Ellie's bookshelf: all en-US Thu, 24 Apr 2025 02:39:14 -0700 60 Ellie's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Romancing the Rake 218652702 They’ve lived in the shadows of scandal, but love has a way of rewriting the past.

In this historical romance, experience the passion, heartbreak, and ultimate redemption of notorious rakes who dare to risk it all for the women who change their lives forever. From glittering ballrooms to moonlit gardens, each story is a tantalizing journey of love, second chances, and the power of forgiveness.

In the world of the Ton, reputations may be ruined, but these daring heroes prove that redemption—and true love—are never out of reach.

Perfect for fans of second chances and bad boys with hearts of gold, this anthology delivers swoon-worthy tales that will keep you reading long into the night.

Kelsey Swanson
Freya Theadore
Mihwa Lee
Gabbi Grey
Kathleen Ryder
Gabbi Black
Ginny B. Moore
Melissa Kendall
Caro Kinkead
Emma Brady
Alivia Fleur
Sharon Michalove
Carrie DiRisio
Heather Scarlett
Lisabel Chretien
Tasha Blythe
Alexa Santi
Steffy Smith
Heather Boyd
Eliana Piers
Kat Sterling
Sherri Lupton Hollister
Olivia Huxley
A.T. Abbott
Tanya Wilde
Giovanna Siniscalchi
Ramona Elmes
Christina Diane]]> Trinity Wood Ellie 4
If you're looking for something with a meaty plot, obvious this isn't the story for you. However, if you're intrigued by a short story with a rake and a tenacious lady, then give it a go.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story between Lady Violet and Lord Alistair Hawthorne. They know each other through Violet's brother, and it is trying to save him that brings them into close proximity with each other. A really pleasing short story with a HEA. Cannot complain about anything.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.67 Romancing the Rake
author: Trinity Wood
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/24
date added: 2025/04/24
shelves:
review:
This review for the Scandalous Letter by Kathleen Ryder, a short story (approx. 5K words) which has been published as part of a Regency era anthology.

If you're looking for something with a meaty plot, obvious this isn't the story for you. However, if you're intrigued by a short story with a rake and a tenacious lady, then give it a go.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story between Lady Violet and Lord Alistair Hawthorne. They know each other through Violet's brother, and it is trying to save him that brings them into close proximity with each other. A really pleasing short story with a HEA. Cannot complain about anything.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Duke's Daring Bookworm: A Billionaire Friends to Lovers Romance (Untamed Rascals Book 2)]]> 223277197 He’s her best friend... and now she wants him to take her virginity.

Lily is ready to give up entirely. Men suck and dating is worse. The only bright spot is her best friend, Duke, and his uncanny ability to rescue her when she needs it most.

Alcohol, the moon’s pull, and one reckless moment leads to a life-changing kiss and Lily’s quiet admission that she has never been intimate with anyone.

Frustrated and desperate, Lily comes to Duke with a one month of exploration with the Duke of Debauchery and then they return to being friends.

Saying yes is the most insane idea he has ever had. But God, she’s gorgeous when she looks at him like that. He ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t refuse.

He has just has one goal of his seduce her, worship her�make her love him.

A spicy small town friends to lovers opposites attract romance between a neurodivergent bookworm and her billionaire playboy best friend.

This is an interconnected standalone in the Untamed Rascals Universe. It is not necessary to have read previous books to read, understand, and enjoy this one.]]> 304 Tilly Lebeck Ellie 5
The story is a sweet romance, starting out with neurodivergent Lily being upset from yet another failed date and deciding to get herself drunk (I totally relate to Lily and her experience with dating, so I really connected to this part of the story and our FMC). Lily's swoon-worthy, billionaire playboy best friend is Duke and he can't resist anything when it comes to Lily, he loves her with all his heart but doesn't think that it is possible for a relationship to happen. He wants to help her and if he can woo her and show her that have something a lot deeper than friendship, that is the ultimate goal for Duke.

This is a fun and light hearted read for the most part. I love both Lily and Duke. I enjoyed the "he falls first" aspect of the story and gave the story a little something that makes it stand apart from other similar stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.43 Duke's Daring Bookworm: A Billionaire Friends to Lovers Romance (Untamed Rascals Book 2)
author: Tilly Lebeck
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/23
date added: 2025/04/23
shelves:
review:
Duke's Daring Bookworm is the second book of the Untamed Rascals series by Tilly Lebeck. This is a contemporary standalone, smalltown romance, which has a friends to lovers trope, with perhaps a dash of unrequited love and a grumpy/sunshine pairing.

The story is a sweet romance, starting out with neurodivergent Lily being upset from yet another failed date and deciding to get herself drunk (I totally relate to Lily and her experience with dating, so I really connected to this part of the story and our FMC). Lily's swoon-worthy, billionaire playboy best friend is Duke and he can't resist anything when it comes to Lily, he loves her with all his heart but doesn't think that it is possible for a relationship to happen. He wants to help her and if he can woo her and show her that have something a lot deeper than friendship, that is the ultimate goal for Duke.

This is a fun and light hearted read for the most part. I love both Lily and Duke. I enjoyed the "he falls first" aspect of the story and gave the story a little something that makes it stand apart from other similar stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Fake Dating the Silver Fox: The Holidates Series, Book 41]]> 221572354 Fake dating was supposed to be simple—until real feelings got involved.

Mara’s pet grooming salon is her pride and joy, but when she needs a date for a big fundraiser, she’s out of luck—until she turns to the dating app her meddling best friend set up for her. Enter Graham, a bestselling author with silver hair, sharp wit, and a problem of his he needs a plus-one for a fancy literary awards ceremony.

A mutually beneficial fake dating arrangement seems like the perfect plan—just a few hand-holding moments, some Instagram-worthy smiles, and they’ll both be free to go their separate ways. But between unexpected sparks, swoon-worthy tension, and some very real kisses, their "just for show" romance starts feeling anything but fake.

When Graham’s passionate fanbase discovers their relationship, Mara becomes the target of online bullying, forcing him to confront what she truly means to him. Now, he’ll have to decide—will he risk his heart and stand up for the woman who’s become more than just a convenient date, or will he let fear keep him from his happily ever after?

Perfect for fans of witty banter, age-gap romance, and swoon-worthy slow burns, Fake Dating the Silver Fox is a charming, laugh-out-loud novella you won’t want to put down!


]]> 88 Jill Brashear Ellie 4
It seems like fate is bringing Mara and Graham together, especially when Mara needs a date for a function and turns to a dating app which matches her and Graham. What starts as fake begins to become something deeper as they get to know each other. However, misunderstandings and confusion threaten any chance of a happily ever after.

Super sweet and very pleasing, right through to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.59 Fake Dating the Silver Fox: The Holidates Series, Book 41
author: Jill Brashear
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/21
date added: 2025/04/21
shelves:
review:
Fake Dating the Silver Fox is a standalone contemporary romance by Jill Brashear and is part of the multiauthor series, Holidates. This is a super sweet romance with great chemistry between a spunky small business owner and a silver fox best selling author.

It seems like fate is bringing Mara and Graham together, especially when Mara needs a date for a function and turns to a dating app which matches her and Graham. What starts as fake begins to become something deeper as they get to know each other. However, misunderstandings and confusion threaten any chance of a happily ever after.

Super sweet and very pleasing, right through to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Sold to the Beret : Book 3 (High Rollers Club)]]> 228638680 Rose
I’ve lived a life full of all the comfort money can offer, until my stepfather decides to get me out of the way. Now my body and my future are up for auction. As powerful men bid for the chance to take my virtue, there’s one in the crowd who I hope will win.
Why does he seem like a light in the darkness?
Once he’s purchased me, and brought me into his home, I realize I’ve never felt more at peace. I don’t want him to ever let me go. Can I trust my instincts—is this the one man who will never hurt me?

Damien
My search for a missing person has taken me to many dark places—but this place is the worst. There’s never been a case I ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t solve, so I shouldn’t be surprised when I see her on that stage, her gorgeous body on display. She doesn’t belong in a place like this—she deserves to be pampered, protected, worshiped.
Now that I’ve found her, I know I must keep her safe her at all costs.
I ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t allow anyone to hurt her again—even myself. And even if that means protecting her from the truth about her mother.
She is mine, and I’ll hunt down anyone who has ever caused her pain.


Other books in this
Sold to the Titan
Sold to the Investor
Sold to the Beret
Sold to the Fighter
Sold to the Mogul
Bought by the Owner's Son

Welcome to The Chapel. Where the most wealthy elites can make their deepest, darkest, fantasies come true. Everything goes to the highest bidder, no bars, no holds. Welcome to the dark side, get ready to claim your new play thing.]]> 90 Cassi Hart Ellie 4
Rose had everything until her [evil] stepfather forced her to become nothing more than an item at an auction. Damian is searching for Rose when he discovers her in the auction at the Chapel and all his protective instincts to kick in. The Chapel is a shady club for the uber wealthy and Damian doesn't realise what he's walking into, except that one of his friends found his HEA at an auction there.

A spicy romance, a dark and dashing hero makes for an enjoyable story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.62 Sold to the Beret : Book 3 (High Rollers Club)
author: Cassi Hart
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/21
date added: 2025/04/21
shelves:
review:
Sold to the Beret is the third book of the High Rollers Club by Cassi Hart. This is a dark contemporary novella that those that enjoy a morally grey hero would enjoy. This is a standalone story, although each book is linked by a rather nefarious auction that is selling women.

Rose had everything until her [evil] stepfather forced her to become nothing more than an item at an auction. Damian is searching for Rose when he discovers her in the auction at the Chapel and all his protective instincts to kick in. The Chapel is a shady club for the uber wealthy and Damian doesn't realise what he's walking into, except that one of his friends found his HEA at an auction there.

A spicy romance, a dark and dashing hero makes for an enjoyable story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> Knight's Temptation 220365355 He’s the president of a notorious biker club, and she’s the shy owner of a quiet bookstore. When she saves his life, their worlds collide. With danger closing in, will he fight the temptation to claim her—or will his enemies destroy them both before he can?

Knight
Fresh out of prison, my only crime was protecting the sweet, young bookstore owner next to my bar from being assaulted. Sure, I killed the bastard—but mayor’s son or not, he had it coming, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. As president of one of the most notorious MCs, the law had been itching to take me down, and they seized their chance. Twelve months and several appeals later, I’m finally free—only to be attacked by a rival MC on my second day out. This time, it’s the bookstore owner saving my life. I swore I’d never do more than protect Evelyn, but she might be one temptation I ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t walk away from.

Evelyn
A year ago, the president of the Tempest Knights MC saved me from an attack by the man who had been stalking me for weeks—the same man the police refused to stop. But no good deed goes unpunished, and Knight was thrown in prison immediately after. I fought to get him released, writing letters the entire time, even though he never responded. Now, just days after his release, Knight is ambushed by a rival MC right in front of my bookstore. This time, it’s my turn to help the man I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. He may say he doesn’t want my help�or me—but his eyes and body tell a different story...


The Tempest Knights MC is packed with morally gray heroes who’ll do whatever it takes to protect the women they love. If you crave fast-paced, insta-love romance with a touch of suspense and a HEA—jump on, hang tight, and enjoy the ride .

]]> 134 Eliza Rockwood Ellie 5
This is quick and satisfying read, with an element of unrequited love and instalove all in one. Great for anyone looking for a morally grey but all around good guy romance.

Knight went to prison for a killing the man that was stalking Evelyn, the sweet bookstore owner that he knows is off limits - he's too old and she's too innocent. This was a fast paced story with major chemistry, a bit a danger and a bit of mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.85 Knight's Temptation
author: Eliza Rockwood
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.85
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/21
date added: 2025/04/21
shelves:
review:
Knight's Temptation is a contemporary romance by Eliza Rockwood, and is the first book of the Tempest Knights MC series. The romances features an age gap relationship developing between a young woman who isn't quite certain why she fell under the protection of the Tempest Knights, but has had a crush on the President ever since.

This is quick and satisfying read, with an element of unrequited love and instalove all in one. Great for anyone looking for a morally grey but all around good guy romance.

Knight went to prison for a killing the man that was stalking Evelyn, the sweet bookstore owner that he knows is off limits - he's too old and she's too innocent. This was a fast paced story with major chemistry, a bit a danger and a bit of mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Clay (St. Michael's Solutions #1)]]> 223359569 200 T.L. Schaefer Ellie 4
Clay Andrews was injured on a mission that ended his military, but also lost his best friend. With some of his friends and fellow survivors, he became involved in their newly formed security firm, St. Michael's Solutions. His latest assignment brings him close to Ivy Walker, who wants to hire St. Michaels (aka SMS) to find her best friend who has gone missing.

During the course of the investigation, Ivy and Clay share sparks of major attraction. While Clay is grumpy and not looking to get close to another human, Ivy is intent on finding her friend while showing some of the same trepidation about getting close to Clay.

In some ways, this was a little predictable when it comes to Clay and Ivy, hitting all the stereotype. However, because I'm a sucker for this type of book and I was looking for something like this, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I look forward to finding out more about the men and women of St. Michael's Solutions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.69 Clay (St. Michael's Solutions #1)
author: T.L. Schaefer
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.69
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/14
date added: 2025/04/14
shelves:
review:
Clay is the first book of St. Michael's Solutions, by TL Schaefer. This is a contemporary military romance, with a good dose of spice and grumpy/sunshine attraction between our main characters. I was in the mood for a wounded warrior finding romance and that was exactly what I got.

Clay Andrews was injured on a mission that ended his military, but also lost his best friend. With some of his friends and fellow survivors, he became involved in their newly formed security firm, St. Michael's Solutions. His latest assignment brings him close to Ivy Walker, who wants to hire St. Michaels (aka SMS) to find her best friend who has gone missing.

During the course of the investigation, Ivy and Clay share sparks of major attraction. While Clay is grumpy and not looking to get close to another human, Ivy is intent on finding her friend while showing some of the same trepidation about getting close to Clay.

In some ways, this was a little predictable when it comes to Clay and Ivy, hitting all the stereotype. However, because I'm a sucker for this type of book and I was looking for something like this, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I look forward to finding out more about the men and women of St. Michael's Solutions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Crimes, Conspiracies, and Courtship: A Paddy Peelers Mystery (Paddy's Peelers Mystery Book 1)]]> 222922640
Mr. Harry Walters is an orphaned, ex-Bow Street runner turned investigator, who makes a living by his wits. Working for Paddy O’Brien and his Peelers, often taking assignments for the Home Office, Walters is used to working closely with the beau monde. When a peer approaches him about a new assignment, Harry realizes they are both after the same man. He accepts the job but soon finds himself also protecting the earl’s sister.

While working in costume at a masquerade, Walters makes a fatal mistake when he asks Lady Matilda to dance. It takes only a few stolen glances and one waltz for two unlikely souls to become hopelessly entwined. Mattie is determined to win the heart of this handsome, rugged man. Harry is just as determined to keep her safe.

Will fate find a way to bring a common man and an earl’s sister a happy ever after? Or will his lack of title and dangerous life keep her at arm’s length?

Set in the hectic district of Cheapside during the Regency, Paddy’s Peelers search the dregs of London with skill and cunning to uncover political plots, bring criminals to justice, and perhaps unexpectedly find love along the way. A sweet but action-packed romance. ]]> 190 Aubrey Wynne 1946560367 Ellie 5
This is set in Regency era London, starting with patchwork family who all work in the family business, investigating crimes and the like, often alongside the Bow Street Runners. The family is headed by Paddy and his wife, and made up by the children that they adopted, after leaving Ireland for London. Paddy has been investigating crime his whole life and its a passion he has passed onto his adopted sons and daughter. They get their work amongst the aristocracy, and even from the Crown.

It's a really quaint set up.

In this first book we meet the first of Paddy's adopted sons, Mr Harry Walters. Harry has a couple investigations going on, and they both point towards the same villain with some nefarious plans for treason. His suspect also happens to be a significant member of the aristocracy. During the investigation, with a little luck, Harry meets Lady Matilda. And they keep on bumping into each other.

It is clear they have some great chemistry. They work well off of each other, and it was easy to love both Harry and Matilda. However, they come from very different stations. Matilda is the daughter of a titled gentleman, while Harry has no title, only his career as an investigator. It felt nice to read them getting to know each other, but it was also heart warming seeing how these two could make a life together without causing major scandal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.77 Crimes, Conspiracies, and Courtship: A Paddy Peelers Mystery (Paddy's Peelers Mystery Book 1)
author: Aubrey Wynne
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.77
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/14
date added: 2025/04/14
shelves:
review:
Crimes, Conspiracies and Courtship is the first book of the historical romance series by Aubrey Wynne, Paddy's Peelers Mystery.

This is set in Regency era London, starting with patchwork family who all work in the family business, investigating crimes and the like, often alongside the Bow Street Runners. The family is headed by Paddy and his wife, and made up by the children that they adopted, after leaving Ireland for London. Paddy has been investigating crime his whole life and its a passion he has passed onto his adopted sons and daughter. They get their work amongst the aristocracy, and even from the Crown.

It's a really quaint set up.

In this first book we meet the first of Paddy's adopted sons, Mr Harry Walters. Harry has a couple investigations going on, and they both point towards the same villain with some nefarious plans for treason. His suspect also happens to be a significant member of the aristocracy. During the investigation, with a little luck, Harry meets Lady Matilda. And they keep on bumping into each other.

It is clear they have some great chemistry. They work well off of each other, and it was easy to love both Harry and Matilda. However, they come from very different stations. Matilda is the daughter of a titled gentleman, while Harry has no title, only his career as an investigator. It felt nice to read them getting to know each other, but it was also heart warming seeing how these two could make a life together without causing major scandal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Billionaire's Boyfriend (My Billionaire #1)]]> 35614462 alternate cover edition of ASIN B073RTMBTZ

Matthew Darcy is a romance writer in a rut. He’s been stuck on Chapter One of his new book for as long as he can remember, and so has his love life. But when his on-the-side job as a flower delivery guy puts him in the right place at the right time to save the life of billionaire banker Calvin Croft, Matt’s life takes an unexpected detour toward romance.

With billions to his name, Cal Croft has everything� except someone to love. But is Cal’s paparazzi-pursued life something that Matt is willing to take a chance on? Can a struggling romance writer who delivers flowers for a living possibly have anything in common with a handsome billionaire with his own Learjet? And could the secret that Cal’s keeping tear these two lovers apart—just when their romance begins to blossom?

**The Billionaire's Boyfriend is a standalone gay romantic-comedy with a HEA ending and no cliffhangers. Expect to be swept off your feet with a fairytale romance, two MCs who are destined to be together, and a zany cast of support characters to keep you smiling.**]]> 163 Geoffrey Knight Ellie 5 3.79 2017 The Billionaire's Boyfriend (My Billionaire #1)
author: Geoffrey Knight
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/14
date added: 2025/04/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Rise of the Gods: Vardor's Destiny (Time for Monsters)]]> 220169486 Monsters have always existed. They walk amongst us or live in the shadows. Hungering. Craving. Looking for love. Are you ready to meet these swoon-worthy specters and creatures of the night? It’s time for monsters�]]> 286 Bella Blair Ellie 5
This book blew me away. It was unique and exciting. Starting in Victorian era England, we travel to Egypt, with flashes to a long forgotten past and long forgotten gods and goddesses. And I'm gonna lie, Vardor's reanimation had me thinking of Imhotep from the 1999 masterpiece, The Mummy.

As we get to know Vardor and Rowena, it becomes quick that this demi god of sorts and human woman have a little something, something going on between them. However, it isn't immediate romance. These two are complex - there's a lot of past expectations and emotions of the present blending in as they get to know each other, as Rowena the human gets to know Vardor and learns more about herself.

I absolutely adored the ending and how everything came together. Vardor and Rowena are the ultimate power couple and I love them.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.47 Rise of the Gods: Vardor's Destiny (Time for Monsters)
author: Bella Blair
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.47
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/14
date added: 2025/04/14
shelves:
review:
Rise of the Gods is a historical/fantasy/paranormal romance by Bella Blair. This is something rather different from what I've read by Blair but I was intrigued. I love historical fantasy, and of course I'm here for a splash of romance.

This book blew me away. It was unique and exciting. Starting in Victorian era England, we travel to Egypt, with flashes to a long forgotten past and long forgotten gods and goddesses. And I'm gonna lie, Vardor's reanimation had me thinking of Imhotep from the 1999 masterpiece, The Mummy.

As we get to know Vardor and Rowena, it becomes quick that this demi god of sorts and human woman have a little something, something going on between them. However, it isn't immediate romance. These two are complex - there's a lot of past expectations and emotions of the present blending in as they get to know each other, as Rowena the human gets to know Vardor and learns more about herself.

I absolutely adored the ending and how everything came together. Vardor and Rowena are the ultimate power couple and I love them.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Alpha's Uncovered Mate: A Secret Baby Fated Mate Werewolf Shifter Romance (The Rejection Series)]]> 205985240
Raised in a toxic Alpha family, I dreamed of running away every day.
But this man changed everything.
He was the disliked son but proved to be the powerful Alpha candidate.
And he turned out to be my mate.
My foster father asked me to seduce him for business secrets but didn't know how hot the night we had spent together before.
I fell for him so desperately that I would break the blood oath to help him.
Only to find out that he wanted me to be a spy...
Tired and disappointed, I left, unaware of the little life in my womb.
Also, I didn’t expect he would reappear in my life after four years of tranquility...
With his fiancée...


The Alpha's Uncovered Mate is a standalone book in Eternal Bond Series. It's a full-length romance packed with heart and heat!]]> 492 Jaymin Snow Ellie 4
Cynthia has not had an easy life. Raised by an abusive foster father, she has been physically and mentally abused. With a lot of sketchy things happening around the powerful of her wolf shifter pack, nothing give her more fear and uncertainty than her fated mate and not knowing how well that he will treat her.

Adam is a dark and dangerous and powerful wolf shifter. However, when it comes to meeting his fated mate and keeping her safe, Adam is second guessing himself. To protect Cynthia he finds himself engaged to another member of the pack, Tina. He means well but doesn't want Cynthia to know exactly the danger of what is going on.

When the couple are separated, it is more Adam's design that they come back together again. There is still danger and a lot of questionable (possibly illegal) things that are going on, but Adam needs to win his mate again.

This story is full of angst and mistrust as Adam and Cynthia try to find each other, seemingly in the dark. The pack shenanigans kind of makes me think of mafia romances. I'm not big on angst mixed with dark drama, but I still loved it. I also found myself enjoying some of the side characters like Tony and Maya, but I particularly enjoyed having Tina's character fully fleshed out. ]]> 4.00 The Alpha's Uncovered Mate: A Secret Baby Fated Mate Werewolf Shifter Romance (The Rejection Series)
author: Jaymin Snow
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/02/17
date added: 2025/04/12
shelves:
review:
The Alpha's Uncovered Mate is a standalone paranormal, shape shifter romance by Jaymin Snow. This is by no means a simple story. There is a lot going on and is full of emotion - much of it being the heroine's confusion and the hero's inability to communicate.

Cynthia has not had an easy life. Raised by an abusive foster father, she has been physically and mentally abused. With a lot of sketchy things happening around the powerful of her wolf shifter pack, nothing give her more fear and uncertainty than her fated mate and not knowing how well that he will treat her.

Adam is a dark and dangerous and powerful wolf shifter. However, when it comes to meeting his fated mate and keeping her safe, Adam is second guessing himself. To protect Cynthia he finds himself engaged to another member of the pack, Tina. He means well but doesn't want Cynthia to know exactly the danger of what is going on.

When the couple are separated, it is more Adam's design that they come back together again. There is still danger and a lot of questionable (possibly illegal) things that are going on, but Adam needs to win his mate again.

This story is full of angst and mistrust as Adam and Cynthia try to find each other, seemingly in the dark. The pack shenanigans kind of makes me think of mafia romances. I'm not big on angst mixed with dark drama, but I still loved it. I also found myself enjoying some of the side characters like Tony and Maya, but I particularly enjoyed having Tina's character fully fleshed out.
]]> <![CDATA[In Good Company (Pembroke Hills, #1)]]> 228569777
Callahan Hastings is relentless when it comes to getting what he wants, and what he wants is me–to be his private chef in the Hamptons for the summer.

My dream job served to me on a silver platter by one of the wealthiest members of Pembroke Hills Country Club.

The only catch? He’s my ex-boyfriend’s older brother with a reputation for being as charming as he is cunning.

But Cal doesn’t take no for an answer. He draws you in with flirty smiles and extravagant promises.

I should have seen him coming, but I didn’t. I should have stayed away, but I couldn’t.

His playful touches and burning gaze have ignited a fire in me. The more I resist him, the more irresistible he becomes.

I've always known there's an expiration date on the job–an expiration date on us.

But leaving isn't going to be easy with Cal on his knees, begging me to stay...]]> 386 Kat Singleton 1958292184 Ellie 4 3.88 In Good Company (Pembroke Hills, #1)
author: Kat Singleton
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/12
date added: 2025/04/12
shelves:
review:
The only thing that prevented me from rating this higher was that our FMC was high strung and insecure to the point that it was starting to bore me. The MMC on the other hand is wonderful, a kind and funny billionaire, if you can believe it. A complete sweetheart that is the perfect match that will help the FMC heal.
]]> Daydreamer (Daydreamer, #1) 214249697
But Lucy’s lonelier in London than she’s even been in her tiny village back home. The boy she grew up with has been replaced by a powerful, ruthless, extremely attractive man who doesn’t tolerate incompetence and who no longer seems to find Lucy’s quirks cute. Instead, he lectures her almost daily on her general crapness, and seems blind to the bullying she endures from his colleagues.

For Felix, agreeing to employ Lucy was a mistake. This shy bookworm with her head in the clouds, who wears tattered jumpers, carries multiple pens in her hair and has an obvious crush on him must be by far the worst assistant in London. But he’s always had a soft spot for the quirky little girl who lived in her own world and told the best stories. Well, now that little girl is all grown upâ€� and he ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t stop thinking about her.

After Felix gives in to his bone-deep longing for his best friend’s little sister, he starts to feel more than he has in years. But Lucy has secrets, and Felix has trust issues. When his inability to trust her leads to a terrible betrayal and places Lucy in danger, Felix is faced with losing her forever. Because the new, hardened, traumatised Lucy is nothing like the daydreaming pushover she once was�

This is a full length, brother's best friend, grumpy billionaire boss romance.

Trigger warning for workplace harassment and assault.

Warning � there is swearing throughout this book.

Praise for
"As a reader who loves a betrayal and subsequent grovel this story was 'chef's kiss'."
"10 out of 10! Everything you could ever want or need in a romance book."
"This author grabs you by the heart, gives it a good shake and slowly but beautifully puts it back together again with some heart-breaking and heart-lifting scenes."
"Vibe of a secret crush/she falls first/ he falls harder tale and Is laced with mistaken angst and wonderful scenes of grovel."
"Excellent, 5 stars all the way."
"This book was so great that I read it all the way through in one day."
"This was a heartfelt, angsty and emotional story told in the wonderful, dulcet tones of Susie's brace of creativity and stellar story-telling finesse."
"Yet another winner by Susie Tate."
"Fantastic book."]]> 314 Susie Tate 1068682019 Ellie 4 3.97 2024 Daydreamer (Daydreamer, #1)
author: Susie Tate
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/12
date added: 2025/04/12
shelves:
review:
Very sweet, very English. I thoroughly enjoyed the rom-com elements as well as the MMC's development into becoming a better man. The only thing that bugs me is the really lose, throw away explanation of why a famous (and rich) author would force herself to go to London to be an assistant - even if there are childhood friends and crushes involved.
]]> <![CDATA[Hidden Species: The Complete Series]]> 166396181
Edition contains the following
Demons Do It Better
Naughty Neil (novella)
One Bite With A Vampire
Hijinks With a Hellhound
Sorcerers Always Satisfy]]> 1099 Louisa Masters Ellie 5 4.65 Hidden Species: The Complete Series
author: Louisa Masters
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.65
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hijinks With a Hellhound (Hidden Species #3)]]> 56476386 I’m a one-and-done kind of hellhound� I don’t catch feeeeeeeelings�

Once upon a time, my first and last relationship taught me that romantic love isn’t enough to stop your boyfriend from trying to kill you. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. My awesomeness is now strictly reserved for one-nighters and casual hookups. Sure, my friends seem to be matching up in romantic bliss, but screw that—I’m not interested.

Besides, things are heating up at the Community of Species Government, and I’m right in the thick of it all. Those bad guys are going down—and not in the good way. They might seem to have the drop on us right now, but we’re going to turn the tables on them. Even if it means going on a mission with Aidan Byrne.

