Eclipsed Empire by Tessa Hale

4 Stars

One secret tore my life apart. It sent me running from the place I thought I would be safe, right into the path of untold enemies.

But when my life is in danger, the wolves I thought I’d lost for good are the ones who come for me. And they’ll burn down the world to keep me safe—even if none of us trusts each other anymore.

With every moment we’re forced together, every whispered apology and stolen touch, my resolve to keep them at a distance weakens. And when I realize just how much each of these men has come to mean to me, that resolve crumbles to dust.

Only there are more secrets to uncover—all our pasts lurking in the shadows. And when the monsters emerge from the darkness, there’s no escaping them this time…

Book 2 starts right where one ended. I enjoyed how she got herself out of the kidnapping. I loved the guys coming together to help her hone her fighting skills. This was the best book of the series. It made sense. You saw growth in the characters. Secrets are revealed but new things are brought up. It also ends on a cliff.

Book 2 The Wolves of Crescent Creek

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Law Maker by Susie Tate

4 Stars

Invisibility has been Clara’s go-to survival skill since childhood. So she hides behind her thick glasses and heavy fringe, working as a teaching assistant at the exclusive Molton Prep, happy with her seven-year-old pupils and avoiding their posh parents. Her one secret indulgence? Watching the gorgeous but wildly intimidating Lord Rafe Sterling sweep into school to collect his son.

Her crush on him is ridiculous. Lord Sterling is way older than her, aristocratic, terrifying, and tipped to be one of the UK’s youngest judges. Even if she did stand a chance, a girl with a background like hers should avoid him at all costs.

Rafe can’t believe the school has the balls to tell him he can’t meet the Miss Clara who told his son his brain “works differently”. Nobody refuses a meeting with Lord Sterling. But when he bulldozes his way past the rules to confront her, he’s shocked by how much the shy, mousy woman affects him. She might be too scared to make eye contact, but when it comes to defending his son, she’s surprisingly fierce. And after he convinces her to work as his son’s tutor and she gradually stops flinching in his presence, his obsession with her only grows.

As a rule, he gets what he wants, and Rafe wants Clara very badly. But he should be careful what he wishes for, because Clara Morris is not who she says she is. In his arrogance, he pushes her away, not realising that her fear runs deeper than simple shyness, not seeing the danger she’s in until it’s too late…

I loved this book. Susie Tate’s books always have all the feels and this one didn’t disappoint. I knew MMC would do something to hurt FMC and he does and he regrets it after he does it. I love how all of the other characters gang up on him for his antics. Called him out for being an idiot. FMC oldest brother is one who I would love more with as I felt so bad for him by the end of the book.

Book 1 Aristocrats of London

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Bonds and Blooms by Polly Maple

3 Stars

She’s wary of alphas. They’re determined to be her safe place.

Faye Nightingale doesn’t want to be pouring tea in a sleepy, small town forever. From day one at Scent Valley University, she knows she made the right choice to leave behind her comfort zone. She’s got a cozy apartment, friends who feel like sisters, and a new sense of freedom.

All that’s holding her back is her underlying apprehension of alphas.

Something she’s forced to face when she stumbles across the most eligible pack on campus, a pack who believe they’re her scent match.

Ren…The sweet bookworm who helps her learn how to trust.

Laz… Her new best friend's lovable, golden retriever brother.

Cole… Their protective leader, whose strong arms feel like home.

Damon… The grumpy biker hiding secrets and a softer side.

After an unexpected heat spike causes Faye’s world to unravel, her body and heart start to betray her. The Silverwood Pack will do anything to prove they’re worthy of their omega, but even fated love isn’t perfect.

Can they find a way to heal a lifetime of hurt to claim the happily-ever-after they all deserve?

This was a light and easy read. Not a lot of drama. I loved the guys and how they were with FMC. FMC had growing to do. I also got really tired of how the slick was talked about and it got old hearing about it.

Book 1 Scent Valley University

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Knots & Needles by Hazel Hern

2.5 Stars

The Golden Ash Alphas seem to be perfect... which means they definitely are not.

Cassie left home to become a flight attendant--and escape her oppressive family's attitudes about what an Omega can or can't be. It was the perfect way to avoid her family. Until the crash. She did her job and saved all twenty-nine passengers, but the scars ended her career.

Determined not to crawl home to Tennessee to a lifetime of I told you so from her family, she purchases a run-down foreclosure in the "if you know, you know" wedding destination of Blue Sun Cove, Maine. The house was cheap, the property taxes are low, and it's a thousand miles from her family.

