Something Knotty Something Blue by Lilith K Dual

2 Stars

Marriage is a Beta thing, but I'm an Omega.

All my life I’ve been a good girl. I’ve behaved and never caused a fuss. Omega or not, my dreams have always lined up with my mother’s expectations: find a nice beta boy, marry, have kids, and a white picket fence.

Until I found the Heller Pack. My pack.

I've never felt as wanted as I do when I’m with them. I need nothing more than to be at their side, no matter how much my mother disapproves.

But, I also want my special day.

After a year of suffering through heat suppressants and chemical cocktails to keep our urges at bay, tonight is the magical night when I walk down the aisle and become their bride. My pack can claim me at last.

Interesting idea that was poorly implemented. It felt like there was a whole story prior to this one which led to me being confused. It was like an epilogue to a story. I want the backstory that leads into this one. Because of the short length there isn't any development of the characters. The world was developed in other books. Overall skip and read something else.

Amazon 

Crazed Candy by Leigh Kelsey

4 Stars

Here’s a tip: don’t mess with the demon girl who kills people for a living.

The four self-proclaimed kings of Orchid Vale apparently never got that memo, and now my self care retreat is about to become a bloodbath.

This quaint village was supposed to be a break from my hectic life of death, gore, and high stakes ‘jobs’—that’s code for supernatural murder—but I don’t get a chance to enjoy even a fairground ride without the kings of Orchid Vale getting in my way.

Arkan, the ice cold wraith wants to break me. Joseph, the reaper gangster with a heart of gold wants to save me. X, the incubus maniac wants us to be a killer duo. But Taj, the prince of hell and the worst of them all, wants me dead. Apparently I killed his uncle. Oops.

The kings warn I’ll be lucky to leave Orchid Vale alive, even if their instincts say I’m their fated mate. But they’re the ones who need to watch out. One false move, and they'll find themselves choking to death.

They don’t call me the Candyfloss Killer for nothing.

Crazed Candy is a paranormal romance with psycho men, a badass FMC, twisted romance, and lots and lots of bloodlust. Demon criminals, a dark syndicate, a godlike hunter, and depraved, evil pasts fill these pages, but none of them are as deadly as Aveline Lachesi. This book is medium burn, with moderate heat, and multiple love interests.

This was a short and demented read. Demented in a good way. Aveline is crazy and willing to do anything to be happy. I love how she meets the guys. She gives them such chaos and I loved it. It ends on a cliff hanger and I'm curious to see how this all plays out.

Book 1 Killers and Kings

Amazon 

The Only One by Daisy Jane

3 Stars

After leaving a sheltered life on a commune, Miller starts over. All alone.

He becomes a mechanic, works hard to build himself a home, and immerses himself in all the things he was previously denied. Books, movies, music--- even fruit snacks. The only thing he's yet to experience? A girlfriend.

She works the front desk, but Delane's goal is to become a mechanic.

After watching her adorable co-worker strike out with women, they make a deal. She'll help him with ladies, and he'll help her with cars.

It's a great plan, a solid deal, and everything is going great. What could possibly go wrong?

This was an interesting one. Haven't read one and two but still enjoyed. Delane is a take charge woman who knows what she wants and is willing to go for it. Miller is the sheltered one and his innocence was interesting to learn about. There is one twist I didn't see coming. If you read reviews, it will spoil it for you. Overall, the growth and changes in the relationship made the story. Will pick up 1 & 2 to read.

Book 3 Wrench Kings

Amazon 

If You Need Me by Helena Hunting

4 Stars

I should be the one taking her to our small-town high school reunion. The prom king finally gets his chance with the valedictorian.
Except she hates me.

To the world, I’m a pro hockey player with a million dollar smile.
To Hemi, I’m the menace who (accidentally) sank her bike to the bottom of the lake.

I never thought I’d be able to right my wrongs until she took the team’s PR job.
I’d hoped I was making progress, winning her over—one geriatric polka party at a time.

Until I got drunk one night and made a mistake. A very big mistake.
Now the world thinks we’re both very much in love—except Hemi is absolutely in loathe.

To save our jobs and reputations, we have to convince all our friends, family, and bosses that our fake relationship is the real deal.

