Walk of Shame by Avery Flynn

4 Stars

One night. No strings. And a really good puck.

Five years ago, Astrid O’Malley experienced the ultimate in public humiliation. Being dumped at the altar by her childhood sweetheart was horrifying enough. That fact that he was a professional hockey goalie and her dad was his coach? It was all anyone in sports could talk about.

Eff hockey. Eff goalies.

These days, Astrid lives a life (mostly) free of hockey and free to pursue whoever she wants with exactly zero shame in her game. Like tonight’s hook-up. This guy’s nailed the lumberjack aesthetic perfectly. Especially when he has the stamina and creativity to back it up.

Because the rule is: it’s one night only. Which is gonna be a problem because she’s just discovered he lives in the apartment upstairs.

And he’s joined her dad’s team. As the goalie coach. To train her ex.

Now Astrid is in some kind of hockey hell–filled with her ex, her family, and the best sex of her life. And somehow she’s been roped back onto the team.

Puck my life.

I loved this book so much and the reason why I continue to read Avery Flynn’s books. Astrid is screwed by her fiancé the day of their wedding and she’s left to pick up the pieces including dealing with the media. She of course ends up falling for another hockey guy even though she’s sworn off all hockey guys. Her dad did irritated me in the book but that was to be expected. Overall, a lot of humor and a good book.

Book 2 Downside of Dating

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Traitor Witch by Marie Mistry

4 Stars

My name is Nilsa.

I am the Shadow of the Moon.

A lunar witch.

A divine assassin.

And they will tell you that I am a traitor.

Framed for the murder of my own high priestess and with nowhere else to go, I'm forced to seek refuge amongst pirates. This mismatched crew of immortal males thinks I'm a solar witch; a harmless, goody-two-shoes, celibate priestess of life.

But it's hard to keep up the charade with a cursed fae, two broken shifters and an overprotective vampire tempting me at every turn.

It's even harder when I have to constantly restrain the urge to murder their asshole captain.

All I need to do is live long enough to exact vengeance and reclaim my place in my coven. There's no place for men in my life. Not even the siren haunting my dreams who claims I'm his mate.

Holy crap this was such a good book.  I loved Nilsa and how much shit she gave the guys throughout this book. I loved all the secrets they were keeping from each other and how they slowly started coming out. Even though the overarching story isn’t completed by the end of the book it still had a pretty good ending. Can’t wait to see how things play out in the next two books.

Book 1 Deadwood

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Magical Makeover by Brenda Trim

4 Stars

Divorce comes as a relief when you discover your husband is a walking cliche and having an affair with a woman half your age. When life gives you lemons... give yourself a magical makeover!

One day I'm married, living in the triangle, and working as a head nurse at one of the country's best hospitals. The next, I've shed a hundred and seventy-five pounds of idiot and find myself encountering ghosts, dragons and pixies while taking care of a sick patient.

Losing my sanity didn't seem like the worst thing to happen since I moved back home with my mom and nana. But I have to make the best of this mess for the sake of my children. And I refuse to give my ex the satisfaction of knowing he literally drove me crazy.

I didn't mind rolling with the punches... I just never imagined those hits would come in the form of magic. Witches, shifters, and Fae don't exist, right? This new world I've discovered is dangerous.

The Tainted want to kill me, innocent paranormals want my help, and the son of Hades needs me to find demons. Give me an Ibuprofen, and watch out. I'm not about to stand by and let someone else ruin my life.

I'm a middle-aged woman on a brand-new mission, and nothing's going to stop me.

This was a different book in a good way. Phoebe is older and human but becomes magical with a very steep learning curve. The pacing in the book was nice and I liked all the characters. Phoebe is very determined to do her best by everyone and at times does to much. It doesn’t end with Phoebe ending up with anyone yet and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.

Book 4 Midlife Mysteries and Magic

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Keepsake by Amy Oliviera

4 Stars

In the red corner is a six-foot-three machine of pure mass, an ex-MMA fighter with a bad attitude and fists of steel.

He is my best friend’s brother.

But Sofia is not here anymore, and all that she left me were her instructions: take care of my kids.

Not a simple task, especially when I have to open my doors to Sofia’s estranged brother.

I spent my entire life dreaming about having a family of my own, but I didn’t think it would be through loss that I would find my gain.

Three brilliant children need me, and I’ll have to learn to co-parent with a bull of a man in the China shop of my life.

We are complete opposites; I’m the business first, workaholic in the big city with a penthouse. Then there’s Alvaro Castillo, El Toro, with callouses in his hands and ink all over his skin.

