive to some readers. Please see inside the book for a detailed list. Recommended for 18+ ]]> 530 Ana Huang aira 3 2024 4.20 2022 Twisted Lies (Twisted, #4)
author: Ana Huang
name: aira
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/06/19
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Unwanted Marriage (The Windsors, #3)]]> 104659050 From the author of The Wrong Bride and The Temporary Wife comes an angsty and steamy billionaire arranged marriage romance

�
Faye is the last woman Dion Windsor wants to be near, let alone marry� yet there’s no escaping the alluring pianist he’s been engaged to since they were children.

For years, he made his unwillingness known, but his attempts to keep Faye at a distance fade to dust at the sight of her with another man � mere months before their wedding.

One look at her, and he realises he’s done running. Time is up, and whether she likes it or not, she’s his.

Or she could be, if the secrets he keeps didn’t hold the power to destroy her.


Publisher's Note: Each book in the Windsors series features a different Windsor sibling, and as such, each book can be read as a standalone. The Unwanted Marriage contains a guaranteed happily-ever-after and no cheating.]]> 374 Catharina Maura aira 4 2024 4.03 2023 The Unwanted Marriage (The Windsors, #3)
author: Catharina Maura
name: aira
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/08
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Temporary Wife (The Windsors, #2)]]> 63095160 From the author of The Wrong Bride and Forever After All comes an angsty and steamy marriage of convenience romance featuring a billionaire boss and his secretary.

When Luca Windsor’s secretary quits her job shortly after he’s forced into an unwanted engagement arranged by his family, he sets out to solve both problems.

� by secretly marrying his secretary instead.

The rules are simple:

1. Don’t fall in love
2. Keep their marriage a secret at work
3. Share a bed every night

It was meant to be a straightforward and mutually beneficial deal, but with each day that passes, it becomes clearer to Luca that the only thing Valentina wants is the one thing he can never do.

Letting her go.]]> 384 Catharina Maura aira 3 2024 4.03 2023 The Temporary Wife (The Windsors, #2)
author: Catharina Maura
name: aira
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/07
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Secret Fiancée (The Windsors, #5)]]> 206181069 From the author of The Wrong Bride and The Temporary Wife comes another steamy and angsty billionaire arranged marriage romance.

When Lex finds Raya Lewis’s name hidden behind countless security measures on his own family’s servers, he knows it can only mean one thing.

Determined to take control of the situation, he sets out to find her � only for Raya to spill her drink all over him within seconds of meeting.

Much to her surprise, the notoriously unattainable tech billionaire asks for only one thing as compensation: six rounds of Truth or Dare.

An evening filled with laughter leads to Raya sneaking out of his bed in the morning, not expecting to ever see him again�

…until he shows up as her professor, offering her class the opportunity of a lifetime: an internship at Windsor Motors.

What Raya doesn’t realize is that their meeting wasn’t coincidental � and she’s the sole reason he took up a teaching position at all.

After all, Lex knows something she doesn’t: the two of them are arranged to be married.]]> 364 Catharina Maura aira 3 2024 4.07 2024 The Secret Fiancée (The Windsors, #5)
author: Catharina Maura
name: aira
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/10
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Broken Vows (The Windsors, #4)]]> 150062296 She was his first love, his first heartbreak, and his only regret.

Zane Windsor always loved the way Celeste Harrison’s eyes light up when he infuriates her. It just took him years to realize that what he felt for his childhood rival wasn’t hatred.

When they begin working for their family businesses, competing on a larger scale than ever before, he decides he wants it all with her � and what Zane Windsor wants, he gets.

Zane and Celeste discover just how thin the line between love and hate truly is, falling harder than either of them thought possible...

…until an unexpected tragedy leaves them wondering if any of it was ever real at all.

Led by a desire for revenge, Zane brings Celeste’s company to the brink of bankruptcy, leaving both of their grandparents no choice but to intervene.

The Windsors and Harrisons agree to a merger � on one condition: Zane and Celeste must marry each other.]]> 557 Catharina Maura aira 2 2024 4.05 The Broken Vows (The Windsors, #4)
author: Catharina Maura
name: aira
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/09/10
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Wrong Bride (The Windsors, #1)]]> 62316382 She’s his fiancée’s younger sister. He’s the man she’s always loved.

When her sister doesn’t show up on her wedding day, Raven has no choice but to take her place � but marriage to Ares Windsor is nothing short of torture.