I’ll do anything to protect her, especially if it means I get to be the best boyfriend Hemi never expected.

I loved this one so much. I loved the give and take between Hemi and Dallas. The lies that turned into reality. Dallas’ anxiety was written well and was a good addition to the story. The one part that did irritate me was the third act break up. It was just like really are we doing this now…fine. Definitely added to the series.

Book 3 The Toronto Terror

Amazon 

Lock’em Down by Gina Azzi

1 Star

I’m a carpe diem, live-in-the-moment, kind of woman. But waking up in Vegas with a rock on my finger and a gorgeous man in my bed? Well, now I’m redefining what it means to roll the dice…

Especially because my new husband is Tennessee Thunderbolts center, Leif Bang.

Yes, he has electric blue eyes that pierce me to my core. For sure, I’ve never seen forearms quite like his. And — another point for him — he makes me fold over with laughter.

But he’s also the man my mother was scheming to set me up with once I settled in Knoxville for my new job.

Determined to start my new life on my own terms, the last thing I need — or want — is a wickedly charming husband who’s never had a serious girlfriend, much less an impulsive wife.

It’s fine because I’m all about those annulment papers. Except, our moms are old friends, I’m new in town, and Leif is nothing like I expected.

Especially when he asks me to fake this marriage a little while longer.

Now, I’m forced to embrace my life’s motto and leave things up to chance…

Even if I’m gambling with my heart.

This book was literally the worst of all of the series. I stopped reading them cause I hated this one so much. It was a lot of things going on without any depth. Cami’s mom just pissed me off and it’s not resolved well. Cami was also a really annoying character. Just a huge miss for me.

Book 4 Bang Brothers

Amazon 

If You Want Me by Helena Hunting

4 Stars

Hollis Hendrix. Cat Dad. Hockey Player. Tattooed grump.

Love? Longing? I’m familiar with them. All because of my dad’s best friend.

I know better than to lust after Hollis.

First, he’s a decade older than me.

Second, my dad would absolutely lose it—I’m forbidden from dating his teammates.

Third, I just did something I can’t undo and Hollis knows.

So if you’re looking for me, I’m the woman at the pancake house trying not to make it weird.

But when Hollis calls me Princess with gruff longing, I wonder if maybe I’m not so alone in my feelings.

I put everyone else first. Except this time, I’m going to go after exactly what I want. Him.

I enjoyed this age gap dad’s BFF. It helps that it’s a small gap cause of dad’s age. It played out nicely and in a reasonable way. The drama was all about dad not finding out about them. One of her better books.

Book 2 The Toronto Terror

Amazon 

Whatever it Takes by Jillian West

4 Stars

Briar needs help. She knows what it's like to walk out of a dangerous situation and straight into the unknown. That's what brings her to Shadow Security—only a case of mistaken identity leads her to accept a job that was never actually intended for her.

Things look up when she catches the eye of one of the guys at work, but they take a downturn fast when she realizes he has no intention of staying faithful. Luckily, her handsome coworkers are there to help pick up the pieces, but everything compounds as the past catches up at the worst possible time.

Briar doesn't want to run again, but she has big secrets that her overbearing boss and mercenary coworkers know nothing about.

Shadow Security didn't earn its reputation as one of the most ruthless private security companies in the country for nothing, but will that be enough? Will they even want to protect her when they realize how high the stakes are, and who they're truly up against?

This was an amusing read. Briar is on the run and ends up working for a security company. The bosses want her but shouldn’t so they try to stay away from her until they can’t stay away. It just worked for me when they finally get together. I would have liked more fleshed out with her ex but it was still a good read.

Book 1 Mercenaries for Hire

Amazon 

Pucking the Enemy by Melissa Huxley

3 Stars

They were the enemy, but now I’m their pregnant Omega…

College was meant to be fun, a time away to figure out who I was while attending university with my childhood best friend and avoiding an arranged marriage my parents tried to force upon me.

Then every plan I had fluttered away after one party, one choice to follow my desires.

A one-night stand turned into so much more when my heat kicked in, pulling Roman, Phillip, and Cormac down with me for a night of unexpected passion. They were everything my Omega heart could ever want, until I found out who they truly were…

No matter how deep the rivalry, it didn’t change the predicament I was in. I was pregnant, falling in love, and the cherry on top was their devotion and eagerness to be dads and care for me like I was the missing piece they never expected to find.

