Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

4 Stars

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain—and his entire nefarious empire—out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

After all, a good job is hard to find.

Very very slow burn book. If you expect any romance to happen in this book guess again. It is a cute read but slow going. It finally picks up and it ends. There’s no world building or character development. There are times things are mentioned that are very modern and doesn’t fit with the image of the world but it is used. I did enjoy reading it enough to want book 2.

Book 1 Assistant to the Villain

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Seize the Castle by Elizabeth Dear

3 Stars

In Saint Gabriel City, there’s a war brewing.

The Four Families have ruled the City for generations, but they made a huge fucking mistake when they murdered my parents and didn’t manage to kill me too.

I’ve revealed my true identity, taking the City and Holywell Academy by storm, but the heads of Spencer, Hargraves, and Ferrero continue to underestimate me. They think I’m an annoying little gnat trying to play at being an Heir, and that will make it all the sweeter when I take everything from them.

But their sons—the boys who were my best friends for eleven years—they have different ideas about me than their parents do.

Zach wants me back—and maybe just plain wants me.

Noah longs for our friendship but feels hurt by my lies.

And Bennett—he’ll resist my attack on his legacy until the bitter end, but he’d still rather die than lose me again.

And me? I’m starting to think I need my boys back with me after all.

But they’ll have to choose—it’s me or the Families.

Because I came to burn it all down, and nothing is going to stand in my way.

I took issue with the guys. They didn’t want her until they found out who she really was. They let horrible things happen to her and at the end now they care. They need more groveling to make it up to her and don’t. Curious to see how the series will end.

Book 2 A Knight’s Revenge

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Games We Play by Auryn Hadley

3 Stars

We're tempted to play games, thinking they will give us more power - but that only works if we win.

After spending the holidays with my guardian's family, it seems that everyone in the temple has the wrong idea. The Baron isn't my patron. He's not even a friend. In truth, I hate the man.

But the rumor mill is strong, and jealousy is running rampant.

This is all just one more excuse for my instructors to hold me back, lower my grades, and try to force me to choose one path. I can't! My god needs me to save him, and the Path of Temptation gives me the power to do that.

Except that I'm drowning in the pressure, feeling like I'm failing my god. I need to make people believe in him, but how can I do that when I can't believe in myself? All these mind games are starting to pile up, and it's tearing me apart.

But Zeal is getting stronger.

That's enough to keep me going. No matter how hard they try to push me down, I'll just keep fighting back, learning to play this game better each time. I will not become the victim here, because I'm not doing this alone. My lovers will always stand with me.

But this is not a game.

If we fail, we'll lose everything -

Including each other.

This one continues where the last ended and the story progresses but not quickly. One of the biggest issues I had was the repetitive conversations that were had plus the inner dialogue which slowed the story down drastically. It was still good but needs work.

Book 3 The Path of Temptation

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Raider’s Treasure by Leann Ryans

2 Stars

Lyric's quiet life was shattered when a raid on her village left her father and the alpha he’d promised her to dead. The warrior who caught her wants her for himself, but he destroyed everything she’d ever known, so how could she give in to her omega nature?

The raider intended to take her whether she was willing or not, but he offered the other omegas a choice if she cooperated. She’d never had the option to choose her mate, but could she forgive Raider for what he'd done and learn to trust him so the others could have the choice she'd been denied?

This book felt very unfinished. Your dropped into a story with zero world building or character development. You get 0 connection between FMC and MMC. This leads to me thinking it’s a meh read.

Book 1 Alpha Barbarians

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Paths We Lay by Auryn Hadley

3 Stars

To find temptation, we must lay our own path.

For the last ten years, I thought I was nothing special. I was just another priestess in the Temple of Temptation. One of many. Little did I know that my god has plans for me. He intends to make me powerful.

But what I will become is up to me.

For centuries, things here have always been done the same way - and the gods are now paying for it. Somehow, I'm expected to revive the faith. I'm their last hope, but no one is quite sure how I'm supposed to do that.

That means I'm making this up as I go. My god is begging me to become something new. My temple wants me to respect traditions. My instructors want to force me to follow their rules.