Except the house also includes some abandoned sheep, a tiny town that doesn't want her there, and said tiny town is crawling with Alphas hoping their Omega comes in with the next wedding party.

And a broken, struggling pack of those Alphas decide she is their Omega.

Jasper wants to declare his love immediately. And also break her addiction to frozen burritos.

Cole wants to be cautious.

Blythe, still wounded from their last Omega's cruelty, wants no part of it.

They swear they don't expect Cassie to change, and they love her the way she is. But Cassie's heard all those lines from Alphas back home, and she's not making the same mistake twice.

If they want her, they won't have to prove it. They'll have to do something even harder. They'll have to be patient.

This was a whole lot of instant love and I am not a huge fan of insta love. I also really hated all of the towns people. They were so rude to her without even knowing her. I get it small towns can be like this but I don’t want to read it.

Book 1 Blue Sun Cove

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Free Falling by Jill Shalvis

4 Stars

Retired hockey player Caleb Colburn needs this new construction project to go smoothly to prove he’s earned his place in the family business. There’s only one problem. The architect liaison assigned to the project is Emma Sumner. As in, the woman who made his life a living hell in college. Now, she’s back in town and already breathing down his neck on the job. Worse? She’s only gotten more beautiful.

Emma’s in love with the beautiful historic building they’re renovating. But her feelings toward project manager Caleb definitely lean more toward hate. Not only is the man making her job harder than it needs to be, he’s the one who took everything from her when she was at her most desperate. Not that she’d ever admit it out loud, but she’s never recovered.

Neither is willing to forgive and forget. But forced proximity and surprising common ground have these enemies starting to wonder just how fine the line between love and hate is. A burning mutual attraction adds complications for them both. Will anything be left standing when their secrets are finally revealed?

I enjoyed listening to this book. FMC was frustrating with her lack of wanting to work with MMC or explain anything to him. I did enjoy them getting their HEA.

Book 2 Colburn Brothers

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Crescent Kingdom by Tessa Hale

3 Stars

Never stop running. And no matter what, never let the world know who you really are.

I’ve spent my whole life hiding. Training. Preparing. Hoping that no one will discover my secrets. What I can do. Who I am. And I’ve gotten so good at it, sometimes even I forget.

Until them.

The wolf pack with a ruthless reputation and a penchant for revenge. The protective fighter. The charming Brit. The shy hacker. The silent mercenary. The cruel assassin.

They see more than anyone ever has before. And even with demons of their own, they give me sanctuary. A place to hide, to rest, and maybe even a place to belong.

Only it turns into so much more. Because when they touch me, everything around me ignites, and nothing matters but them.

But these wolves have secrets. And those secrets bring enemies. And when they find out who I really am?

It’s not their enemies I need to fear. It’s them.

Interesting start to the series. I loved the FMC and several of the guys. There were some that just frustrated me. The cliffhanger ending was frustrating as well. This author is notorious for this type of ending with all of her books.  

Book 1 The wolves of Crescent Creek

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Meeting Mr. Anderson by Elle Nicoll

2.5 Stars

Some people go to Hollywood to chase their dream.

My Hollywood dream is in seat 4A.

After the stunt my ex pulled, no one would blame me if I swore off men forever, especially one like Mr Jay Anderson, Hollywood’s sexiest heartthrob. Maybe undressing me with his striking blue eyes as I perform the safety demonstration on a flight to LA is normal behaviour for him. Maybe not. But I know one thing for sure, he should come with a warning label. Because once you meet a man like Jay Anderson, there is no going back. With his dirty blond hair and those eyes; he’s a beautiful, X-rated fairy-tale. But beauty is a magnificent smokescreen. And a fairy-tale is just that… a tale. It’s never as simple as happily ever after, not when you’re meeting Mr Anderson.

My god have an actual conversation. All of the issues were because FMC wouldn’t talk with MMC. I get it is a book and there needs to be drama but my god was it old really fast.

Book 1 The Men

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Aaron’s Patience by Tiffany Patterson

2.5 Stars

Never trust a billionaire . . .

Aaron thinks he can have anything—or anyone—he wants, including me. But when I discovered I was the other woman, I vowed never to see him again.

Except he’s not the only one with a secret. When a chance meeting brings us together again, I can no longer hide the truth.

Now he wants what’s his—our six-year-old twins. And he insists I’m part of the deal. If I don’t marry him, I’ll be forced to give up my children.