The elusive billionaire media mogul is the man she’s always loved� yet he’s only ever had eyes for her sister.

Married to him at last, Raven is determined to win him over.

After all, everything is fair in love and war.

And this?

This is war.]]> 382 Catharina Maura aira 1 2024 3.88 2022 The Wrong Bride (The Windsors, #1)
author: Catharina Maura
name: aira
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2022
rating: 1
read at: 2024/09/07
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:
having sex with your husband in the room next to your sister's (aka his ex) just so that she can hear for payback when you had to hear them go at it is wild, but what do I know?
]]> <![CDATA[Broken Kingdom (Royal Hearts Academy #3-4)]]> 61366555 Welcome to their kingdom.

Please note: Wicked Princess is included with this book.

Her:

They call me a heartless b*tch.

An evil manipulator.

A wicked princess who enjoys hurting people.

They tell me terrible things happened.

Things that changed my life forever.

Only problem is... I can't remember any of it.

Him:

They say you're happy now.

That you can't remember anything from your past and it's for the best. They told me if I cared about you I'd stay far away and leave you alone for good.

Because you're getting married to a man you love.

Only problem is... you loved me first.

Note: This is the FINAL book in the Royal Hearts Academy series. Cruel Prince (Jace and Dylan's book). Ruthless Knight (Cole and Sawyer's book) should be read first for a better understanding of the family dynamic.]]> 767 Ashley Jade aira 5 4.51 2020 Broken Kingdom (Royal Hearts Academy #3-4)
author: Ashley Jade
name: aira
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/05
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, five-stars, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Wicked Princess (Royal Hearts Academy, #3)]]> 48908004 Welcome to their kingdom.
This is book 3 in the Royal Hearts Academy series. Please note: Although this is Bianca's book, Cruel Prince (Jace and Dylan’s book) and Ruthless Knight (Cole and Sawyer's book) should be read first for a better understanding of the family dynamic.
WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone. The characters are flawed. If you're looking for a safe, sweet romance with nice heroes and heroines who are perfect all the time, this series is NOT for you.]]> 224 Ashley Jade aira 4 dark-romance, 2024 3.58 2020 Wicked Princess (Royal Hearts Academy, #3)
author: Ashley Jade
name: aira
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/04
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Ruthless Knight (Royal Hearts Academy, #2)]]> 50877284 WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone. And when I say bad, I mean they are assholes with a capital A. If you're looking for a safe, sweet romance, this series is NOT for you. At all! Please don't say you weren't warned.

Welcome to their kingdom...

Cole Covington is the most popular heartbreaker at school.
Every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to screw him.
Except me.
His devastatingly good looks, golden arm, and flirty smiles don't do it for me anymore...because I know what's lurking underneath the star quarterback's gorgeous armor.

At least I thought I did.
Sometimes the most beautiful people...hide the ugliest truths.
And sometimes the only way to save someone...
is to walk beside them through hell.

Sawyer Church is the bible-thumping nerd of Royal Hearts Academy.
Girls pick on her and guys don't notice her.
Except me.
Sweet, curvy, and sarcastic, she's impossible to ignore.
No matter how much I try.
Everyone at school has her pegged as the chubby, Jesus loving geek, but unlike them—Sawyer's real and never pretends to be someone she's not.

Until I ask her to be my fake girlfriend.

Sometimes the most beautiful souls...hide the greatest pain.
And sometimes the only way to save someone...
is to fight for them.


This is book 2 in the Royal Hearts Academy series. Please note: Although this is Cole and Sawyer's book, Cruel Prince (Jace and Dylan’s book) should be read first for a better understanding of the family dynamic.
WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone. The characters are flawed. If you're looking for a safe, sweet romance with nice heroes and heroines who are perfect all the time, this series is NOT for you.]]> 608 Ashley Jade aira 3 dark-romance, 2024 4.17 2020 Ruthless Knight (Royal Hearts Academy, #2)
author: Ashley Jade
name: aira
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/04
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy, #1)]]> 44083747 Welcome to their kingdom...

I never thought I'd step foot in Royal Manor again.
But four years later, here I am...back to finish my senior year at Royal Hearts Academy.

And forced to face Jace Covington.
My first friend. First crush. First kiss.
The one I left behind.

Only—he isn't the same boy I gave my heart to.

This new Jace is as cruel as he is gorgeous.
And he's determined to make my life a living hell.
Along with the rest of his glorified family and crew of tyrants.