I’m still not happy about the way Aidan handled things with my bestest bestie a few months back, even if he did turn out to be right. Plus, there’s something about him that rubs my fur in the wrong direction. He’s the kind of guy who thinks karaoke is only for college kids and looks down on me for licking my own balls. He also thinks that just because he’s the species leader, he’s in charge.

Too bad for him, I’ve never backed away from a challenge� even if it is unnervingly sexy and really bendy. A hookup won’t lead to feelings� right?]]> 251 Louisa Masters Ellie 5 4.15 2021 Hijinks With a Hellhound (Hidden Species #3)
author: Louisa Masters
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[One Bite With a Vampire (Hidden Species #2)]]> 55526167
It’s not easy being the only human at the Community of Species Government—and especially not when you’re the rescue case. Two years ago, I was planning to go to college, have a wild time, then settle into a normal life. Instead, I was kidnapped, spent months being a test subject, was in hiding for nearly a year, and then found out that my whole existence is a science experiment conducted by the bad guys. It’s definitely time to reassess.


My rescuers at CSG have been awesome� mostly. They gave me a job, a home, and a support network. But the whole demons, vampires, shifters thing is not easy to get used to. Especially when one particular vampire makes me want to take up stake sharpening for a hobby. How can someone be over eight centuries old and have the maturity of a drunk frat boy?


The thing is, teenage mentality or not, Andrew is a fierce protector. With the bad guys still on the loose, I need someone like that on my side. Plus, did I mention that he’s not hard to look at? I could stare at him all day if only he never opened his mouth.


As we race to find my former captor before he can find me, life takes another twist and upends my world all over again. This time, though, I’m ready—after all, I’ve got an eight-hundred-year-old vampire at my back. What could possibly go wrong?

]]> 292 Louisa Masters Ellie 5 4.11 2021 One Bite With a Vampire (Hidden Species #2)
author: Louisa Masters
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Naughty Neil (Hidden Species, #1.5)]]> 63133931 I’m just an ordinary guy� who feeds on sexual energy.

I never knew my dad. Mom said he was a nice enough guy, fun for a night, but she never did get his name. I didn’t miss him, and my life is good.

Then a government agent shows up at my door and announces that I’m not really human. Dear old Dad was actually an incubus, a being that needs sexual energy to survive, and apparently that means I am too. Gotta be a scam, right?

Or so I think� until Agent Cutie changes into a canine (not a werewolf) in my living room and then eats half a dozen Christmas cookies while making orgasm sounds. Turns out, other species do exist.

On the plus side, being a stripper means that all my incubus needs are being met without me even trying. And now that I know the situation in my pants is normal for an incubus, I don’t feel self-conscious� so a fling with Agent Mark is definitely on the table.

Between being sexy Santa at work, supplying a team of hellhounds with Christmas cookies, and learning what stamina in the bedroom really is, I’m discovering that my old life was kind of empty. Maybe I’m not such an ordinary guy after all.

This novella was previously available free to newsletter subscribers. Only the cover has changed.]]> 59 Louisa Masters Ellie 5 4.14 2022 Naughty Neil (Hidden Species, #1.5)
author: Louisa Masters
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Demons Do It Better (Hidden Species #1)]]> 54245921
The truth is, I’m an admin assistant who applied for a job that sounded kind of interesting and ended up working for the Community of Species Government. I’m the only human in the office, and basically I ride herd on a team of rambunctious shifters and demons.

I also spend a lot of time avoiding Gideon Bailey, the demon I had a one-night stand with right before I took this job. He hates me, and I really want to avoid being murdered. But I’ve been offered a promotion that will mean working with him, so we’re both going to have to get over it.

Plus, people are going missing. Pregnant people. And the word is that someone is dabbling in genetic experimentation. Putting a stop to that is more important than the sexual tension Gideon and I have been ignoring� isn’t it?]]> 296 Louisa Masters Ellie 5 4.12 2020 Demons Do It Better (Hidden Species #1)
author: Louisa Masters
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lady Therese's Talents (Diamonds of the First Water)]]> 229195541 Love blooms where intellect and heart collide.

Diamonds of the First Water
An old jeweler’s term historically used to grade diamonds.
In the Regency, the ton used the term to denote young ladies the most beautiful, special, pure, and of the finest quality. From a family of note who has offered an excellent dowry. So she is expected to make an incomparable match. But is it easy to be termed a Diamond? So why would any young lady termed a Diamond not be able to or not wish to marry?

Perhaps because Lady Therese is so smart, she can swiftly add up a list of high numbers in her head.
Maybe because she can remember - word for word - what she read months ago.

What man wants a wife smarter than he is?

Except the Italian Conté attending the house party is a young man whose words twist and turn on the page and whose numbers dance around. He is interested in the Diamond just for that incredible mind. It suddenly occurs to him, if they marry, their children might be� normal.]]> 143 Lesli Jaye Ellie 5
This is a quirky kind of romance. Also, for anyone interested in representation, this story is heavily based around the MMC having some form of dyslexia and/or dyscalculia. I personally really enjoyed that aspect, though it is somewhat tragic as to how the MMC thinks of himself at points during the book.

Set at an exclusive ton house party, we meet Lady Therese, the daughter of the Earl of Charlesworth, and Phillipe, the Conte D'Angelo. Phillipe is part of Italian aristocracy, but has lived in England since he was a child.

The premise is simple and that is where I found this a strong story, with a plot that allowed us to get to really know the characters as they feel the attraction to each other.

Lady Therese is incredibly intelligent - she has a photographic memory and loves to learn. Despite being considered a diamond of the first water, her intelligence means that men of the ton do not really look at her a serious and proper marriage prospect. Except for Phillipe. He is illiterate, but not from lack of trying. He has some form of dyslexia and he has had to use many tricks to hide his condition. He is also incredibly smart, but because of his inability to see letters properly, he counts himself a stupid.

Phillipe starts with the outrageous proposal: between them, he and Lady Therese would produce children of average intelligence.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.25 Lady Therese's Talents (Diamonds of the First Water)
author: Lesli Jaye
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/27
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves:
review:
Lady Therese's Talents is a historical romance, set in Regency England, by Lesli Jaye. It is part of the Diamonds of the First Water series but can be read as a standalone (which is what I did).

This is a quirky kind of romance. Also, for anyone interested in representation, this story is heavily based around the MMC having some form of dyslexia and/or dyscalculia. I personally really enjoyed that aspect, though it is somewhat tragic as to how the MMC thinks of himself at points during the book.

Set at an exclusive ton house party, we meet Lady Therese, the daughter of the Earl of Charlesworth, and Phillipe, the Conte D'Angelo. Phillipe is part of Italian aristocracy, but has lived in England since he was a child.

The premise is simple and that is where I found this a strong story, with a plot that allowed us to get to really know the characters as they feel the attraction to each other.

Lady Therese is incredibly intelligent - she has a photographic memory and loves to learn. Despite being considered a diamond of the first water, her intelligence means that men of the ton do not really look at her a serious and proper marriage prospect. Except for Phillipe. He is illiterate, but not from lack of trying. He has some form of dyslexia and he has had to use many tricks to hide his condition. He is also incredibly smart, but because of his inability to see letters properly, he counts himself a stupid.

Phillipe starts with the outrageous proposal: between them, he and Lady Therese would produce children of average intelligence.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> Vargan: Ironborn MC Book # 1 228993477 Vargan

They call me "beast" for a reason.

Violence runs in my blood—a primal force I've spent my life containing.

One wrong move, one moment where I lose control, and I become everything humans fear about orcs.

After that night in New York, I'm a wanted man with nothing but my bike and the open road ahead.

Then a breakdown lands me in Shadow Ridge, where Savvy Greene offers something I'd forgotten kindness with no strings attached.

Her fierce determination to save her family's legacy awakens something dormant inside me—a need to protect, to stand my ground, to fight for something beyond survival. But men like me don't get second chances, and the longer I remain, the darker the shadow I cast over everything she's built.

Savvy

Saving my family's diner from Victor Hargrove has consumed my life for three years.

Every day is a battle against time, money, and the crushing weight of responsibility for a town that's slowly dying around me.

I don't have room for distractions—especially not six and a half feet of green-skinned, broad-shouldered distraction with amber eyes that see through my carefully constructed walls.

Vargan is everything I should an outlaw, a drifter, a living reminder that some fights can't be won alone.

He's also the first person since my parents died who makes me feel like I'm more than just the keeper of a fading legacy. But as I open my heart to him, I discover the truth of why he's here—and how his presence might cost me everything I've spent years fighting to preserve.

Will our forbidden connection become the strength we both need, or the catalyst for our mutual destruction?

This steamy, small-town romance features a protective alpha orc, a determined curvy heroine, enemies-to-lovers tension, found family dynamics, and a guaranteed HEA.]]> 158 Reagan Phillips Ellie 5
Vargan is on the run after a false police report and finds himself stranded in a small town. When he meets Savvy, the owner of the town's small diner, he wants to do anything to help her, even if it puts him in danger of arrest and jail time. Vargan quickly finds himself in small town politics and finds friendship amongst the locals, and intense chemistry with Savvy.

Savvy is a tough human. She is working hard to keep her family's business afloat, for herself and her brother, even with the town's villains who want to sell large tracts of land to developers breathing down her throat. Meeting Vargan helps bolster her determination to not fail. The fact that Vargan supports Savvy is very much an "awwww" moment.

I'll be keen to see what the Ironborn MC brings to town now that Vargan is ready to settle down with Savvy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.81 Vargan: Ironborn MC Book # 1
author: Reagan Phillips
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.81
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/27
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves:
review:
Vargan is the first book of the Ironborn MC series by Reagan Phillips. This is a monster/paranormal romance series, which as one can see from the cover, our motorcycle club characters are orcs.

Vargan is on the run after a false police report and finds himself stranded in a small town. When he meets Savvy, the owner of the town's small diner, he wants to do anything to help her, even if it puts him in danger of arrest and jail time. Vargan quickly finds himself in small town politics and finds friendship amongst the locals, and intense chemistry with Savvy.

Savvy is a tough human. She is working hard to keep her family's business afloat, for herself and her brother, even with the town's villains who want to sell large tracts of land to developers breathing down her throat. Meeting Vargan helps bolster her determination to not fail. The fact that Vargan supports Savvy is very much an "awwww" moment.

I'll be keen to see what the Ironborn MC brings to town now that Vargan is ready to settle down with Savvy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Miss Hayward and the Earl (Dazzling Debutantes, #2)]]> 220170479 She vowed never to marry. He never expected to fall in love. But danger may leave them no choice.In this sweet historical romance, a sharp-witted debutante and a reformed rogue find themselves entangled in an unexpected marriage. As secrets surface and threats draw near, can they put the past behind them and trust in love before it is too late?

Her fortune draws the wrong kind of interest �

Miss Sophia Hayward had carefully planned a future free of marriage, managing her reputation and dowry with precision. But when she overhears a scheme to force her into a hasty elopement, she realizes she must reconsider the earl’s offer of courtship. He may not be the man she dreamed of—but he may be the only one willing to protect her from a most dangerous match.

He cannot get her out of his thoughts ...

Lord Richard Balfour, the Earl of Saunton, never expected a young woman’s blunt opinion to unravel him—but Miss Hayward’s sharp observations strike a chord. For the first time, he wishes to become a better man. Earning Sophia’s regard, however, will take more than good intentions. With danger circling and his past mistakes gaining ground, can he prove himself worthy before they lose their chance at happiness?

Miss Hayward and the Earl is the delightful next chapter in the Dazzling Debutantes Regency romance series. If you enjoy honorable heroes, spirited heroines, and heartfelt journeys toward love, then you will be enchanted by Jarrett’s charming novel. Can be read as a standalone book.

Buy Miss Hayward and the Earl for a tale of sweet romance today!What to

✔️ Kissing
✔️ No Cursing
✔️ Closed Door After Marriage

Included Historical Romance Tropes

✔️ Marriage of Convenience Avoided
✔️ Reluctant Bride
✔️ Bluestocking Heroine
✔️ Redemption Arc
✔️ Scandalous Past

What Readers Are

â…â…â…â…â� "Jarrett is a masterpiece author who keeps you engaged and enthralled from the first word to the very last word. Excellent in every way! 10 stars." - Jo Raff
â…â…â…â…â� "I found this book riveting, with a well-plotted story, and a cast of many very likable characters." - Helen Causer
â…â…â…â…â� "This was my first historical romance and boy was I in for a treat." - Candace Marie
â…â…â…â…â� "Jarrett has done it! The despicable Earl from her first book ... has finally met his match." - Sonia (MetraHarvard).
â…â…â…â…â� "Richard and Sophia’s story certainly keeps you on your toes." - Julie Ambrose.]]> 292 C.N. Jarrett 1957185384 Ellie 5
This a book that is based around the redemption of a rogue.

Sophia, the titular Miss Hayward, makes an instant impression on Lord Richard, the Earl of Saunton. So much so, that Richard begins to take stock of his previously hedonistic ways and works to improve himself - not just for Sophia but for himself.

I really loved and got lost in Richard's redemption arc, for this reason he had deeper character development through the book than Sophia. However, his story is so interesting that I didn't care. Richard had an inkling that he wanted and needed to improve himself but meeting Sophia set off a trigger inside and he was ready to do what he needed to be worthy of Sophia and her love. It really was a journey of self discovery.

This was a sweet ending, especially as Sophia aided and supported Richard into becoming a better man and doing the right thing - because his actions had consequences.

I'm really intrigued about meeting Emma in the next book and learning more about her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.42 Miss Hayward and the Earl (Dazzling Debutantes, #2)
author: C.N. Jarrett
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.42
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/27
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves:
review:
Miss Hayward and the Earl is a sweet and charming Regency romance by CN Jarrett. This is the second book of the Dazzling Debutantes series but can be read as a standalone - I did just that and only looked up the first book after finishing this one. It's pretty low on heat, but the chemistry between the main characters is palpable without them getting hot and heavy.

This a book that is based around the redemption of a rogue.

Sophia, the titular Miss Hayward, makes an instant impression on Lord Richard, the Earl of Saunton. So much so, that Richard begins to take stock of his previously hedonistic ways and works to improve himself - not just for Sophia but for himself.

I really loved and got lost in Richard's redemption arc, for this reason he had deeper character development through the book than Sophia. However, his story is so interesting that I didn't care. Richard had an inkling that he wanted and needed to improve himself but meeting Sophia set off a trigger inside and he was ready to do what he needed to be worthy of Sophia and her love. It really was a journey of self discovery.

This was a sweet ending, especially as Sophia aided and supported Richard into becoming a better man and doing the right thing - because his actions had consequences.

I'm really intrigued about meeting Emma in the next book and learning more about her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> Easter With Her Bunny 229135935
Lily works in marketing—a field dominated by ruthless men. She's feisty and stubborn which seems to be paying off because she just got promoted to the corner office. She’s already imagining how to decorate the new space when she’s called to Scotland to act as maid of honor for her BFF.

Chemistry explodes the moment she lays eyes on the best man. Why is he so drool worthy? She really tries to resist his charms. But she shouldn’t have had so much to drink. One thing leads to another! Now she’s worried she might be losing her mind because she wakes up in bed next to a . . . bunny?

Does the poor shifter stand a chance? And crap, double crap, what if that saying about breeding like rabbits is for reals?

***Get ready for your next guilty pleasure read. Don’t worry, all of your Easter favorites will be in attendance from those delectable chocolate eggs and fluffy marshmallow peeps, to fun egg hunts, and of course, the Easter bunny is bound to make an appearance at some point.

Happy Easter! Scroll on up to get your copy today and let the hunt begin :-)

Books in the Paranormal Holiday Romance

Book 1-Christmas With Her Unicorn
Book 2-Easter With Her Bunny
Book 2-Halloween With Her Vampire]]> 524 Josie Walker 1948831473 Ellie 4
Lily is totally human and is travelling to Scotland to see her best friend, both to meet her best friend's fiancé and to attend the wedding in an actual Scottish castle. Harry is a bunny shifter - a pretty special bunny shifter at that! He has a pretty big job that is very hush-hush! Meeting Lily at his best friend's wedding, he knows she's his mate. However, Lily being human means she doesn't feel the pull and she is set to fight any attraction she feels to Harry. Luckily, they happen to live in the same city and are just visiting Scotland.

This is a lot of fun. I found myself carried away by the charming and sweet plot. I enjoyed the push and pull between Lily and Harry, as Harry tries to woo Lily, and as their relationship develops. This was a great Easter read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.67 Easter With Her Bunny
author: Josie Walker
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/27
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves:
review:
Easter with Her Bunny is a standalone paranormal romance by Joquena Lomelino. This is the second book of A Paranormal Holiday Romance series. The couple of the first book (MMC was a Scottish unicorn shifter!) do feature as their wedding is a main setting for Lily and Harry's story, but we find out enough of them that it won't matter to someone just picking up the series now.

Lily is totally human and is travelling to Scotland to see her best friend, both to meet her best friend's fiancé and to attend the wedding in an actual Scottish castle. Harry is a bunny shifter - a pretty special bunny shifter at that! He has a pretty big job that is very hush-hush! Meeting Lily at his best friend's wedding, he knows she's his mate. However, Lily being human means she doesn't feel the pull and she is set to fight any attraction she feels to Harry. Luckily, they happen to live in the same city and are just visiting Scotland.

This is a lot of fun. I found myself carried away by the charming and sweet plot. I enjoyed the push and pull between Lily and Harry, as Harry tries to woo Lily, and as their relationship develops. This was a great Easter read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Room 405: A contemporary m/m mpreg romance (The Scarlet Hotel)]]> 226634549 Behind closed doors at The Scarlet Hotel, anything can happen... even a change of heart.

All Liam has ever wanted is to open the café and bakery of his dreams. If only it hadn't taken the inheritance after his grandfather died to give him the money to finally be able to afford it. Uprooting his whole life, he moves to the city to jump in with both feet. He assumes he'll be taken seriously—as a man, an omega, and a business owner. But when he finds himself butting heads with an employee from the café down the street, he's not afraid of a little friendly competition—or to play dirty, if that's what it takes.

Alpha Jared has been working at Crave for years, ever since his boss took him under his wing. He gave him a place to belong, a family, and when he sees the café moving in down the block, he worries that it might put his boss's business at risk. He tells himself it is with the best of intentions that he finds himself locked in a battle of underhanded pranks—and it certainly doesn't have anything to do with the fact that he can't seem to stay away from the bakery's sexy owner.

The Scarlet Hotel returns with Room 405, a standalone romance in the popular m/m mpreg romance series from bestselling author Trisha Linde. Each book features a new couple and begins and ends in a different room at The Scarlet Hotel. Room 405 revolves around an omega who is excited for their future, even if it isn't quite what they planned, an alpha who doesn't know a good thing when a prank explodes in his face, a rivals-turned-lovers romance, an adorable baby, and an inevitable happily ever after.]]> 175 Trisha Linde Ellie 4
This is an enemies to lovers type of story, featuring a new to town omega who is looking to make his dreams come true, and an alpha who works for the competition and sees the new business as bad.

Liam is the omega and is a total sweetheart. He has big dreams and a big work ethic that can help make it happen. Jared didn't have the best in terms of role models growing up, so his boss (and the boss's family) became his family. That is why he wants to protect them when Liam opens a rival bakery and cafe down the street.

Have to admit, Jared is kind of annoying and I was a bit miffed at him with how far he took the rivalry. However, both his boss and Liam put him in line as the feelings between Liam and Jared started to grow.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.62 Room 405: A contemporary m/m mpreg romance (The Scarlet Hotel)
author: Trisha Linde
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
Room 405 is part of the Scarlet Hotel series by Trisha Linde. The series is made up of totally standalone romances that are modern MM (omegaverse with m-preg).

This is an enemies to lovers type of story, featuring a new to town omega who is looking to make his dreams come true, and an alpha who works for the competition and sees the new business as bad.

Liam is the omega and is a total sweetheart. He has big dreams and a big work ethic that can help make it happen. Jared didn't have the best in terms of role models growing up, so his boss (and the boss's family) became his family. That is why he wants to protect them when Liam opens a rival bakery and cafe down the street.

Have to admit, Jared is kind of annoying and I was a bit miffed at him with how far he took the rivalry. However, both his boss and Liam put him in line as the feelings between Liam and Jared started to grow.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Deal for a Debutante (Bridger Brothers #4)]]> 217561598 He is intrigued by her scars. She is wary of his attention. On a trail that steals so many lives, one can never be too careful.

Demi Anderson is looking to reinvent herself out west. With scars that mar half of her face, Demi has spent her life in the shadows. But when she realizes she’s falling in love with her sister’s fiancé, she knows it’s time for change. Heartbroken over a love that was never truly hers, she sets out on the treacherous journey west. Determined to do more than just escape, she wants to learn to talk to a man without her throat seizing up, to have the debut she was denied, and possibly, to feel the thrill of a man’s affection.

Alex Bridger isn’t looking for loveâ€� he’s looking for a wife. Practicality and logic guide his every step as he seeks a sturdy partner to help him build a life in the untamed wilderness of Oregon. When he encounters Demi, a stowaway in their wagon company, he quickly judges her as ill-suited for the harsh life ahead. Yet, despite his reservations, he ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t resist the urge to know the woman behind the scars.

But the journey west mocks both their plans. On a trail where danger lurks at every turn, passion ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t afford to dictate decisions. When illness strikes the wagon train, Demi finds herself relying on Alex for survival. Their forced proximity sparks a connection neither is prepared to confront, leaving them both to navigate the treacherous terrain of their hearts as they journey into the unknown.

Return to the trail with Deal for a Debutante, a standalone sweet historical western romance. It can be read alone, or as book 4 in the Bridger Brothers series.]]> 264 Kate Condie Ellie 5
Demi Anderson sees her opportunity to escape her life when the a group of people come through her home town on their way on the Oregon trail. One of her best friends has already hooked up with a Bridger brother, and that is how Demi and her sister manage to become stowaways on the wagons.

Alex Bridger has no wish to marry, he wants to see his family safe on the trail after he and his brothers lost their parents. He is surprised when Demi is revealed as a stowaway who adamantly stays with them on the trail.

The American West is well and truly wild and there are a number of dangers that Alex and Demi are forced to come up against as they get to know each other. This is a slow burn romance, where Demi and Alex have been fleshed out into two complex people before the romance gets under way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.59 Deal for a Debutante (Bridger Brothers #4)
author: Kate Condie
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
Deal For A Debutante is a historical romance by Kate Condie, set in the American West in the late 1800s. This is the fourth book of the Bridger Brothers series, and while it probably can work as a standalone book, I feel that it would be beneficial to have read the previous books, as the Bridger brothers and their wives feature in all the books. There are also some overarching themes and continuing plots that would be easier to follow if you're aware of the full background.

Demi Anderson sees her opportunity to escape her life when the a group of people come through her home town on their way on the Oregon trail. One of her best friends has already hooked up with a Bridger brother, and that is how Demi and her sister manage to become stowaways on the wagons.

Alex Bridger has no wish to marry, he wants to see his family safe on the trail after he and his brothers lost their parents. He is surprised when Demi is revealed as a stowaway who adamantly stays with them on the trail.

The American West is well and truly wild and there are a number of dangers that Alex and Demi are forced to come up against as they get to know each other. This is a slow burn romance, where Demi and Alex have been fleshed out into two complex people before the romance gets under way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Viscount and the Matchmaker: A Witty, Slow-Burn, Forbidden Love Regency Romance]]> 230196822 All I wanted was a suitable bride, not a witty spinster matchmaker who makes my cravat unravel, and my heart do that ridiculous fluttering thing.

I was perfectly content avoiding ballrooms, chattering debutantes, and matchmaking mamas. But then my mother issued her marry by season’s end or surrender the right to choose my own wife.

In a moment of desperation (and possibly madness), I hired Lady Sophia Haversham—intelligent, poised, and far too perceptive (and beautiful) for my comfort. She agreed (for a fee, of course) to teach me how to win over a suitable bride.

There’s only one problem.

The more I try to charm the ladies of the Ton, the more I find myself seeking her approval.

Sophia laughs at my blunders, challenges my opinions, and somehow sees through all my awkwardness.

She insists she’s not interested in marriage.

But what if I don’t want a suitable match anymore?

What if the only woman I want� is the one helping me court someone else?

What if love isn’t about my knowledge of fashion and frills but of understanding and connection?

For love is all that matters�if our love is true.]]> 462 Kristina Earl Ellie 5
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and adored the characters. The FMC and MMC are both highly intelligent people.

The MMC struggles to find a wife, mostly because Society does not approve of his usual interests in conversation - which is history and a heap of morbid factoids. I get the feeling that he is kind of ASD/ADHD coded (probably why I connected with him so much), but in general, he is a bluestocking. And honestly, male bluestockings as main characters are totally under represented in historical romance.

Our FMC is very much a socially adept young lady, although she is on the fast track to become a spinster. Despite this, though, she has made a name for herself as something of a matchmaker. She just doesn't expect her infuriating bluestocking viscount to be someone that makes her heart flutter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.54 The Viscount and the Matchmaker: A Witty, Slow-Burn, Forbidden Love Regency Romance
author: Kristina Earl
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.54
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
The Viscount and the Matchmaker is a historical romance, set in Regency England by Kristina Earl.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and adored the characters. The FMC and MMC are both highly intelligent people.

The MMC struggles to find a wife, mostly because Society does not approve of his usual interests in conversation - which is history and a heap of morbid factoids. I get the feeling that he is kind of ASD/ADHD coded (probably why I connected with him so much), but in general, he is a bluestocking. And honestly, male bluestockings as main characters are totally under represented in historical romance.

Our FMC is very much a socially adept young lady, although she is on the fast track to become a spinster. Despite this, though, she has made a name for herself as something of a matchmaker. She just doesn't expect her infuriating bluestocking viscount to be someone that makes her heart flutter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Duke of Deception (The Untouchables, #3)]]> 31684539
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting young misses and dropping them without a second thought. This has earned him a reputation for deceit, a description he ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t refute because he does in fact, harbor secrets and will do anything—deceive anyone—to ensure they don’t come to light. As he comes to know the charming Miss Knox, his resolve is tested. However, trust comes at a price and Ned won’t pay with his heart.]]> 222 Darcy Burke 1944576045 Ellie 3
Love the story, not so much the writing.

Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to give up on this author (well, I'm going to read book 4 but that's because I want to know more about the FMC in that book, but after that I'm stopping the series). While I've enjoyed the general stories of the first 3 books in the Untouchables series, and I did get interested and invested in the characters (particularly the MMC's brother in this story), but there have been so many anachronisms, that I just can't ignore it anymore. I'm usually pretty forgiving in historical romances about some more modern themes and thoughts, but sometimes even I have to draw a line somewhere. ]]> 4.03 2016 The Duke of Deception (The Untouchables, #3)
author: Darcy Burke
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
2.5 rounded up to 3.

Love the story, not so much the writing.

Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to give up on this author (well, I'm going to read book 4 but that's because I want to know more about the FMC in that book, but after that I'm stopping the series). While I've enjoyed the general stories of the first 3 books in the Untouchables series, and I did get interested and invested in the characters (particularly the MMC's brother in this story), but there have been so many anachronisms, that I just can't ignore it anymore. I'm usually pretty forgiving in historical romances about some more modern themes and thoughts, but sometimes even I have to draw a line somewhere.
]]> Trolling For Love 229263195
Gunnar has existed near the border of the monster world in the wilds of Iceland for centuries only straying into the human world occasionally out of boredom. He finds many of their belongings they’ve dropped while exploring. One of those items was a phone and after attempting to figure out how it works, Gunnar finds an app that intrigues him, Monster Match.

Flynn Davies has worked in the lumber industry since he was old enough to apply, but working in the woods can be lonely, and he spends more and more time scrolling the mysterious app he’s heard so much about. When he begins to chat with a mysterious creature, he wonders if there could be a perfect match for him that’s not human.

The past decade has been lonely for Gunnar, and he longs for someone to share his life with, even if that means changing his life. When he arrives at Elder Ridge, he quickly realizes how different life is here, but maybe the annoying human he’s been chatting with can help him learn more about this strange new world.]]> B.L. Maxwell Ellie 5
Gunnar is a troll who lives on the edge of the paranormal realm and the human world, in a cave isolated in Iceland. However, he knows that to find true contentment that he needs to makes it out in the world. Being a troll, he loves nature and so relocates to an idyllic mountain town, where he gets a job with the local logging company.

Flynn Davies is a human and has made himself comfortable in his life and his work. He is lonely, but a small town isn't necessarily the best place to meet eligible gay men. But with the addition of various monster species in town, he give the dating app Monster Matches a go.