I’ll do whatever it takes for the twins, only I’m not the innocent girl I once was, and there’s no way I’m giving him a second chance.

But when someone dangerous from my past comes looking for me, I start to see a new side to Aaron that makes me question what’s beneath his need for control.

Now the man I vowed never to trust may be the only person who can protect me . . .

I enjoyed this book sort of. Aaron was a dick from beginning to the end of the book. I get why to certain point but it would have been nice to see more growth with him. I still don’t understand why FMC didn’t want her dad involved in the kids life. I am still baffled by why she forgave Aaron for his antics.

Book 1 Townsends of Williamsport

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The Violence of My Affection by Sorcha Black

2 Stars

When we pick up a stranger who would make Satan blush, my husband's fantasy goes off the rails.

Now, the man won't leave us alone. I’d call him a stalker, except we invited him into our bed.

He’s a force of absolute chaos and seems determined to ruin our (currently) long-distance marriage…and now, he wants to get me pregnant?

Loïc is charming. Loïc is unpredictable.

He’s impulsive and dangerous.

If only toxic wasn't so tasty.

The story was interesting. If things with MMC was more clear it probably would have been a 3 star book. I kept questioning whether it was all in his head or if it was an actual person.

Book 1 The Violence of my Affection

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Not Mine to Love by Rosa Lucas

3 Stars

Patrick McLaren: CEO of McLaren Hotels. Helicopter pilot. Part-time adrenaline junkie who treats frostbite like a mild inconvenience. The kind of man who can silence a boardroom with one raised brow.

Which is deeply unfortunate, because I, Georgie Fitzgerald, have been sent to his remote Scottish hotel to overhaul their IT systems. That means weeks of working in close proximity to him and his lethal combination of jawline, arrogance, and disdain.

And I know exactly what he thinks of me, because the man doesn’t bother hiding it.

I’m his best friend’s little sister—the pity hire who tanked her interview and only got the job because my big brother pulled strings. The tech gremlin occasionally allowed out of her cupboard to reset the router before being shoved back in again.

He climbs mountains for fun. I break into a sweat ordering coffee. He’s brooding intensity in a bespoke suit. I’m anxious energy and catastrophic overthinking in a cardigan.

It doesn’t matter how hard I work to prove myself at his company. He doesn’t notice. He doesn’t notice much about me at all.

Which is fine. It’s not that I want his attention. It’s just… I can’t help being shy. I can’t help that I’m still rebuilding myself after someone else tore me down.

But maybe I’m tired of being anxious, apologetic, router-resetting Georgie who lives in the background, worrying about what everyone thinks. About what he thinks.

Maybe it’s time to reclaim my narrative.

And maybe that includes claiming him.

Patrick was an idiot and ruined the book for me. I liked Georgie and was curious why she had the issues that she had. When she forgave him I felt it was too quickly and I still do believe that.

Book apart of Billionaire Brits

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Accidentally Yours by Christina Lauren

4 Stars

Serendipity works wonders for a woman and her seemingly unattainable crush in a funny and flirty short story by Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners and My Favorite Half-Night Stand.

When marketing consultant Veronica accidentally crashes the wrong Zoom meeting and brutally critiques their presentation, she’s shocked to receive a job offer from the company’s intriguing CEO. Their professional email exchanges quickly turn flirty, but Veronica’s mind keeps drifting to her reserved but gorgeous new neighbor. As Valentine’s Day approaches, she’ll discover that sometimes the most improbable meet-cute can lead to the perfect match.

I loved the email exchange between MMC and FMC. Listening to the book was so worth the listen.

Book 1 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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Second Act Romance by Julie Soto

4 Stars

Two musical theater costars, separated by fate, reunite for a showmance to remember in a sizzling and banter-filled short story about second chances by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Soto.

When food poisoning takes out the lead in their Valentine’s Day production of Oklahoma!, TV sensation Colby J. Turner swoops in to save the show. But for leading lady Bex Hardgrave, this last-minute casting is more drama than she bargained for. Eight years ago, their onstage chemistry sparked real-life fireworks—until a misunderstanding brought down the curtain on their budding romance. Now they’re sharing the spotlight again, and their old connection is threatening to steal the show. As showtime approaches, Bex and Colby will have to decide if their second-chance romance deserves its own standing ovation.

Who knew food poisoning would lead to a second chance at love. I loved the give and take between MMC and FMC. MMC wanted her when they first worked together but it was a missed connection. Now he has the chance to be with her and is unwilling to miss it. It was such a good read.