They expect me to worship the ground they walk on like everyone else, but I'd rather eat dirt.

If Jace Covington wants me gone...he'll have to try harder.
Because I've never been the kind of girl to play by the rules.

WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone. And when I say bad, I mean they are assholes with a capital A. If you're looking for a safe, sweet romance, this series is NOT for you. At all! Please don't say you weren't warned.


WARNING: Royal Hearts Academy is a New Adult/High School series of standalones filled with drama, a touch of angst, and boys who are bad to the bone.
This series is recommended for mature readers due to graphic language and sexual content.]]> 408 Ashley Jade aira 4 dark-romance, 2024 3.79 2019 Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy, #1)
author: Ashley Jade
name: aira
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/03
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Striker (Gods of the Game, #1)]]> 204538483 She's the only woman he wants...and the only one he can't have.

Asher Donovan is a living legend—the darling of the Premier League, the (arguably) greatest footballer in the world.

But his reckless antics and recent team transfer have caused much controversy, and when his feud with his rival-turned-teammate costs them a championship, they’re forced to “bond� during off-season cross-training.

Surviving the summer shouldn’t be hard…until Asher meets their new trainer. She’s beautiful, talented, and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t take his mind off her.

The only problem? She’s his rival’s sister—and completely off limits.

***

Scarlett DuBois is a former prima ballerina whose career was cut short by a tragic accident.

Now a teacher at a prestigious dance academy but still haunted by the ghosts of her past, the last thing she wants is to spend the summer cross-training Asher Donovan, of all people .

She swore she would never date a footballer, but when her brother leaves town for an emergency, she finds herself thrown into dangerously close proximity with the gorgeous, charming striker.

Training, she can deal with. But falling in love? That’s out of the question—especially when he’s the only person with the power to break her heart.]]> 595 Ana Huang aira 3 2024 3.79 2024 The Striker (Gods of the Game, #1)
author: Ana Huang
name: aira
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/01
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Enemies with Benefits (Loveless Brothers #1)]]> 131840512 I don’t love him. I don’t even like him.
I just want him.

Eli Loveless was my nemesis from the first day of kindergarten until we graduated high school. Everything I did, he had to do better - and vice versa. The day he left town was the best day of my life.

Ten years later, the day he came back was the worst.

Now he’s my co-worker.

Grown-up Eli Loveless is sexy as sin. He’s hotter than asphalt in the summer. The irritating kid I once knew is gone, and he’s been replaced by a man with green eyes, perfect abs, and a cocky smile.

It’s bad that I want him.

It’s worse that he wants me back.

There are looks. There are smirks. There are smiles that make my panties burst into flame.

And then there’s a shared kiss that leads to the hottest night of my life.

This is no office romance. This is a five-alarm fire.

What’s a girl to do when the man I can’t stand is the one I can’t stop lusting after?

Enter into a friends-with-benefits agreement, of course.

No dates. No relationship. Just blisteringly hot sex, because if there’s one person I could never fall for, it’s Eli.

...right?

Words: 112,319]]> 434 Roxie Noir 1393906648 aira 4 2024 3.68 2019 Enemies with Benefits (Loveless Brothers #1)
author: Roxie Noir
name: aira
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/10
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Satanic Shadows (The Broken Realms Series Book 1)]]> 221644104 IN THE SHADOWS
HE WAITS

Seraphine Winters had a normal life. One she misses when she’s kidnapped and taken to an island in the middle of nowhere.

Forced to attend Quarrierton Academy, a castle full of immortal beings, the only way she can leave is if she passes all her classes. But as a human, she’s hated just for breathing, with no way to fit in around magic and powers she never knew existed.

And who doesn’t hate mortals more than Dane Dalton? The Shadow Prince loathes everything about her, yet there are more secrets and lies than truths between the pair, and it’s a race against time when the curse is revealed.]]> 288 Leigh Rivers aira 2 2024, dark-romance 4.22 Satanic Shadows (The Broken Realms Series Book 1)
author: Leigh Rivers
name: aira
average rating: 4.22
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/19
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024, dark-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Cruel Winter with You (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #1)]]> 220389458 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.