Gunnar and Flynn not only work together, they have now been matched together on the app. While their romance together is so sweet and I love the entire vibe between them, there is also drama surrounding them. The drama is perfect, and shows Gunnar and Flynn teaming up and working together, which feels totally different to their work where Flynn is training Gunnar.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.62 Trolling For Love
author: B.L. Maxwell
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
Trolling for Love is a standalone MM monster/paranormal romance by the fabulous BL Maxwell. This is a sweet and charming small town romance, that has trolls and other paranormal species integrating with humans - and finding their true mates between the species.

Gunnar is a troll who lives on the edge of the paranormal realm and the human world, in a cave isolated in Iceland. However, he knows that to find true contentment that he needs to makes it out in the world. Being a troll, he loves nature and so relocates to an idyllic mountain town, where he gets a job with the local logging company.

Flynn Davies is a human and has made himself comfortable in his life and his work. He is lonely, but a small town isn't necessarily the best place to meet eligible gay men. But with the addition of various monster species in town, he give the dating app Monster Matches a go.

Gunnar and Flynn not only work together, they have now been matched together on the app. While their romance together is so sweet and I love the entire vibe between them, there is also drama surrounding them. The drama is perfect, and shows Gunnar and Flynn teaming up and working together, which feels totally different to their work where Flynn is training Gunnar.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Ruthless Mafia Daddy (Alpha Mafia Daddies)]]> 216809620 â� A TOP 100 AMAZON BESTSELLER â�I was on the blind date from hell,
until a mafia boss stepped in and saved me.

I had no idea he was a mafia boss.
Andre was tall, mysterious and sexy.
We had an instant connection.
He invited me back to his place.
I said yes, even though one-night stands aren’t usually my thing.
When I overheard something I shouldn’t have, I did the only thing I could;
I ran.
It didn’t take him long to find me.
He started calling me.
I blocked his number, hoping he would take the hint.
For a while, I thought it had worked, that he had given up.
But then I walk into my boss’s office and find Andre sitting behind the desk.
And what’s worse, I find out I am pregnant with his baby�

Ruthless Mafia Daddy is a surprise pregnancy mafia boss romance that’s twisted tango will leave you breathless. This book is a complete standalone. No Cheating, No Cliffhanger, Happily Ever After guaranteed! ]]> 322 Kira Cole Ellie 4 3.86 Ruthless Mafia Daddy (Alpha Mafia Daddies)
author: Kira Cole
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/25
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves:
review:

]]> Ariel's Vow 222781833
Meanwhile, Noah, a soldier wounded in the line of duty, returns home to a life he barely recognizes. Reconnecting with his teenage daughter is a silver lining, and so is finally meeting Ariel, his longtime pen pal. Living under the same roof stirs emotions they hadn’t anticipated, but while Ariel’s heart wrestles with newfound connections, she remains committed to helping the children who’ve come to mean so much.

Together, Ariel and Noah learn that family can be found in the most unexpected places. But will their friendship grow into something more, or are they simply meant to be each other’s greatest support?]]> 502 Bella Paige Ellie 2 4.00 Ariel's Vow
author: Bella Paige
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/21
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Married into the Mob (The Wolves of La Luna Noir, #3)]]> 219308550 I went to City Hall to file paperwork, not steal a husband, and I refuse to let him go� even when he asks.

My life isn’t conducive to love. I’m the bad guy, the one people are warned about, the one that people talk about only in whispers, the one people fear. Nothing about me shouts mating material. That doesn’t stop me from taking what is mine when I scent my true mate marrying my enemy.

Odell came here to get married, and he will� to me. And until he agrees to do so, I’m keeping him at my secret hideaway. He’ll want for nothing—except freedom. I know that what I’m doing is wrong, but I convince myself it's to keep him safe.

Married into the Mob is the third book in The Wolves of La Luna Noir, a sweet with knotty heat MM Mpreg Shifter Mafia Romance. Married into the Mob features a sexy alpha who is part of his family business (yes, that kind), the human omega who is saved from an arranged married via kidnapping, an alpha struggling between what’s right and what his wolf demands, true love, fated mates, an adorable baby, and a guaranteed happy ever after. If you love your alphas hot, your men dangerous, and your omegas fierce, grab your copy today.



]]> 250 Colbie Dunbar Ellie 4
Hunter is the younger Durand brother, and the last to find his mate. Like many mates, he meets Odell under less than ideal circumstances. Odell is human and finds himself petrified and essentially being sold off, forced into a marriage by his uncle. While Hunter saves Odell, taking him to a panic room for his protection, Odell doesn't know who to trust and what in the hell is going on. But Hunter and his inner beast are ready to fiercely protect and claim their mate.

I really enjoyed Hunter and Odell's dynamic. Odell, understandably, has a lot of confusion between his personal situation and then meeting Hunter. However, Hunter is a total gentlemen and I found him a wonderfully swoon-worthy alpha.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.41 Married into the Mob (The Wolves of La Luna Noir, #3)
author: Colbie Dunbar
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.41
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/20
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves:
review:
Married to the Mob is a paranormal omegaverse/m-preg romance by Colbie Dunbar. It is the third book of the The Wolves of La Luna Noir, and while it works as a standalone book, I think it made a bit more sense to me after I did a quick review of the first two books. Previous characters popped up, but mostly I just needed to get Hunter and his brothers, Flint and Ranger, sorted out in my head.

Hunter is the younger Durand brother, and the last to find his mate. Like many mates, he meets Odell under less than ideal circumstances. Odell is human and finds himself petrified and essentially being sold off, forced into a marriage by his uncle. While Hunter saves Odell, taking him to a panic room for his protection, Odell doesn't know who to trust and what in the hell is going on. But Hunter and his inner beast are ready to fiercely protect and claim their mate.

I really enjoyed Hunter and Odell's dynamic. Odell, understandably, has a lot of confusion between his personal situation and then meeting Hunter. However, Hunter is a total gentlemen and I found him a wonderfully swoon-worthy alpha.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Christmas With Her Unicorn (A Paranormal Holiday Romance)]]> 220868232 480 Joquena Lomelino 1948831465 Ellie 5 5.00 Christmas With Her Unicorn (A Paranormal Holiday Romance)
author: Joquena Lomelino
name: Ellie
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Alien in the Archive: A Bookish Alien Romance (Galactic Librarians Book 1)]]> 224979570 She’s a stubborn scholar with a psychic secret. He’s a brooding alien vampire hiding in her library. She swore she’d stay focused—but now he’s the one book she ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t put down.

Page McRae just landed a coveted fellowship at the galaxy’s biggest library—an ancient archive of lost knowledge, buried secrets, and maybe even answers about her own strange powers. She’s here to research, not get distracted.

Then she discovers the monster hiding in the archive.

Hidden in the library’s darkest wing, the Obscuary houses more than forgotten tomes—it’s home to Thorne Valtheris, a reclusive, silver-eyed alien vampire haunted by the fall of his empire. He’s cold, deadly, and definitely off-limits.

Too bad Page has never been good at following rules.

Their attraction is instant. Their connection? Impossible to ignore. But Thorne is keeping dangerous secrets, and Page’s powers are growing faster than she can control. The deeper they’re pulled into each other’s orbit, the harder it becomes to deny what’s building between them.

Set in a sprawling alien archive full of magic, mystery, and moth-bitten romance, The Alien in the Archive is a slow-burn sci-fi fantasy perfect for fans

Bookish heroines & brooding alien heroes

Vampire-adjacent aliens

Forced proximity & forbidden romance

Dark academia on a library planet

For readers of Ruby Dixon, Katee Robert, and Laura Thalassa—this is your next obsessive escape.]]> 396 Chloe Parker Ellie 4
I really don't know what to think about this book, even 24 hours after I finished reading it. I really, really, liked it don't get me. It didn't hook me so much that I've given it a 5 star review, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I think it's because the story is so different from many other sci-fi romances, and is set apart from any other sci-fi that I've consumed (and I'm a massive sci-fi fan). It left me pleasantly surprised, excited and intrigued.

Dr Page McRae is a historian, she's intelligent and tenacious, and she's driven to find the answers for the questions she most wants answered. So when she receives an exclusive fellowship in the galaxy's biggest library - she is excited. The library is mammoth, an absolute labyrinth and features knowledge of civilisations. When I read about the library, it made me think of the moon that was a library in the Doctor Who episode Silence in the Library.

Thorne Valtheris is the titular alien in the archive. He is some sort of vampiric alien, whose people (well, galactic empire) had caused a terrible cataclysm that killed so many other races of alien. He has always been a scholar and has hidden in the library he had helpe create centuries ago. There is some mystical connection that links Thorne and Page.

As Page seeks the answers she needs - both for her research and for herself - she and Thorne form a secret friendship that quickly changes into something more. To me, Thorne is endlessly fascinating and with his past, he is incredibly complex. Page keeps Thorne's presence a secret, knowing that he is a fugitive from a much race of aliens. Together they piece together the past, Thorne through his memories and Page through her research, and it is through this seemingly simple act that their connection deepens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.34 The Alien in the Archive: A Bookish Alien Romance (Galactic Librarians Book 1)
author: Chloe Parker
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.34
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
The Alien in the Archive is the first book in the Galactic Librarians series by Chloe. This is a standalone sc-fi romance.

I really don't know what to think about this book, even 24 hours after I finished reading it. I really, really, liked it don't get me. It didn't hook me so much that I've given it a 5 star review, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I think it's because the story is so different from many other sci-fi romances, and is set apart from any other sci-fi that I've consumed (and I'm a massive sci-fi fan). It left me pleasantly surprised, excited and intrigued.

Dr Page McRae is a historian, she's intelligent and tenacious, and she's driven to find the answers for the questions she most wants answered. So when she receives an exclusive fellowship in the galaxy's biggest library - she is excited. The library is mammoth, an absolute labyrinth and features knowledge of civilisations. When I read about the library, it made me think of the moon that was a library in the Doctor Who episode Silence in the Library.

Thorne Valtheris is the titular alien in the archive. He is some sort of vampiric alien, whose people (well, galactic empire) had caused a terrible cataclysm that killed so many other races of alien. He has always been a scholar and has hidden in the library he had helpe create centuries ago. There is some mystical connection that links Thorne and Page.

As Page seeks the answers she needs - both for her research and for herself - she and Thorne form a secret friendship that quickly changes into something more. To me, Thorne is endlessly fascinating and with his past, he is incredibly complex. Page keeps Thorne's presence a secret, knowing that he is a fugitive from a much race of aliens. Together they piece together the past, Thorne through his memories and Page through her research, and it is through this seemingly simple act that their connection deepens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Cake & Cocktails (The Men of Haven Grove #2)]]> 228362542 Cake & Cocktails is a steamy, M/M age-gap romance featuring a grumpy teddy bear of a bar owner and a quirky baker just looking for love, acceptance, and a forever family.

Henry is well-aware he’s a bit of a grump. Outside of his passion for running the Riggs Family Roadhouse, and a precious few close friends and family, Henry doesn’t need anything—or anyone—else. But when a mysterious young man walks into the bar, Henry finds himself obsessed with making sure the blue-eyed beauty is taken care of.

Determined to get far, far away, Jack fled his nightmarish home life with barely a hint of a plan. Five hundred miles later, the small town of Haven Grove might just hold the perfect recipe for healing Jack’s wounded heart. Maybe he’ll stay a while, especially if the cuddly bear of a man behind the bar keeps plying him with food, kindness, and sweet smiles.

Henry just wants to help the newcomer get back on his feet. Instead, for whatever reason, his interfering heart is mixing up a different plan. Jack doesn’t know how he could leave when Haven Grove has all the ingredients for his happily ever after, but do Jack and Henry have what it takes to bake up their very own perfect slice of love?]]> 324 A.D. Ellis 196130614X Ellie 5
Henry is one grumpy teddy bear. I love him. He is totally sweet, but can come across as a bit surly, probably a consequence of the hours that he works, running a small town bar where peaches are town's biggest industry. Jack is young, barely in his 20s, and he has had to flee the family that refuses to accept his sexuality. Ending up in Haven Grove was never intentional, same with getting to know Henry, but the two just seem to click.

Henry and Jack have a sweet and gentle connection, though their chemistry together is also intense. Jack has a lot of healing, and Henry and his family help jump start the process. Jack has the freedom to get to know himself once more, but he also gets the opportunity to give his baking skills a test.

I'm really hoping that Henry's dad gets a HEA of his own. The guy deserves it, especially now that his sons are grown up and have found their own HEA with the partner of their dreams. I'm totally loving this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.31 2025 Cake & Cocktails (The Men of Haven Grove #2)
author: A.D. Ellis
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Cake & Cocktails is a standalone contemporary romance by AD Ellis, and is the second book of The Men of Haven Grove series. This is a standalone MM romance, however, there is some cross over connections with the previous book in the series. Our grumpy mid-30s bar owner, Henry, is the brother of one of the MCs in book one.

Henry is one grumpy teddy bear. I love him. He is totally sweet, but can come across as a bit surly, probably a consequence of the hours that he works, running a small town bar where peaches are town's biggest industry. Jack is young, barely in his 20s, and he has had to flee the family that refuses to accept his sexuality. Ending up in Haven Grove was never intentional, same with getting to know Henry, but the two just seem to click.

Henry and Jack have a sweet and gentle connection, though their chemistry together is also intense. Jack has a lot of healing, and Henry and his family help jump start the process. Jack has the freedom to get to know himself once more, but he also gets the opportunity to give his baking skills a test.

I'm really hoping that Henry's dad gets a HEA of his own. The guy deserves it, especially now that his sons are grown up and have found their own HEA with the partner of their dreams. I'm totally loving this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Damiano's Rescue (The Famiglia #1)]]> 228681182 He keeps everyone at a distance, but when it comes to her, he can't get close enough.

Damiano
As enforcer for the Galliano crime family, my only job is to keep our boss safe. I obliterate his enemies, I annihilate all threats, and I avoid any distractions—especially the kind that wants to spend the night after. So I should have crawled away from the stunning blonde who found me bleeding out in the park. And when I realized how truly awful she was at stitching me up, I should have run. But once she stroked my head just right, I couldn't go anywhere.

Then again, she thinks I'm in a coma. She has no clue that I hear every whispered secret and feel every warm caress. That sponge bath? I was wide awake and should thank her for how she handled the situation that. . . arose.
This girl has no clue what she's doing half the time, but I'm all in.

Paige
I have a dead-end job, my love life sucks, and Chicago's way too cold for a California girl. At least the mauled rabbit I rescued last month is doing great—I will pass the wildlife rehabilitator license exam this next time. I'm sure of it. So, when I stumble upon an injured man refusing to go to the hospital, of course I help him too. Not because he's perfectly sculpted from Italy's finest marble, but because he needs me. And since online videos taught me how to patch up my rabbit, I've totally got this.

That is, until Damiano's enemies track him down at my place, and he drags me into his dark world of violence, death, and destruction. No thanks, I'm out.

He's injured and she's in danger. Who's going to rescue who?]]> 365 Leah Merrill Ellie 5
This story is an interesting mix of gritty, mafia violence and crime, mixed with the soft tender-heartedness of a woman whose passion is to rescue animals (and plants), including rabbits and turtles.

Damiano is ex-Italian special forces and now lives in the US and is an enforcer Galliano crime family. He is a killer and is unrepentant. In fact, he enjoys torturing and interrogating his enemies to extract the information that his boss needs. When he is involved in a shoot out in a public park, he's in trouble for a multitude of reasons, but when he finds an old car, he meets Paige.

Paige is sweet and comes across as a tiny bit ditzy. But she has a massive heart, good intentions. And so when she finds Damiano bleeding out and he refuses to go to a hospital, she uses her skills from rescuing wildlife to save him.

For *reasons* Damiano makes out he's on unconcious for a number of days, in which time he observes Paige, and taking advantage of when she goes to work to shower, eat, etc. On finding out Damiano's awake, Paige finds herself tossed into a pool of confusion, between the whole mafia thing, her attraction for Damiano, the danger that seems to be coming after both of them. There's a lot going on and the attraction/romance is the simplest thing going on.

The characters here are complex and that is what kept me hooked. Damiano is not a good person, but he seems like he is the right person for Paige. Paige seems totally unaware, but really, she is a watcher and she isn't totally oblivious to what's going on. I really enjoyed the development of their individual characters as well as their development together as a couple.

I have to say, having a read of the sample from the next book in the series, I found myself having a bit of a laugh at Damiano. The guy is really a sweet teddy bear when it comes to Paige.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.27 Damiano's Rescue (The Famiglia #1)
author: Leah Merrill
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Damiano's Rescue is a standalone contemporary romance by Leah Merrill and is the first book of her new mafia romance series, The Famiglia.

This story is an interesting mix of gritty, mafia violence and crime, mixed with the soft tender-heartedness of a woman whose passion is to rescue animals (and plants), including rabbits and turtles.

Damiano is ex-Italian special forces and now lives in the US and is an enforcer Galliano crime family. He is a killer and is unrepentant. In fact, he enjoys torturing and interrogating his enemies to extract the information that his boss needs. When he is involved in a shoot out in a public park, he's in trouble for a multitude of reasons, but when he finds an old car, he meets Paige.

Paige is sweet and comes across as a tiny bit ditzy. But she has a massive heart, good intentions. And so when she finds Damiano bleeding out and he refuses to go to a hospital, she uses her skills from rescuing wildlife to save him.

For *reasons* Damiano makes out he's on unconcious for a number of days, in which time he observes Paige, and taking advantage of when she goes to work to shower, eat, etc. On finding out Damiano's awake, Paige finds herself tossed into a pool of confusion, between the whole mafia thing, her attraction for Damiano, the danger that seems to be coming after both of them. There's a lot going on and the attraction/romance is the simplest thing going on.

The characters here are complex and that is what kept me hooked. Damiano is not a good person, but he seems like he is the right person for Paige. Paige seems totally unaware, but really, she is a watcher and she isn't totally oblivious to what's going on. I really enjoyed the development of their individual characters as well as their development together as a couple.

I have to say, having a read of the sample from the next book in the series, I found myself having a bit of a laugh at Damiano. The guy is really a sweet teddy bear when it comes to Paige.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Somewhere Beyond the Sea: A Paranormal Romance (Valleywood Season Three)]]> 220532592 Do you ever just feel drawn to a certain place with no explanation why?

Zack

I have no idea why I dropped everything in my life to move to Valleywood so I could pursue…stand-up comedy? Really? Me? A mousey little omega who would rather fall off a bridge than have people stare at him?

Funny thing about that whole falling off a bridge thing, because that’s exactly what happened. I fell off a bridge and straight into the arms of…a merman?

Lucas

I wanted to be where the people were, especially since the people were staging an original musical version of The Little Mermaid with an open casting call. Was I allowed to leave home for Valleywood so that I could audition? Heck no! Did I go anyhow? Yep.

Whether I get the lead or not, disobedience is immediately worth it when a funny little omega fell from the sky and into my life. Zack thinks I rescued him from a watery grave. When my family finds out where I am and why, he might just be the one rescuing me!]]> 146 M.M. Farmer Ellie 5
This book itself is an MM omegaverse romance and brings together omega (human?) Zack, and alpha merperson/siren Lucas. They have both been drawn to Valleywood for similar reasons - Zack wishes to try his luck at being a standup comic, despite his shyness, while Lucas wants nothing more than to try his hand at acting. This is how Zack and Lucas end up meeting at auditions for the Valleywood's latest stage production, The Little Mermaid.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's sweet and charming - actually, I've enjoyed basically every book I've read by MM Farmer/Merry Farmer. I really enjoyed the sweetness of the relationship and chemistry that grows between our alpha and omega, but I also found myself amused at the melodrama injected in the plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.52 Somewhere Beyond the Sea: A Paranormal Romance (Valleywood Season Three)
author: M.M. Farmer
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.52
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Somewhere Beyond the Sea (yes, you will get the Frank Sinatra song right in your head), is a standalone paranormal romance by MM Farmer. This is part of the multiauthor series, Valleywood Season Three. This is an entirely independent story, but I have enjoyed various stories from the Valleywood universe.

This book itself is an MM omegaverse romance and brings together omega (human?) Zack, and alpha merperson/siren Lucas. They have both been drawn to Valleywood for similar reasons - Zack wishes to try his luck at being a standup comic, despite his shyness, while Lucas wants nothing more than to try his hand at acting. This is how Zack and Lucas end up meeting at auditions for the Valleywood's latest stage production, The Little Mermaid.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's sweet and charming - actually, I've enjoyed basically every book I've read by MM Farmer/Merry Farmer. I really enjoyed the sweetness of the relationship and chemistry that grows between our alpha and omega, but I also found myself amused at the melodrama injected in the plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Perfect Love (Mancini Legacy Series)]]> 223641697 Marcello

I thought I’d found love, but I had to walk away. After that, I concentrated on just enjoying life. Then one day I met her. The woman who would be my forever. Now I just have to convince her that she’s mine


Robin

When my brother and I ran away from home, we had to leave our two sisters behind. I had no idea if we would ever see them again. When we did find them, they had a whole new family. I also found him. I dreamt about him, and now he’s here. I just hope my insecurities don’t scare him off.]]> 106 Natalie Arthur Ellie 5
I've not read all the books, but the ones I have read I have thoroughly enjoyed. The series within the universe all revolve around various mafia families, who now live within each other pockets as allies. But when I say this is a contemporary read, there are series in this universe that feature tiger and polar bear shifters. For the most part, Perfect Love is an almost entirely human story with few references to the paranormal.

Marcello Mancini swore off love after being tricked many years before. He was content, he had his siblings, his mother and his beloved stepfather, who happens to be the head of the family. Everything changes when he meets Robin, who has turned up in town because one of the allied families had welcomed her sisters. Robin and her brother are ready to reunite with their siblings after being forced apart by their abusive father.

There is an instant spark between Marcello and Robin. They have plenty of baggage to work through, both individually and together, if they want their relationship to last. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of instalove, mafia and danger, in a story that is oddly heartwarming.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.71 Perfect Love (Mancini Legacy Series)
author: Natalie Arthur
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.71
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Perfect Love is a contemporary mafia romance by Natalie Arthur, and is part of the Mancini Legacy series. This works as a standalone book perfectly fine, but this is part of quite a big literary universe.

I've not read all the books, but the ones I have read I have thoroughly enjoyed. The series within the universe all revolve around various mafia families, who now live within each other pockets as allies. But when I say this is a contemporary read, there are series in this universe that feature tiger and polar bear shifters. For the most part, Perfect Love is an almost entirely human story with few references to the paranormal.

Marcello Mancini swore off love after being tricked many years before. He was content, he had his siblings, his mother and his beloved stepfather, who happens to be the head of the family. Everything changes when he meets Robin, who has turned up in town because one of the allied families had welcomed her sisters. Robin and her brother are ready to reunite with their siblings after being forced apart by their abusive father.

There is an instant spark between Marcello and Robin. They have plenty of baggage to work through, both individually and together, if they want their relationship to last. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of instalove, mafia and danger, in a story that is oddly heartwarming.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Holiday Heart Strings (Hartbridge Christmas, #4)]]> 199303208
Englishman Braithe Branson arrives in Hartbridge, Montana, to take on a brief substitute kindergarten teacher position. His introduction to the sleepy town is being pulled over for speeding. Not an ideal start, but at least the deputy was cute.

Colson Price takes being a deputy very seriously. After all, his job is all he has. Disowned by his family ten years ago, he’s vowed to stay closeted so it won’t cost him everything all over again.

But the holidays are tough for Colson, and the new guy in town is far too tempting. With a promise of some very private no-strings encounters on the downlow, he ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t resist.

Braithe is charmed by the handsome deputy, the gorgeous town, and the great group of friends he meets. But as the countdown to leaving gets closer, the more tangled the â€no stringsâ€� becomes.

Braithe and Colson have to hope that Hartbridge will find a way for this Christmas wish to come true.]]> 342 N.R. Walker Ellie 5 4.35 2023 Holiday Heart Strings (Hartbridge Christmas, #4)
author: N.R. Walker
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Forbidden Duke (The Untouchables, #1)]]> 29509485
Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, is known as the Forbidden Duke, a mysterious, intimidating figure who enters Society just once each year at his stepmother’s ball. A decade ago, he was a devil-may-care rake until his idle roguery brought about the ruin of Eleanor Lockhart—and his resulting self-imposed isolation. Now she’s back, and she needs his help. But by “saving� her, he may just ruin her life all over again.]]> 246 Darcy Burke Ellie 5 3.94 2016 The Forbidden Duke (The Untouchables, #1)
author: Darcy Burke
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Christmas Wish List (Hartbridge Christmas, #2)]]> 59425335
After his divorce, Carter “Cass� Campion bought his great-aunt’s rundown country manor in his home town, and he’s determined to get it ready for the busy holiday period. Recently out as gay, he’s been focused solely on his business and hasn’t had time for a man. Not that many gay men come through Hartbridge . . .

As his new clients arrive, and being away from his two kids, celebrating Christmas is the last thing on Cass’s mind. But his new chef has other ideas. And if there’s one thing on his Christmas Wish List this year, Jayden can make it come true.]]> 252 N.R. Walker Ellie 5 4.26 2021 Christmas Wish List (Hartbridge Christmas, #2)
author: N.R. Walker
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hitched to the Wendigo (Monster Matchmaking Series Book 1)]]> 228611952 When a human herbalist is DNA-matched to a wendigo warrior, she must choose between the safety of her terramare past and the savage love of a monster who might devour her heart—literally.
In a world where humans are forced to DNA-match with monsters, a defiant terramare herbalist faces her worst marriage to a wendigo warrior. But when Sakira discovers her fearsome mate Eryx possesses both the power to destroy her and the gentleness to heal her past wounds, she begins to question everything she was taught about monsters. As rival tribes threaten their territory and human resistance fighters pressure her to betray him, Sakira must decide if she'll embrace the savage love of a creature she once feared or lose the only person who's ever made her feel truly safe in their dangerous world.


Monster Matchmaking Series is a spin-off series of the bestselling Arranged Monster Mates. Each book travels to the terrifying world where humans must mate with monsters in order to survive. Guaranteed a HEA.
Monster Romance, Science Fiction Romance, Fantasy Romance. Spicy romance. ]]> 142 Eden Ember Ellie 5
For those familiar with Ember's series Arranged Monster Mates, from which this is a spin off, you will have a fair idea of the direction this story takes. If you're a sucker for finding a story where fearsome mythical beings are just like you and me (and are just misunderstood) in the world of the author, then this is the story for you.

Sakira is a human female, she is a herbalist that has a passion for healing. She has been sent to the local temple to take a blood test, where the monks and priests make a DNA analysis to match human women if their perfect monster. The frightening moment comes when she realises that she is mated to a wendigo, monsters that she fears because it was a wendigo that killed her sister many years ago.

The wendigo in question is Eryx. He is an older wendigo, a couple hundred years old, and while he knows his people have earned their fearsome reputation, he thinks it's about time that they learn to live with the humans nearby. He is thrilled when he matched to Sakira, he has seen her from afar, and when the results come back from the temple Eryx is ready to make everything work for his new mate.

What I loved most about this book was not just the love that builds between Sakira and Eryx, but they are also working on something much bigger than the two of them. They try to show Eryx's clan that humans aren't weak and can work side by side with the wendigo. They are seeking to create a bridge between the two beings to show that peace is not only possible but it is achievable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.02 Hitched to the Wendigo (Monster Matchmaking Series Book 1)
author: Eden Ember
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.02
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Hitched to the Wendigo is the first book in Eden Ember's newest paranormal/monster romance series, Monster Matchmaking.

For those familiar with Ember's series Arranged Monster Mates, from which this is a spin off, you will have a fair idea of the direction this story takes. If you're a sucker for finding a story where fearsome mythical beings are just like you and me (and are just misunderstood) in the world of the author, then this is the story for you.

Sakira is a human female, she is a herbalist that has a passion for healing. She has been sent to the local temple to take a blood test, where the monks and priests make a DNA analysis to match human women if their perfect monster. The frightening moment comes when she realises that she is mated to a wendigo, monsters that she fears because it was a wendigo that killed her sister many years ago.

The wendigo in question is Eryx. He is an older wendigo, a couple hundred years old, and while he knows his people have earned their fearsome reputation, he thinks it's about time that they learn to live with the humans nearby. He is thrilled when he matched to Sakira, he has seen her from afar, and when the results come back from the temple Eryx is ready to make everything work for his new mate.