Book 3 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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The Joy of Sorrow by Kitt Lynn

3 Stars

Tansy

I was ten years old when I learned how vile alphas really are.

Despite that, I still dreamed of finding a passionate, sensitive pack that would love me endlessly. I fantasized that they'd destroy anyone who dared to hurt me. But as I got older, I realized that alphas like that don't exist.

They're all vicious, hateful men, determined to destroy everything in their path.

I swore I'd die before I let anyone claim me. I was determined to grow old in a care home, surrounded by other mateless omegas. Safe in my own quiet corner of the world, where no one could touch me ever again.

But that dream is dead.

I've been snatched by some kind of black market that sells omegas to unworthy alphas. There’s no running. No hiding. No way out. But I'm done being the victim.

If they want to claim me, they’re going to bleed for it.

The book was ok. It needed better development of the world and character development. But it was an interesting read.

Book 4 The Black Market Omega

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Coming Home by Wendy Smith

2 Stars

Coming home is bittersweet for Adam Campbell. His mother has cancer, but for some reason doesn’t want him there. One of his brothers welcomes him home with open arms, another treats him like dirt.

Then there’s Lily—the girl who left Adam at the altar twelve years ago. The girl who broke his heart. Adam left and didn’t look back after that happened, but being home stirs up all those old feelings.

Secrets will be revealed, including the horrifying truth about why Lily stood him up, and that she didn’t abandon Adam. Adam abandoned her.

This was an interesting concept but the writing style didn’t work for me.

Book 1 Copper Creek

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A Play for Love by Trillina Pucci

3 Stars

Years ago, during a college production of Romeo and Juliet, Rory and Oliver shared one unforgettable stage kiss before fate pulled them apart. Now, while drowning her Valentine’s Day sorrows at brunch, she spots him: her former Romeo, wearing nothing but gold shorts and wings, playing Cupid for the lovelorn masses. Their chemistry still sizzles, but even with the stars finally aligning, these former leads will need more than Shakespeare’s guidance to turn their second chance into a true romance002E

I struggled listening to this one. It needed to be longer to make it work. The idea was interesting and I wanted more to flesh it out.

Book 4 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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Too many Options by Jillian West

4 Stars

Cove Nash knew she was going to follow in her uncle’s footsteps from a young age, and she’s finally making it as a musician. Pack life would only get in the way, so it’s not an option. After all, not every omega wants or needs alphas...

But life on the road isn’t anything like she expected, and her suppressants are making her sicker with every passing day. 

Ravvi Sinclair has been in love with Cove for as long as he can remember, and his little brother, Damian, wasn’t going to be left behind. Add in Declan Clark, who was roped into handling Cove’s personal security, and no one outside of the omega is particularly happy to be on tour.

Still, the guys know the realities of the music industry, and they won’t abandon her to that, even if she’s intent on fighting them every step of the way.

Cove has to learn that it’s not possible to do everything alone, and sometimes that thing you fought the hardest against is actually what you needed the most.

I forgot how much I love this series. I enjoyed Cove and her men. They fight and then come together which was awesome to read.

Book Ruined Records

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Summoning the Orc by Saam King

3.5 Stars

Is accidentally summoning a hot monster at work a fireable offense? Asking for a friend…

Becca loved books about women finding their fated mates. But since she was stuck in the real world, she figured she’d just have to focus her attention on being the best enchanted tomes librarian anyone had ever seen. It would’ve worked, too. If only she hadn’t accidentally pulled an orc through a magical portal and changed everything…

As chief of a clan of one, Rok worried he’d never have a family of his own. Then she summoned him. All it took was one look at the beautiful Becca and he knew she was his. So, navigating a strange world while wooing a human woman who doesn’t speak his language shouldn’t be too hard…right?

When the witches of the tome threaten to send him back to his own realm, will Becca and Rok decide their potential happily ever after is worth fighting for?

Guess there’s only one way to find out…

Book one was way better than this one. I was very confused when I started the book and had to double check I read book one. I have read it but this was just weird. I enjoyed the plot and the characters but struggled with how the book started as other worlds were not explained in this book or book 1.

Book 2 Kingverse Orces

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Death to Valentine’s Day by Catherine Cowles

 

4 Stars

What’s worse than Valentine’s Day after a brutal breakup? Being trapped in a snowstorm with your ex’s brother and maybe a murderer. A witty and chillingly romantic short story by #1 Amazon bestselling author Catherine Cowles.