I’ll need him on my side if I want the best for these kids, but my trust isn’t something I give out easily. To make things worse, El Toro has a secret that might ring the bell of defeat in all of our lives.

Now I have everything I’ve ever wanted. But at the cost of my best friend’s life.

This was such a good book. It had all the feels with it. Sophie has her issues but wants to step up for her friend’s kids. Alvaro is struggling just as much as Sophie but hides it better than Sophie. The story flows nicely and it was such a good reading, and the ending was perfect.

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Heart of Curiosities by Karice Bolton

2 Stars

Amelia Evans knew one day she’d come back to help at her family’s Antiques and Baubles on Curiosity Bay. She just didn’t expect it to happen after her fiancé leaves her for her best friend, her apartment burns down, and her trusty ride of over a decade wheezes its last breath.

With her sisters welcoming her into the fold, she realizes the island’s coveted antique store might just be the place to mend her broken heart.

But when an exotic vase arrives with something special inside, she knows she needs to find the rightful owner. There’s no way he would ever have let this go. She just never expects it to be…him.

When James Edwards hears from an antique dealer regarding his family’s belongings, he ignores the call. After all, everyone’s been after him since his mom’s death to get a piece of his family’s rare collectibles.

And that was the least of his worries. Between his own life imploding and his future not what he ever expected for his small son, he doesn’t have time to worry about an expensive vase.

It isn’t until the woman shows up at his doorstep that he realizes there’s more to it than he realizes, but the mystery surrounding the woman holding the vase is as intriguing as the one he wishes he could solve.

This was an interesting story idea, but it had a massive pacing issue. The beginning and ending were good but getting there took way too long. The ending was also a little bit weird. I liked the main characters and wanted to love this book but with the pacing issue it made it hard to read this book. Overall meh.

Book 1 Curiosity Bay

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Omegaverse by Roxy Collins

3 Stars

Every famous love song has been written by an alpha for an omega.

As a beta, I’ve never expected to be anyone’s muse. I’m happy to stick in the background – and with a past like mine, it’s simply safer avoiding the spotlight.

But that changes the day I learn my long-lost brother is Stix Rain. The drummer for one of the biggest rock bands in the world, we lost touch when we went into foster care. He ran away, I stayed, and I still carry the scars from growing up alone.

I have so many questions for him – until I discover he died three months ago.

I’m desperate to know more about him, but my only chance to meet his bandmates is at his tribute concert. The same concert where I get rained on, mugged, and the lead singer accuses me of being a tragedy chasing groupie.

But earning the trust of a bunch of moody, grieving rockstars isn’t my biggest problem. Because I’m suddenly triggered by a switch and my hidden omega nature takes over, hungry for knots, and bites, and a pack of my own.

Now I’m on a tour bus in the middle of nowhere, and I’m hot and needy for my brother’s best friends.

But helping me through my first ever omega heat is just the start of it.

Because someone is trying to destroy the band, and I now have an impossible choice to make.

I can either sacrifice my brother’s legacy, or walk away from the only pack I’ve ever wanted.

I enjoyed this one. Some of the guys took a bit too long to get on board. It starts off sab but ends super nicely. I had some questions about how the bad guy was able to do what they. Well worth the read if you like omegaverse.

Book 3 Billionaires in Heat

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Pucking Revenge by Brittanee Nicole

4 Stars

Good boys don’t lie, fight, or steal.

Up until the moment I learned that my uncle and coach, the man I’ve looked up to my entire life, was having an affair with my best friend–the only woman I’ve ever wanted–I was a good boy. The Saint of hockey. Brooks Langfield–star goalie of the Boston Bolts and all around nice guy.

Apparently, being good is overrated because seeing Sara blindsided when she learns that the man she was dating is married makes me just angry enough to stop thinking and finally take what I want–a real shot with my best friend.

Fake dating Sara under the guise of revenge means I’m now lying to my family, fighting anyone who even looks at her the wrong way, and stealing kisses as if she’s truly mine to touch.

Now she’s the only person I want calling me a good boy and somehow I need to show her this is so much more than pucking revenge.

Loved this story so much. Friends to lovers with a splash of fake romance. I loved the give and take between Sara and Brooks. When Brooks finally tells her the truth it was perfect. Brooks’ aunt still sucks for how she acted at the end of the book. I hate when the wrong person is blamed for bad deeds. Will be looking for more books by this author.