And yet, the perfect future I could have would be nothing without my best friend, loving me the only way he knew how.

I wanted to like this more but struggled with Hazel’s character. She started off so strong and then just kind of fizzled out and became super weak by the end. Speaking of the end. It was very abrupt and needed more to round out the HEA.

Book 2 Pucking Pregnant

Amazon

Hero She Craves by Anna Hackett

4 Stars

The last thing he expects on his ship is the off-limits woman he can’t stop thinking about—his best friend’s daughter.

After a tough military career as a Navy SEAL, and a member of a covert Ghost Ops team, Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro now calls a research ship home. The ocean, very few people, and solitude…it’s all he needs.

Then as a favor to his best friend, he agrees to take a research team to sea to test a top-secret Navy project. He’s shocked to discover his best friend’s daughter is one of the scientists. The beautiful Halle Bradshaw who Ren once kissed, who ignites a powerful craving inside him. She’s too young, too innocent, and too off-limits.

When strange things start happening to Halle, Ren suspects she’s in danger…and he’ll do anything to keep her safe.

Marine biologist Halle loves the ocean, her work…and Ren Santoro. Being aboard his ship, she finally has the chance to show the stubborn man how good they could be together.

But someone is targeting the highly classified project she’s working on. One she can’t let fall into enemy hands.

The only person she can trust is Ren. Forced to abandon their ship, they will face the danger of the sea and the wilds of a jungle-covered island, all while being hunted by a relentless enemy.

Ren and Halle will no longer be able to hide from their white-hot desire or their demons. She’s determined to convince him to take a chance on love…but first, they have to survive.

I loved Ren and Halle. The push these two needed to get their HEA. I loved the adventure and the romance. I wanted more with Halle’s dad since he was BFF with Ren. Fit in nicely with the other books in the series.

Book 3 Unbroken Heroes

Amazon 

Packed in the Firehouse by Melissa Huxley

3.5 Stars

The fire started, and I never wanted it to go out…

The fire took everything from me. My home. My memories. The stability I fought tooth and nail for, giving my son the life he deserved.

But it was all gone, destroyed in a matter of minutes as I helplessly watched.

Escaping with our lives and nothing more, Luka and I headed for the shelter, determined to rest before starting over tomorrow, creating a new life from scratch once again. Three Alphas wouldn’t have it though, surrounding us and demanding we stay with them and the other firefighters at the station.

I was reluctant to say yes, and if I had been alone, I would have shot them down. But Luka deserved to feel safe after what we had been through.

And after all, it was only supposed to be for a few nights…

I didn’t expect to find love in the aftermath of the smoldering embers of my life, but would the traumas of my past douse the flames before they could fully ignite?

The guys were adorable and I loved them. Sunny, I had issues with. Her twin brother is never told what happened and he discovers on his own what she’s been going through. He is rightfully angry about it. Then he’s forgotten all over again. The story also went on way too long. Overall, enjoyed but small issues.

Book 1 Fire House Omega

Amazon 

All Super Heroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens

4 Stars

He’s a villain looking for a hero rebrand. She’s the marketing genius who can make it happen in this fantastical romantic comedy by the author of the Beasts of Gatamora series.

Over two decades ago, forty-eight young, gifted superheroes fell to Earth and were eventually marketed as opposing brands: heroes and villains. Now, one exceptionally gruff bad guy is looking to hop teams. Hello, PR director Vanessa Theriot.

His real name is Roland Casteel a.k.a. the Pyro. First, swap that with the less incinerating the Wyvern. Next, put him in spandex to highlight that near-godlike body. Finally, give that hero in training a heroine—if Vanessa will play the part in a pretend romance guaranteed to make the city swoon. She’s game. As shy as Vanessa is, it’s her job to be Roland’s very own Lois Lane. Who knew that fake dating would change their worlds?

But falling head over heels for real makes for a dangerous shift in the narrative. A monstrous supervillain is bringing out Roland’s bad side again. This time, it’s to save a woman who, against all the odds, is becoming the human love of his superhero life.