After her boyfriend’s betrayal, the last thing Maia St. James wants is to celebrate Valentine’s Day. And when her friends force her out for a Death to Valentine’s Day masquerade ball at a mountain lodge, the last thing she expects is to kiss a masked stranger, especially when he ends up being her ex’s older brother. But that’s the least of her problems. When a guest is found murdered, the party becomes a mystery. And Maia must unmask a killer before her second chance at romance is cut short.

 

I loved all the characters in this book. The drama was all about them coming together was so good. The twist at the end was so good.

Book 5 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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Valentine’s Slay by Navessa Allen

 

5 Stars

Roses are red, violets are blue, Emma’s not dead, and her gravedigger’s hot too. This Valentine’s Day, love claws its way out of the grave in #1 New York Times bestselling author Navessa Allen’s steamy and hilariously dark rom-com.

Louisiana gravedigger Noah Evans’s Valentine’s night shift takes an unexpected turn when his high school crush starts screaming from her freshly dug grave. Whoever tried to bury Emma six feet under is in for a nasty surprise—they should have checked for a pulse because she’s got unfinished business, starting with the hot gravedigger who just saved her life. As they unearth a deadly family conspiracy, Noah and Emma discover that old flames burn even hotter the second time around—especially when someone’s trying to kill them.

 

I loved this book so much. I want to relisten to this book as it was so good. The plot was interesting and the characters were awesome. I want more in this world.

Book 6 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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Never Trust a Hockey Player by Jarica James

4 Stars

They say hockey players always protect their own. But my pack proved that was a lie.

After spending my heat completely alone, resulting in a near death experience and a hospital stay, I knew I had to cut my pack out of my life.

One phone call to my brother and I find myself back in my hometown. The local hockey princess has officially returned. Surrounded by my family's hockey legacy, I fall easily back into that life.

A job with the Westgrave Wardens, my brother’s team, seems like exactly what I need to get back on my feet.

The only issue is that I swore off ever trusting a hockey player again… and five of the men that make up the Westgrave Wardens starting lineup are trying to prove that they deserve a chance.

Everything seems perfect… until the media learns that I walked away from my pack. Gossip quickly turns vicious and the Wardens band around me to shield me from the worst of it.

But when their team comes under fire, I know it’s time to fight.

I’m an omega who survived being forgotten and I won’t let anyone steal my voice again. I tell the truth and watch my exes fall from grace, begging me for forgiveness.

I loved how this played out. Even with apologies, some things can’t be forgotten even if they are forgiven.

Book 1 Breakouts and Baddies

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Heart of the Wolf by Michelle Love

3 Stars

A forgotten woman. A Norse god's intervention. And a fate always destined to find her.

Brielle accepted long ago that she was destined to spend this life alone, forgotten in a place where she was unwanted and unloved.

When visions of a forbidden blonde Dane haunt her, she dreams of a life different from the one she is trapped in. One of love and devotion, surrounded by warmth. Then, her vision becomes a reality. A massive white wolf protects her from an attack in the woods.

She collapses at the feet of the creature, only to awaken in the arms of her handsome Viking.

I liked the relationship between Brielle and Leif. It was slow going but so worth reading.

Book 1 Cold Hearts

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Axel by Samantha Whiskey

3.5 Stars

The NHL’s been at my door since I was 18. But I’d never leave the Swedish Hockey League— Not while raising my little brother. But now he’s grown and the Carolina Reapers show up with my greatest weakness: Langley Pierce, their new head of PR.
I’ve never been able to say no to her.
She’s fierce, independent, and the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. She also has a stubborn streak wider than my entire country. One comment from her smart mouth about never dating again, and I propose.
No, really, I actually propose: A six-month marriage contract in exchange for signing with the Reapers. I want to date this woman so badly that I’m going to marry her first.
I’ll use each day to show her how a queen should be treated.
Our wedding day started a countdown I’m powerless to stop, and the faster the months fly, the harder I fall.
She’s sworn she’ll never choose a man over her career, and I promised never to ask her to. Until I’m forced to.
How can we move forward when we started this whole thing backwards?
If I can’t convince her this marriage is anything but fake, the next document we sign will crush us both.

I loved Axel so much. The FMC not so much. She waffled so much throughout the story and she was so rude to Axel. She acts like he wants to force her into a specific role but all he does is want to love her. Enjoyed the writing and the world that I will continue reading.

Book 1 Carolina Reapers

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