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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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Sing Sweet Nightingale by Rebecca Rennick

4 Stars

Lottie Pickle is known to the world as Alexandria, the famous glittering pop star. But the limelight is starting to burn and the things that once appealed to her as a young aspiring singer no longer shine with the brilliance of newly formed diamonds. Not to mention her overbearing momager who works her to the bone to make hit after hit. In the only way she knows how to escape life in her gilded prison she dawns a disguise and runs away. All the way to the small, quiet, unknown town of Snowberry, Montana. Here she hopes to blend in and enjoy her small piece of sanctuary in the woods. Sanctuary that's interrupted by the town's mayor and-unbeknownst to her-owner of the cabin she's renting. But there's more to the tall dark and handsome Hunter Evans than just being town mayor, he's also a wolf shifter. And that's not all, supposedly she's his mate. What more could a girl have to deal with while hiding from the paparazzi, a controlling mother, and millions of fans? Nothing much, just a blackmailing mob boss elf who wants the town of Snowberry for himself. Caught between the unspoken rules of the non-human world and his need to protect his newly found mate, Hunter must decide; break the rules and keep the girl, or follow the rules and possibly lose his mate and the well-hidden haven they've built for non-humans?

This was such a cute cozy para romantic comedy. I loved every minute of reading it. Has some very spicy parts as well. Hunter and Lottie and the side characters were well written and so loveable. I did want more with the mom getting her due. It ended up feeling like a foot note to the overall story but felt like it was more apart of the story. Will definitely be picking up the next book.

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If You Hate me by Helena Hunting

4 Stars

Hate is a gentle word. Eternal loathing is more accurate.
Pro hockey player with a filthy reputation and an even filthier mouth? That’s Tristan Stiles, also known as my brother’s best friend and my ungodly hot new roommate.

I thought it would be fine, just a quick stay after I rage quit my job while I look for a new place.
I was wrong.
It’s not fine.
We fight. We bicker. We taunt each other like it’s a brutal Olympic sport.
Tristan never wears a shirt and looks like my every sexy nightmare come to life, complete with perfect abs.

He was my secret crush growing up, but I’m not the little kid wishing for his attention anymore.
If we can’t keep our clothes on, we’ll both go down in flames. I’m addicted to how he makes my body feel. I can’t stop falling into his bed.

That line between hate and love? It’s looking pretty thin.
Now I’m wondering how either of us will walk away unscathed.

 

Who doesn’t love a good brother’s BFF plus a whole lot of hate sex. I loved all the humor and the hate between Tristan and Rix. The grovel was also so good. It just overall was a good read.

Book 1 The Toronto Terrors

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Knot that Simple by Amy Oliveira

3 Stars

"You are an Omega..."

Even as I say the words it doesn’t feel true. My hand tightens around Alice’s tiny fingers and I consider running, but there’s something deep inside that tells me to listen. There’s something better for my daughter than the life I’ve been able to give her.

When we move to the omega village I think I’ve lost my mind, but it’s the people around me who are willing to supply us with everything we need. It feels too good to be true, and when I’m handed two one way tickets to Ireland, I realize it’s time to pay up.

What would three men want with me when the father of my child didn’t even want us?

Tadgh is the first to make me feel at home, Osian is the calm I’ve needed after so many storms, but Lorcan? He’s the one I’m struggling to crack but want to call Daddy.

Can three fisherman and a remote Irish village really equal happy ever after for two girls no one has ever loved?

This was a short and quick read. Not a lot of world or character building. I felt like things were missing but they may have been in book 1. I still enjoyed the overall story and the spice level.

Book 2 Lost Omegas

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Set me on Fire by Sam Hall

4 Stars

What’s hotter than a handsome firefighter? Three of them.
When our passion ignites like wildfire, we decide to give in to our delicious urges and share one crazy, unforgettable night.
I even get a little souvenir to remember them by: a positive pregnancy test. Oops.
It’s time to mummy up, and that includes getting a steady job… at their fire station. But it’s fine; they don’t need to know my oven’s been stuffed with one of their buns.

So who’s the daddy? Could it be:
Knox—with grey eyes that stare right into your soul, he leads his team into danger with barely a backward look and he’s just as commanding off the job.
Charlie—the hyperactive guy with a heart of gold. The only thing he takes seriously is putting out fires and now, me.
Or Noah—my high school crush is all grown up, but now I’m back in his life, he’s not willing to let me go.