I just want to save my god.

With my three men, I know I'll figure it out. That is not the same as this being easy, though. Even worse, being "special" makes those around me jealous, and giving in to temptation is a part of our nature. When my guardian's family gets involved, things get infinitely more complicated.

The temple wants to break me.

My success or failure depends on the path I choose.

I just hope I find the right one.

The big reveal was big, and Nari has a lot to do and defend in this book. Some of the relationship stuff frustrated me in this one but it was minor. It wasn’t as good as book one but still good. Wished it would move a bit faster.

Book 2 The Path of Temptation

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Knot Your Past by Jarica James

2 Stars

I swore off mates years ago, yet they have me reconsidering...

After being rejected by a chosen mate and losing everything, I vowed I would never let anyone make me feel that way again.

Since then I’ve enjoyed the single life. My weekends were full of random hook ups and enough booze to forget how lonely I am.

Until someone starts following me.

I quickly find that not only did my ex hire someone to tail me, it was his brothers and childhood friend.

And all three of them are my mates.

In a day that seems hellbent on tearing my world apart I find that the Sulley Pack has come to town. It takes one meeting to realize that fate wasn’t done with me yet.

Now two packs want to claim me as theirs. They’re all far too caring and understanding for a jaded omega like me. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Can I put my past aside and give these men a chance?

There was way too many partners with this book. I struggled to track who was who. None of them were developed at all. It also felt like the story was unfinished. Just overall, a miss for me.

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Cover Reveal Carrie Ann Ryan

Couple cover by Sweet N Spicy Designs

Special Edition cover by WildHeart Graphics

Image by Wander Aguiar

PREORDER: https://carrieannryan.com/books/one-quick-obsession/#order

Price We Pay by Auryn Hadley

4 Stars

Everyone wants to give in to temptation, but no one wants to pay the price.

I was a child when my father surrendered me to the Temple of All Gods. No one gave me a choice. No one even bothered to explain. I was simply tossed aside, unwanted.

That was the day the God of Temptation claimed me as his.

Now, I'm studying how to become the perfect priestess. Life in the temple means embracing my emotions and learning to harness each type of desire. Power, fear, lust, and rage are the most common, but not the only ones. Each has a power. Each has its place. I just have to figure out which kind of priestess I'll become.

Before I decide, I have questions - yet no one seems willing to give me answers. My only option is to leave it in my god's hands. This won't be easy, and my instructors think I'm a fool, but Temptation has been listening. Asking. Offering it all.

In exchange, he intends to use me.

I have demands. The priest and priestess who took me in have become my family. The guys? They taught me to love. How am I supposed to give this up? Why should I? Not even a god can make me walk away from them! All I have to do is stand my ground.

In this temple, there's always a temptation.

The question is if I'm stubborn enough to resist...

Or brave enough to pay a god's price.

Very very spicy read and it’s different. I love Nari and how strong she is and how willing she is to follow her own path. Even when theis means problems for her. There is a lot of things going on in this book but it works for me. Ends on a cliffhanger ending so you will need to read on.

Book 1 The Path of Temptation

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Knot That Likely by Sierra Cassidy

3 Stars

It was his first time as a heat helper without supervision. And also his last.

Erik is bright-eyed and confident in his abilities to get Cindy through her heat. He’s done all the training, learned all her preferences, and even knows how to make her favorite foods. He just forgets one important thing…

Cindy is a cynical, mature omega who’s sworn off relationships. Heat helpers have always gotten her through her heats, and she assumes this time with Erik will be no exception. He’s hot, happy to do what she likes, and his charming smile makes her a little weak in the knees.

All it takes is one mistake to upend their lives forever.

Short and spicy read. Cute story but no development of characters or the world. Sometimes all you need is the short and spicy and for me this book was good.

