Little Bird by Alisha Williams

2 Stars

I’ve been content with it just being us for a while, but it's my last year of high school, and I’ve missed out on so much. Parties, girl friends and dating.

If I can’t have them in the way my heart wants, I may as well start having fun right?

Wrong, because they don’t seem to like my new life choices.

But they’re not the same boys I grew up with. Sneaking out at night, disappearing for hours. Keeping secrets.

The closer I look, the more I’m starting to realize that the boys I thought I knew better than anyone else are hiding something from me. Something dark and sinister.

Someone runs our little town of Black Ridge, and I think I just might know who they are.

I wanted to like this book so much as I love other books by Alisha Williams. The guys just irritated me so much. They acted like they knew best about how to handle FMC. FMC was made to feel unloved because of them. It does end on a cliff and I was so not in love enough to continue the series.

Book 1 Black Venom Crew

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Model Behavior by Kelsie Rae

2 Stars

When you reach rock bottom, the only place to go is up…

Or, for me, apparently it’s straight into the arms of the one person who’s off-limits.

My brother’s good friend and my new roommate.

It wasn’t supposed to happen.

The one rule set when I moved in with them was no sexy shenanigans. Period.

Which should have been easy since the last thing I wanted after catching my boyfriend cheating on me was to start up a forbidden romance.

Especially not with the cocky, arrogant, too-hot-for-his-own-good River.

But when he needs a favor that ends up with us half naked and all over each other…It lights a spark that soon erupts into an inferno.

And sneaking around only adds fuel to the fire.

After all, River is a sucker for things he can’t have.And now he wants me.

But when the past catches up with our present…Old wounds and new secrets will be exposed.

Ones that might send me right back to where I started.

The book was a bit convoluted, but the idea was there for a good story. It just needed to be edited a bit more.

Book 1 Wrecked Roommates

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The Bachelor and the Break-in by Elise Faber

2.5 Stars

I loved him…

And he destroyed me.

Five years ago, Brooks Saxton left me at the altar. Now I’m breaking into his billionaire fortress in the dead of night, desperate enough to steal from the man who once owned my heart.

He’s ruthless. Powerful. Untouchable.

I’m broke, disposable, and still haunted by the way he said I don’t.

When he catches me with my hands in his safe, I’m suddenly trapped between the man who destroyed me and everything I tried to forget—hate, need, and secrets sharp enough to draw blood.

He thinks I’m a mistake he buried. I know he’s my downfall.

But the man who ruined me still wants me.

And this time, walking away will cost us both everything.

I wanted to like this more but it felt like we were dropped into the middle of the story. Characters were ok I just didn’t love this one. I haven’t really enjoyed any of the books in this series.

Book 3 Eagles Hockey: Oak Ridge Vineyards

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Ice Darling by Lia Bevans

3.5 Stars

Withdrawal episodes.

That’s what the therapist says when my six year old starts disconnecting from everyone and it destroys my entire world.

When I gave up professional hockey, signed my divorce and determined to raise my baby girl on my own in Lucky Falls, I swore I’d be everything my daughter needed.

But Gordie needs more than her dad right now.

For some reason she connects with the town biker chick... Cordelia Davenport.

The female mechanic is the only one who can reach my daughter during her withdrawals.

There’s just one small problem.

Cordelia hates my guts – ever since I rejected her request to be her fake boyfriend and… well let’s just say the feeling is mutual.

But my daughter is more important than my pride and if we're doing this, I'll be the best fake boyfriend Cordelia's ever seen.

Sure, the woman makes me stutter like a toddler on a sugar rush. And maybe I notice how good Cordelia looks in those leather pants a little too often.

It doesn't matter. I’ll put up with the stubborn, mysterious, ridiculously beautiful woman in my house.

And around my dinner table.

And even in my lap.

Somehow, I'll get my daughter back to herself, keep my small-town hockey team from falling apart and avoid falling in love with my fake girlfriend in the process.

I was very confused by the hockey drama in this book. The characters were amazing though. I loved the interactions between Viking, Cordelia and Gordie.

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The Wrong Husband by Maya Alden

3.5 Stars

Her Sister's Ex = Her New Husband = A Complete Disaster!

When Damian Archer finds out his girlfriend is cheating on him, he devises a cunning revenge plan: seduce and marry her unsuspecting sister, Emilia, the Invisible Miss Winters.

Emilia has always secretly liked Damian, so when he turns on the charm in Las Vegas, she's easily swept off her feet. By the end of the night, they are married and have spent the night together. She thinks Damian married her in a drunken haze and offers an annulment. But when their Vegas wedding hits the gossip sites, Damian suggests staying married for a while to avoid a PR mess.

At first, Damian ignores Emilia, but his sweet and artistic wife slowly works her way into his heart. Emilia starts to believe in fairy tales, only to find out Damian married her to hurt her sister.

Heartbroken, Emilia wants nothing to do with her wrong husband, regardless of the media fallout. But Damian has finally discovered what it means to be truly in love, and he's not going to lose his wife, not when she holds his heart

My god there were so many characters I hated in this book. So many were irredeemable and I wanted all of them to pay for being so horrid to Emelia. I did love that FMC made them all wait after she found out the truth. She deserved so much better than her husband and all of the family members.

Book 1 Marriage by Contract

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Broken Beginnings by Clio Evans

3 Stars

You’re Next.