What I loved most about this book was not just the love that builds between Sakira and Eryx, but they are also working on something much bigger than the two of them. They try to show Eryx's clan that humans aren't weak and can work side by side with the wendigo. They are seeking to create a bridge between the two beings to show that peace is not only possible but it is achievable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Life Reclaimed (To Protect and Serve Book 3)]]> 227858379 Dive into this gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and the fight for redemption.

Dedicated police officer Sean has always harbored a secret longing for Macey, the spirited sister of his best friend. When Macey, a tenacious reporter, is taken hostage by a prison escapee she once wrote about, Sean races against time to save her.

In a dramatic confrontation, he risks everything, sustaining a life-altering injury. As Macey moves in to care for Sean, their bond ignites into a passionate romance, revealing the depth of their feelings for one another. However, Macey's relentless pursuit of the truth soon puts their love to the test. When her investigative instincts lead her to cross a dangerous line, jeopardizing Sean's run for sheriff, the fragile trust between them begins to unravel.

Can their love survive the trials of truth and ambition, or will the very secrets that brought them together tear them apart?]]> 372 Constance Phillips 1944363408 Ellie 5
This book features many of the tropes that attract me like a magnet: small town romance, a hero in a uniform, friends to lover and best friend's sister.

Sean, who loves his job helping the people of his hometown in his career as a cop, has always harboured more than a little crush on his best friend's sister, Macey. Macey is a tenacious reporter who works for their small hometown's newspaper. She is passionate about her writing and prides herself on being an accurate and dedicated journalist.

Sean and Macey's worlds collide, and when Macey is in danger, Sean is injured in the line of duty. They end up in a forced proximity situation when Macey insists on moving in short term to help Sean with his recovery. After all, for Sean this means not having to go back to live with his mother. There is a growing attraction between them, but once the proximity is removed, the question is can their fledgling romantic relationship survive.

I really enjoyed and appreciated the development of both Sean and Macey. Sean goes on a journey that leads him to realise that he could do so much for his community if he becomes sheriff. For Macey, she is itchy to chase her assignments, and maybe even move to Boston. Macey's actions, which are selfish at one point, risk everything for her career and breaks Sean's heart. Aside from Macey's journey of self discovery, her relationship with Sean is more than just childhood friends, it is growing into something mature and strong - if only they communicate and put in the effort!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.58 Life Reclaimed (To Protect and Serve Book 3)
author: Constance Phillips
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.58
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Life Reclaimed is a standalone contemporary romance by Constance Phillips, and is also the third book of the To Protect and Serve series. I'm very confident when I say this is a standalone, because not only have I not read books 1 or 2 (which I've placed on my TBR pile), but this is also the first book I've read from the author.

This book features many of the tropes that attract me like a magnet: small town romance, a hero in a uniform, friends to lover and best friend's sister.

Sean, who loves his job helping the people of his hometown in his career as a cop, has always harboured more than a little crush on his best friend's sister, Macey. Macey is a tenacious reporter who works for their small hometown's newspaper. She is passionate about her writing and prides herself on being an accurate and dedicated journalist.

Sean and Macey's worlds collide, and when Macey is in danger, Sean is injured in the line of duty. They end up in a forced proximity situation when Macey insists on moving in short term to help Sean with his recovery. After all, for Sean this means not having to go back to live with his mother. There is a growing attraction between them, but once the proximity is removed, the question is can their fledgling romantic relationship survive.

I really enjoyed and appreciated the development of both Sean and Macey. Sean goes on a journey that leads him to realise that he could do so much for his community if he becomes sheriff. For Macey, she is itchy to chase her assignments, and maybe even move to Boston. Macey's actions, which are selfish at one point, risk everything for her career and breaks Sean's heart. Aside from Macey's journey of self discovery, her relationship with Sean is more than just childhood friends, it is growing into something mature and strong - if only they communicate and put in the effort!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Hell's Most Incompetent Demon (Supernatural Suckers, #1)]]> 228208929 Hell's most incompetent demon meets Earth's most hopeless romantic.

All Ethan wanted was someone who could help him find love—or at least someone to pop his cherry. A spell from an odd book he found at the library promised him a wish from Cupid. Sure, some of the ingredients weren't easy to get, but he could improvise. Was there really that much difference between dried laurel leaves and coriander?

He never meant to summon a demon.

Malphas hasn't been to Earth in a hundred years, not since he accidentally created a massively successful support group for gamblers and saved hundreds of souls from damnation. As punishment, he's stuck in Hell's archives filing dusty prophecies because his boss is convinced he's incapable of being properly evil.

When Ethan's summoning yanks him topside, he sees his chance to prove himself. He'll make a deal with the human—and collect that blindingly bright soul.

All he has to do is to help Ethan get together with his crush.

What could possibly go wrong?

Low angst, high comedy m/m romance. HEA guaranteed, no break-ups, no cheating. ]]> 268 Silvana Falcon Ellie 4
Ethan is a shy librarian. He has a massive crush on one of his fellow librarians, but is painfully shy about even approaching a man for a date. Getting a crazy idea, he decides to summon a cupid so that he can get a love spell. Instead, he, kind of, on accident, ends up with a Demon. Malphas is a joke to his fellow demonic bosses. He is a terrible demon, mostly because there is a kindness in him that makes him want to help his clients instead of pushing to reap their souls.

Ethan and Mal are basically two sides of the same coin, and are unbelievably cute. This book is just so sweet, it's basically a warm hug. While hell does cause a bit of drama, the bigger drama is Ethan and Mal dancing around each other and their mutual attraction.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.12 2025 Hell's Most Incompetent Demon (Supernatural Suckers, #1)
author: Silvana Falcon
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Hell's Most Incompetent Demon is a MM paranormal romance by Silvana Falcon, and is the first book of the Supernatural Suckers series. Falcon is also a new to me author, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but going by how much I enjoyed Ethan and Mal's story, I am looking forward to more, particularly in this series.

Ethan is a shy librarian. He has a massive crush on one of his fellow librarians, but is painfully shy about even approaching a man for a date. Getting a crazy idea, he decides to summon a cupid so that he can get a love spell. Instead, he, kind of, on accident, ends up with a Demon. Malphas is a joke to his fellow demonic bosses. He is a terrible demon, mostly because there is a kindness in him that makes him want to help his clients instead of pushing to reap their souls.

Ethan and Mal are basically two sides of the same coin, and are unbelievably cute. This book is just so sweet, it's basically a warm hug. While hell does cause a bit of drama, the bigger drama is Ethan and Mal dancing around each other and their mutual attraction.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Secret Baby For The Off-Limits Alpha]]> 228723755 If only I hadn’t touched my dad’s most trusted man�
I wouldn’t be pregnant with his child.

One reckless night.
One forbidden man.
And now—I’m carrying his baby.

Ben was off-limits. My father’s right-hand. Ten years older.
But that didn’t stop me.
I gave him everything. My first time. My heart.

The next morning?
He called it a mistake.

So, I vanished.
New country. New life.
And a secret I never planned to reveal.

Three years later, fate throws us back together.
The tension? Still explosive.
But this time, I’m not the same girl he left behind.]]> 254 Amelia Perry Ellie 4
When I see the word alpha, I always think of paranormal type romances and pack leaders, but I assure you, this is a straight up contemporary romance with a red hot alpha male.

The set up for the story is in the blurb, so I'm not giving away spoilers. Sophie is the highly intelligent and adored daughter of a big CEO - despite losing her mother, her father has shown her all the love and support she needed. That was true when she moved to Paris for work and when she discovered she was pregnant. Problem is, her father doesn't know that Sophie's daughter is the result of a one night stand with his protege, Ben.

This is a fun and easy story. There's a bit of drama, a bit of angst, a splash of what appears to be unrequited love, and a whole heap of chemistry. I really love the family building aspects of this story, it made for a very heart warming experience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.25 Secret Baby For The Off-Limits Alpha
author: Amelia Perry
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
Secret Baby for the Off-Limits Alpha is a smoking hot contemporary romance by Amelia Perry.

When I see the word alpha, I always think of paranormal type romances and pack leaders, but I assure you, this is a straight up contemporary romance with a red hot alpha male.

The set up for the story is in the blurb, so I'm not giving away spoilers. Sophie is the highly intelligent and adored daughter of a big CEO - despite losing her mother, her father has shown her all the love and support she needed. That was true when she moved to Paris for work and when she discovered she was pregnant. Problem is, her father doesn't know that Sophie's daughter is the result of a one night stand with his protege, Ben.

This is a fun and easy story. There's a bit of drama, a bit of angst, a splash of what appears to be unrequited love, and a whole heap of chemistry. I really love the family building aspects of this story, it made for a very heart warming experience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Dressmaker's Secret Earl (Double-Dilemma, #1)]]> 227897991 A marriage of convenience to a scoundrel? Not if Augusta can help it.

The impoverished daughter of a baronet, Augusta has no intention of being bartered away like a prize horse. Instead, she flees to London, determined to forge her own path as a modiste.

But fate has other plans. On her very first day in the city, she crosses paths with a brooding earl—one burdened with a clubfoot and a reputation nearly as scandalous as the proposal she ran from. His captivating sister, Mariana, is not only Augusta’s employer’s best client but harbors a secret ambition of her to marry the one man society deems wholly unsuitable.

Drawn into Mariana’s reckless schemes of masquerades, cross-dressing, and Whig intrigue, Augusta soon finds herself entangled in more than just scandal—she’s losing her heart to a man who embodies everything she swore to escape.

But the earl has secrets of his own. Is he truly the rogue society believes him to be?

And when Augusta’s past comes calling, will her newfound independence—and her heart—survive?]]> 332 Susanne Dunlap 1734919183 Ellie 4
In some ways this is quite a gentle romance. In other ways, it's a fun romp with a bit of intrigue and cunning.

Miss Augusta Hastings is the orphaned daughter of a penniless baronet. Her aunt, who has become her guardian, has arranged a marriage to a very odious man, and so Augusta is forced to make plans to save herself, and somehow make her own way in life. That's how she runs to London. And whether the author has decided it was fate or not, our heroine is now being thrown into the path of the Earl of Bridlington, Lord George.

Bridlington is something of a knight in shining armour in this story, he is also the long suffering brother of Lady Mariana, who keeps brining Augusta into his home. George hasn't got any plans to marry, despite what his family wants, but his curiosity is piqued by a seamstress that appears to be very much a lady, and possesses a name that furthers his suspicions about Augusta's true identity.

This is a charming adventure, mostly fueled by the mischievous Lady Mariana, that slowly has George and Augusta unravelling each other, and allowing affection and love to take hold.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.29 The Dressmaker's Secret Earl (Double-Dilemma, #1)
author: Susanne Dunlap
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves:
review:
The Dressmaker's Secret Earl is a historical romance by Susanne Dunlap, set in Regency Era England, and is the first book of the Double-Dilemma Romance series.

In some ways this is quite a gentle romance. In other ways, it's a fun romp with a bit of intrigue and cunning.

Miss Augusta Hastings is the orphaned daughter of a penniless baronet. Her aunt, who has become her guardian, has arranged a marriage to a very odious man, and so Augusta is forced to make plans to save herself, and somehow make her own way in life. That's how she runs to London. And whether the author has decided it was fate or not, our heroine is now being thrown into the path of the Earl of Bridlington, Lord George.

Bridlington is something of a knight in shining armour in this story, he is also the long suffering brother of Lady Mariana, who keeps brining Augusta into his home. George hasn't got any plans to marry, despite what his family wants, but his curiosity is piqued by a seamstress that appears to be very much a lady, and possesses a name that furthers his suspicions about Augusta's true identity.

This is a charming adventure, mostly fueled by the mischievous Lady Mariana, that slowly has George and Augusta unravelling each other, and allowing affection and love to take hold.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[A Sprinkle of Sugar (Salty Creek Book 1)]]> 228695830
I'm an admitted introvert, definitely not a people person, but when it looked like I wouldn't be able to stretch the money from the insurance policy my aunt left me through college graduation, I chose the typical solution and got a roommate. But after I catch him trying to rob me, I'm at a loss. I don't want to take a chance on another roommate, but what else can I do? My best friend recommends a sugar daddy, but is that really a better option? Is some old geezer dependent on a little blue pill chasing me around the solution to my dilemma? He insists they aren't all like that, so I give it a shot. Turns out, he was right. They aren't. Some sugar daddies are yummy. But he might murder me if he finds out who my sugar daddy is.
When I overhear my son and his best friend talking about a website where young adults can find the sugar daddy of their dreams, I'm horrified... and determined to save Oliver from my son's well-meant bad idea. My solution? I'll become Oliver's sugar daddy. My intentions are pure when I sign up on the website and reach out to Oliver, but the temptation of forbidden fruit just might do me in, in the end. Can I resist falling for Oliver?
A best friend's father forbidden love m/m romance.]]> 156 Avery Adams Ellie 4
Oliver is desperate. He needs a roommate to keep his apartment while he gets his way though college. Instead, his best friend, Mason, suggests he signs up to an app to find a sugar daddy, who would be more than happy to help. Liam, who isn't totally out of the closet since his divorce ten years earlier, didn't like the idea of Oliver finding a sugar daddy that could possibly take advantage of him. And so, Liam goes all in, and becomes Oliver's sugar daddy.

This is a sexy but romance. There is an element of instalove, and for those that don't like 20+ year age gaps and the whole best friend's father dynamic - you've been warned.

In some ways, Oliver and Liam heal each other, and help each other to be their authentic selves. This was one aspect of their relationship that I liked the most.

I am really looking forward to the second book in this series, which is the story of Mason - Liam's son and Oliver's best friend. He has so much character growth to go through and I am here for it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.50 A Sprinkle of Sugar (Salty Creek Book 1)
author: Avery Adams
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves:
review:
A Sprinkle of Sugar is the first book of Avery Adams contemporary MM romance series, Salty Creek. This is a age-gap, best friend's dad/son's best friend romance, with just a hint of a sugar baby/sugar daddy dynamic.

Oliver is desperate. He needs a roommate to keep his apartment while he gets his way though college. Instead, his best friend, Mason, suggests he signs up to an app to find a sugar daddy, who would be more than happy to help. Liam, who isn't totally out of the closet since his divorce ten years earlier, didn't like the idea of Oliver finding a sugar daddy that could possibly take advantage of him. And so, Liam goes all in, and becomes Oliver's sugar daddy.

This is a sexy but romance. There is an element of instalove, and for those that don't like 20+ year age gaps and the whole best friend's father dynamic - you've been warned.

In some ways, Oliver and Liam heal each other, and help each other to be their authentic selves. This was one aspect of their relationship that I liked the most.

I am really looking forward to the second book in this series, which is the story of Mason - Liam's son and Oliver's best friend. He has so much character growth to go through and I am here for it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Entangled by the Alien Mercenary (Monster Mercenary Mates #4)]]> 224035035 Out from under my brother’s thumb, I want only one survive. Falling for my green protector? Definitely not part of the plan.

Elyssa
I’ve spent my life under my brother’s iron control. When I finally escape, my goal is deliver the data I stole to the one person I can trust. But fate has other ideas.

An explosion leaves me stranded and surrounded by my brother’s vengeful gang. Desperate, I have no choice but to trust the last male I should—a green-skinned, feral warrior who’s as deadly as he is tempting. Tass claims he’s here to protect me, but the look in his eyes says something far more he wants to claim me.

Tasseloris
I’ve got something to prove. As the newbie on the crew—and the one everyone mocks for my green hue—I’m determined to show I’m more than capable. When I’m sent to retrieve a contact carrying vital intel, I know this is my chance.

Then I meet Elyssa.

She’s beautiful, fierce, and entirely mine. Protecting her is no longer a mission—it’s my purpose. To keep her safe, I’ll take on her enemies, beg for help from those who once cast me out, and even harness the powers I’ve long feared to use.

When she’s ripped from my arms, nothing in the universe will stop me from getting her back. Not even fate itself.

This is book four in the Monster Mercenary Mates series. This sci-fi monster romance features one outcast green-skinned warrior with secret powers, a not-so-damsel on the run with trust issues, and a steamy HEA.]]> 243 Robin O'Connor Ellie 5
Tass, short for Tasseloris, is a mercenary with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. As one of the newest members of the alien mercenary crew, he feels the need to prove himself as an equal. He also feels that chip on his shoulder with his connection to nature and his strange, even to alien standards, green skin. He's an interesting mix of uncertainty, sweetness, and pure strength and determination. He's an intriguing alpha male character, who I completely fell in love with. He's certainly where he belongs and fits in, but there is an inner purity that is just wonderful and just what his mate needs.

Elyssa is in danger, but she has gained some important information that she needs to pass on and somehow get out of her homelands alive. She has the strength, determination and grit that is equal to Tass. They definitely don't get along straightaway, but their circumstances makes them work together in such a way that we get a wonderful character development, a great emotional connection and a love that feels genuine outside of the mating bond.

I really enjoy this series and look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.72 Entangled by the Alien Mercenary (Monster Mercenary Mates #4)
author: Robin O'Connor
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.72
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves:
review:
Entangled by the Alien Mercenary is a standalone sci fi romance by Robin O'Connor, and is the fourth book of the Monster Mercenary Mates series.

Tass, short for Tasseloris, is a mercenary with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. As one of the newest members of the alien mercenary crew, he feels the need to prove himself as an equal. He also feels that chip on his shoulder with his connection to nature and his strange, even to alien standards, green skin. He's an interesting mix of uncertainty, sweetness, and pure strength and determination. He's an intriguing alpha male character, who I completely fell in love with. He's certainly where he belongs and fits in, but there is an inner purity that is just wonderful and just what his mate needs.

Elyssa is in danger, but she has gained some important information that she needs to pass on and somehow get out of her homelands alive. She has the strength, determination and grit that is equal to Tass. They definitely don't get along straightaway, but their circumstances makes them work together in such a way that we get a wonderful character development, a great emotional connection and a love that feels genuine outside of the mating bond.

I really enjoy this series and look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Flirting With Fire (Charming Butte, #1)]]> 219274799 A smokin� hot firefighter. A handsome, lonely rancher. Can these frenemies turn a cosmic misunderstanding into undying love?

Dex
It was supposed to be my typical peaceful morning horse ride followed by a clandestine cruller, cup of Joe at the Flying Saucer, and the day-in-day-out routine of ranching. Instead, my world explodes like an alien abduction gone wrong when my high school crush has the nerve to cross my path. Too bad he’s even hotter than he was when he broke my heart ten years ago.

Meyer
I dropped everything in Chicago to start over as assistant fire chief in my hometown of Charming Butte. Of all the people to run into when my old Chevy breaks down is the one guy who inexplicably hates me. Now, I get to make my triumphant return to town on the back of his horse. But with my arms wrapped around his solid frame, I wonder if I can make him forget our past in favor of a future together.

Flirting With Fire is the first book in the sweet and spicy romance series set in the quirky small town of Charming Butte, where swoony men in uniform discover their forever after. One click now and find your next book boyfriends in this funny and heartwarming romance!
]]> 201 Sue Brown Ellie 5
This is almost a second chance romance, where old school friends with plenty of unspoken misunderstandings between them, are brought back together again after years apart. Dex is a cowboy who stayed in his small town, knowing that it would drastically reduce his chances of hooking up with a guy, for fun or for something more. His old friend and crush, Meyer, is moving back to town to be closer to his mother and to take up the position of assistant fire chief.

I really enjoyed the themes of childhood misunderstandings and old friends finding love together. This is a really sweet romance in the perfect mountain setting. Both men are extremely likable and easy to connect to, which made it easier to relate to their misunderstanding/miscommunication during childhood that soured at least Dex's opinion on Meyer.

I absolutely fell in love with Dex and Meyer, and I can't wait to find out what is happening next in the charming town of Charming Butt.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.13 Flirting With Fire (Charming Butte, #1)
author: Sue Brown
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves:
review:
Flirting With Fire is the first book of the Charming Butte series by Sue Brown and Morticia Knight. This is a contemporary MM romance, set in a small mountain town, bringing together a firefighter and a cowboy.

This is almost a second chance romance, where old school friends with plenty of unspoken misunderstandings between them, are brought back together again after years apart. Dex is a cowboy who stayed in his small town, knowing that it would drastically reduce his chances of hooking up with a guy, for fun or for something more. His old friend and crush, Meyer, is moving back to town to be closer to his mother and to take up the position of assistant fire chief.

I really enjoyed the themes of childhood misunderstandings and old friends finding love together. This is a really sweet romance in the perfect mountain setting. Both men are extremely likable and easy to connect to, which made it easier to relate to their misunderstanding/miscommunication during childhood that soured at least Dex's opinion on Meyer.

I absolutely fell in love with Dex and Meyer, and I can't wait to find out what is happening next in the charming town of Charming Butt.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Ezra the Billionaire: A Curvy Girl/Mountain Man Romance (Suitor's Crossing: The Caldwells Book 2)]]> 224104868 He's the grumpy billionaire managing his family's resort.

She's a curvy songwriter running from the spotlight.

When Ezra offers Lauren a safe haven from her cheating ex-boyfriend and rude gossips, it's only a matter of time before heart sparks work their magic again in Suitor's Crossing!

Ezra the Billionaire features a plus-size heroine and a protective hero in this short, steamy romance!

The Caldwell Family is a staple in Suitor's Crossing, a small town known for its legend of love called heart sparks. Follow these five siblings as they find love in unexpected places!]]> Hallie Bennett Ellie 5
This is a super sweet and high heat, instalove romance between Ezra Caldwell, the titular billionaire, and songwriter Lauren, who has had her heartbroken on a reality show. This is one wild but really heartwarming ride, a well rounded story that left me with warm, fuzzy feelings. I loved both Lauren and Ezra, and for the short length, they had the perfect intense type of chemistry needed to make the story believable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.65 Ezra the Billionaire: A Curvy Girl/Mountain Man Romance (Suitor's Crossing: The Caldwells Book 2)
author: Hallie Bennett
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.65
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves:
review:
Ezra the Billionaire is a short story by Hallie Bennet, which is the second installment of the Suitor's Crossing: The Caldwells series.

This is a super sweet and high heat, instalove romance between Ezra Caldwell, the titular billionaire, and songwriter Lauren, who has had her heartbroken on a reality show. This is one wild but really heartwarming ride, a well rounded story that left me with warm, fuzzy feelings. I loved both Lauren and Ezra, and for the short length, they had the perfect intense type of chemistry needed to make the story believable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[My Perfect Surprise: A Billionaire, Hidden Identity, Small Town Romance (Wynters Bliss Book 1)]]> 228493654 This is the first time hiding my identity might lead to more than closing the deal. It could lead to love.

One week in Bliss Haven. That was all I thought I needed to meet the owners of Bliss Creamery and give my life back home time to settle down. I let my assistant pretend to me so I could stay in the shadows and get to know the company without them knowing I was the CEO, but when Hailey Wynters walked into the conference room, I knew I was in trouble. She’s strong-willed, gorgeous, and driving me crazy.

The more time I spend with her the more I want her. But to have a chance with her I’d have to reveal my hidden identity. When I admit the truth to her will she understand, or will my deceit cost me not only our business deal? Will it also cost me the love of my life?

My Perfect Surprise is part of the Wynters Bliss series. It is a small town, billionaire, business colleagues, Instalove, hidden identity, he falls first romance set in the Bliss Haven Wynters Series filled with great banter and memorable characters. As always, you can expect no cheating, open-door loving, and a happy ending for our lovely couple.]]> 132 T L Russ Ellie 5
The story brings together Hailey Wynter, who works hard in the corporate office of her family's international ice cream empire. They are currently doing a deal with another international company, whose CEO is Parker Harmon, who wants to meet the people he's doing a deal with. But his habit is usually to have his assistant to switch places with him so Parker can gather even more insights.

This is a high heat, high energy, instalove - the chemistry between Hailey and Parker is smoking hot. However, there is a pesky thing that is the major multi million dollar deal that they are making that gets in the way of giving into this chemistry, at least at first.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.64 My Perfect Surprise: A Billionaire, Hidden Identity, Small Town Romance (Wynters Bliss Book 1)
author: T L Russ
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.64
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves:
review:
My Perfect Surprise is a small town contemporary romance by TL Russ, and is part of the Wynters Bliss series. This follows the Wynters siblings as they find love, this is the second but works fine as a standalone. There is enough information about the FMC's brother and his girlfriend to get the gist of things.

The story brings together Hailey Wynter, who works hard in the corporate office of her family's international ice cream empire. They are currently doing a deal with another international company, whose CEO is Parker Harmon, who wants to meet the people he's doing a deal with. But his habit is usually to have his assistant to switch places with him so Parker can gather even more insights.

This is a high heat, high energy, instalove - the chemistry between Hailey and Parker is smoking hot. However, there is a pesky thing that is the major multi million dollar deal that they are making that gets in the way of giving into this chemistry, at least at first.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Wrong Number, Right Lion (Dial M For Mates #4)]]> 221513525 Sometimes the wrong number is the exact one you need.

When my favorite tree is hit by lightning and falls on my house, I remove it from my favorite list. Now my roof is leaking and there aren’t enough buckets and bowls to catch all the water. I call my cousin’s handyman, and leave a message. Please let them work weekends.

When an alpha shows up at my door saying I phoned them, I’m confused. They don’t know my cousin and aren’t even a handyman. When they show me their phone, I discover my I misdialed.

He offers to stay, to help me with the job at hand. If the house was the only job I wanted from him.

Wrong Number, Right Lion is a sweet with knotty heat MM Mpreg romance featuring an omega who nearly loses their home, the alpha lion who roars in to save the day, the wrong number that brings the two together, a dog who decides he likes cats after all, true love, fated mates, an adorable baby, and a happy ever after. If you love your alphas hot, your omegas strong, and your mpreg with heart, download your copy today.


]]> 160 Lorelei M. Hart Ellie 5
Wrong Number, Right Lion brings together human omega, Arlo, and lion shifter alpha, Kalen. Arlo thinks he's calling a local handyman, when he actually gets Kalen, a maths professor. However, despite the mix up Kalen decides that he will simply, because the guy who left a message seemed desperate. And as fate would have, they are mates.

This is a super sweet story, the characters are both down to earth (despite their paranormal setting) and have a genuine kindness and gentleness about them. Though to put it simply, I love just about anything these authors do.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.37 Wrong Number, Right Lion (Dial M For Mates #4)
author: Lorelei M. Hart
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.37
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves:
review:
Wrong Number, Right Lion is a standalone paranormal romance by my favourite writing team (especially in MM) Lorelei M Hart and Colbie Dunbar. This is the fourth book in the Wrong Number series, and is an MM omegaverse story that brings together an alpha/omega couple and also gives us cute babies.

Wrong Number, Right Lion brings together human omega, Arlo, and lion shifter alpha, Kalen. Arlo thinks he's calling a local handyman, when he actually gets Kalen, a maths professor. However, despite the mix up Kalen decides that he will simply, because the guy who left a message seemed desperate. And as fate would have, they are mates.

This is a super sweet story, the characters are both down to earth (despite their paranormal setting) and have a genuine kindness and gentleness about them. Though to put it simply, I love just about anything these authors do.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Hidden Heir (Mafia Lords of Sin #6)]]> 226909820 But when the Irish mafia kicks down my door at midnight,
I learn my brother's addiction has a price $750,000.

Pay up or watch my daughter die.

There's only one man who can save us.
The same man who took me raw and left me breathless four years ago.
The same man whose daughter I've been hiding. Leontiy Koval.
The most feared Bratva boss in New York.
Ruthless. Commanding. Eighteen years my senior.

I still remember how his hands felt on my body.
How he commanded me to submit.
How I begged for more.

But what I didn't know then was that those same hands torture people for a living.

Now my flower shop is ashes.
My babysitter's throat has been slit.
And Leon's dark eyes still make me wet, even as they promise violence to anyone who threatens what's his.

He offers me a be his forever, and he'll make my problems disappear.
What he doesn't know is that our daughter has his eyes.
What I don't know is that his family business trades in human flesh.

When my brother sells us out to save his own skin,
We end up chained in a basement, bleeding and broken.
And I realize too late—the only chance we have to survive Is the truth I've been desperate to hide.

"She's yours, Leon. Our daughter is yours."

Now he's ready to paint New York red with Irish blood.
And God help me, there's nothing more intoxicating than watching a dangerous man kill for his family.
For us.
]]> 281 Ajme Williams Ellie 4
This book comes with a massive content warning, which makes sense if you're looking for a gritty mafia story, but this a violent mafia that deals with human trafficking. It may be a bit on the nose to people, along with talk of drugs and guns, but as I said, makes it feel more legit.

This story starts with danger when Brooke, a single mother and a florist, is threatened by the mafia thugs who are after her drug addicted brother. Her one night stand may have given her a daughter, but it also gives her an opportunity to try and save her brother, as well as saving herself and her daughter from being dragged into the mess.