This book was so cute. I loved every minute of reading it. It did start slow but once it got going the pacing definitely picked up. I loved that Pyro was all she is my wife from the very beginning. She thought he was joking…he was not joking. There is some very series issues addressed in the book and everyone should read the warnings.

Book 1 Supers in the City

Amazon 

Knotty Omega by Jessica Winters

4 Stars

Cady has her dream job. Her dedication to her career and omega designation makes her uniquely qualified to write the advice column that’s turned into a national sensation: The Knotty Omega.
The cute beta at work keeps flirting with her, and while she wishes things could be different, the beta has a bite mark- he’s already bonded to a pack.
And a pack is the last thing Cady wants.
When her experimental drug that makes her smell bonded is literally flushed down the toilet, her position as advice columnist is called into question.
How can she give advice on pack life if she doesn’t have one?
A deal with the Editor in Chief has her searching for the one thing she never wanted.
Will the cute beta from work and his pack finally tear down her walls? Or will she forever give up her position as:
The Knotty Omega

I loved this take on fated mates. I loved the pack and how FMC fit in with them. The bad guy was obvious. My biggest issue was her family was mentioned but never followed up with at all and it felt like it should have been. Overall, it was a good read.

Book 1 Starbrook City Omegaverse

Amazon 

Knot Without You by Lucy Scott Bryon

2.5 Stars

𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀.

The instant I saw King I knew he was my scent-matched Alpha, and boy did he drive that point home. The second time I met him was when my bestie, who also happens to be his daughter, introduced us. Yep, that was a plot twist I never saw coming.

My Scorned Girls have always said ‘slots before knots’ but in one night the friendship we share is changed forever by my need for King. Throw in the fact one of his enemies knows about me, it’s little wonder I stop sharing secrets with the girls. When those threats become physical I start lying through my teeth.

I don’t even tell them about Maverick who scents as good as he fights, or the doctor I accidentally claim. Of course those Alphas have deadly secrets of their own.

I know we’re living a dangerous life but the heart wants what the heart wants - and I want to call those Alphas mine. No matter the distance we try to maintain our paths keep crossing and it doesn’t take long to see that nothing is going to stop us packing - not even their Alpha rivalry.

What threatens our future isn’t telling the Scorned Girls, it’s the very reason we’ve had to keep each other a secret.

In the darkness that follows all I can do is hope they didn’t lie when they said we’d be together…because I’m not sure I want to survive, not without them.

She was never a priority for the rest of the pack. It made me so mad that all the guys put Tristan last. It was all little rejections in the pack. Everything was overly complicated between pack members. Not to mention how discombobulated things were because they tried to include things from other books. It’s a rare bad book from this author.

Book 3 Scornedverse

Amazon 

Never List by Jade Prestley

3.75 Stars

They said the Choosing was a gift.

They never told me I was playing a deadly game.

Four rulers. Monsters cloaked in crowns.

They’re not just powerful—they’re primal.

And now, they want me.

I wasn’t supposed to be part of the Choosing.

I forged my way in, wearing a stranger’s face, chasing whispers of my lost sister.

I planned to seduce. To manipulate. To survive.

But I didn’t plan on them.

The way they watch me like prey.

The way their magic coils around mine like a promise.

The way they say my name like they already own it.

Each man wants to break me in his own way. Take me in his own way. Together? They might unmake me entirely.

One girl. Four princes. No escape. No salvation.

Only pleasure sharp enough to cut.

I found this book interesting. The premise and most of the writing was done well. My biggest issue was the pacing. It seemed like some of the months with the guys were focused on the guys and other times it focused on the issues Rylee had. It was still a fun read and I can’t wait for book two particularly cause this one ended on a cliffhanger.

Book 1 The Never List

Amazon 

Strictly the Worst by Carrie Elks

3 Stars

Linc Salinger and I have nothing in common. He’s a smooth PR executive; I’m his disciplined office rival.

And he’s just stolen the project I’ve been working on for months.

After tough negotiation I manage to bargain my way back on, but there’s a catch. We have to travel to a tropical island and present to the client together.

Sharing a beach cottage with only one bed, we plan to stay professional. But the island's magic starts to thaw our animosity, sparking unexpected chemistry. Every laugh and touch intensifies our connection.

It’s obvious there’s no future between us.