Book 2 The Revenge Games

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Heart Throb Wolf by Aidy Awards

3 Stars

Don't want your best friend to find out you're in love with him? Maybe don't put him in your not-so-secret paranormal romance novel.

Rosie:

I've been writing a romance novel and it stars my best friend.

He's a star on the Dire Wolves football team and I've been in love with him for years.

But he just thinks of me as one of the guys, albeit one with plus-size curves.

But I want to be so much more.

Nik:

Nothing like reading your best friend's novel and seeing yourself starring in all the schmexy bits.

She even made the hero a freaking wolf.

Is there a chance she wants to do all these naughty things with me? Because she's been starring in my fantasies for years.

But she knows nothing about the politics of the the wolf world. Including the fact that I don't get to choose my own mate.

Short and steamy. Builds on the last two books/couples. You can’t read this one without reading those two. These aren’t in-depth books or long ones, but they are enjoyable. I didn’t like the MMC as much in this book as I have the other ones. He was way more focused then other ones were but still a good read.

Book 3 Big Wolf on Campus

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Promo High Roller Omegas

♠️♦️♣️❤️ High Roller Omegas shared world!

❤️ Queen of Diamonds ❤️

Most omegas dream of a happily ever after; I just want to survive.

I’m on the run from a cruel alpha—leader of the gang I was sold to. For years he kept me like a trophy, and each heat left me with scars—ones that mark the last secret I have left to protect.

Now, he’s found me, and my sanctuary—the High Roller club—is no longer safe. Just when I know I’m going to be dragged back to my worst nightmare, I stumble upon a pack I never thought I’d see again. A pack that’s haunted every dream since the day I met them. Kyan, Zed, and Knight are brutal boys of the streets, and they’re my mates, so falling into their arms for protection should be easy. But long dead are the days of stolen kisses and names scratched into notebooks amidst hearts.

Because they hate me.

When they got to their knees and offered me the world, I turned my back on them. I left them broken, rejected, and exiled from the only family they’d ever known.

Placing myself at their feet is my last hope of survival, but I can never let them see the scars their enemy left across my skin.

This is a stand alone in the shared High Roller Omegaverse which can be read in any order, and is a MMFM bully omegaverse with a HEA

Make sure you check out the rest of the shared world:

♣️Queen of Clubs by @alishawilliamsauthor ♣️

♦️Queen of Diamonds by @mariemackaybooks♦️

♠️Queen of Spades by @jillianwestauthor♠️

❤️Queen of Hearts by @sarahblueauthor ❤️

Or go to www.highrolleromegas.com for more info!

Want to read a sneak peek chapter? Marie’s ream ‘Omega Tier’ has a glimpse of what’s to come! (Check newsletter for 50% off coupon for life)

https://reamstories.com/mariemackay

Add to your tbr:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199250002-queen-of-diamonds

#queenofdiamonds #comingsoon #romancereads #coverreveal #preorder #omegaverseromance #bookstagram #omegaverse #readersofig @mariemackaybooks

Promo: Amy Award

Love this series and can't wait for this book

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House of Omega by Roxy Collins

4 Stars

I AM WORTHY.

My stepbrother has my future mapped out. I’m going to be his pack’s companion when he bonds his omega next spring. As a beta, he’s tried to convince me it’s the best I can hope for, even if it includes duties with his pack that make me shudder.

But I want more. My dream job is to be a designer for House of Omega, the most elite luxury goods company in the world. But a ruined interview dashes my hopes, until a chance encounter with a beautiful male omega, Max. He needs my help securing a wealthy pack, and I suddenly find myself tangled up with the Rose Pack, the owners of House of Omega.

Because if they want to court Max, he insists I’m part of the package. I have my hesitations, not least of all because my stepbrother threatens to destroy anyone who dares to keep us apart. But my off-the-charts chemistry with Max convinces me to move into the Rose Tower, and soon I’m living and working with the wildly attractive Rose alphas.

Everything I’ve ever wanted seems to be in my grasp, especially when the lines between companion and mate start to blur. And when my stepbrother comes to claim me, I realize I don’t just want to fight to be Max’s plus-one.

I want to be the complete package.

But is there really a place for me in the House of Omega?

I love a good beta story and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved the connection between FMC and Max. They were all in with each other even without the Alphas but adding in the Alphas made it that much sweeter. Everyone brought something new to the pack. It made for a good read.

Book is apart of Pack’s Companion

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Bad Boy Wolf by Aidy Award

3 Stars

The bad boy never can resist the good girl~

Ty:

The second the shy curvy girl walked into the bar, I knew I wasn't her type. She’s a bookworm, nose stuck firmly in her laptop, and I’m the football team's bad boy. A motorcycle-riding bartender with a dirty past as the son of a lone wolf.