Ali Hazelwood’s Cruel Winter with You is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.]]> 73 Ali Hazelwood 1662528396 aira 4 2024 3.68 2024 Cruel Winter with You (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #1)
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: aira
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/24
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Loving Romeo (Magnolia Falls, #1)]]> 202399571 I was the boxer from the wrong side of the tracks.
She was the epitome of everything good, while I was broody and rebellious.
We couldn’t be more different.
Her family was enemy number one which made her guilty by association.
I despised her before I even knew her.
It was easier that way.
But now she’d moved in next door to me, and she was everywhere I turned.
I couldn’t avoid her no matter how hard I tried.
She was beautiful and honest and sweet.
Everything I knew I shouldn’t want.
Shouldn’t need.
They say there’s a fine line between love and hate—and I don’t know when I crossed over.
I was so wrapped up in this girl I couldn’t see straight.
She was the right hook I never saw coming.
Hating her was supposed to be my end game.
Loving her� well, that was just the beginning.
But the secrets that lived between us threatened to tear us apart.
Lucky for her—I was a born fighter.
And she was definitely worth the fight. ]]> 346 Laura Pavlov aira 3 2025 3.89 2024 Loving Romeo (Magnolia Falls, #1)
author: Laura Pavlov
name: aira
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/03
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2025
review:

]]> Dear Rosie, (Love Letters #2) 215107606 I was eight when Nathan moved away.
He was my best friend.
My only friend.
My safe space.
And then he was gone. And my life turned into Hell.
But I survived.
I broke free and made a life for myself.
And I tried to forget about the boy who grew up to be Nate Waller, the famous retired football player.
I really did try to forget.
But then I opened the door, while working at a client’s house, and he was there. Standing before me.
My old friend.
My unwitting confidant.
My Nathan.
Except� he doesn’t recognize me.

Nate
The curvy little redhead captured my attention the second I saw her.
And I knew I needed to have her.
Needed to know her better.
Needed to get my hands on her.
But when I did.
When she moaned my name. My full name. It all came rushing back.
Twenty-five years had passed, but in that moment I finally recognized her.
My Rosie.
My childhood friend.
I may have forgotten about her. But I remember now.
And this time I’m not letting her go.]]> 438 S.J. Tilly 1962096122 aira 3 2024 4.24 Dear Rosie, (Love Letters #2)
author: S.J. Tilly
name: aira
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/23
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Wingman (Vancouver Storm, #3)]]> 215639034 The best way to gain confidence after years with the wrong guy? Hayden Owens—the hottest defenseman in pro hockey, my confident best friend, and my new dating coach.
�

He’ll teach me to be a player, but convinces me to practice with him.

We’ve been friends for years, but our flirting lessons and practice kisses push the bounds of friendship.

We’re roommates, but sleeping in the same bed.

He buys me a toy as a favor� but helps me use it.

All that relationship stuff he’s always avoided? He doesn’t seem to mind it anymore.

Rule number one of being a player is no attachments, but when Hayden sees me picking up other guys, he’s jealous enough that I wonder�

Maybe my wingman's been waiting for me all along.

The Wingman is a pro hockey relationship coach romance. It's the third book in the Vancouver Storm series but can be read as a standalone.]]> 448 Stephanie Archer 1398724319 aira 4 2024 3.91 2024 The Wingman (Vancouver Storm, #3)
author: Stephanie Archer
name: aira
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/07
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lights Out (Into Darkness, #1)]]> 201017011 “I don’t need another kink.�

That thought pops into my head whenever I pull up my favorite social media app, but alas, every time I scroll, I learn something new about myself, and another one is born. And yes, I know I’m responsible for what the algorithm shows me, but I’m trying to ignore that fact.

Lately, my feed has been dominated by masked men. I’ve favorited videos with them dressed in full cosplay, decked out in futuristic military apparel, and wrapped up like ghouls.

But more than anything else, my FYP is filled with shirtless men wearing ghost masks. Bonus points if they’re heavily tattooed, wielding a knife, or covered in fake blood. At night, I dream about being chased by them, of them catching me and doing deliciously dark things to my more than willing body.

I never could have guessed that by sending one drunken text, those dreams would become my new reality.

Lights Out is a fast-paced dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book. ]]> 338 Navessa Allen aira 4 dark-romance, 2024 4.17 2024 Lights Out (Into Darkness, #1)
author: Navessa Allen
name: aira
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/29
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Reckless Hearts (Dark Hearts #6)]]> 198806149 Cold, heartless, and as dangerous as he is beautiful. Deimos Drakos is Greek mafia royalty and my worst nightmare. A chameleon hiding a true monster in plain sight.
No one sees the villain behind those dark, lethally gorgeouseyes.
No one but me.
You see, I know his worst secrets. But he knows my darkest fantasies. And he’ll use them to trap me.
To toy with me.
To own me.
We’re blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. Except true psychopaths like him have no lines.
No limits. No mercy.
Deimos is a devil who once told me to run and never look back.
I should have listened.
Because now he’s going to chase me. He’s going to catch me, and flay open every dark part of me.
But he’ll never capture my heart.