As I said, this is a dark romance. I can't emphasise that enough. There is also a lot of drama. That means as Brooke gets to know more of Leon's world, she is frightened by what she sees. However, meeting Brooke again and meeting his daughter, has Leon thinking about things that he hadn't given thought to since he was a child. Despite being a ruthless mafia boss, he has a really pleasing development as we make our way through everything.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.08 Hidden Heir (Mafia Lords of Sin #6)
author: Ajme Williams
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/05
date added: 2025/03/05
shelves:
review:
Hidden Heir is a dark mafia romance by Ajme Williams, and is part of the Mafia Lords of Sin.

This book comes with a massive content warning, which makes sense if you're looking for a gritty mafia story, but this a violent mafia that deals with human trafficking. It may be a bit on the nose to people, along with talk of drugs and guns, but as I said, makes it feel more legit.

This story starts with danger when Brooke, a single mother and a florist, is threatened by the mafia thugs who are after her drug addicted brother. Her one night stand may have given her a daughter, but it also gives her an opportunity to try and save her brother, as well as saving herself and her daughter from being dragged into the mess.

As I said, this is a dark romance. I can't emphasise that enough. There is also a lot of drama. That means as Brooke gets to know more of Leon's world, she is frightened by what she sees. However, meeting Brooke again and meeting his daughter, has Leon thinking about things that he hadn't given thought to since he was a child. Despite being a ruthless mafia boss, he has a really pleasing development as we make our way through everything.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Snatched By Her Alien Rogue (Lady Scientists of Earth Book 3)]]> 210373265 97 Lola Blix Ellie 4
This is a fun story with a bit of a dangerous vibe. Rotten is the alien rogue, who seems to be halfheartedly trying his hand at being - he kinda sucks at communication in a quirky sort of way, but his heart is in the right place, especially when it comes to Elana, one of the lady scientists. Rotten and his crew rescue Elana from the station she was on which was attacked.

These guys have instant chemistry - there is definitely a big instalove theme to this series - but there's a lot to figure out, starting with getting Elana back to the rest of the survivors and pulling together the clues of the mystery surrounding the attack. For me Rotten is the star, is a bit of an enigma that Elana has to unwrap. I really enjoyed getting to know both Rotten and Elana, but I need to know what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.55 Snatched By Her Alien Rogue (Lady Scientists of Earth Book 3)
author: Lola Blix
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.55
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/04
date added: 2025/03/04
shelves:
review:
Snatched by Her Alien Rogue is the third book of Lola Blix's series Lady Scientists of Earth. I would recommend reading this series in order. There is a bit of set up with the intergalactic reality show featuring "The Lady Scientists" and there is an ongoing storyline that is happening while all the ladies find love with their various aliens.

This is a fun story with a bit of a dangerous vibe. Rotten is the alien rogue, who seems to be halfheartedly trying his hand at being - he kinda sucks at communication in a quirky sort of way, but his heart is in the right place, especially when it comes to Elana, one of the lady scientists. Rotten and his crew rescue Elana from the station she was on which was attacked.

These guys have instant chemistry - there is definitely a big instalove theme to this series - but there's a lot to figure out, starting with getting Elana back to the rest of the survivors and pulling together the clues of the mystery surrounding the attack. For me Rotten is the star, is a bit of an enigma that Elana has to unwrap. I really enjoyed getting to know both Rotten and Elana, but I need to know what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> Owned (Year of the Snake, #5) 223235783 Riku “The Serpent� Watanabe is the grumpiest, most intense man I’ve ever met. He’s dangerous, deadly, and completely irresistible.
When a priceless jade pendant is stolen during the Watanabe family’s Chinese New Year celebration, I find myself caught in the chaos—and in Riku’s arms.
Now he says I’m his to protect. His to claim. His to keep.
And when a Yakuza decides you’re his, there’s no turning back…]]> 83 Imani Jay Ellie 4
This is over the top, instalove type of romance that is incredibly sexy and spicy. If you're a person that likes to see some character development before we get to the spice and the love, this is not the book for you. For those looking for a sexy and satisfying quick(ish) read, with a dash of Yakuza (and Mafia) connections, this is a pretty good read.

Riku, the Yakuza enforcer, is dark and possessive, but once he lays eyes on Maryam, he knows that she belongs to him.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.32 Owned (Year of the Snake, #5)
author: Imani Jay
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:
Owned is a standalone novella by Imani Jay, which has been published as part of the multiauthor collection, The Year of the Snake Collection.

This is over the top, instalove type of romance that is incredibly sexy and spicy. If you're a person that likes to see some character development before we get to the spice and the love, this is not the book for you. For those looking for a sexy and satisfying quick(ish) read, with a dash of Yakuza (and Mafia) connections, this is a pretty good read.

Riku, the Yakuza enforcer, is dark and possessive, but once he lays eyes on Maryam, he knows that she belongs to him.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[My Viscount's Secret Baby: A Friends to lovers Marriage of Convenience Clean Regency Romance]]> 228247683 I once believed my heart belonged to only one man—James, my beloved fiancé, taken by war before we could share a future. His love was a promise, his child a secret I carried alone.

But secrets have a way of unraveling, and when Viscount Thomas Harcourt—my steadfast friend and next-door neighbor—discovered the truth, he offered me a way marriage. Not for love, but for protection, for the child who should not suffer for my grief.

Thomas has always been kind, noble, and patient. I never saw him as anything but a friend� until I did. Until his quiet strength became my refuge. Until his tender devotion made me question everything I thought I knew about love.

Now, with whispers of scandal behind us and a future before us, one question Can I let go of the past and embrace the man who has always been by my side?

For love is all that matters�if my love is true.

**The title of this story may lead you to believe that perhaps the Viscount is a rake, but he is quite the opposite. I hope you fall in love with him just like many readers already have.**

Here are a couple of reviews found on other

What a beautiful love story! (5 stars from Reb100)Kristina Earl’s most romantic story yet! It is not just a romance; it is truly a love story. So different from the usual Regency romance! It contains a lovely, deep, almost dark, yet romantic mood. There was such horrible gossip around them, and I love how Thomas defended her. That is what you a man who will stand his ground in honor of his wife, no matter what. I love the stance they take about honesty and how that turns out and truly nurtures their relationship. This is not so much about falling in love as it is about developing and nurturing real love, married love. It’s beautiful. Unlike many romances, you ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t put the book down because you just have to find out what happens. This one is an experience! You can savor and enjoy it. I highly recommend it! P.S. Where can I find me a Thomas?

The power of unconditional love (5 stars bt jcb)

This is an extremely emotional story wherein the purity of love prevails. Viscount Thomas Harcourt had been in love with Charlotte since they were childhood friends. At the age of five, he developed a stutter and suffered teasing and torment ever since. Because he had difficulty expressing himself verbally, Thomas adored Charlotte from afar, wishing he could be more than just her friend, but his inability to use his words and his feeling of inadequacy for in his way. Then Charlotte fell passionately in love with Captain James Holloway, who promised to marry her upon his return from his mission. He did not return, leaving a devastated Charlotte with a major complication. Thomas came to her rescue and offered her a marriage of convenience, which she reluctantly accepted. What follows is a tale of heartache, guilt, patience, acceptance, and unconditional love. When there was gossip and speculation regarding Charlotte’s pregnancy, Thomas defended her most vehemently, and when snide remarks were made about Thomasâ€� speech impediment, Charlotte did the same. Over and over again, they danced around their feelings. Charlotte was mired in guilt and needed time to sort out her feelings. Several revelations added fuel to the fire, and it took Charlotte quite a while before she surrendered to her love for Thomas. I do not believe I have ever met a more genuine and selfless character than Thomas. He was observant, thoughtful, kind, and oh-so patient. Not many men would gladly accept, love and raise another man’s child as their ownâ€�..but for Thomas, that was an â€of courseâ€�.]]> 490 Kristina Earl Ellie 5
This is such a sweet, unique and gentle romance. I absolutely loved it. As the title suggests, it features a secret baby, with a strong friends to lovers romance, as well as a FMC who is dealing with grief.

Lady Charlotte Whitmore, our FMC, starts the book with her world shattered. Her fiance - a naval captain - has died while serving on a ship sailing to America, and to make matters more uncertain, she is pregnant with his baby. Lord Thomas, the Viscount of Harcourt is Charlotte's best friend. Their families were neighbours and as such grew up together, and even now that they are adults they have a close bond. Thomas will do anything to help Charlotte, and so he proposes a marriage of convenience, and will claim her child as his own. All this will avoid a scandal, beyond the gossip of their hasty marriage.

Thomas is just... everything. He is wonderfully, well, everything. A proper knight in shining armour, he has a big heart, a gentle soul and will do anything to help Charlotte. Their friendship is something special and sweet, it is clear that these two have chemistry, but it has never been explored. Part of the reason is because Thomas is an introvert, his stutter has made him quite shy in public.

And while I was too busy swooning over how much I adore Thomas, I find Charlotte an incredibly likable woman. She is strong and resilient. Her circumstances have really brought out her strength, and I loved how much this strength had such as positive impact on Thomas. Charlotte is one of those heroines that aims to be her own hero, but with the right kind of friendship and care, she begins to heal and open her heart to something more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.69 My Viscount's Secret Baby: A Friends to lovers Marriage of Convenience Clean Regency Romance
author: Kristina Earl
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.69
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:
My Viscount's Secret Baby is a standalone historical romance by Kristina Earl set in the English Regency era.

This is such a sweet, unique and gentle romance. I absolutely loved it. As the title suggests, it features a secret baby, with a strong friends to lovers romance, as well as a FMC who is dealing with grief.

Lady Charlotte Whitmore, our FMC, starts the book with her world shattered. Her fiance - a naval captain - has died while serving on a ship sailing to America, and to make matters more uncertain, she is pregnant with his baby. Lord Thomas, the Viscount of Harcourt is Charlotte's best friend. Their families were neighbours and as such grew up together, and even now that they are adults they have a close bond. Thomas will do anything to help Charlotte, and so he proposes a marriage of convenience, and will claim her child as his own. All this will avoid a scandal, beyond the gossip of their hasty marriage.

Thomas is just... everything. He is wonderfully, well, everything. A proper knight in shining armour, he has a big heart, a gentle soul and will do anything to help Charlotte. Their friendship is something special and sweet, it is clear that these two have chemistry, but it has never been explored. Part of the reason is because Thomas is an introvert, his stutter has made him quite shy in public.

And while I was too busy swooning over how much I adore Thomas, I find Charlotte an incredibly likable woman. She is strong and resilient. Her circumstances have really brought out her strength, and I loved how much this strength had such as positive impact on Thomas. Charlotte is one of those heroines that aims to be her own hero, but with the right kind of friendship and care, she begins to heal and open her heart to something more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Merry Christmas Cupid (Hartbridge Christmas, #3)]]> 63365239
Clay Henderson runs the local sawmill with his dad, and it’s the busiest time of year. Firewood and Christmas trees are in high demand, and a delivery of firewood to the old house on Cedar Bark Road leaves him curious about the new man in town.

Clay has never had time for romance and Gunter certainly isn’t looking, but Hartbridge has a way of working its Christmas magic; the jingle of Christmas bells, snow, and love are ringing in the air. And Gunter and Clay are about to get the best Christmas gift they never asked for.]]> 266 N.R. Walker Ellie 5 4.24 2022 Merry Christmas Cupid (Hartbridge Christmas, #3)
author: N.R. Walker
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tic-Tac-Mistletoe (Hartbridge Christmas, #1)]]> 55878628
Ren Brooks has always called Hartbridge, Montana, and his family hardware store, home. After a few failed attempts at love, he’s resigned to being single forever—after all, no guy wants to stay in his sleepy little town for long. And after his dad’s passing earlier in the year, Ren’s Christmas is looking bleak. But when a car runs off the road in front of his property, Ren pulls the driver out and takes him home to get out of the cold.

With the storm and the holidays leaving Hamish with nowhere else to go, Ren kindly offers a place to stay. Hamish is certain he’s crashed right into a Hallmark Christmas movie, despite more car delays and road closures and the prospect of not seeing his sister for Christmas. And with help from Hamish, Ren is beginning to feel a little Christmas cheer.

These two unlikely strangers have more in common than they first realise, and after two days of Christmas decorations, cookies, and non-stop conversation, it looks like Christmas might be saved after all.]]> 216 N.R. Walker Ellie 5 4.09 2020 Tic-Tac-Mistletoe (Hartbridge Christmas, #1)
author: N.R. Walker
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Ensnared by the Stone Freak (Twisted Carnival)]]> 228030706 At the Twisted Carnival, the â€Stone Freakâ€� can turn anyone to stone—but when he meets her, she’s the one who stops him in his tracks.

Camryn
Being called the â€Ice Queenâ€� stings, but after my ex shattered my trust, keeping my distance feels safer. When my best friend drags me to the Twisted Carnival, I expect a night of cheap thrills—not a collision with the impossible.

The moment I meet the Stone Freak’s gaze in the middle of the ring, my world tilts. Heat ignites, shattering the walls I built. Halvard is powerful, mesmerizing� dangerous. But for the first time in forever, I want to take a risk.

Forget contracts and a stalker ex—I’m about to embark on the wildest adventure of my life. And it begins with him.

Halvard
My gift was once a blessing. Now it’s a curse. My gaze turns flesh to stone, making me a monster in the eyes of the world. The Twisted Carnival is the only place I belong—until a Seer’s prophecy changes everything.

Then I see her. Camryn. My mate. And suddenly, nothing else matters.

I will seduce her. I will claim her. I will show her that a life with a Stone Freak is the greatest adventure of all.

But when her past comes hunting, I’ll do more than fight—I’ll unleash the beast within. No warlock, no shadow, no force in this world will take her from me.

Let them try.

This standalone novella is part of the multi-author Twisted Carnival series. It features a passionate half-gargoyle, half-basilisk 'Stone Freak,' a pet boar named Hogzy, a lawyer with a stalker, and a guaranteed steamy HEA.]]> 73 Vala Stone Ellie 5
This was a fun read, although the setting of a carnival filled with paranormal beings as the show gives it a gritty, darker feel. This is an over the top, instalove, fated mate kind of situation, which will please many who can't resist a paranormal being finding their destined mate. There's a bit of spice, but mostly this is about Halvard (the half gargoyle, half basilisk who feels that his gifts are actually a curse) and Camryn (a human lawyer who isn't satisfied with her lot in life).

I really enjoyed getting to know both Halvard and Camryn, on the outside they seem mismatched, but as we get to know the characters (and we see the lust and mating give way to more), we do find out that this unlikely pair have more in common than just fate.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.18 2025 Ensnared by the Stone Freak (Twisted Carnival)
author: Vala Stone
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:
Ensnared by the Stone Freak is a standalone paranormal romance by Vala Stone, and is part of the Twisted Carnival series.

This was a fun read, although the setting of a carnival filled with paranormal beings as the show gives it a gritty, darker feel. This is an over the top, instalove, fated mate kind of situation, which will please many who can't resist a paranormal being finding their destined mate. There's a bit of spice, but mostly this is about Halvard (the half gargoyle, half basilisk who feels that his gifts are actually a curse) and Camryn (a human lawyer who isn't satisfied with her lot in life).

I really enjoyed getting to know both Halvard and Camryn, on the outside they seem mismatched, but as we get to know the characters (and we see the lust and mating give way to more), we do find out that this unlikely pair have more in common than just fate.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Sealed With A Kiss (GSC In Love #5)]]> 218657661
Milo Mikolov is in dire need of a vacation from the GSC. He has dedicated the last fifteen years of his life to the council, but lately, he has felt like he is missing something. A mate and a baby - things he thought he gave up on when he signed up wo work for the Global Shifter Council. After all, who would have a family when you often face dangerous situations? Aparantly all the agents of GSC if the recent matings are to go off of. Feeling frustrated, Milo decides a change of scenery is exactly what he needs, so when a special project opens up to go provide assistance in training kids at the Training Center, Milo signs up. Maybe this is the thing he was missing.

When Nikolai and Milo’s paths cross and fate shows her hand, will they be able to overcome the challenges before them and embrace the life they could have?

Sealed With A Kiss is the fifth book in the sweet with knotty heat MM shifter mpreg romance GSC in Love. It features a struggling alpha dragon shifter trying to juggle single parenthood, grief, and learning magic, an omega seal shifter frustrated with the way his life has been going but unsure how to change it, and hilarious accidents and obstacles that will either force them apart or pull them closer together. Dive into this story of true love, fated mates, Meggs, nesting, adorable children and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.]]> 88 Katy Manz Ellie 5
Nikolai Survolar is an alpha dragon, we met along with his family at the Survolar training centre. He's a broken man, after the death of his chosen mate giving birth to their daughter. His family want to help him move on, but even when a vision indicates he has a fated mate coming into his life, Nick doesn't want anything to do with it.

Milo Mikolov is a GSC agent and in desperate need for a break before burnout catches up to him. He is also an omega seal shifter. Milo gets sent to the Survolar training centre to give him the break he needs. Milo recognises immediately that Nick is his fated mate, but he can be patient, for the sake his mate and his new stepchild. The kid, though, is ready for her new papa.

Milo is an absolute sweetheart and a rock for Nick. Nick is also sweet, but h is also just a complex bundle of feelings that we need to sort through as the book progresses. This is a story that deals with grief and survivor's guilt, even if the solution to survivor's guilt in the GSC world is far simpler than IRL. There is a gentleness about this story, because although Nick is an alpha, he is quite fragile and it is only the support of his family and his new mate that can help him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.40 Sealed With A Kiss (GSC In Love #5)
author: Katy Manz
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:
Sealed With A Kiss is a paranormal MM romance by Katy Manz and is the fifth book of the GSC in Love. It is set in an omegaverse and therefore also includes m-preg throughout the series. I have been absolutely loving this series and Sealed With A Kiss is no exception. While you don't necessarily need to have read the series, or read it in order, I would recommend doing so, particularly since the next book in the series will bring together various parts of the GSC world.

Nikolai Survolar is an alpha dragon, we met along with his family at the Survolar training centre. He's a broken man, after the death of his chosen mate giving birth to their daughter. His family want to help him move on, but even when a vision indicates he has a fated mate coming into his life, Nick doesn't want anything to do with it.

Milo Mikolov is a GSC agent and in desperate need for a break before burnout catches up to him. He is also an omega seal shifter. Milo gets sent to the Survolar training centre to give him the break he needs. Milo recognises immediately that Nick is his fated mate, but he can be patient, for the sake his mate and his new stepchild. The kid, though, is ready for her new papa.

Milo is an absolute sweetheart and a rock for Nick. Nick is also sweet, but h is also just a complex bundle of feelings that we need to sort through as the book progresses. This is a story that deals with grief and survivor's guilt, even if the solution to survivor's guilt in the GSC world is far simpler than IRL. There is a gentleness about this story, because although Nick is an alpha, he is quite fragile and it is only the support of his family and his new mate that can help him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[A Sip of Sin: Lords of Sin Book One]]> 224070518 One man is possessed by a demon, the other a centuries-old vampire. Can they find love when they’re unknowingly mortal enemies?
Hollen’s luck is running out. With a chatty demon named George trapped in his head, he can only hold down a job for a few days before getting fired. When he stumbles upon a strange teahouse that’s only open at night, he discovers demons aren’t the only perilous things in this world.
Cruising through the monotony of his centuries-long existence, Munro’s life is forever changed when Hollen crashes into his teahouse, soaking wet and full of fire. But Munro has no idea that Hollen is haunted by George’s thoughts and that the demon will change both their fates.
Secrets are carved into the wooden rooms of the teahouse, but none are so lethal as the ones of Munro’s and George’s pasts.
A Sip of Sin is the captivating first standalone novel in the Lords of Sin paranormal, gay romance series.]]> 287 M.C. Roth 1069086908 Ellie 5
The story follows human Hollen. He once helped a cat and ended up being possessed by a demon that he calls George. George is actually quite funny and seems quite friendly - as friendly as a demon literally living rent free in a persons head may be described. Because of talking to George, Hollen has lost plenty of jobs. He finds a tea house to work out, only to discover that a powerful vampire lord runs the establishment! Now Hollen has to make his way around this new aspect of the paranormal world and somehow decide to do something about his intense attraction to Munro, the ancient vampire lord.

George and Munro do not particularly like each other, and so that leaves Hollen torn, because he wants to trust the vampire as well as the entity inside him. To top it off, George and Munro aren't the only dangerous paranormal beings in his life.

This is a dark romance, with twists and turns as we try to discover whether or not there is a true villain - either the demon George or the vampire lord, not to mention other vampires at the tea house. This darkness and mystery totally had me absorbed into the book as I worried more and more about Hollen. Hollen also has great chemistry with Munro, which combined with his age, shows that Hollen's entry into Munro's life is much needed breath of fresh air.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.21 A Sip of Sin: Lords of Sin Book One
author: M.C. Roth
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:
A Sip of Sin is the first book in the paranormal/vampire romance series, Lords of Sin, by MC Roth. This is dark MM romance that had me wondering until the end.

The story follows human Hollen. He once helped a cat and ended up being possessed by a demon that he calls George. George is actually quite funny and seems quite friendly - as friendly as a demon literally living rent free in a persons head may be described. Because of talking to George, Hollen has lost plenty of jobs. He finds a tea house to work out, only to discover that a powerful vampire lord runs the establishment! Now Hollen has to make his way around this new aspect of the paranormal world and somehow decide to do something about his intense attraction to Munro, the ancient vampire lord.

George and Munro do not particularly like each other, and so that leaves Hollen torn, because he wants to trust the vampire as well as the entity inside him. To top it off, George and Munro aren't the only dangerous paranormal beings in his life.

This is a dark romance, with twists and turns as we try to discover whether or not there is a true villain - either the demon George or the vampire lord, not to mention other vampires at the tea house. This darkness and mystery totally had me absorbed into the book as I worried more and more about Hollen. Hollen also has great chemistry with Munro, which combined with his age, shows that Hollen's entry into Munro's life is much needed breath of fresh air.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Rescued by Her Yeti (Alaska Yeti, #4)]]> 223855638 A firefighting yeti who sets her heart aflame.
Newly single and ready for adventure, Emma embarks on her dream canoe trip deep in the Alaska wilds. She doesn’t expect to meet Yeshe, a real-life, firefighting yeti she nearly flashes in a meet-cute gone sideways. When a sudden fire traps her on his creek, Yeshe comes to the rescue, sweeping her into strong, furry arms. Their time together ignites a passion that burns hotter than wildfire. But one unforgettable week together isn’t enough, and when their time is up, Emma wishes those furry arms will never let her go.

A rebel in disguise who challenges his rule against love.
Yeshe has always avoided romantic relationships, never imagining his world would collide with a city girl like Emma. But from the moment their paths cross, he finds himself drawn to her independence, determination, and hidden tattoos—just how many does she have? When a twist of fate brings her to his remote cabin and he saves her from a lightning-sparked fire, Yeshe ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t resist a short-term fling. However, when lust turns to love, Yeshe reminds her their time is up.

A summer trip to Alaska and a rendezvous with a yeti is enough to convince Emma that North to the Future is a motto she can adopt, but can she convince Yeshe to let her in and take a chance on love?
]]> 179 Neva Post 1958830062 Ellie 5
Emma, despite living in a city, is somewhat of recluse - at least to her family, where she feels she needs to be the steady, perfect sister while her sister was the outgoing and wild sister. Emma is ready for a fresh start, and she will start with visiting her sister and her sister's new boyfriend in Alaska (she is sure that her sister is hiding something big) and go on a solo hiking/kayaking adventure trip.

Yeshe is a Yeti and a firefighter in Alaska. He works with group of other yetis and they work jobs that are safe for them without potentially exposing their existence to humans. Yeshe visits his brother and his brother's new mate, where he meets Emma. Emma has just found out about yetis and seems excited for her trip.

There is instant chemistry, but nothing happens until Emma's true story comes to light and Yeshe ends up using his skills to save Emma. Yeshe is a gentle giant and Emma brings out not only his protective skills but a sort of wonderful light that allows his personality to shine. Emma is a resilient woman, but she starts to learn that she doesn't have to depend on only herself, and that she shouldn't compare herself to her sister.

This a sweet, charming and heartwarming monster romance that left me quite happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.68 Rescued by Her Yeti (Alaska Yeti, #4)
author: Neva Post
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.68
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:
Rescued by Her Yeti is a standalone paranormal/monster romance by Neva Post and the fourth book of the Alaska Yeti series.

Emma, despite living in a city, is somewhat of recluse - at least to her family, where she feels she needs to be the steady, perfect sister while her sister was the outgoing and wild sister. Emma is ready for a fresh start, and she will start with visiting her sister and her sister's new boyfriend in Alaska (she is sure that her sister is hiding something big) and go on a solo hiking/kayaking adventure trip.

Yeshe is a Yeti and a firefighter in Alaska. He works with group of other yetis and they work jobs that are safe for them without potentially exposing their existence to humans. Yeshe visits his brother and his brother's new mate, where he meets Emma. Emma has just found out about yetis and seems excited for her trip.

There is instant chemistry, but nothing happens until Emma's true story comes to light and Yeshe ends up using his skills to save Emma. Yeshe is a gentle giant and Emma brings out not only his protective skills but a sort of wonderful light that allows his personality to shine. Emma is a resilient woman, but she starts to learn that she doesn't have to depend on only herself, and that she shouldn't compare herself to her sister.

This a sweet, charming and heartwarming monster romance that left me quite happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Nursling (Heartstrings of Honor #2)]]> 214127201 “When in doubt, blame the cat.�

Omar Gamal’s life is a comedy of errors. Between his diva Persian cat, a new job in the NICU, and a sassy Southern nurse who might be his soulmate, Omar’s juggling more than just feeding schedules and diaper changes.

His charming British accent? Check.

His nerves around beautiful men? Double-check.

His ability to keep a clean shirt for more than five minutes? Let’s not talk about that.

Enter Matty, the hospital’s unofficial ray of sunshine and chaos personified. With platinum curls, a heart as big as Georgia, and sass for days, Matty is everything Omar didn’t know he needed. As Omar tries to navigate the labyrinth of his new job—and the maze of his heart—Matty’s infectious laughter and flirtatious banter make falling in love both inevitable and utterly terrifying.

The Nursling is a cheeky, heartfelt rom-com brimming with found family, tender moments, and plenty of laugh-out-loud disasters. Perfect for fans of snarky banter, unlikely romance, and swoon-worthy HEAs, this is the story of two nurses and one cat learning that love is as unpredictable as hospital life—and twice as messy.

Ready for a dose of heart and humor? Grab your copy today!]]> 383 Casey Morales Ellie 5
Omar Gamal is a quiet and composed sort of person, but he is also quite passionate about nursing and helping others. He has started a new job in the US as a pediatric nurse. He is Egyptian born and raised in London - which makes his accent a big draw to even the most stubborn Southern gentleman or lady. Perhaps the key to Omar's personality is the fact that he grew up as the son of a well renowned diplomat, and the fact that he and his father had a strained relationship because Omar was out of the closet.

While Omar is composed, Matty is all energy and excitement, he is simply sunshine. For that reason, he is one of those people that accumulates friends and good will. Matty is an ER nurse and his gregarious nature makes him perfect as part of the welcoming committee at the hospital. He your typical boisterous Southern man - he is also out of the closet and very proud.

These have instant chemistry, but there romance is a gentle slow burn, and not high on spice. I think I would best describe this as a slice of life kind of book. Omar settles into life in the US and deals with his parents, while Matty tries to figure out how to best romance Omar. They are an incredibly sweet couple and I found it especially easy to relate to Omar. I think we all deserve a Matty in our lives.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.45 The Nursling (Heartstrings of Honor #2)
author: Casey Morales
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.45
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:
The Nursling is a standalone contemporary medical romance by Casey Morales and is the second book of Heartstrings of Honor series. This is a sweet romance that brings together two nurses at the Georgia hospital.

Omar Gamal is a quiet and composed sort of person, but he is also quite passionate about nursing and helping others. He has started a new job in the US as a pediatric nurse. He is Egyptian born and raised in London - which makes his accent a big draw to even the most stubborn Southern gentleman or lady. Perhaps the key to Omar's personality is the fact that he grew up as the son of a well renowned diplomat, and the fact that he and his father had a strained relationship because Omar was out of the closet.

While Omar is composed, Matty is all energy and excitement, he is simply sunshine. For that reason, he is one of those people that accumulates friends and good will. Matty is an ER nurse and his gregarious nature makes him perfect as part of the welcoming committee at the hospital. He your typical boisterous Southern man - he is also out of the closet and very proud.