But when she asks me for dating lessons, I’m going to do everything I can to teach her exactly how opposites attract.

Until my past shows up to destroy the one good thing fate ever did for me.

Hunter:

I did it. I actually asked bad boy book boyfriend material to teach me how to flirt. It’s not like he’s going to fall for me. I’m the nerdy, chubby, book nerd, nothing like the hot sorority chicks always swooning over him at the bar.

Then I can use my new skills to find a guy who’ll do dirty things to me, someone just like him. Ack, I mean help me find a nice guy who’ll fit into my nice girl life. Oh geez. I’m a wreck and I’m pretty sure I’m doomed to die a virgin.

Especially when our crazy romance runs straight into a motorcycle club of... werewolves... wait... werewolves?

Just like book one, this one is short and steamy. I still wanted it to be a smidge longer and more story. Overall, I enjoyed reading it and will pick up the next one.

Book 2 Big Wolf on Campus

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Hell Gate by Veronica Eden

2 Stars

Open the gate...if you dare.

The first thing I’m warned about when I arrive at the girls’ home is to stay away from the abandoned graveyard. Local urban legend claims it’s host to a gate to Hell.

Then I was dared…

The legend is as real as the monsters I’ve summoned by activating the gate. Demons guard it, waiting for skeptical idiots like me to do the ritual. Three sinfully hot, dangerously powerful demons.

This was just a weird book and not in a good way. Add in how slow going it was I struggled with reading it. The idea was there but it needed work to make it a better book.

Book 1 Twisted Legends

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Cocky Jock by Aidy Award

3 Stars

Nerdy, chubby girls don't date quarterbacks... or werewolves.

Eli:

I just want one night off of being the all-star golden boy that the whole world, including my pack, expects great

things from. Is it too much to ask to go watch my favorite horror movies and eat popcorn?

Apparently it is.

I just might get my chance if this cute AF nerdy book girl at the bar plays defense for me. As long as I don't let my wolf get a whiff of her ripe delicious scent. The last thing I need to add onto my plate is a fated mate.

Charlize:

Go on a date or get fired - that’s the ultimatum from my boss at the Moon Bean coffee shop. But I picked a real jerk and now I’m stuck at the bar with him.

I don’t need anyone to save me, but a smart girl recognizes a good escape plan when she kisses one.

It’s not like I’m going to fall for a jock with more notches on his belt than books on his shelf. But Eli is more than that and I'm developing some crazy feelings for him.

That is until he turns into a werewolf straight out of a horror movie.

Short and sweet … well not sweet. It’s a quick read and was an interesting take on shifters. I liked the writing style but wished it was slightly longer. Other books in the series are with different characters so we will see if it gets better.

Book 1 Big Wolf on Campus

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Cocky-Jock-Wolf-Shifter-College-ebook/dp/B09F2J2GDS/

Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray

4 Stars

He's a hot, shirtless hockey player…and he’s my fake date for my ex-husband’s wedding. Talk about a hot flash to beat all hot flashes.

The wedding bells are ringing and my ex-husband is the groom! When my grown kids hook me up with a fake date to my ex-hubby's tropical island nuptials, I expect sun, sand, and plenty of fruity cocktails - not steamy nights with a shirtless pro hockey player!

Roman might be all swagger on the ice, but this growly, egotistical male model of perfection has a soft side too. While I battle dresses made for twenty-somethings, awkward run-ins with my ex, and unwelcome hot flashes, Roman is there to distract me with flirty compliments, stay up late with me when I can’t sleep, and make me feel vibrant and ageless.

As good as it feels, none of this is real, and Roman is way out of my league. Who’s going to believe this gorgeous, famous, muscle-bound athlete would ever date a scatterbrained, hot-flashing, insomniac nerd with twenty stubborn extra pounds around the middle?

But as the big day approaches, we grow closer. Wedding activities lead to beach walks at sunset, and his oh-so-talented fingers twist my hormones up in a whole new way. Gazing into Roman’s eyes, I start to wonder if he could be my shot at a real happily ever after.

That’s the thing about vacations, though; at some point, you need to return to reality.

Loved this story so much. Olivia has an issue with her backbone with everyone but Roman. For whatever reason he brings out her spunk. When she finally stands up for herself it was amazing. Loved how all in Roman was with her and how it all played out for these two to get their HEA.

Book 1 Hot Flash Hookups

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