Reckless Hearts is a standalone dark mafia, blisteringly steamy enemies-to-lovers romance with a smart, good-girl heroine, and an ultra possessive, morally gray, dark-hearted hero with “look at her and I’ll unalive you� energy. Readers are HIGHLY advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.]]> 495 Jagger Cole aira 3 4.10 2023 Reckless Hearts (Dark Hearts #6)
author: Jagger Cole
name: aira
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/06
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, mafia-romance, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Twisted Hearts (Dark Hearts, #4)]]> 168426690 He saw what I did. Now he owns me.

Brutal, formidably gorgeous, and head of a vicious Bratva organization.
They call Gavan Tsarenko the bastard king. I call him a tyrant.
But now, the man with the gun-metal gray eyes and scarred past has come to conquer me.
You see, I screwed up. I traded my good-girl status for a bad grad-school prank that went horribly wrong.
And now, for six months, I’m Ҳ’s.
My enemy.
My monster.
My dark fantasy.
The savagely beautiful villain holds my debt and my fate in his hands.
And what does the man who can have anything want with me?
Everything.
But he’ll never take my heart.

Twisted Hearts is a standalone dark mafia, blisteringly steamy enemies-to-lovers romance with a smart, good-girl heroine, and an ultra possessive dark-hearted hero with “look at her and I’ll unalive you� energy. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.]]> 416 Jagger Cole aira 5 4.06 2023 Twisted Hearts (Dark Hearts, #4)
author: Jagger Cole
name: aira
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/06
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: mafia-romance, dark-romance, five-stars, 2024
review:
Gavan is sexy and I would do anything to be Eilish, period. Where do I find an enemy like him?
]]> <![CDATA[Stolen Hearts (Dark Hearts, #5)]]> 193530119 But he stole my heart, first.
Neither was ours for the taking.
Both come with a no-return policy.

Stolen Hearts is a standalone dark, best friend’s older brother, age-gap mafia romance with a smart, strong-willed heroine, and an ultra possessive “look at her and I’ll unalive you" hero. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.]]> 484 Jagger Cole aira 3 4.05 2023 Stolen Hearts (Dark Hearts, #5)
author: Jagger Cole
name: aira
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/06
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, mafia-romance, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Sinful Hearts (Dark Hearts, #3)]]> 135734088 My first mistake was sleeping with the most dangerous man in New York, without him knowing who I was.
My second was believing he never would...

It was supposed to be easy: one night of sin with a beautiful stranger to forever cut ties with my Bratva past.
But I didn’t pick a stranger. I picked him.
Hades Drakos, the dark prince of the Drakos Mafia family, is a lethally beautiful psychopath with a trail of broken hearts and bloodshed in his wake.
Oh, and he’s my client.
It doesn’t matter that our one night was under darkness, disguised by masks.
He knows my secret sin.
He knows it was my first time.
And now, he’ll use that to trap me as his own personal Persephone.
But even though the God of the Underworld might have my darkest secrets and sinful submission in the palm of his hand, I swear, there’s one thing he’ll never capture.
My heart.

Sinful Hearts is a standalone dark mafia, blisteringly steamy enemies-to-lovers romance with a smart, untamable heroine, and an ultra possessive hero with “look at her and I’ll unalive you� energy. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.]]> 480 Jagger Cole aira 2 4.08 2023 Sinful Hearts (Dark Hearts, #3)
author: Jagger Cole
name: aira
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/05
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, mafia-romance, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Vicious Hearts (Dark Hearts, #2)]]> 124946413 I’ll do anything to save my family. Even if it means marrying the devil himself.

Cillian Kildare is a monster wrapped in charm and sophistication. A gorgeous psychopath with venom in his veins and sadism driving every beat of his cold, black heart.

When I’m sent to kill the vicious Irish mafia boss to settle a debt from my past, it’s supposed to be simple.

It becomes a lot less simple when Cillian catches me, and carves his way into my darkest secrets and most deviant desires.

Now, captured and bound as his prisoner plaything, he has new plans for me: an unholy marriage of inconvenience.