These have instant chemistry, but there romance is a gentle slow burn, and not high on spice. I think I would best describe this as a slice of life kind of book. Omar settles into life in the US and deals with his parents, while Matty tries to figure out how to best romance Omar. They are an incredibly sweet couple and I found it especially easy to relate to Omar. I think we all deserve a Matty in our lives.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Alien Warlord's Chosen (Book 3) (The Alien Warlord's Series)]]> 228018748 Welcome to the tribe. You’ve been warned.
When Cara is given to Rhun, the tribe’s most ruthless warlord, she does the one thing she shouldn’t, she runs. Once he catches her, she’ll pay the price. With her body. Her pleasure. Her complete and utter submission.

Bound and claimed by her dominant alien mate, Cara’s defiance melts into desperate cries for more. Every thrust, every growl, every possessive bite drives her deeper into the brutal, primal bond they now share.

Just raw, savage pleasure, and the aching need for more.
He’ll break her. Breed her. Own her.
🔥 A dark, steamy short story sci-fi alien smut romance for fans of possessive alien warlords, savage mating hunts, and filthy breeding heat. If descriptive scenes offend you, then please don't read this book. Very little plot, lots of steam , with one insatiable warlord and his human mate. 🔥±Ő±Ő> 70 Lena Thorn 1923411071 Ellie 4
To put it simply, this series features stories that are smutty, kinky (heading into BDSM territory), dark alien romances. Although not sure if I would call them romances either, it's a lot of physical passion and not a lot of storyline.

This particular story features an somewhat gentle alpha male alien and a stubborn human female that doesn't want to be simply given to an alien warlord (meh, don't blame her). And when I say we have a gentle alien warrior, there is definitely a lot less dub-con elements at the start of the relationship and really, is just pure smut.

If you're looking for alien erotica, this should be an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.22 Alien Warlord's Chosen (Book 3) (The Alien Warlord's Series)
author: Lena Thorn
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.22
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:
Alien Warlord's Chosen is a standalone novella by Lena Thorn and is the third installment of The Alien Warlord's series.

To put it simply, this series features stories that are smutty, kinky (heading into BDSM territory), dark alien romances. Although not sure if I would call them romances either, it's a lot of physical passion and not a lot of storyline.

This particular story features an somewhat gentle alpha male alien and a stubborn human female that doesn't want to be simply given to an alien warlord (meh, don't blame her). And when I say we have a gentle alien warrior, there is definitely a lot less dub-con elements at the start of the relationship and really, is just pure smut.

If you're looking for alien erotica, this should be an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Alien Warlord's Captive (Book 2) (The Alien Warlord's Series)]]> 228018370 Possessive alphas. Mating hunts. Blood-kink bites. Double the mates, double the heat.
When Tasha dared to defy her alien mate, she set off a savage mating hunt. Varik is a ruthless warlord with a taste for dominance, and once he’s claimed her, there’s no escape. Tasha thought she knew desire, but nothing could prepare her for the relentless hunger of her mate and his rival.

Now, she belongs to two ruthless warriors, Varik and his rival Zorren. They fight for her, claim her, and fill her over and over.
No mercy. No limits. No way out. Just the way she likes it.🔥

A dark, steamy short story sci-fi alien smut romance for fans of possessive alien warlords, savage mating hunts, and filthy breeding heat. If descriptive scenes offend you, then please don't read this book. Very little plot, lots of steam , with one insatiable warlord and his human mate. 🔥±Ő±Ő> 55 Lena Thorn 1923411063 Ellie 4
To put it simply, this series features stories that are smutty, kinky (heading into BDSM territory), dark alien romances. Although not sure if I would call them romances either, it's a lot of physical passion and not a lot of storyline.

This particular story features an alpha male alien, a human female with rough sex on her mind, a "beta male" that is ready to play and of course lots of enormous alien genitalia. This story focuses on a possessive alpha and his need to fulfil himself and his mates. Don't focus on the plot, just go with the flow.

If you're looking for alien erotica, this should be an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.30 Alien Warlord's Captive (Book 2) (The Alien Warlord's Series)
author: Lena Thorn
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:
Alien Warlord's Captive is a standalone novella by Lena Thorn and is the first installment of The Alien Warlord's series.

To put it simply, this series features stories that are smutty, kinky (heading into BDSM territory), dark alien romances. Although not sure if I would call them romances either, it's a lot of physical passion and not a lot of storyline.

This particular story features an alpha male alien, a human female with rough sex on her mind, a "beta male" that is ready to play and of course lots of enormous alien genitalia. This story focuses on a possessive alpha and his need to fulfil himself and his mates. Don't focus on the plot, just go with the flow.

If you're looking for alien erotica, this should be an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Alien Warlord's Conquest (Book 1) (The Alien Warlord's Series)]]> 225648856 Alien Warlord's Conquest She was stolen from Earth. He bought her at auction. Now, she belongs to him.

Amelia never expected to wake up in an alien marketplace, stripped bare and displayed like property. But when Drakar, sets his glowing silver eyes on her, she knows she’s in trouble.

Drakar is a warrior bred for battle and built for mating. His kind never stops breeding, and never lets go of what’s theirs. And now, Amelia is his. His tail prepares her, his tongue teases her, but when he finally sinks into her, there will be no mercy.

She can fight him. She can hate him. But in the end, she will submit.

🔥 A dark, steamy short story sci-fi alien smut romance for fans of possessive alien warlords, savage mating hunts, and filthy breeding heat. If descriptive scenes offend you, then please don't read this book. Very little plot, lots of steam , with one insatiable warlord and his human mate. 🔥±Ő±Ő> 57 Lena Thorn 1923411055 Ellie 4
To put it simply, this series features stories that are smutty, kinky (heading into BDSM territory), dark alien romances. Although not sure if I would call them romances either, it's a lot of physical passion and not a lot of storyline.

This particular story features an alpha male alien, a strong human female, a fair amount of dub-con and enormous alien genitalia.

If you're looking for alien erotica, this should be an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.16 Alien Warlord's Conquest (Book 1) (The Alien Warlord's Series)
author: Lena Thorn
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves:
review:
Alien Warlord's Conquest is a standalone novella by Lena Thorn and is the first installment of The Alien Warlord's series.

To put it simply, this series features stories that are smutty, kinky (heading into BDSM territory), dark alien romances. Although not sure if I would call them romances either, it's a lot of physical passion and not a lot of storyline.

This particular story features an alpha male alien, a strong human female, a fair amount of dub-con and enormous alien genitalia.

If you're looking for alien erotica, this should be an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Duke of Pryde (Seven Dukes of Sin #3)]]> 209172683
Reputation is everything in the ton. And no one's is more pristine than Constantine
Buccleigh, Duke of Pryde's. But when a blackmailer threatens to expose his devastating secret and have him lose everything, he’s forced to marry Miss Modesty Fairchild, a woman far below his station.

A budding archeologist, Modesty would rather dig in the dirt than host a gala. But a deathbed promise has left her the guardian of an orphaned baby. She’ll do anything to protect her little ward…even marry the heartless duke who made the most offensive proposal in the history of womenkind.

Lonely in Pryde’s elegant Mayfair home, she despises the cold, unyielding duke who expects her to become his perfect duchess. She loathes his arrogance. He resents her defiance. But as dance lessons and etiquette tutorials force them together, Modesty refuses to shrink beneath his iron control. And with every act of rebellion, she shatters his carefully crafted armor, revealing the lonely, broken man beneath.
Glimpsing the tender heart beneath her husband’s haughty exterior, Modesty dreams of a loving future.
But a villain in the shadows plots Pryde’s downfall. And as the Seven Dukes of Sin hunt for clues, the blackmailer raises the stakes.
Faced with a dreadful choice, will Constantine sacrifice his pride and his title
for the wife and child he has come to treasure?]]> 0 Mariah Stone Ellie 4
Duke of Pryde brings us a Regency era marriage of convenience type of story. Miss Modesty Fairchild is the daughter of a pastor and all around an absolute paragon of virtue. She made a promise to a woman she and her father had helped, an unmarried mother, to be the guardian that the child needed. And that is how she has a duke barging into his life and trying to take over.

Pryde has a lot of secrets... and a lot of pride. He isn't exactly a likable character, because while he is flawed and probably also covers the sin of coveting something that isn't necessarily his, he hides his secrets well, even from his friends. Because of this and natural inclination to save himself, he doesn't make love or married life easy on himself. Lucky for him he has Modesty, who artlessly can reveal the diamond that is really there.

I will admit that Pryde's story isn't my favourite so far (mostly because I get really annoyed at MC's who don't communicate!), but it was still an enjoyable read. But, as ever, I am looking forward to the next Duke's story. I also enjoy the little easter egg references to the Seaton family from the Dukes and Secrets series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.43 Duke of Pryde (Seven Dukes of Sin #3)
author: Mariah Stone
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:
Duke of Pryde is the third book in Mariah Stone's Seven Dukes of Sin series. This can be read as a standalone book, however, with some overarching themes and villains, it may make more sense to the reader if read in order (or at least go back to the other books if you're so inclined).

Duke of Pryde brings us a Regency era marriage of convenience type of story. Miss Modesty Fairchild is the daughter of a pastor and all around an absolute paragon of virtue. She made a promise to a woman she and her father had helped, an unmarried mother, to be the guardian that the child needed. And that is how she has a duke barging into his life and trying to take over.

Pryde has a lot of secrets... and a lot of pride. He isn't exactly a likable character, because while he is flawed and probably also covers the sin of coveting something that isn't necessarily his, he hides his secrets well, even from his friends. Because of this and natural inclination to save himself, he doesn't make love or married life easy on himself. Lucky for him he has Modesty, who artlessly can reveal the diamond that is really there.

I will admit that Pryde's story isn't my favourite so far (mostly because I get really annoyed at MC's who don't communicate!), but it was still an enjoyable read. But, as ever, I am looking forward to the next Duke's story. I also enjoy the little easter egg references to the Seaton family from the Dukes and Secrets series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Damaged Mountain Man : Book 1 (Whiskey Mountain)]]> 223813939 I need to get away. Away from my parents� ghosts and from the criminals tracking me down for reporting something I never should have seen. That’s how I wound up at this secluded cabin in the woods, hoping to find solace in nature.

The only problem is I am not outdoorsy, like at all. When my first venture into the woods goes wildly wrong, I feel like all is lost. Until I see� him. Our connection is immediate and leaves me wondering if escaping here wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Damaged Mountain Man is a firey, fast-paced insta-love story featuring a girl trying to escape her past and the man who supports her enough to face it.
]]> 70 Cassi Hart Ellie 4
If you're into the mountain man genre of stories, then you'll know what to expect and probably enjoy it a lot. This is an over the top, instalove kind of romance that brings together an almost reclusive mountain man and a woman who is looking for a fresh start.

Luna has a little more depth than the titular mountain man, Ethan, but that is due to the length of the story and the fact that she got the exciting backstory that includes tragedy, intrigue, murder and mafia.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.29 Damaged Mountain Man : Book 1 (Whiskey Mountain)
author: Cassi Hart
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:
Damaged Mountain Man is a standalone novella by Cassi Hart, and is the first book in the new series, Whiskey Mountain.

If you're into the mountain man genre of stories, then you'll know what to expect and probably enjoy it a lot. This is an over the top, instalove kind of romance that brings together an almost reclusive mountain man and a woman who is looking for a fresh start.

Luna has a little more depth than the titular mountain man, Ethan, but that is due to the length of the story and the fact that she got the exciting backstory that includes tragedy, intrigue, murder and mafia.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Captured by the Alien Pirates (Mates of the Imperium Pirates Book 3)]]> 223386789 It was all going so well until I was abducted by aliens. Aliens who claim I'm one of them, and I have to leave Earth for my own protection.

This can't be happening, can it?

The man I thought was my boyfriend is a criminal, and two hot aliens, all muscles and smoldering good looks say they are going to protect me. Ipsol, my former boyfriend, is silver with *fins.* Xyxyl hates me because my people enslaved his eons ago and his bite is *awfully* tantalizing and his mate Rashi'id makes everything worse with his heat inducing tail. I'm lost in a flurry of desire and pleasure between three sexy aliens.

Who am I to argue?

Only when I go into heat, it puts us all in danger. I'm rare in this galaxy and everyone wants me for their own nefarious reasons.

If I don't follow the mafia's bidding, I will lose my mates, and the universe is in trouble. Thing is, I'm not sure I can pretend to be a self-assured spy because I don't know anything about being an alien hybrid in space. I thought I was human all these years, but I may have to learn quicker than I wanted.]]> 271 S.R. Griffith Ellie 4
This is a menage/poly kind of mating between a human woman (who had been abducted from Earth) and the four alpha aliens that have to convince that she isn't fully human, but is in fact part alien. In fact, she is an alien that is somewhat similar to being a succubus, really.

The story is complex - as one would expect in a situation between three males and one female. Holly is curvy "human" heroine. Two of the males are already fated mates, but there are more mates. However, one of these men, Xyxyl, has an absolute vile hatred of her race of beings, it's actually scary. Rash'iid on the other hand is man that brings all the aliens together, realising he has more than one mate but keeping the peace seems totally impossible. Then there is Ispol, he is as much of an outsider as Holly and needs to fight for Holly as much as he needs to fight for his position in the relationship.

Complicated. Sexy. Kinky. Dangerous.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.59 Captured by the Alien Pirates (Mates of the Imperium Pirates Book 3)
author: S.R. Griffith
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:
Captured by the Alien Pirates is the third book in the Mates of the Imperium Pirates series by SR Griffin. This does work as a standalone book, however, if aliens and pirates and sexy alpha men are your thing, might as well give them all a go.

This is a menage/poly kind of mating between a human woman (who had been abducted from Earth) and the four alpha aliens that have to convince that she isn't fully human, but is in fact part alien. In fact, she is an alien that is somewhat similar to being a succubus, really.

The story is complex - as one would expect in a situation between three males and one female. Holly is curvy "human" heroine. Two of the males are already fated mates, but there are more mates. However, one of these men, Xyxyl, has an absolute vile hatred of her race of beings, it's actually scary. Rash'iid on the other hand is man that brings all the aliens together, realising he has more than one mate but keeping the peace seems totally impossible. Then there is Ispol, he is as much of an outsider as Holly and needs to fight for Holly as much as he needs to fight for his position in the relationship.

Complicated. Sexy. Kinky. Dangerous.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Stromm: A SciFi Alien Barbarian Romance (Rakui Warriors Book 5)]]> 216681652 He’s a wounded warrior who no longer feels worthy of having a mate.
She’s determined to prove him wrong.

When Stromm was injured by mercenaries, I nursed him back from the brink of death, refusing to leave his side. I fed him, bathed him, and whispered encouragement when he wanted to give up.

In return, he gave me everything. His trust. His smiles. His heart.

Once he recovers, we’re going to become mates and start a family. Except something is trying to tear us apart.

There must be a way to fix what’s broken between us. Stromm and I have something special, a relationship worth fighting for. And I won’t let anything stand in the way of our happiness.

Because we’re stronger together, and danger is coming to our primitive planet. We won’t go down without a fight.

Emily and Stromm’s story is an alien barbarian romance in the Rakui Warriors series. This human-alien love story features a wounded warrior, second changes, found family, alien babies, a bit of mystery, and sweet steam. Although this is a complete, standalone romance, there is a continuing story line that unfolds throughout the series.

About the Rakui Warrior
On Earth, 12 female college students board a starship for A Year of Interstellar Education. Crashing on a primitive planet inhabited by barbarian aliens was not on their itinerary�]]> 115 Lena Grey Ellie 5
I enjoyed this book because it picks up at the rocky start of the relationship between the alien Stromm and human Emily. Their romance started off page (likely in previous books), likewise the incident that has changed everything also happened in a previous book.

Emily and Stromm have an emotional bond and a deep chemistry. However, an injury that ends Stromm's ability to be a warrior that hunts and protects the tribe has him questioning his ability to be a suitable mate for his human love interest. This is a very alpha-male centric story when it comes to Stromm and the culture of his people, but the Rakui have a history where technology was shunned, and so are more than they appeared on the surface.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.36 Stromm: A SciFi Alien Barbarian Romance (Rakui Warriors Book 5)
author: Lena Grey
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.36
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:
Stromm is a standalone novella by Lena Grey. It is part of a series (book 5 of the Rakui Warriors series) and there is an ongoing plot through the series, but I had no issues picking up on what was happening to the human women who found themselves on an alien planet surrounded by virile humanoid alien warriors. I have to say, my interest has been piqued and will look into the previous four books.

I enjoyed this book because it picks up at the rocky start of the relationship between the alien Stromm and human Emily. Their romance started off page (likely in previous books), likewise the incident that has changed everything also happened in a previous book.

Emily and Stromm have an emotional bond and a deep chemistry. However, an injury that ends Stromm's ability to be a warrior that hunts and protects the tribe has him questioning his ability to be a suitable mate for his human love interest. This is a very alpha-male centric story when it comes to Stromm and the culture of his people, but the Rakui have a history where technology was shunned, and so are more than they appeared on the surface.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Cosplayer (Fangirl Confessions Book 1)]]> 224040160
The first day on the floor with my fellow fangirls, a cosplayer comes around the corner dressed as the Forgotten Knight, my favorite character. I nearly die right on the spot. He’s perfect. Flawless. Almost an exact twin of the character. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was Jason Hunt himself. But that’s crazy.

Then I notice his costume is coming apart at the seams. I offer to fix it and hand him my card. He obliges, and in return, he poses with me for a picture. Posted it on Instagram the moment he walked away. *swoon*

Later that night, my Instagram blows up. It was Jason Hunt! Now an unknown number is texting me asking me to fix it. Cue the panic!
]]> 102 Kirsten S. Blacketer Ellie 0
Vicky is a fangirl and a gifted seamstress/costume designer. When she attends conventions she takes joy in helping to mend the costumes of her fellow cosplayers. The story starts with her at a convention for a show that has me thinking something of a cross between Firefly and The Witcher. When the cosplayer she helps ends up being the actual actor of the character, everything changes. Jason is a sweet guy (I want to add, for an actor), he had a refreshing lack of ego for a MMC in a romance and is probably more of a romantic than Vicky is.

This is a story that this nerd and hopeless romantic appreciates. To be together Vicky and Jason have a number of issues to deal with, including his work schedule, his crazy fans and their own insecurities. I can't wait for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.38 The Cosplayer (Fangirl Confessions Book 1)
author: Kirsten S. Blacketer
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:
The Cosplayer is a contemporary romantic novella by Kirsten S Blacketer, and is the first in the Fangirl Confessions series. With ups and downs, this is a fun and dreamy ode to the fangirls that love their conventions and love their fandoms.

Vicky is a fangirl and a gifted seamstress/costume designer. When she attends conventions she takes joy in helping to mend the costumes of her fellow cosplayers. The story starts with her at a convention for a show that has me thinking something of a cross between Firefly and The Witcher. When the cosplayer she helps ends up being the actual actor of the character, everything changes. Jason is a sweet guy (I want to add, for an actor), he had a refreshing lack of ego for a MMC in a romance and is probably more of a romantic than Vicky is.

This is a story that this nerd and hopeless romantic appreciates. To be together Vicky and Jason have a number of issues to deal with, including his work schedule, his crazy fans and their own insecurities. I can't wait for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Match Me, I'm Falling (The School for Spinsters #2)]]> 124004305
Lady Ashleigh Pryor will do anything to escape the abusive household of her father—even marry a man she barely knows. But Cameron’s lightning reflexes, the powerful muscles he hides behind ill-fitting clothing, and his mysterious manner suggest that he is not a beggar at all, but a man hiding a past he wants no one to know about.

As she starts to uncover the pieces of Cameron’s secret life, Ashleigh no longer wants a marriage in name only—she wants a true husband in her bed.

But Cameron ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t let himself fall in love—for if his wife learns the truth about who he is, his secrets might put her very life at stake.

Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!

The School for Spinsters
Book 1 - A Match Made in London
Book 2 - Match Me, I’m Falling
Book 3 - Match Me If You Can]]> 248 Michelle Willingham Ellie 5 4.38 Match Me, I'm Falling (The School for Spinsters #2)
author: Michelle Willingham
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Match Me If You Can (The School for Spinsters #3)]]> 169485062
Cormac Ormond, the Irish Earl of Dunmeath, is seeking a quick marriage because he desperately wants an heir. He knows he’s dying, and it doesn’t matter what sort of bride he finds, as long as she’s willing to help him.

After meeting Emma, Cormac plans to outbid every suitor…but will she marry a man whose time is running out?

Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!

The School for Spinsters
Book 1 - A Match Made in London
Book 2 - Match Me, I’m Falling
Book 3 - Match Me If You Can]]> 249 Michelle Willingham Ellie 5 4.27 Match Me If You Can (The School for Spinsters #3)
author: Michelle Willingham
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:

]]> Unknown Royal Baby 205421910
Claiming his surprise heir�
means crowning her as his queen!

Virtual PA Avril is overwhelmed by desire meeting her boss, Crown Prince Isam, in person. As their rapport deepens, their electrifying passion becomes impossible to resist. So when Avril reaches out weeks later with bombshell news, she’s blindsided by his radio silence�

One year later, Isam returns to London a different man—the helicopter crash that took his family also took his memory. After the newly crowned sheikh learns he has a child with the captivating Avril, Isam is protect his heir and make her his wife!

From Harlequin - Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.]]> 256 Annie West 1335631267 Ellie 4 3.91 Unknown Royal Baby
author: Annie West
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Princess Bride Swap (Rebel Princesses, #2)]]> 205421931 A royal, arranged marriage, wrong bride, she falls first but he falls harder romance by Lorraine Hall.

Marrying the wrong twin�
ignites unimaginable desire!

Crown Prince Lyon needs heirs, not feelings—or he’ll lose his claim to the throne. After his arranged fiancée bails, he agrees to take her twin as his back-up bride. Except he didn’t bargain for their lightning-hot chemistry!

Shy Princess Beaugonia only struck a marriage bargain with Lyon to protect her beloved sister. Overlooked by her controlling parents, she trusts nobody…until Lyon coaxes down her walls. And when he discovers the secret that’s kept her confined to the shadows, will her convenient royal husband be the one to finally help her shine?

From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

Read all the Rebel Princesses books:

Book 1: His Hidden Royal Heirs
Book 2: Princess Bride Swap]]> 208 Lorraine Hall 1335939253 Ellie 5 3.33 Princess Bride Swap (Rebel Princesses, #2)
author: Lorraine Hall
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.33
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Married to the Grumpy CEO: A Small Town Off-limits Clean Romance]]> 227872145 Marrying my best friend’s little sister is supposed to save my company� not steal my heart.

I’m one board vote away from losing my position as CEO,

and my power-hungry uncle is ready to pounce.

The solution? A marriage of convenience to Cedar Rowan.

She’s drowning in student debt, her parents want her to settle in our cozy Small Town.

After losing her sister—my best friend—our friendship has become my lifeline.

Cedar is smart, sassy, and her sunshine personality chips away at my grumpy exterior.

But pretending she’s mine feels dangerously real.

This arrangement was supposed to be simple. A contract. A solution.

Now, every smile, every touch, every stolen moment has me questioning everything.

Because the one thing I ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t afford to loseâ€� is her.

“Married to the Grumpy CEO� is a clean, wholesome, standalone short story, perfect for all readers seeking heartwarming love stories without explicit content, and a HEA.


]]> 209 Ann Smith Ellie 5
Set in a rather idyllic Hawaiian setting, this is a friends to lovers, old crushes and a marriage of convenience romance that brings together two friends, Cedar, who is an oncologist, and Flynn, who is the wealthy CEO now in charge of his family's multinational company.

Cedar and Flynn have a strong introduction as individual characters, they are both mourning the loss of Cedar's older sister, who was Flynn's best friend, who lost her battle to cancer. It was this illness that inspired Cedar in her career and how we get to know about the kind and compassionate doctor.

Flynn lost his father the year before and now his power hungry uncle is forcing his hand and must find a wife. Between the loss of his best friend and his father, Flynn has a clear strength, he won't stay still and he won't forget them. Especially with the drama surrounding the family company.

This started out as a sweet read and then snowballed into an all out drama - although the drama was intertwined with the romance, the deepening bonds of friendship and love aren't necessarily the source of any drama, misunderstandings and whatnot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.40 Married to the Grumpy CEO: A Small Town Off-limits Clean Romance
author: Ann Smith
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:
Married to the Grumpy CEO is a standalone contemporary romance by Ann Smith.

Set in a rather idyllic Hawaiian setting, this is a friends to lovers, old crushes and a marriage of convenience romance that brings together two friends, Cedar, who is an oncologist, and Flynn, who is the wealthy CEO now in charge of his family's multinational company.

Cedar and Flynn have a strong introduction as individual characters, they are both mourning the loss of Cedar's older sister, who was Flynn's best friend, who lost her battle to cancer. It was this illness that inspired Cedar in her career and how we get to know about the kind and compassionate doctor.

Flynn lost his father the year before and now his power hungry uncle is forcing his hand and must find a wife. Between the loss of his best friend and his father, Flynn has a clear strength, he won't stay still and he won't forget them. Especially with the drama surrounding the family company.

This started out as a sweet read and then snowballed into an all out drama - although the drama was intertwined with the romance, the deepening bonds of friendship and love aren't necessarily the source of any drama, misunderstandings and whatnot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Burn Patterns (First in Line, #1)]]> 227831667 Some fires ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t be contained. Some obsessions never burn out.

Firefighter Marcus McCabe knows fire. He knows its hunger, its unpredictability, the way it takes without mercy. But nothing has ever felt as dangerous as the man watching him from the flames.

When a series of arsons turns personal, Marcus is forced to work with James Reynolds, a forensic psychologist with sharp instincts and a past he doesn’t talk about. Their chemistry is immediate—raw, undeniable, and completely reckless. James sees patterns where others don’t, and the deeper they dig, the clearer it the arsonist isn’t just setting fires. He’s leaving messages. For Marcus.

The case should be Marcus’s sole focus, but with his first responder family watching his every move and the weight of his late father’s legacy pressing down on him, his life is already a balancing act of duty and expectation. James isn’t part of the plan—he’s a complication, a risk, and maybe the only person who sees Marcus for who he really is.

As the heat between them intensifies, so does the danger. With the city on edge and a predator closing in, Marcus and James have to decide what they fear more—the monster in the fire, or the one inside themselves.

Burn Patterns is a 66,000-word firefighter romance with romantic suspense and psychological thriller elements. It includes hurt/comfort and opposites attract themes with a guaranteed happily ever after.
]]> 274 Declan Rhodes Ellie 5
The story introduces us to firefighter Marcus McCabe (and close knit family, including siblings in various professions as first responders). He is passionate about his job, despite the fact that his father, who was also a firefighter, was killed in training fire years earlier. However, danger seems to be following him with a series of arsons and notes showing that he has a stalker watching him, with a particular eye for his professional skills. This is how he meets James Reynolds.

James is a forensic psychologist who works in arson investigations and motivations of arsonists. He has secrets of his own, and despite having top notch skills, he does have some major doubts. He wasn't exactly happy for his new assignment, but working with Marcus and digging for answers, builds a sweet friendship that quickly turns to romance.

These guys have a lot of chemistry, but they take the romance at fairly gentle pace, meaning that we have a lot of time to see them form a friendship, as well as piece together the clues to find out who wants to harm Marcus. I also thoroughly enjoyed the glimpse we get into Marcus's brothers - their personalities, their jobs and the close sibling relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.13 Burn Patterns (First in Line, #1)
author: Declan Rhodes
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:
Burn Patterns is the first book of the First in Line series by MM author Declan Rhodes. I'm a bit of a sucker for a firefighter/first responder romance, and I have to admit, part of my attraction to this book was that the blurb made me think of other similar books that I've read in the past (especially with the whole firefighter meets investigator angle).

The story introduces us to firefighter Marcus McCabe (and close knit family, including siblings in various professions as first responders). He is passionate about his job, despite the fact that his father, who was also a firefighter, was killed in training fire years earlier. However, danger seems to be following him with a series of arsons and notes showing that he has a stalker watching him, with a particular eye for his professional skills. This is how he meets James Reynolds.

James is a forensic psychologist who works in arson investigations and motivations of arsonists. He has secrets of his own, and despite having top notch skills, he does have some major doubts. He wasn't exactly happy for his new assignment, but working with Marcus and digging for answers, builds a sweet friendship that quickly turns to romance.