He’s a confirmed player. And I’m a single mom with a teenage daughter and a home that’s falling down around us.

So I make a bargain with myself. A few nights of pleasure in paradise and then we’ll head back to New York and pretend this never happened.

We can go back to being at each other's throats the way we always have.

The only problem is, Linc doesn’t seem to get the office memo…

 

This was my least favorite book by this author. It was cute and I liked Linc and Tessa. I just really struggled with the overall story. Linc deserved a better story.

Book 5 The Salinger Brothers

Amazon 

 

Hunger in His Blood by Zoey Draven

4 Stars

 I’ve loved Kaldur of House Kaalium since the first moment I laid eyes on him. He’s a sinfully charming, lore-smoking playboy with a smile that makes me see stars. As the High Lord of Vyaan, his vast power and wealth extends throughout the entirety of our nation—and he’s as untouchable as he is devastatingly handsome.

Me? I’m a lowly human keeper on his grand estate. An orphan with no family. A dreamer, who lives in the adventure of my own fictional stories. I couldn’t be more beneath his notice or unlike the plethora of pretty, clever socialites who warm his bed.

For two years, he has no idea I even exist…until one afternoon, a tiny cut on my palm changes everything. He discovers that I’m his kyrana, his blood mate. The one female that will sate his vampiric hunger and calm the berserker rages of his race. I thought every dream I’d had was finally coming true—my winged prince finally come.

Until Kaldur breaks my heart so callously, reinforcing every pain and insecurity I’d ever had.

And when he realizes his mistake and sets his mind to winning me back? He’ll have the fight of his life if he thinks I’ll ever give him my heart again.

Kaldur was an idiot throughout this book but does make up for it … eventually. I loved Erina’s sunshine personality and when it gets less so because of him made me so mad and sad. Overall, it was a good story and added to the original series.

Book 3 Brides of the Kylorr

Amazon 

Ryker by Samantha Lind

3 Stars

After years of trying to get back home to be closer to my daughter, I finally secured a spot on the newly expanded San Francisco Shockwaves.

Juggling being the newly appointed Captain of the team and taking on full-time fatherhood to a teenager sends my life into chaos.

I quickly find myself needing someone who can pick up the pieces and keep my life in order as I certainly can’t do it alone.

I just never thought my savior would be the sexy woman next door- the one I can’t keep my mind or eyes off every chance I get.

This was a perfectly fine hockey book. I liked Ryker and Avery slowly falling for each other. Ryker’s daughter was an amazing side character and brought a lot to the story. The three of them together made a good read. The co-parenting was also a bonus. They worked together to make sure their daughter was happy and well adjusted.

Book 1 San Francisco Shockwaves

Amazon 

 

Bone King and Starling by Elizabeth Stephens

4 Stars

They call him the bone king.

A massive, beast of a male who worships the gods and is all too willing to provide them their sacrifices. Human sacrifices. He and his warriors have come to visit Winterbren, a poor little village on the outskirts of Wrath and my home.

I’ve never been more grateful to be a thrall, for my low status will ensure that I remain outside of his notice. But when he requests — nay, requires — a willing female to warm his furs for the duration of his stay, his selection falls to me. All I can do is pray to the gods that I survive the night…

And beg the bone king for mercy.

This book has some very dark elements but was such a good read. You do end up dropping into the story without much world building but you get the gist the more you read. I want more in this world and with these characters. I loved Calai and Starling particularly when she saves him. Again dark themes plus virgin and so much spice.

Amazon 

Always a Fake Bridesmaid by Carrie Ann Ryan

4 Stars

The moment Ewan McBride entered my life, my world tilted on its axis.

When we part, I promise him I owe him anything for saving my daughter’s life.

What I didn’t expect?

Being his fake date to a wedding—in two days.

It was only supposed to be a favor, but we can’t deny the attraction.

Only he lives a state away and my life is in Colorado with my daughter and the Montgomery's.

This can only be one night that feels all too real.

Yet I know walking away will be the hardest thing I ever do.

This was a short and spicy read. I loved Ewan and Livy. It is an insta love but it works. I so want more details on the wedding drama but that wasn’t what the book was about so I get why it wasn’t included.

Book 1 Clover Lake

Amazon