He’ll protect me from my past. And for six months, I’ll give him my body, my soul, and my submission—willing or otherwise.

It’s just physical. A contract and nothing more.

But the devil, as they say, is in the details.

And if I’m not careful, this devil might soon break his way into something else:

My heart.


Vicious Hearts is a standalone dark mafia, arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers age-gap romance with a smart, untamable heroine, and an ultra possessive literal psychopath of a hero with “look at her and I’ll unalive you� energy. This is a DARK romance with adult themes. Readers are strongly advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included..]]> 499 Jagger Cole aira 3 3.97 2023 Vicious Hearts (Dark Hearts, #2)
author: Jagger Cole
name: aira
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/01
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, mafia-romance, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Deviant Hearts (Dark Hearts, #1)]]> 117605639 To stop a mafia war, I’m being forced to marry my sworn enemy.

A brutal, domineering, and lethally beautiful monster with a body built for violence. Ares Drakos—new king of the Drakos Mafia family—is every inch the God of War he’s named after.

And now, I belong to him.

Our unholy union is meant to end the bloodshed between Irish and Greek. A rising tide to lift all ships.

A match made in hell. And if we can’t stop from killing each other, “until death do us part� might happen before we can say “I do�.

It’s not supposed to be real. Until it becomes something else.

Something dark, dangerous, and deliciously deviant.

The God of War might be invading my bed, my dreams, and my every sinful desire.

But there’s one thing he’ll never conquer.

My heart.


𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚, 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬-𝐭𝐨-𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 "𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮" 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐖 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞. 𝐍𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫; 𝐇𝐄𝐀 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝.
]]> 452 Jagger Cole aira 4 3.85 2023 Deviant Hearts (Dark Hearts, #1)
author: Jagger Cole
name: aira
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/30
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: dark-romance, mafia-romance, 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[False Start (Red Zone Rivals, #5)]]> 213770806 Oh, did I mention he's also my new client... and fake boyfriend?

I thought I left Kyle and our complicated past behind me, but when he saunters up as my new client at a house showing, I’m quickly reminded how much he still haunts me.

I try to walk away, but the stubborn jerk isn’t having it. In fact, he doubles down on working with me, as if our tragic history doesn’t exist at all.

The commission from working with him is the key to a new life for me and my son. It’s worth putting up with the cocky athlete long enough to find him a house. But when Kyle sees the bruises left by my darling ex-husband, he thinks he can save me � and suddenly, he’s interested in much more than just being a client.

Before I know it, I’m wrangled into a scheme so crazy it just might work. Kyle pretends to be my fake boyfriend so he can keep my ex in line until I get the commission from this house sale and get the hell out of Seattle for good.

But with a past as thick with chemistry and tension as ours is, it’s not long before those fake touches feel all too real. Every brush of his hand against my back has me spinning back to that night. Every kiss has me dizzy with the love I felt at eighteen. And every day that passes without me finding him a house has me wondering how much longer I can survive this game we’re playing.

Fake-dating each other was supposed to be for my safety.

But I can't help thinking my heart is more at risk now than ever before.

________________________________________________


TROPES:
Sports Romance
Fake Dating
Second Chance
Single Mom
He Falls First
"Who Hurt You"
One Bed]]> 439 Kandi Steiner aira 2 2024 3.95 False Start (Red Zone Rivals, #5)
author: Kandi Steiner
name: aira
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/23
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Quarterback Sneak (Red Zone Rivals, #3)]]> 61334176
Except me: the coach’s daughter.

With piercing green eyes, herculean biceps, and irresistible dimples, Holden is the number one target for every girl on campus. But according to his teammates, football is the only love of his life.

He’s their leader, their QB1 and team captain who is all business and no play.

But when I’m with him? Mr. Serious isn’t serious at all. He loves to push my buttons, to pin me with those sexy eyes of his and tease me until I bite back.

I remind him I’m off limits.
He can’t have me, and I don’t want him � or anyone else, for that matter.

I’m here for one reason: to show my father I'm more than his greatest disappointment.

But when an old injury flares up and I’m forced to work with Holden every day as his athletic trainer, his attempts to get under my skin start becoming harder to resist.

We can’t give in, no matter how much the air crackles between us when we’re close.

I’m the coach’s daughter, and if Holden Moore wants to go pro, he’s got to play by daddy’s rules.