I don’t know, so I decide it’s best not to tell them.
But somehow they find out anyway, and they’re not upset—they’re ecstatic.
The guys are 100% in, caring for me, protecting me, making sure I have everything I need.

Hmmm. Maybe I don’t need a paternity test, after all. Maybe I just need them.

This why choose was well paced and a nice mix of character and plot. I loved the guys and Millie. The one who cause problems is obvious but was still a good read. I loved that each guy had their own personality and you could tell them apart. Sometimes in Why Choose books this isn’t done and it ends up being a bunch of people who are all the same or one note. One of the biggest issues I had with the book was the length of the book but I still loved it.

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Alpha’s Revival by Reece Barden

4 Stars

Rex is an Alpha without a pack. Rejected by his fated mate, he's not interested in second chances.
He just wants to be left in peace to lick his wounds and rebuild his life.
When he starts a new business, his sister-in-law comes to help, but Leah is exactly the kind of happy, bubbly woman he normally can't stand to be around. It doesn't matter how attractive she is.

And let's not forget she knows nothing about shifters.
Even if he wanted to keep her, he can't. Not without facing the one thing that has the power to strike fear in his heart and turn his world upside down all over again. His mate.

Leah knows what she wants and she won’t give up until she gets it.
The second she lays eyes on her handsome brother-in-law, she knows Rex is the one for her.
Even if he pretends to be irritated by her mere presence, she knows he feels it, too.
She's not sure what’s holding him back, but it won’t work, not with this stubborn human.
He can run, but he can’t hide.

When trouble comes to Grey Ridge, and Leah gets caught in the middle, will Rex be too stubborn to go after what he wants? Or will he be too late?

I loved this second chance at a fated mates. The ending makes me want to keep reading to find out more in this world. My biggest pet peeve with this book was trying to keep everything a secret as long as they did because she clearly saw something was going on. I know why it was a secret but Leah ended up being hurt by the lack of transparency. She had a vested interest in keeping it a secret as it would affect her sister so it just irritated me that it took so long to reveal to her. I loved the connection between Rex and Leah. The way they interacted showed the chemistry and made it such a good read.

Book 3 Shifter’s of Grey Ridge

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Royal Hunt by Raven Storm

3 Stars

Eve was only trying to get out of horrible betrothal. At least, that's what she told herself when she snuck out onto the balcony during the royal feast, and had her wicked way with the first man she met.
How was she supposed to know that while that was going on, the royal family was being murdered just beyond the wall?
And the man she was with was a drunken, disgusting mess. There was no indication he was anyone at all of importance!
Yet keeping the new crown prince of the realm alive is only the beginning of her worries. With the murder of the royals came the fae; creatures with magick who descend every hundred years or so to force the humans underneath them to compete in death games. They call it the Royal Hunt.
Now it isn't just about saving the prince's life, but her own, and every human living in the kingdom.

I loved the concept and how things played out. However, it dragged and we still have book 2 to get through for the full story. The first half of the book was a solid 4 while the second half was more like a 2. I loved that she was trying to screw up her betrothal when she mistakenly picked one of the royals to be ruined. They had a lot of chemistry between them. When the fae came out and started the “games” is where the book lost me. It wasn’t explained well for me and it was a drag to read. I will read the rest to find out how things end but hopefully the second book will be better.

Book 1 Royal Fae

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Slide Tackled by Tonya Clark

3 Stars

After four years of losing herself in a relationship that was all about her ex, Devyn Hansley’s new beginning presents itself when her soccer pro, playboy brother invites her to move in with him.

Devyn’s plan to stay away from relationships is sidelined when she meets the team’s deaf goalkeeper, and her anti-dating rule flies quickly out the window.

Kasen Mickelson know the rules when it comes to dating her best-friends’s sister: stay far, far away. But the wager was her idea--and Devyn doesn’t seem like the type of woman who likes to lose.

And Kasen’s certainly not going to let her win.

I loved the first book in this series with the coach. This one was just meh. I didn’t really feel like there was a good connection between Devyn and Kasen. I just wanted more between them.  There could have been more angst with the him being deaf, the fact that it was BFF’s sister, or even something with his job.  

Book 1 Storm Series

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