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Noir Reformatory by J.R. Thorne and Lexi C Floss

3 Stars

Wrapped in a world of sin and sexy alpha angels.
Forever defined by my black wings.
My father, King of the Nora, sent me to Noir Reformatory to atone for crimes I didn’t commit.
So what’s a girl to do? Escape, obviously.
Except I need allies to accomplish that feat and no one wants anything to do with King Sefid’s daughter. If anything, my claim to the throne has only made running that much harder, and worse, I’m stuck with two hot angels standing in my way.
Auric is my supposed guardian, his white wings marking him as my superior in this deadly playground. Only, I’m his princess and I refuse to bow to a warrior like him.
And Novak, the notorious Prison King, is hell-bent on teaching me my place. Which he seems to think is beneath him. In his bed.
This prison resembles a training camp for soldiers more than a reformatory for the Fallen. I suspect something nefarious is at play here, but of course, no one believes me. I’m the guilty princess with black wings. Well, I’ll prove them all wrong. I just hope it isn’t too late.
My name is Princess Layla.
I’m innocent.
And I do not accept this fate.

This one has more questions than answers. It feels like you come into the story part way into it. The writing is good and even though I have so many questions I’m willing to give it a shot since all are out.

Book 1 Noir Reformatory

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Last Chance Mates by Leona Page

3.5 Stars

It’s former RedMoon alphason, Trey Wilkinson’s, last chance. Last chance to redeem himself. Last chance to carve out a good life for his widowed mother and orphaned son. Last chance to feel any smidge of happiness. Long, slender legs, wide sky-blue eyes, too clever for his sanity, and such a mouth on her; his last chance.

Rory’s on her last chance. Prison was a mixed bag, but now she’s out. Back with the remnants of her pack, Rory just needs to find her footing, but the betrayals of her past haven’t been resolved, and she has more secrets than Trey Wilkinson’s investigative gamma unit.

Attraction may be explosive, but so is the past. No matter how much Trey and Rory want each other, the fact remains: Rory killed Trey’s little brother. How can he possibly forgive her for that?

It was a good read. I loved the struggle Rory went through to end up with Trey. There is some content warnings should pay attention to before reading this book but I enjoyed the darkness this author writes. There are some writing errors that need to be addressed but still a good read.

Book 7 Not Quite An Alpha

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Knot Wanted by Jillian West

4 Stars

Shanna Fitzpatrick grew up with rock stars. She's seen enough to know she doesn't want to date one—let alone three—from two rival bands, no less. The bossy, much older security specialist who comes with one of those rock stars might be a different story, but she's still hurting a little too badly from past mistakes to find out.

After all, a group of unscrupulous men courted her specifically trying to gain access to her family connections.

But with another heat on the horizon, she knows she can't put off moving on any longer. Who better to fill her heat with than rock stars? They're perfect for no-strings attached fun. Until the kind of men she always told herself she'd never fall for end up being exactly what she's been missing.

When the past comes back to haunt Shanna can they come together as a pack? Or will old wounds to be too much for them to overcome?

I loved this one and seeing everyone getting their HEA. Shanna gets screwed over but makes out even better because of this. I loved all the personalities of the guys that brought to her life. It flows nicely and has some sweet but also super-hot scenes. Definitely worth the read.

Book 2 Ruined Records: Chicago

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Fortune Academy One by J.R. Thorne and Lexi C Floss

3 Stars

Welcome to Fortune Academy, a school where supernaturals can feel at home—except, I have no idea what I am.

The last thing I remember is arriving at the massive gates with a Bounty Hunter staring me down. I have a feeling he was supposed to take me to the monster holding arena to fight and die. Instead, I'm Fortune Academy's newest student.

I can relate to the monsters in ways the other students can't. My mentor, who is way too hot for his own good, tells me my behavior is the result of my memory loss and that I'm just trying to identify with a past pain that I've buried too far to feel. I think he's wrong. I think the reason I can't relate to any of the students is because I'm one of the monsters they're trained to kill.

I don't fit into any of the supernatural cliques, but that doesn't stop me from collecting enemies. A brawny wolf shifter, a moody dark mage, and a playboy demi-god have decided to break me. They think I don't have any powers and that I was recruited by mistake. It'll be their funeral if they push me too far, because this girl isn't taking any of their sh--t.