These guys have a lot of chemistry, but they take the romance at fairly gentle pace, meaning that we have a lot of time to see them form a friendship, as well as piece together the clues to find out who wants to harm Marcus. I also thoroughly enjoyed the glimpse we get into Marcus's brothers - their personalities, their jobs and the close sibling relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Echoes of Fire (Drakarn Mates Book 2)]]> 224047364 On Volcaryth, love isn’t whispered. It’s carved in blood and scales.

Orla never asked to become an alien city’s most wanted human. As an environmental scientist, her only crime is curiosity—until she stumbles into a sacred Drakarn ritual and unleashes chaos. Now, bound to Rath, a warrior with smoldering scales and a claim that shakes her to the core, she’s trapped in a deadly game.

His people see her as a threat.
He claims her as his own.

Rath’s obsession is absolute. From the moment he tasted her scent—sun-baked sandstone and stormfire—she became his heart’s flame. But claiming her is a risk that could shatter his honor, his clan, and his life. The Forge Temple demands her death, and to save her, Rath must stake everything in the brutal trials of the River’s Run Festival, where serpents of lava and schemes of power coil together.

The price of survival is trust. The cost of freedom is surrender. And in the burning heart of Scalvaris, love will demand a sacrifice that could consume them both.]]> 206 Kate Rudolph Ellie 5
This is a world that brings together humans, who have travelled to a planet called Volcaryth. With a name like volcano, I expected and quickly had a picture painted in my mind of a hellishly hot landscape, that is both barren and dangerous, with the population surviving mostly within caverns, caves and tunnels underground.

Orla is the human female, she was injured/ill in what appears to have been circumstances that occurred in book 1 and the book opens with Rath (the alien warrior who is her mate) seeing her recovery through his eyes. However, once recovered, the very curious Orla makes a major faux pa. Now the parts of the alien population that are anti-human integration have a reason to hate her specifically, and even want her dead.

However, warrior Rath knows that Orla is his mate and will do anything to protect her. He also has to make her understand just how real and deep his feelings are, they are certainly beyond just a mating for convenience. What I like about Rath, is that despite being a strong and powerful warrior, with a pretty high status among his people, he has a bit of a naive outlook when it comes to mating and saving Orla. He doesn't truly realise the extend of unrest caused by the "Evil" factions that wish to harm humans, and this was the drama in the story that I appreciated the most.

Aliens, fated mates, danger and romance - basically everything that sucks me in keeps me happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.34 Echoes of Fire (Drakarn Mates Book 2)
author: Kate Rudolph
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.34
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:
Echoes of Fire is the second book of the Drakarn Mates series by Kate Rudolph. This book works fine as a standalone book - I read this one without reading the first, but in the end now I just want to go back and read book one to check out the story of the couple in question.

This is a world that brings together humans, who have travelled to a planet called Volcaryth. With a name like volcano, I expected and quickly had a picture painted in my mind of a hellishly hot landscape, that is both barren and dangerous, with the population surviving mostly within caverns, caves and tunnels underground.

Orla is the human female, she was injured/ill in what appears to have been circumstances that occurred in book 1 and the book opens with Rath (the alien warrior who is her mate) seeing her recovery through his eyes. However, once recovered, the very curious Orla makes a major faux pa. Now the parts of the alien population that are anti-human integration have a reason to hate her specifically, and even want her dead.

However, warrior Rath knows that Orla is his mate and will do anything to protect her. He also has to make her understand just how real and deep his feelings are, they are certainly beyond just a mating for convenience. What I like about Rath, is that despite being a strong and powerful warrior, with a pretty high status among his people, he has a bit of a naive outlook when it comes to mating and saving Orla. He doesn't truly realise the extend of unrest caused by the "Evil" factions that wish to harm humans, and this was the drama in the story that I appreciated the most.

Aliens, fated mates, danger and romance - basically everything that sucks me in keeps me happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Safe Harbor: A Single Dad and Nanny Romance Novella]]> 223749631
Book 1: Safe Harbor

Sometimes the safest harbor is with someone who knows what it’s like to weather the storm.

Between running a sailing school and raising my seven-year-old daughter alone, I’m barely keeping my head above water. Ever since her mother walked out on us, Evelyn’s trust is as fragile as mine. We don’t let people in easily � especially not beautiful, broken-hearted women who make both father and daughter dream of second chances. Harper was supposed to be our summer nanny, not the woman who could finally make our family whole. But watching her with Evelyn, seeing how she brings laughter back to our home... Now I have to decide if I’m brave enough to risk our hearts one more time.

Running away to a coastal town to be a nanny wasn’t exactly my life plan. But after catching my boyfriend with my best friend, any port in a storm will do � even if that port comes with a gorgeous single dad and his precocious daughter. Finn and Evelyn are supposed to be my fresh start, not my new beginning. He’s all quiet strength and protective love for his daughter, while I’m still trying to piece myself back together. But somehow, between sailing lessons and bedtime stories, they’re showing me that maybe the best families aren’t the ones you’re born into � they’re the ones you choose for yourself.

A nanny & single dad, reverse grumpy x sunshine, sworn off relationships, cheating ex. instalove romance novella.]]> 78 Lily Matisse Ellie 5
This is the second novella this week that I've read that has the same premise: single dad whose wife has completely abandoned him and their kids (or in this case, just the one child). But clearly, I'm not complaining since I really loved the feel good, tingly feels this sweet romance filled me with as I read it.

Finn is uber wealthy and runs a successful sailing school in Misty Harbor. Although his wife abandoned him and their daughter, Evelyn, who has been struggling in the months since, he's pretty happy. Finn is a sweet and fairly down to earth guy and I really found myself liking him immediately. He needs help with little Evelyn, and that is how Harper steps into their life.

Harper is the type of FMC who starts the story by packing up her whole life and getting away from the traumas of the big city. She's incredibly likeable, and has a sort of Mary Poppins quality when it comes to the care of her charge.

This is an instalove novella, so the chemistry is immediate and intense. Finn and Harper are wonderful together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.53 Safe Harbor: A Single Dad and Nanny Romance Novella
author: Lily Matisse
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.53
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:
Safe Harbor is the first book of the Misty Harbor series by Lily Matisse. After reading this novella, I am more than interested in finding more about the sleepy little town, with it looking like the MMC's brothers are set to get their own romances.

This is the second novella this week that I've read that has the same premise: single dad whose wife has completely abandoned him and their kids (or in this case, just the one child). But clearly, I'm not complaining since I really loved the feel good, tingly feels this sweet romance filled me with as I read it.

Finn is uber wealthy and runs a successful sailing school in Misty Harbor. Although his wife abandoned him and their daughter, Evelyn, who has been struggling in the months since, he's pretty happy. Finn is a sweet and fairly down to earth guy and I really found myself liking him immediately. He needs help with little Evelyn, and that is how Harper steps into their life.

Harper is the type of FMC who starts the story by packing up her whole life and getting away from the traumas of the big city. She's incredibly likeable, and has a sort of Mary Poppins quality when it comes to the care of her charge.

This is an instalove novella, so the chemistry is immediate and intense. Finn and Harper are wonderful together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[A Match Made in London (The School for Spinsters #1)]]> 63203577 Welcome to book one in the new series The School for Spinsters by award winning author Michelle Willingham.

Violet Edwards is painfully shy with a terrible stutter. Despite her mother’s threats to send her away, she has plans of her own to win a husband. She enrolls herself in the infamous School for Spinsters, where she hopes to be transformed from a wallflower into a breathtaking debutante.

The only problem is that the headmistress hired a gorgeous, notorious rake to give her lessons.

To the rest of the London ton, Damian Everett, the Earl of Scarsdale, is a charming gentleman seeking a wife. But his father’s mountain of debts have left him with no choice but to wed an heiress. When he’s offered a generous stipend to help a shy wallflower, he ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t refuse. All he has to do is provoke Violet Edwards into finding her backbone.

As their lessons turn sensual, Damian is captivated by Violet...and he’s falling hard. But how can he turn his back on his family for the wallflower he wants to love?

Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!

The School for Spinsters
Book 1 - A Match Made in London
Book 2 - Match Me, I’m Falling
Book 3 - Match Me If You Can

]]> 272 Michelle Willingham Ellie 5 4.24 A Match Made in London (The School for Spinsters #1)
author: Michelle Willingham
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Her Grumpy Doctor (Grumps of Appleridge #6)]]> 222918916 He was the grumpy loner doctor who only cared about two things- medicine and his children. She was a bright ray of sunshine who knew just what the doctor needed- her.

When the mother of my kids took off, I packed up and moved us to the small town of Appleridge where I opened my own practice.
After a string of bad dates, I was convinced love wasn’t in the cards for me.
But when the sexy woman with curves for days strolled in to my office asking for birth control, I almost changed my mind.
That is, until she changed it for me.

Her Grumpy Doctor is a single dad, forbidden, small town instalove romance set in a picturesque New England town and features a curvy girl and a grumpy mountain man she wants to claim. It’s meant to be devoured in one hour! So if you love short, steamy instalove novelettes, with curvy girls and grumpy mountain men you’ll want to one click the Grumps of Appleridge series today!]]> 34 Lyssa J. Cole Ellie 5
This is a rather typical grumpy/sunshine romance. An overworked doctor whose wife abandoned him and their kids finally gets a chance at happiness, after having settled in a small mountain town for a couple years. And that curvy lady quickly has the grump and his kids under her spell.

This was just so much fun, I loved both Gavin and Raelynn. They both needed happiness and romance in their. I enjoyed the added antics of the kids and the spice was on point.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.60 Her Grumpy Doctor (Grumps of Appleridge #6)
author: Lyssa J. Cole
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.60
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:
Her Grumpy Doctor is a standalone novella by Lyssa J Cole, and is book six of the Grumps of Appleridge series. This is only the second of the series that I have read - these are sexy stories that are over the top, instalove and drama, that bring our intrepid couple together to a satisfying HEA.

This is a rather typical grumpy/sunshine romance. An overworked doctor whose wife abandoned him and their kids finally gets a chance at happiness, after having settled in a small mountain town for a couple years. And that curvy lady quickly has the grump and his kids under her spell.

This was just so much fun, I loved both Gavin and Raelynn. They both needed happiness and romance in their. I enjoyed the added antics of the kids and the spice was on point.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mistletoe Mistake of Miss Grayson (School of Charm #5)]]> 55403180 The School of Charm's headmistress is destined to be a spinster. Everyone knows it. Well...everyone but the Marquess of Ainsley.

This marquess isn't certain why the elegant and unflappable Miss Grayson is so determined to remain unmarried. But he means to change her mind.

How will he force the coolly implacable beauty out of her shell? It will take a mistake, obviously...of the mistletoe variety.

]]> 79 Maggie Dallen Ellie 3 4.03 2020 The Mistletoe Mistake of Miss Grayson (School of Charm #5)
author: Maggie Dallen
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Misgivings About Miss Prudence (School of Charm, #4)]]> 54401393 Miss Prudence sees the world in black and white. A convenient way to get through life...until she finds herself battling between right and wrong. Or rather, Mr. Right and Lord Wrong.

Prudence has spent her entire life trying to live up to her great aunt's high expectations. For the most part, she's succeeded. During her time at Miss Grayson's School of Charm, she's smoothed over every last rough edge to become the perfect wife for the wealthy merchant her aunt has in mind.

There's only one area of study that eludes her, and it's one that has become the bane of her existence. Music. Her aunt has a plan to hire a private tutor for intensive one-on-one lessons to fix her weakness, once and for all. The only problem? Her new tutor is the same boy who'd tormented her with his teasing and pranks as a child.

Well, he's not a boy any longer. He's a man...and he might just be her downfall. Or perhaps her salvation. One or the other.

But either way, one thing is clear. By the time their lessons are through, the perfect Miss Prudence will never be the same.

]]> 143 Maggie Dallen Ellie 3 4.09 2020 The Misgivings About Miss Prudence (School of Charm, #4)
author: Maggie Dallen
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Miseducation of Miss Delilah (School of Charm, #3)]]> 52778566 Delilah's plan was to marry someone rich and powerful, but she never imagined she'd be engaged to the man her friends call Lord Evil. Falling for the rogue who's sworn to destroy her life? That was also not on the agenda.

Delilah always knew her role was to make a good match. It was the only use her father and stepmother have for a young lady like her. But even she did not suspect they might match her with the gentleman who stirred scandal wherever he roamed. Is it true that he's a murderer? And a smuggler, to boot? At their engagement ball she decides to take matters into her own hands. It will be her home soon too, surely she's allowed to roam through Lord Evil's private quarters. She's not sure what she's looking for or what to expect...but definitely did not expect to find the roguish ne'er-do-well stranger who tugs her into Evil's study and whispers secrets and promises in her ear.

Mr. Calloway is not what he seems. Or rather, perhaps he is just as brutish as he looks—but his nefarious activities are not without cause. In fact, he's on a very noble mission, indeed, and that is to save the notoriously spoiled and beautiful Delilah from a fate worse than death.

Neither of them expect that an actual threat to her life will occur, but when it does, the only place she's safe is with the man who once threatened to destroy her future. The start of a perfect relationship? Perhaps not. But he may just be the one who saves her life...and steals her heart.

]]> 149 Maggie Dallen Ellie 3 4.01 2020 The Miseducation of Miss Delilah (School of Charm, #3)
author: Maggie Dallen
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Misunderstanding of Miss Louisa (School of Charm, #2)]]> 52778389 He mistook her for a child. She thought he was a ghost. Their love story...? It was off to a very rocky start.

It was all just a series of misunderstandings, really. It wasn't as though Miss Louisa ever intentionally sought out trouble. How was she to know that the Marquess, who everyone hoped would propose to her elder sister, would happen upon her in a ballroom, dancing alone in the middle of the night? They'd narrowly averted a scandal on that one. Or that time he'd caught her tumbling out a window... No one could have seen that coming.

Really, when her family shipped her off to the School of Charm to keep her from causing any more damage to her perfect sister's reputation, Louisa had done her very best to avoid attention. Particularly the attention of the Marquess in question. But when the Marquess arrives in town, her best laid plans are put to the test. For he seems intent of dragging her into the spotlight. And when the two of them are together, it's not just Louisa that's in trouble... It's her heart.]]> 157 Maggie Dallen Ellie 4 4.09 2020 The Misunderstanding of Miss Louisa (School of Charm, #2)
author: Maggie Dallen
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Misadventures of Miss Adelaide (School of Charm, #1)]]> 49194778
Miss Adelaide is down on her luck and on the run when she finally collapses at Evercliff Manor. Perhaps it's exhaustion that has her spilling her secrets to the kind doctor tending to her--or maybe it's his warm, compelling eyes. Then again, maybe it's just another case of sheer bad luck.

It turns out the kindly doctor who now knows her deepest, darkest secrets is not really a doctor at all. He's an earl. Worse, he's her employer. And he's decided that Adelaide will be his next project. With his assistance, and the help of her newfound friends at the Lovelace School of Charm, Miss Adelaide might just land on her feet. If only she doesn't lose her heart...]]> 176 Maggie Dallen Ellie 4 3.84 2020 The Misadventures of Miss Adelaide (School of Charm, #1)
author: Maggie Dallen
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Alpha Experiment (Mismatched Mates, #3)]]> 57813662
Brilliant geneticist Newton McEwen, the only human in a family of werewolves, has devoted his life to researching the scientific key to shifter magic. Now he’s being blackmailed and his life’s work is threatened if he ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t produce results.

Alpha werewolf Colin Kimball is a newly-minted pack leader with a mountain of responsibilities, but when his lifelong best friend tells him he needs help, Colin drops everything to run to his aid. But Newt’s not just looking for a brawny bodyguard to watch his back—he needs help with an experiment, one he ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t carry out alone.

Out of academically approved methods, and desperate to accelerate his research, Newt’s trying a last-ditch approach, with himself as the test subject. And the very alpha Colin as the catalyst.

Determined to succeed, Newt’s willing to get up close and personal with Colin as many times as it takes. Only feelings weren’t a variable logic-minded Newt took into account. Now not only is Newt’s career on the line, his most important relationship is at stake. Can they outwit Newt’s blackmailer and move on from their experimentation…or will they lose the friendship that means everything to them?

The Alpha Experiment features not-so-scientific mating rituals, magical handcuffs, some very inappropriate outdoor activities, knotting, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Even though it’s number five in the Mismatched Mates series, it can be read as a standalone. The series does not contain mpreg.]]> 291 Eliot Grayson Ellie 3 4.02 2021 The Alpha Experiment (Mismatched Mates, #3)
author: Eliot Grayson
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Captive Mate (Mismatched Mates #2)]]> 55129651 207 Eliot Grayson Ellie 3 3.98 2020 Captive Mate (Mismatched Mates #2)
author: Eliot Grayson
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Alpha's Warlock (Mismatched Mates #1)]]> 51940349 Cursed, mated, and in for the fight of their lives�

Warlock Nate Hawthorne just wants a cup of coffee. Is that too much to ask? Apparently. Because instead of precious caffeine, all he gets is cursed by a pack of werewolves who want to use him for his magic. Now the only way to fix the damage is a mate bond to a grumpy and oh-so-sexy alpha in the rival pack, who happens to hate him. This is so not how he wanted to start his day.

Ian Armitage never intended to take Nate as his mate. The Hawthorne family ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t be trusted. Ian knows that better than anyone. The fact that he’s lusted after the way-too-gorgeous man for years? Totally irrelevant. Ian’s just doing what is necessary to protect his pack. This whole mating arrangement has nothing to do with love and never will. That’s his story and he’s sticking to it.

Nate and Ian will have to work together if they have any hope of staving off the pack’s enemies and averting disaster. That’s assuming they can stop arguing (and keep their hands off each other) long enough to save the day�

The Alpha’s Warlock is an explicit M/M paranormal romance featuring a snarky warlock, a brooding alpha werewolf, knotting, enchanted socks (long story), and a guaranteed happily ever after.]]> 204 Eliot Grayson Ellie 3 3.76 2020 The Alpha's Warlock (Mismatched Mates #1)
author: Eliot Grayson
name: Ellie
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Winning His Manhattan Heiress (The Redford Dukedom Book 2)]]> 214024060 "Robinson (Captivated by His Convenient Duchess) completes her 'Redford Dukedom' duet with this touching Gilded Age romance, a compelling, closed-door, transatlantic love story." - Library JournalĚý

Favorite to winâ€�Ěý
The heiress’s heart!Ěý

Committed bachelor Lord Wesley Wadsworth came to America for one to introduce his Thoroughbred horses to New York racing circles. He’s not looking for a partnership, business or otherwise…until he encounters Manhattan heiress Miss Julia Eastman. Her stables are perfectly suited to house Wesley’s team, and even better, she shares his steadfast aversion to courtship. But when a convenient marriage is all that can keep Julia’s dreams of becoming the nation’s first female racehorse owner alive, can Wesley really stand by and watch her wed another?

From Harlequin ĚýYour romantic escape to the past.

The Redford Dukedom

Book 1: Captivated by His Convenient Duchess
Book 2: Winning His Manhattan Heiress]]> 274 Lauri Robinson Ellie 4
The story is set in the late 1800s, so Gilded Age in the US and Victorian Era in England. The first book in the series tells the romance of our MMC, Lord Wesley Wadsworth's, older brother. And while parts of the story, particularly the set up for Wesley's trip to make his mark in America, do occur in the first book, this is essentially a standalone book.

Wesley has come to America to bring the family's thoroughbred racehorses to the world's stage. He is ready to make his mark on the world. It is in the world of New York horse racing that Wesley meets Julia Eastman. She also has aspirations to make it in the racing world. Which means that both fate and the horses seem to be conspiring to bring these two together, and form a strong connection while they navigate their individual paths in the world of race horses.

This was such a satisfying story and romance for Wesley. I will admit that I was curious about him after meeting him in the first book. Julia is a strong and resilient young lady that is looking to shake things up, she's serious but she is also passionate.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.42 Winning His Manhattan Heiress (The Redford Dukedom Book 2)
author: Lauri Robinson
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.42
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:
Winning His Manhattan Heiress is the second book in Lauri Robinson's The Redford Dukedom duology. Robinson is a go to author for me, and will basically read anything knowing that I will at least enjoy it, and this book is no exception.

The story is set in the late 1800s, so Gilded Age in the US and Victorian Era in England. The first book in the series tells the romance of our MMC, Lord Wesley Wadsworth's, older brother. And while parts of the story, particularly the set up for Wesley's trip to make his mark in America, do occur in the first book, this is essentially a standalone book.

Wesley has come to America to bring the family's thoroughbred racehorses to the world's stage. He is ready to make his mark on the world. It is in the world of New York horse racing that Wesley meets Julia Eastman. She also has aspirations to make it in the racing world. Which means that both fate and the horses seem to be conspiring to bring these two together, and form a strong connection while they navigate their individual paths in the world of race horses.

This was such a satisfying story and romance for Wesley. I will admit that I was curious about him after meeting him in the first book. Julia is a strong and resilient young lady that is looking to shake things up, she's serious but she is also passionate.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[On His Bride's Terms (Harlequin Presents (Larger Print))]]> 213771332 A marriage of convenience, “cat and mouse,� billionaire romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Abby Green.

He’s never lost�
But can his bride be won?

CEO Primo Holt needs a wife who can give him an heir to his empire. He’s found the perfect woman—heiress Faye MacKenzie. Only, despite their searing attraction, she’s playing hard to get! Before she agrees to Primo’s convenient proposal, Faye has terms of her own�

Faye is happy to make a deal that secures her family’s failing business. She just won’t commit to more than one year of wedded bliss. Because no matter how insatiable her hunger for him, she can never give Primo everything he wants from their marriage�

From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

Read all the Brazilian Billionaire Brothers books:

Book 1: The Heir Dilemma
Book 2: On His Bride's Terms]]> 256 Abby Green 1335631593 Ellie 4
CEO Primo Holt needs to marry and he has found the perfect woman for the position. Heiress and art curator Faye MacKenzie. The marriage deal seems easy at first but then they start to get to know each other properly and things definitely take a turn for the better. The story itself was everything I expected. A deal, a marriage of convenience, stumbling through a relationship, misunderstandings, trouble processing and expressing feelings.

This story does come with a trigger warning for infertility, and while Primo didn't execute himself well at first (this may upset some readers), he certainly did know how to make it up in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.11 On His Bride's Terms (Harlequin Presents (Larger Print))
author: Abby Green
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:
On His Bride's Terms is a standalone contemporary romance by Abby Green. This was a book I grabbed because I've read plenty of other of Green's offerings to the Harlequin name.

CEO Primo Holt needs to marry and he has found the perfect woman for the position. Heiress and art curator Faye MacKenzie. The marriage deal seems easy at first but then they start to get to know each other properly and things definitely take a turn for the better. The story itself was everything I expected. A deal, a marriage of convenience, stumbling through a relationship, misunderstandings, trouble processing and expressing feelings.

This story does come with a trigger warning for infertility, and while Primo didn't execute himself well at first (this may upset some readers), he certainly did know how to make it up in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Spaniard - Book 1 in 'The European Series']]> 225426991
A grumpy/sunshine sizzling holiday romance!

I always thought my best friend was the one; that he’d wake up one day and see me the way I saw him.

But after tragedy strikes, the illusion is shattered, and I realized he didn’t care about me at all.

Grieving, and needing to put some distance between him and me, I run away to my parents� villa in Spain.

I needed peace, I needed time to reflect, and I needed to heal. What I didn’t need was a grumpy Spanish guy giving me hell every time he sees me.

From the first meeting, Rafael Romero and I clashed…big time! I thought, after helping his sister, he’d be grateful, perhaps even charming given his polished, super-hot exterior.

Ha! I should have learned to never judge a book by its cover.

Whenever Rafael opens his mouth, he is nothing short of rude, arrogant, and infuriating. In fact, half the time, I could quite happily strangle him!

What’s worse, it looks like I’m stuck helping him on his quest to hunt down his sister’s would-be attackers.

But at least I’m not that same girl who believed in fairytales; I’m doing this to help his sister, nothing more.

Nothing. More.]]> Taylor K. Scott Ellie 5
The story starts with Kit (real name Keira) who has been crushing on her selfish best friend since she was a teenager (so more than 10 years) - things change when 1) her best friend announces his engagement and 2) her parents are killed, leaving Kit and her brother alone. As the saying goes, time heals wounds, and that is what Kit needs. She eventually finds her way to parent's Spanish villa, and that is how she meets the rich, powerful and very grumpy man, Rafael.

While the passion between Rafael and Kit is instant, love takes a long time. There's misunderstandings, disagreements and even danger as these two get to know each other and start to build a relationship.

I enjoyed this book. There was something about the vibe of the story that reminded me of an old school Mills and Boon novel (which is not meant in a bad way, more in a this is my guilty pleasure read kind of way). It was fun, sexy and our titular Spaniard is equal part hot, grumpy and passionate - he just needs the right lady to understand him... eventually.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 5.00 The Spaniard - Book 1 in 'The European Series'
author: Taylor K. Scott
name: Ellie
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:
The Spaniard is the first book in The European Series by Taylor K Scott. This is a contemporary romance set in Spain, because obviously this is the European series.

The story starts with Kit (real name Keira) who has been crushing on her selfish best friend since she was a teenager (so more than 10 years) - things change when 1) her best friend announces his engagement and 2) her parents are killed, leaving Kit and her brother alone. As the saying goes, time heals wounds, and that is what Kit needs. She eventually finds her way to parent's Spanish villa, and that is how she meets the rich, powerful and very grumpy man, Rafael.

While the passion between Rafael and Kit is instant, love takes a long time. There's misunderstandings, disagreements and even danger as these two get to know each other and start to build a relationship.

I enjoyed this book. There was something about the vibe of the story that reminded me of an old school Mills and Boon novel (which is not meant in a bad way, more in a this is my guilty pleasure read kind of way). It was fun, sexy and our titular Spaniard is equal part hot, grumpy and passionate - he just needs the right lady to understand him... eventually.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> Blackmail Boyfriend 141542611 From Book 1:

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains one epic misunderstanding, two best friends� flirtation on the side, and three-legged dogs. Warning: do not try this blackmail at home.
Haley Patterson has had a crush on golden boy Bryce Colton for ages. But when she hears a rumor that he hooked up with her she gives him a choice: be her boyfriend for a month to show other guys that she's dateable-despite her overprotective and very intimidating brothers-or deal with the angry, cage-fighting boyfriend of the girl he actually did hook up with.

Bryce didn't know the other Haley even had a boyfriend. He was just trying to get his ex off his back. And now, not only is he being blackmailed, he's being blackmailed by an honor student. His new "girlfriend" has two three-legged dogs, her father mows grass at the country club, and she's...well, difficult. And different.

Can something so fake turn into something real?

]]> Chris Cannon Ellie 4
Haley Patterson and Bryce Colton are the main characters, brought together by one girl's white lie, and now together because of it a bit of blackmail (nothing so malicious). I loved Haley and Bryce. They are typical teenagers, complete with an eclectic set of friends that really helped to ground me in the setting of a high school.

In many ways I thought of this like a fun teen type rom-com movie, the only movie that comes to my mind is Easy A, but really you could sub in a multitude of teen movies in your own mind. I'm interested to see where this story goes next. I don't always read young adult fiction anymore, but this was a great escape book and a fun read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.67 Blackmail Boyfriend
author: Chris Cannon
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:
Blackmail Boyfriend is the first book in The Boyfriend Chronicles series by Chris Cannon. This is a young adult contemporary romance, set in a high school.

Haley Patterson and Bryce Colton are the main characters, brought together by one girl's white lie, and now together because of it a bit of blackmail (nothing so malicious). I loved Haley and Bryce. They are typical teenagers, complete with an eclectic set of friends that really helped to ground me in the setting of a high school.

In many ways I thought of this like a fun teen type rom-com movie, the only movie that comes to my mind is Easy A, but really you could sub in a multitude of teen movies in your own mind. I'm interested to see where this story goes next. I don't always read young adult fiction anymore, but this was a great escape book and a fun read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Hudson (The Billionaires of Whispers #2)]]> 215763875 billionaire. But when a charming, single dad returns to my small town, memories stir of our shared past and our future feels increasingly intertwined.

As the town's new Doctor, Hudson Hamilton is hard to ignore. Not only is he now in charge of my moms medical needs, but he is also best friends with my boss.

His good looks and excellent bedside manner do little to tame the heat that swirls. But fantasizing never served me well and my life is chaotic, with one hurdle after another. No time to date, no time to daydream.