Otherwise, he’ll be off the team.
And he’s not the only one with something to lose.]]> 352 Kandi Steiner aira 3 2024 3.99 2022 Quarterback Sneak (Red Zone Rivals, #3)
author: Kandi Steiner
name: aira
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/03
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Blind Side (Red Zone Rivals, #2)]]> 60633773 The hottest college football safety in the nation just asked me to be his fake girlfriend.

And I just asked him to take my virginity.

Clay Johnson has the abs of Adonis and the deadly smirk of the devil, himself. There’s hardly a day he’s not headline material during football season, and never a day he isn’t a bullseye target for every girl on campus.

He used to be the easiest of all the players for me to wrangle as the Public Relations Coordinator, but after a nasty breakup with his high school sweetheart, he’s a mess.

And a complete pain in my ass.

We meet to discuss his behavior and review media relations standards. But when he witnesses how I fall to pieces in front of my guitar-toting crush, his wheels start turning. And he cooks up this absurd plan.

He helps me get noticed.
I help him make his ex jealous.
All by pretending to be in a relationship.

What he doesn’t realize is that this bookworm is a virgin, and far from versed in seducing a musician. So, to sweeten the deal, I convince him to help me � not just to get my crush’s attention, but to knock his socks off once I have it.

But the more I come unraveled at the hands of Clay Johnson, the more trouble I have discerning what’s fake and what’s undoubtedly real � particularly, the way my heart flutters every time that breathtaking man touches me.

We set the rules. We put the safeguards in place.

But they say rules are meant to be broken.
They probably should have added that hearts are, too.

Blind Side is a fake dating college sports romance with "lessons" and opposites attract. It is a complete stand-alone. ]]> 408 Kandi Steiner aira 4 2024 3.99 2022 Blind Side (Red Zone Rivals, #2)
author: Kandi Steiner
name: aira
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/29
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fair Catch (Red Zone Rivals, #1)]]> 60387145
A cocky kick returner and my brother’s best friend who should have been ripped of that title years ago, he’s as infuriating as he is undeniably sexy.

I hate him, and for good reason � reason I won’t ever let him forget.

He thinks because we grew up together that it’s his role to protect me, but all he does is get in my way, make me look weak, and piss me off more.

I tell him I can handle myself, and I’m hell-bent on getting that point across to him and the rest of the nation watching the only girl in collegiate football.

The pressure doesn’t get to me. The scrutiny? I’m ready for.

But sharing very thin walls with Zeke Collins? I wasn’t prepared for that.

And the more we’re forced together, the harder it is to distinguish that pencil-thin line between hating him� and wanting him.]]> 362 Kandi Steiner aira 3 2024 3.62 2022 Fair Catch (Red Zone Rivals, #1)
author: Kandi Steiner
name: aira
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/28
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hail Mary (Red Zone Rivals, #4)]]> 62987445
North Boston University’s star running back, notorious bachelor, and number one on my people I would murder if I could get away with it list.

And now?
He’s my new roommate.

I used to think I loved him.
But that was before I hated him.

He doesn’t remember who I am, or how he made my life miserable for years. And before I unknowingly moved across the street from him, I couldn’t have cared less. I was living my life despite him and what happened that summer, chasing my dream of becoming a tattoo artist.

“The Pit,� as the university so gracefully nicknamed the house he lives in with three other football players, has served as nothing more than a pain in my ass and a constant reminder of the boy who broke my heart. Watching him parade his one-night-stands in and out of it never helped, either.

But with rent this cheap and so close to the tattoo shop, I’ve learned to ignore him � no matter how he’s tried to get under my skin.

At least, until this summer. Because when a water and mold disaster leaves me with no choice but to vacate my house, I have nowhere to go. And Leo Hernandez offers me a deal I can’t refuse.

Live at The Pit with him and the guys, free of charge, until my landlord fixes this mess.

Ignoring him was easy when I lived across the street, but in the same house, with him shirtless half the time and watching me with his cocky grin and searing gaze? It’s impossible.

Still, I have to try. I have to push him away, even when he makes it infuriatingly difficult to do so.

He’s broken my heart once.
I won’t let him do it again.]]> 436 Kandi Steiner aira 4 2024 4.03 2023 Hail Mary (Red Zone Rivals, #4)
author: Kandi Steiner
name: aira
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/22
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2024
review:

]]> Sasha (Belles & Mobsters, #6) 62868586 Sasha Nikolaev.
The unhinged mobster.
Satan's spawn with pale blue eyes.