My name is Lily Fallen, but don't let my pretty face fool you. I'm a monster in a school uniform and it's only a matter of time before I teach these males a lesson they won't forget.

Pretty good start to a new series. It does end on a cliff but all the books are out. Nice world building and character development. Can’t wait to see where everything goes and who ends up with Lilly.

Book 1 Fortune Academy

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Knot Again by Lucy Scott Bryan

2.5 Stars

Growing up, all I wanted was a family. Now all I need is a pack.

Being the heir of the Verdune family legacy is a blessing. The responsibility that comes with it, not so much. Add in the fact I’m an Omega, and some days I wish I was born into a different life.

Meeting my scent-matched Alpha, should be a night of celebration but instead it becomes an event marred by tragedy and a stark reminder of how controlling Alphas can be.

I’m told to find a pack. Or they’ll find one for me.

A pack of delicious smelling Alphas swoop in to save me. Okay, they actually win me at an auction but either way they insist we’re fated to be together. They promise we'll be living our own sweet fairytale.

The thing about fairytales… they’re usually stories of false hope, crushed dreams, and ruined happily-ever-afters. Complete BS really.

But those Alphas are real life princes, and they believe in whimsical destiny and everlasting happiness. They’re also ruthless, borderline obsessed and won’t take no for an answer.

I’m just not sure I can trust them. Knot again.

The idea was there but I had issues with FMC and the flow of the book. I’ve read other books by this author and loved them but this one just fell flat for me. If you like omegaverse there are better ones to read.

Book 2 Scornedverse

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Winter Fae Queen by J.R. Thorne and Lexi C Floss

4 Stars

 The Royal Water Fae I’m in love with just hired me to be his intern.

Oh. My. Fae.

I only applied for the job because of a dare, and now I’m packing my bags for the North Pole.

No big deal. I can totally be professional. I haven’t seen him since the Academy anyway. Maybe he’s gotten fat from all the Winter Fae sweets

Except, no. Kalt hasn’t gotten fat at all. He’s still perfectly chiseled and even more gorgeous than I remember. And worse? He has two equally hot friends.

A royal elf named Lark.

And a sexy-as-sin selkie named Norden.

I am so screwed. And I mean that literally because the elf and the selkie seem to think I’m their mate. Only Kalt completely disagrees.

Oh, and not only am I dealing with these three hotties, but my water magic is also on the fritz. I accidentally stirred up a snowball fight in the middle of Santa’s workshop, then ice tinsel started shooting from my fingertips like confetti.

It’s a problem.

One I’m not sure how to solve.

So, yeah, wish me luck! And send warm vibes. I really need some help melting all this snow…

Kalt frustrated me so much in this book but he finally got it in the end but it took way too long. Loved how all in Norden and Lark were with Arica and how they tried to ease into the relationship but ended up rushing. It didn’t feel like a 438-page book. It reads easy and fast. So, if you are looking for a good holiday book this is a good one to read.

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Mother Faker by Brittanee Nicole

4 Stars

Moving with my three best friends and our seven kids into a dilapidated brownstone in Boston may have seemed like the most insane thing I’d do this year. Apparently the universe said hold my beer.

Because last night I got drunk and married my boss.

Don’t worry, it’s all fake. Or at least everything after 'I Do' will be.

Beckett Langfield is grumpy, rich and hates kids. I’m an overworked, overstressed, and overweight single mom. The only reason we’re getting married is because he needs to fix a PR disaster and I am available. As in sitting next to him, in a bar, when he has this brilliant idea.

Considering I just got divorced, I’m not looking to do that again. But Beckett makes me an offer that I literally can’t refuse, so I don’t.

He’ll help fix up our broken house and all I have to do is take a few pictures and pretend we’re happily married.

Easy peasy.

Now if someone could just remind him that it’s all fake.

I really enjoyed the chaos in this book. There were a couple of the women that frustrated me and I never felt they changed in the book. I loved the FMC and MMC in this book with the kids. It was a sweet story. Each women gets their own book with a different author so I will see how I like their styles.

Book 1 The Momcoms

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