But he bonds with my mom, I bond with his son, and despite my hesitation, his caring ways start to break down my walls. But just like everything in my life, it doesn’t come easy. Sinister things are at play. Danger is lurking and it is coming from those closest to us.]]> 370 Samantha Skye 0648608344 Ellie 5
We met Hudson, the billionaire doctor who had been living in LA, in the first book. Whispers is his hometown, where he grew up, but he's been living away for years. Now, he is moving back at the encouragement of his best friend. He's also single dad to a young son, who seems to thrive in the move.

Whispers is also the hometown of Lacy, except she never left. She looks after her ill mother and works at the distillery run by Hudson's best friend. Lacy has had a tough time of things, but she's an overall positive and resilient woman. She finds herself forming a connection to Hudson's young son as she and the good doctor muddle their way towards romance.

Totally heartwarming and sexy. I loved both Hudson and Lacy, they are really likable, down to earth people. I can't wait for Connor's story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.56 Hudson (The Billionaires of Whispers #2)
author: Samantha Skye
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.56
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:
Hudson is the second book in Samantha Skye's series The Billionaires of Whispers. This is a standalone contemporary story, however, I feel like that there is some background context about Whispers and their local billionaires that would make more sense read in order.

We met Hudson, the billionaire doctor who had been living in LA, in the first book. Whispers is his hometown, where he grew up, but he's been living away for years. Now, he is moving back at the encouragement of his best friend. He's also single dad to a young son, who seems to thrive in the move.

Whispers is also the hometown of Lacy, except she never left. She looks after her ill mother and works at the distillery run by Hudson's best friend. Lacy has had a tough time of things, but she's an overall positive and resilient woman. She finds herself forming a connection to Hudson's young son as she and the good doctor muddle their way towards romance.

Totally heartwarming and sexy. I loved both Hudson and Lacy, they are really likable, down to earth people. I can't wait for Connor's story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[A Kiss To Build A Dream On (Maitland Maidens Book 4)]]> 206994093 Acquaintances become something more when they each discover the other’s true self. Can they find a way to navigate the perils of polite society and their feelings for each other?

A lady by birth, Margaret Maitland was the toast of the ton until she gave birth to an illegitimate child and raised him without the help of his father. Twenty years later she is received in a few drawing rooms as a favor to her cousin the duke, but misses the friendships and camaraderie she’d enjoyed in her youth.

A gentleman by circumstance, Stephen Eddington is the son of a tradesman who scrimped and saved to give his children every advantage. Twenty years after making influential friends at Cambridge, doors are open to Stephen that his father never imagined, but there are few people in the world that truly understand him...or want to.

When Stephen’s nephew invites Margaret’s son to visit for the summer holiday, the two families join together to give the boys a care-free month before they return to their studies. And while the younger crowd makes merry, Margaret and Stephen’s companionable affection for each other begins to deepen� until their budding relationship becomes the talk of the town. How can they be together without damaging Stephen’s tenuous place in society?

This short (1-2 hour read) novel is a sweet, kisses-only/closed door Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.]]> 96 Cora Lee 1944477233 Ellie 4
I think what I liked most about this story is that it is very different to what I've read before, and there is a large hint of scandal that hovers above the heroine of the story. Born and raised in the higher up, influential social circles, Margaret Maitland is a fallen woman - scandalously she had become pregnant without being married, and then kept her illegitimate son. She is now forty one and her son is twenty. Margaret doesn't think that much will change in her life, until her new neighbour steps on the scene, Stephen Eddington. Stephen is around the same age as Margaret, and he came from trade and inherited his new gentlemanly status, and so he doesn't have the exact same views as the rest of society, even if he is under pressure to marry and produce an heir.

As I've already said, I enjoyed this book because it is different. The romance is gentle and sweet, but this centres around characters who have very different positions within Society, and very different to what I've read as a reader for this particular combination.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.


**


Review for the audio book:

A Kiss To Build a Dream On is a super sweet historical romance by Cora Lee, set in Regency Era England. This is the fourth book of the Maitland Maidens series, following the romances of the Maitland family, but this can be read (or listened to) as a standalone story.

This is a really easy and quick, the audio is less than 2 hours if, like me, you listen to books at 1.5x speed. The narration is performed by Philip Battley, a new narrator to me, but a voice that I enjoyed and he has the perfect tone for historical books. I'm definitely going to look into what other books that he's narrated.

The story itself is a mature romance (both characters around 40ish), between a ruined lady and her self-made neighbour. Margaret Maitland was ruined twenty years earlier, when she had a child outside of marriage, after her fiance disappeared. Considering the length of the book, I was happy that we got the basic explanation of what happened in her past. Stephen Eddington's father worked hard to bring his children into higher social circle and give them every advantage. Stephen got that and more, especially with his connections he made back in university. He's known Margaret and her twenty year old son for a year now, and there has been something gently happening between the couple.

This is a totally charming romance, which is made even more so by the fact that both characters are "older" and that we have been given a somewhat unconventional story for historical romances. A quick and satisfying read with a sweet HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.25 A Kiss To Build A Dream On (Maitland Maidens Book 4)
author: Cora Lee
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:
A Kiss to Build A Dream On is a historical romance by Cora Lee, and is the fourth book of the Maitland Maidens series. This is a novella that is set in Regency era England. It's a relatively quick read and has a lot of heart.

I think what I liked most about this story is that it is very different to what I've read before, and there is a large hint of scandal that hovers above the heroine of the story. Born and raised in the higher up, influential social circles, Margaret Maitland is a fallen woman - scandalously she had become pregnant without being married, and then kept her illegitimate son. She is now forty one and her son is twenty. Margaret doesn't think that much will change in her life, until her new neighbour steps on the scene, Stephen Eddington. Stephen is around the same age as Margaret, and he came from trade and inherited his new gentlemanly status, and so he doesn't have the exact same views as the rest of society, even if he is under pressure to marry and produce an heir.

As I've already said, I enjoyed this book because it is different. The romance is gentle and sweet, but this centres around characters who have very different positions within Society, and very different to what I've read as a reader for this particular combination.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.


**


Review for the audio book:

A Kiss To Build a Dream On is a super sweet historical romance by Cora Lee, set in Regency Era England. This is the fourth book of the Maitland Maidens series, following the romances of the Maitland family, but this can be read (or listened to) as a standalone story.

This is a really easy and quick, the audio is less than 2 hours if, like me, you listen to books at 1.5x speed. The narration is performed by Philip Battley, a new narrator to me, but a voice that I enjoyed and he has the perfect tone for historical books. I'm definitely going to look into what other books that he's narrated.

The story itself is a mature romance (both characters around 40ish), between a ruined lady and her self-made neighbour. Margaret Maitland was ruined twenty years earlier, when she had a child outside of marriage, after her fiance disappeared. Considering the length of the book, I was happy that we got the basic explanation of what happened in her past. Stephen Eddington's father worked hard to bring his children into higher social circle and give them every advantage. Stephen got that and more, especially with his connections he made back in university. He's known Margaret and her twenty year old son for a year now, and there has been something gently happening between the couple.

This is a totally charming romance, which is made even more so by the fact that both characters are "older" and that we have been given a somewhat unconventional story for historical romances. A quick and satisfying read with a sweet HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[My Viscount's Madness: A Fake Courtship Enemies to Lovers Stuck together Next-Door Regency Romance]]> 223908825 Opposites. Neighbors. A fake courtship destined for scandal—or something far more love.

I never imagined my father’s gambling debts would make me a pawn, but here I am, promised to Lord Edgecombe—an old, wealthy, powerful man whose cruelty chills me to my core. Desperate to escape this nightmare, I accepted an audacious proposal from my infuriatingly aloof neighbor, Viscount Tristan a fake engagement to save my reputation and buy me time.

Tristan’s good looks and war-scared heart are a volatile mix. We bicker more than we agree, and his strict rules for our charade keep me at arm’s length. Yet, as we’re forced to spend more time together, his haunted eyes and unexpected kindness start unraveling my defenses—and his.

But Lord Edgecombe doesn’t lose without a fight, and our sham engagement is more fragile than I’d hoped. When hearts are laid bare and lies come to light, will Tristan and I find the courage to risk everything for love?

For love is all that matters...if our love is true.
]]> 292 Kristina Earl Ellie 5
This is a sort of grumpy meets sunshine type of pairing, between Tristan, the Viscount of Edgecombe and Lady Marguerite Fitzroy. Actually, probably more accurate would be to say Beauty and the Beast, with a dash of enemies to lovers. They are neighbours, where Tristan's land shares borders with the Fitzroy family's land. Tristan is the misunderstood "mad" viscount, who returned from fighting Napoleon's forces in Spain a changed man. Because of his experiences, he is now a recluse and his madness is the subject of local gossip.

I think that element that I enjoyed and intrigued me the most was Tristan dealing (or rather, no dealing) with his PTSD/battle fatigue. I really admired Marguerite's determination, mostly out of some sort of friendship, to unravel Tristan's demons.

However, the other element vital to this book is Marguerite's forced engagement to a significantly older man, Lord Guildford. Guildford is a rather nefarious gentleman and his motives do seem to border on criminal, if not just immoral. It's a shock when Tristan steps in to help Marguerite, considering they do not get on at all.

With a fake engagement between Tristan and Marguerite, I really enjoyed the character development as the two got to know each other and their backstories. While Marguerite wants to help Tristan, she also has some set opinions on how their fake engagement should be conducted. And while Tristan wants to help Marguerite avoid marriage to an evil man, he also finds out that there is now the opportunity for him to unravel Lord Guildford's nefarious plans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.86 My Viscount's Madness: A Fake Courtship Enemies to Lovers Stuck together Next-Door Regency Romance
author: Kristina Earl
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.86
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:
My Viscount's Madness is a standalone historical romance set in Regency England by Kristina Earl.

This is a sort of grumpy meets sunshine type of pairing, between Tristan, the Viscount of Edgecombe and Lady Marguerite Fitzroy. Actually, probably more accurate would be to say Beauty and the Beast, with a dash of enemies to lovers. They are neighbours, where Tristan's land shares borders with the Fitzroy family's land. Tristan is the misunderstood "mad" viscount, who returned from fighting Napoleon's forces in Spain a changed man. Because of his experiences, he is now a recluse and his madness is the subject of local gossip.

I think that element that I enjoyed and intrigued me the most was Tristan dealing (or rather, no dealing) with his PTSD/battle fatigue. I really admired Marguerite's determination, mostly out of some sort of friendship, to unravel Tristan's demons.

However, the other element vital to this book is Marguerite's forced engagement to a significantly older man, Lord Guildford. Guildford is a rather nefarious gentleman and his motives do seem to border on criminal, if not just immoral. It's a shock when Tristan steps in to help Marguerite, considering they do not get on at all.

With a fake engagement between Tristan and Marguerite, I really enjoyed the character development as the two got to know each other and their backstories. While Marguerite wants to help Tristan, she also has some set opinions on how their fake engagement should be conducted. And while Tristan wants to help Marguerite avoid marriage to an evil man, he also finds out that there is now the opportunity for him to unravel Lord Guildford's nefarious plans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Lord of Intrigue (Inconvenient Scandals #5; Inconvenient Brides #10)]]> 212403438 A mysterious heir is on his way to England. Will Molly be able to find her place in his household, or will a tragic fate befall one of them within the week?In this steamy mystery romance, two people are thrust together on the ashes of a disastrous murder plot. Now they must find a way to work together despite the unexpected attraction between them.

No one knows the new heir ...

Marco Scott has never been to England, but now he is next in line to a title. Surrounded by potential enemies, he must find his footing in this strange land. Learning he is to act as guardian to an enticing young woman only makes matters more complicated.

A ward stuck in a stranger’s home ...

Molly Carter is handed over to the new heir, a man no one knew existed until it was revealed a peer was murdered to conceal his existence. To make matters worse, he might be the most beautiful man alive, which is making her blurt out the most embarrassing nonsense.

But someone is not happy that Marco will inherit. Danger lurks in the shadows, and he ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t inherit if he’s dead. Can Molly and Marco come to terms with their newfound passion to solve the mystery before one of them ends up in a grave?

Lord of Intrigue is the delightful fifth book in the Inconvenient Scandals series of steamy Regency suspense romance books. If you like worthy heroes, fast-paced plots, and enduring connections, then you’ll adore Nina Jarrett’s charming novel. Can be read as a standalone book.

Buy Lord of Intrigue for a tale of mystery and passion today! ]]> 262 Nina Jarrett 1957185295 Ellie 5
This is truly a book of intrigue, which starts in previous books, hence my earlier recommendation. While the romance between Marco and Molly is a major part of the book, it's the mystery of why and who wants eliminate Marco from the line of inheritance.

The story starts in Italy with Marco Scott, whose father was disinherited due to his marriage to the daughter of an Italian tradesman, and has no real desire to go back to his father's homeland. But now Marco is the heir to an Earldom, and he has little choice but to go back - so he does, with his younger brother and two friends accompanying him.

Marco does not realise just the depth of intrigue and crime and possible murder plots that he is about to get himself into when he meets his paternal family and settles in to visit England. Marco also doesn't notice straight away his attraction to his uncle's ward, Molly Carter, who isn't quite ready for her attraction to Marco, but is also ready to get involved in solving the mystery that has put people dear to her in danger. Two people have already been poisoned due to the plot to hide Marco's existence, but now Marco is in trouble and the family must find out who the culprit is before anyone is killed.

The ending of this book leads in the author's next "Inconvenient" series of Regency Romances, starting with the good friends of our hero, Marco Scott.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.12 Lord of Intrigue (Inconvenient Scandals #5; Inconvenient Brides #10)
author: Nina Jarrett
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:
Lord of Intrigue is the fifth book of the Inconvenient Scandals series by Nina Jarrett. This is a historical romance, set in Regency Era England. While this may be read as a standalone book, I think that this would make a lot more sense if you've read at least a couple of the books in this series, if not all of them.

This is truly a book of intrigue, which starts in previous books, hence my earlier recommendation. While the romance between Marco and Molly is a major part of the book, it's the mystery of why and who wants eliminate Marco from the line of inheritance.

The story starts in Italy with Marco Scott, whose father was disinherited due to his marriage to the daughter of an Italian tradesman, and has no real desire to go back to his father's homeland. But now Marco is the heir to an Earldom, and he has little choice but to go back - so he does, with his younger brother and two friends accompanying him.

Marco does not realise just the depth of intrigue and crime and possible murder plots that he is about to get himself into when he meets his paternal family and settles in to visit England. Marco also doesn't notice straight away his attraction to his uncle's ward, Molly Carter, who isn't quite ready for her attraction to Marco, but is also ready to get involved in solving the mystery that has put people dear to her in danger. Two people have already been poisoned due to the plot to hide Marco's existence, but now Marco is in trouble and the family must find out who the culprit is before anyone is killed.

The ending of this book leads in the author's next "Inconvenient" series of Regency Romances, starting with the good friends of our hero, Marco Scott.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Wrong Train, Right Wolf: An Mpreg Shifter Romance]]> 222839797 Fate has a knack for keeping you on track.

All I want is to get on my early-morning flight and take a nap before reaching my destination. It’s the perfect plan until I oversleep. I miss my flight, and with no options to rebook, I race to the train station.

After I find my seat, my wolf is on high alert. He scents our mate and he’s human. Suddenly the missed flight isn’t so bad, only fate doesn’t make it easy. The sexy omega isn’t supposed to be on this train, and after playing musical seats, he wants to get off at the next stop. I ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t let that happen.

So, I make him an offer.

Wrong Train, Right Wolf is the second book in an MM mpreg shifter romance shared world where traveling mishaps lead to happy ever afters that include a bundle of joy (or two). Wrong Train, Right Wolf features a protective alpha wolf shifter who misses his flight leaving him with no option but to take the train, a human omega who accidentally boards the wrong locomotive, one seat, two passengers, true love, fated mates, a loveable dog, true love, fated mates, and an adorable baby.



]]> Colbie Dunbar Ellie 5
A human an a werewolf meet on a train - and the wolf discovers that it takes at least two wrongs to make a right. Missed flights and train mix ups make this an amusing and really sweet meeting for a wolf alpha and a human omega. An enigmatic shapeshifter leader and quirky human guardians/parents makes the path to romance a little rockier for the couple. This is in incredibly heartwarming story that just made me happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.13 Wrong Train, Right Wolf: An Mpreg Shifter Romance
author: Colbie Dunbar
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:
Wrong Train, Right Wolf is a standalone MM shapeshifter romance by Colbie Dunbar and is the second books of the Love Sync Mates Season 2 series. Being a Colbie Dunbar book, this is also an omegaverse story that features m-preg in the plot.

A human an a werewolf meet on a train - and the wolf discovers that it takes at least two wrongs to make a right. Missed flights and train mix ups make this an amusing and really sweet meeting for a wolf alpha and a human omega. An enigmatic shapeshifter leader and quirky human guardians/parents makes the path to romance a little rockier for the couple. This is in incredibly heartwarming story that just made me happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[Sugar Maple (Crescent Ridge: Lumberjacks in Love, #1)]]> 222382929 Tobias is the eldest Carmichael brother and determined to make his family proud running the lumberyard his father established. Too busy to look for his own bride his mother, the local baker of Sugar Crossing, holds interviews in the ruse of retiring but secretly seeking her first daughter-in-law. Unconvinced his mother is sincere about retiring, Tobias confronts her only to meet the next candidate. Curvy with the softest manner and sweetness practically dripping off her like honey everything about Carina calls to the primal part of his brain.

Will Tobias give in to temptation?

Carina is a terrible baker. Honestly Elaine should have fired her on the first day when she mixed up not only the salt and sugar ratios in the cookie recipe but also ginger and cinnamon. And then there is the fake nail she lost in the bread dough resulting in an entire morning's work being tossed. The only upside is the hot son of her boss who keeps kissing her. But she can't waste everyone's time. She was never meant to be a baker and Elaine is too kind to fire her. Small town means there are few jobs floating around and even less that she's qualified for. Leaving Crescent Ridge to return to her old apartment and job seems like her only option.

Will Tobias give Carina a reason to stay in Crescent Ridge or will his responsibility to the family businesses keep them apart?

Full of romance and steamy scenes, every novella in the Crescent Ridge world features a different couple. The main series center around a mail order bride dynamic while this spin off features lumberjacks and the women who love them. HEA guaranteed with no cheating and can be read in an hour or two.]]> 56 Jacqueline Carmine Ellie 4
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.48 Sugar Maple (Crescent Ridge: Lumberjacks in Love, #1)
author: Jacqueline Carmine
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.48
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:
Sugar Maple is a standalone short story by Jacqueline Carmine and is the first story in the Crescent Ridge: Lumberjacks in Love series. Sweet (pun intended) and sexy, this is your quintessential small town romance that brings in a new woman from the city and sets the heart of a certain lumberjack a flutter. As a plus, it was also fun to get to know all the Carmichael brothers as well as their successful parents.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[A Bride For Thomas (Crescent Ridge: Mountain Men in Uniform, #1)]]> 213403219 She was always meant to be his.

Gwen Truett grew up in Crescent Ridge, but she moved away the first chance she got. Now her mother is sick and she's back in town for the foreseeable future. She's a local but ever since she opened her tattoo studio downtown, she's been receiving the cold shoulder. Despite her quiet and professional setting, other local business owners are constantly calling the local sheriff's office with noise complaints. It wouldn't be more than an annoyance if the sheriff wasn't a childhood friend. One who looks like a tall drink of water despite the hideous uniform her wears.

He was never going to send off for a bride like the other single men in his hometown. Not when she's the only woman he's ever loved.

Thomas Larson has loved Gwen since they were in high school. He didn't tell her then because he wanted more for her than to be shackled to their hometown. She's talented and he wanted her to leave her mark on the world. But now she's back and he's done watching from the sidelines. He's always worn the badge with pride and honor but now that the woman he loves is being harassed by the very people he swore to protect and serve he might just have to decide which is a higher calling.

Can he honor his vow and protect the woman he loves, or will he have to watch as she walks away again?

Full of romance and steamy scenes, every novella in the Crescent Ridge series features a different couple. The others center around a mail order bride dynamic while this one features a sworn officer of the law and the feisty tattoo artist he has loved for years. HEA guaranteed with no cheating and can be read in a couple of hours.
]]> 55 Jacqueline Carmine Ellie 4
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.32 A Bride For Thomas (Crescent Ridge: Mountain Men in Uniform, #1)
author: Jacqueline Carmine
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:
A Bride for Thomas is a super sweet and super sexy small town romance. Thomas and Gwen are polar opposites. Thomas stayed in their small hometown and became the sheriff. Gwen had left to become well known in the tattoo artist world, only coming back and opening a store to be closer to her mother. The chemistry between these two are electric. A very satisfying read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> A Marriage of His Mercy 221098994
Viola Fox
Marriage is a given for ladies in my position.
We are trained to become wives and mothers, to be a vital cog in a gentleman’s need to produce an heir.
But what if there are no suitors? What if every time a gentleman shows any sort of interest, someone is there to stop them?
Time has passed and I am still unmarried, still unable to inherit my father’s estate, unless�
Unless I wed a monster who has haunted me since childhood. If I am forced into such a union, I know what I must do, know what I would rather do.
No one can save me from that fate now…can they?

Frederick Brown

Look at him, Victoria, look at how wonderful our son is!

Ah, yes, years of conversing with my late wife whom I lost only after eighteen months of marriage. I suppose heartbreak does that to a man. As does taking a vow to never lie with another woman again. Tending to our son whilst having these mental conversations with her is enough…isn’t it?

It was enough. But then I ran into an acquaintance from my past, a meddlesome friend who is intent on saving a beautiful young lady from a terrible fate, but only with my help.

Mercy, she calls it; scheming would be more apt.

But mercy I can offer; mercy I can live with. What I cannot allow is for either one of us to fall in love.

A simple feat, no?]]> Taylor K. Scott Ellie 5
This is a story about grief, healing, childhood trauma (and abuse/grooming), and, most importantly, friendship. It's a wonderfully complex story with equally wonderful characters, in particular the two main characters, Viola and Frederick, as well as Fredericks totally charming ten year old son, Henry.

Frederick lost his wife nearly a decade earlier, but he still holds her close, speaking to her in his mind, after devoting almost all his time to his beloved son, Henry. When he decides to go back into Society after so long, he meets Viola Fox, a woman who needs a help according to one of Frederick's friends. And somehow, that is how Frederick and Viola end up together and consider a marriage of convenience. However, Frederick hasn't finished his grief journey and he has to learn that it is OK to move on.

Growing up as the daughter of an earl, Viola had little to no contact with her parents, except for the third Sunday of every month. Her mother died when she was still a child, but Viola still suffers from the memory of her mother's neglect and harsh words. She later began to know her father, but she when her father remarried, Viola got the very definition of a wicked stepmother and an uncle who was prepared to groom her.

This is a highly emotional book, the characters have so much depth and undergo so much development through the course of the book that I ugly cried through much of the story. I absolutely fell in love with both Frederick and Viola - there is so much hurt, but there is also a lot of comfort, leading to friendship and a gentle love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.38 A Marriage of His Mercy
author: Taylor K. Scott
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/05
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves:
review:
A Marriage of His Mercy is the third book of The Marriage Series by Taylor K Scott. It is a historical romance, set in Regency Era London.

This is a story about grief, healing, childhood trauma (and abuse/grooming), and, most importantly, friendship. It's a wonderfully complex story with equally wonderful characters, in particular the two main characters, Viola and Frederick, as well as Fredericks totally charming ten year old son, Henry.

Frederick lost his wife nearly a decade earlier, but he still holds her close, speaking to her in his mind, after devoting almost all his time to his beloved son, Henry. When he decides to go back into Society after so long, he meets Viola Fox, a woman who needs a help according to one of Frederick's friends. And somehow, that is how Frederick and Viola end up together and consider a marriage of convenience. However, Frederick hasn't finished his grief journey and he has to learn that it is OK to move on.

Growing up as the daughter of an earl, Viola had little to no contact with her parents, except for the third Sunday of every month. Her mother died when she was still a child, but Viola still suffers from the memory of her mother's neglect and harsh words. She later began to know her father, but she when her father remarried, Viola got the very definition of a wicked stepmother and an uncle who was prepared to groom her.

This is a highly emotional book, the characters have so much depth and undergo so much development through the course of the book that I ugly cried through much of the story. I absolutely fell in love with both Frederick and Viola - there is so much hurt, but there is also a lot of comfort, leading to friendship and a gentle love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[My Viscount's Enduring Love: A Forced Proximity Second Chance False Identity Forbidden Love Regency Romance]]> 223055634 I never meant to be the bluestocking who captivated a brooding viscount or the woman who turned a broken engagement into scandal.

My world was dictated by duty and expectation for as long as I can remember. My love for science, especially botany—an unladylike passion, they whisper—was my solace. Then, I met him. A kind and brave stranger who saw beyond the veneer of my title to the woman I longed to be.

I didn’t know then that he was Lord Edgar Ainsworth, Viscount of Chester, or that his deception would shatter my trust. Hurt and heartbroken, I returned to London, resolved to bury my feelings for him beneath the weight of an arranged engagement. Yet Edgar remained, not in words, but in anonymous gestures of kindness, bold declarations of love, and a shared dream that bound us together.

My nature refuses to be denied, no matter how carefully society attempts to suppress it. But can I truly risk my heart and future on him again? Can love triumph after all?

For love is all that matters�if his love is true.]]> 483 Kristina Earl Ellie 5
I really liked both of the main characters. although I felt a stronger connection to Edgar, the Viscount Chester, than I did to Lucy. But there are two factors there, the emotions and upheaval of the story where Lucy's fear and decisions make total sense, but also because Edgar appeared in the author's previous book, My Musical Earl's Forbidden Love. I was intrigued by him then and was looking forward to his story.

It was impossible not to feel sympathy for Lucy. She is the daughter of a baron without any heirs. Her circumstances means that she has been able to chase her passion for botany, however, being a woman her world is duty - duty to her family, primarily. When she and Edgar meet, with Edgar using an assumed name, right after a carriage accident. Lucy's emotions are understandably running high. On top of that, she is being forced into a marriage for the sake of duty to her family, to a man of questionable morals. So many of her reactions in the book are out of fear and mistrust, but also the start of grieving the inevitable loss of botany and being able to continue her research.

This is where Edgar, begins a personal epiphany, as he chases the man that he suspects murdered the previous viscount. Edgar was never meant to inherit the title, and so while he is now titled, he doesn't really know what to do with it, particularly since he had started to make his own way in life before inheriting. What I loved about Edgar is that he is a man of complete compassion and love, but doesn't know where or how to channel these energies. That is until he meets Lucy, in particular his support of her botany research is sweet and warms this biologist's heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.]]> 4.60 My Viscount's Enduring Love: A Forced Proximity Second Chance False Identity Forbidden Love Regency Romance
author: Kristina Earl
name: Ellie
average rating: 4.60
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/11
shelves:
review:
My Viscount's Enduring Love is a standalone historical romance, set in Regency era England, by Kristina Earl. While this is a standalone book, there are ties to other works by Kristina Earl, so even though everything is explained and all the context we need is given, those that enjoy this one may be curious to go back. Over all, I enjoyed this story, much like I do with Kristina Earl's other works.

I really liked both of the main characters. although I felt a stronger connection to Edgar, the Viscount Chester, than I did to Lucy. But there are two factors there, the emotions and upheaval of the story where Lucy's fear and decisions make total sense, but also because Edgar appeared in the author's previous book, My Musical Earl's Forbidden Love. I was intrigued by him then and was looking forward to his story.

It was impossible not to feel sympathy for Lucy. She is the daughter of a baron without any heirs. Her circumstances means that she has been able to chase her passion for botany, however, being a woman her world is duty - duty to her family, primarily. When she and Edgar meet, with Edgar using an assumed name, right after a carriage accident. Lucy's emotions are understandably running high. On top of that, she is being forced into a marriage for the sake of duty to her family, to a man of questionable morals. So many of her reactions in the book are out of fear and mistrust, but also the start of grieving the inevitable loss of botany and being able to continue her research.

This is where Edgar, begins a personal epiphany, as he chases the man that he suspects murdered the previous viscount. Edgar was never meant to inherit the title, and so while he is now titled, he doesn't really know what to do with it, particularly since he had started to make his own way in life before inheriting. What I loved about Edgar is that he is a man of complete compassion and love, but doesn't know where or how to channel these energies. That is until he meets Lucy, in particular his support of her botany research is sweet and warms this biologist's heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Grumpy Vet (Vet Shop Boys Down Under Book 3)]]> 221608966 The third (and final) book in the VET SHOP BOYS DOWN UNDER series.]]> Casey Cox Ellie 5 5.00 The Grumpy Vet (Vet Shop Boys Down Under Book 3)
author: Casey Cox
name: Ellie
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/01/01
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves:
review:

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