I made him a promise years ago. Granted, I only made it so he'd kiss me. But it was a promise made nonetheless. So I waited. And waited some more.

He never came back to collect. So I moved on.

Never would I have ever thought I'd see him the day I walked down the aisle.
Except there he was, waiting for me in the pews. Sasha Nikolaev.

When he snatched me in the middle of the ceremony, for the whole world to see, shit hit the fan. He claimed I had a debt to pay. My family promised retribution. My fianc� did the same.

And now, nothing will ever be the same.]]> 384 Eva Winners aira 4
I promise I will TRY to not overshadow this review with my love for Alexei and Aurora, so let's talk about Sasha and Branka.

Apparently Sasha smells like citrus
� Citrus-smelling men might just be my downfall, but God, if you are listening, I want my future husband to smell like citrus, please and thank you.

Sasha rides a bike:
� HE'S A BIKER BOYYYYYY. Just when he couldn't get any hotter, I find out that he's a biker. The Nikolaev genes are so strong and so damn addictive. Like every Nikolaev is just simply perfect and I could gush about them all day!

Branka was a surprise.
� However, she was a pleasant surprise. I really don't know what else to say about her, but my heart goes out to her.

Now, them together:
� Their story had its ups and downs, but they both had so much baggage from the past. What they went through individually was heartbreaking to say the least. I am so happy for them. Happy that they got their happy ending because it was SO WELL DESERVED!!!

"Kotyonok"
� please, someone revive my heart because I literally can't take the cuteness anymore.
� I stand by what I said in my Alexei review: Russian nicknames are elite, period.
� Alexei did it better tho, hehe because Kroshka is an emotion for me, but Kotyonok is also super super super cute!!

Mr. Vitale supremacy bc Luciano is the only one to have a great father so far!!
� Geez, the father's of these mafia men are rudeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee af, because would it really break you to be NICE to YOUR child??
� Like, why have children if you're going to despise them?

Anyways, the storyline flowed perfectly. Eva's writing style is great, as always. I don't even need to say it as this point because I inhale everything in these books.

To put in simply, let me just say that Sasha and Branka came and conquered.

Loved this book would be an understatement because it's always a pleasure to read about the Nikolaev family. I still have The Den of Sin left with a character from this family, but it feels a little bittersweet that I would never ever get to read this book for the first time ]]> 4.04 2022 Sasha (Belles & Mobsters, #6)
author: Eva Winners
name: aira
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: 2025, dark-romance, mafia-romance
review:
I knew a book written by Eva Winners would put me right back on track. AND BOY WAS I RIGHT BECAUSE IT'S SASHA, DUHHHHHHHHHH!!

I promise I will TRY to not overshadow this review with my love for Alexei and Aurora, so let's talk about Sasha and Branka.

Apparently Sasha smells like citrus
� Citrus-smelling men might just be my downfall, but God, if you are listening, I want my future husband to smell like citrus, please and thank you.

Sasha rides a bike:
� HE'S A BIKER BOYYYYYY. Just when he couldn't get any hotter, I find out that he's a biker. The Nikolaev genes are so strong and so damn addictive. Like every Nikolaev is just simply perfect and I could gush about them all day!

Branka was a surprise.
� However, she was a pleasant surprise. I really don't know what else to say about her, but my heart goes out to her.

Now, them together:
� Their story had its ups and downs, but they both had so much baggage from the past. What they went through individually was heartbreaking to say the least. I am so happy for them. Happy that they got their happy ending because it was SO WELL DESERVED!!!

"Kotyonok"
� please, someone revive my heart because I literally can't take the cuteness anymore.
� I stand by what I said in my Alexei review: Russian nicknames are elite, period.
� Alexei did it better tho, hehe because Kroshka is an emotion for me, but Kotyonok is also super super super cute!!

Mr. Vitale supremacy bc Luciano is the only one to have a great father so far!!
� Geez, the father's of these mafia men are rudeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee af, because would it really break you to be NICE to YOUR child??
� Like, why have children if you're going to despise them?

Anyways, the storyline flowed perfectly. Eva's writing style is great, as always. I don't even need to say it as this point because I inhale everything in these books.

To put in simply, let me just say that Sasha and Branka came and conquered.

Loved this book would be an understatement because it's always a pleasure to read about the Nikolaev family. I still have The Den of Sin left with a character from this family, but it feels a little bittersweet that I would never ever get to read this book for the first time
]]>