I was in the wrong place at the wrong time—and that moment changed me forever. After walking in on a masked man murdering my neighbor, I went back to the one place I swore I’d never step foot in again. Citrus Cove.

The sleepy town hasn’t changed much, but the people have. Including my old high school bully, Cameron Harlow.

He’s the last person I want to see. He should be the last person I want.

But Cameron Harlow has been dreaming of the day he’d see me again, and wants to set things right. Our history makes me hate him, but he’s sinfully hot, has that sexy southern charm, and calls me sunshine. How can I resist him?

When the danger I’ve been running from shows up in my hometown, Cameron becomes my sole refuge. Someone is watching me. Following me. They want me dead.

From the ashes of our broken beginnings, all we want is our happy ending. But the killer has other ideas and the only way Cam and I have a future together is if we live to see it…

This book was so slow in the middle. I loved the beginning and the ending thirds but the middle third just slowed the book down. It was a struggle to get through because of this. I did get through it and did love the ending.

Book 1 Citrus Cove

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The Bluff by Devney Perry

4 Stars

As Calamity’s newest resident, Everly Christian thought life in small-town Montana would be dull and tame—and she needs a little mundane after the last few chaotic years. But one night, boredom drives her to the local bar, where she finds herself sitting beside a handsome and mysterious artist. The man is anything but dull and tame, especially in the bedroom, and when she steps out of his shower and overhears his conversation, life gets interesting again.

Reese Huxley needs a wife. And why shouldn’t Everly be the bride?

She’s got her reasons for agreeing to the hasty nuptials—reasons she’s keeping to herself. As long as she can stop herself from falling in love with her husband, she’ll make it out of this sham marriage in one piece. But Everly has a weakness for wayward men, and the more Hux pushes her away, the more she realizes this bluff is anything but a lie.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I loved how FMC thought she could keep her feelings away from their relationship. She was determined to not fall for her husband and his daughter. I loved how that did not happen. The switch from fake marriage to all in was awesome read.

Book 2 Calamity Montana

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Break my Bones by Grace McGinty

4 Stars

Andrei Ludokov

A drunken promotional after party involving unlimited vodka, several social media influencers, puck bunnies for miles, and the goalie from an opposing team, leads to a massive mistake.

No, not a surprise pregnancy. I was drunk but not that drunk.

No, this mistake was worse because even months later, I can’t get it out of my head and it’s effecting my performance. My coaches are on my case because I’m dragging ass on the ice. My friends are all worried because I holed up in my hometown for the entire off season.

There’s only one thing to do, and there’s only one person who can help me. Juniper. My best friend and the social media manager for the IceCaps. Sure, she’ll give me her disappointed face. That sighed, “Dammit, Ludo,” that I’ve heard at least once a month since we were fourteen. But in the end she’ll help me, because she’s my Juniper Berry and she wants me to be happy.

I just needed her to commit to it before I had to face “The Norse God” on the damn ice again and all my carefully controlled mistakes spiral out of control.

If Rigby Engman and River Cooper can have some kind of polyamorous lifestyle in the NHL, why can’t I?

Really enjoyed the story and the characters. I wish Juniper was more the focus versus Ludo and Eric’s relationship and hiding that relationship. It also read as Ludo wasn’t truly interested in Juniper but Eric pushed it so he went along with it. I still enjoyed the reading.

Book 2 Penalty Box Players

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Wicked Girl by AJ Merlin

3 Stars

The murders may be over, but my heartache is back in full force, thanks to my mother and my own misgivings.

When I return to Winter Grove early and end up relying on the pack to help me out, I’m sure it’s a new form of torture. Instead, I find myself growing closer to August and Foster. I can’t help but think they’re dragging me deeper underwater, with no intention of letting me up for air anytime soon.

To add to the confusion, a new arrival at the university has a grudge against the pack, and she knows that getting to them is easier when she’s targeting anyone who’s more vulnerable than the boys.

And that might include me, despite how much I want to stay out of it.

But when she goes after my place at Winter Grove and the pack that I might be willing to call my own, will I just let her? Or will I take a few lessons from my vile boys and show her I’m not so quick to surrender?

Picks up rightish where the last ends. You get more info about each of the guys. The struggle Mercy has with her new roommate is something everyone can relate to. The secondary story behind the romance was better in this one. It fleshed out the guys' past. I loved that they came together to help Mercy. Overall, a good duology. 

Book 2 Knot Their Toy

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Dragon lover by Donna Grant

3 Stars

She is the one fire I can’t extinguish…

I have sworn to protect. To endure. To survive.

Peace has always been just beyond my reach. Betrayal and war follow the Dragon Kings, and I no longer expect anything else. When I hunt an enemy threatening more than one world, I am prepared for battle.

I am not prepared for her.

Esha is disciplined. Fierce. Untouchable. An elven warrior bound by duty and hiding a fire she refuses to claim. She challenges me in ways no one ever has. I want her—not only her body, but her trust, her strength, her heart.

Desiring her is dangerous. Needing her could be fatal.

She fascinates me. Consumes me. And for the first time in centuries, I question the cost of resisting what burns between us.

I have faced numerous enemies and survived. I fear nothing.

Except losing the one woman who has awakened something I thought long dead.

You need to have read previous books to read this one. Writing was good but got a bit lost in details. It is a short story and was quick to read.

Book 5 Dragon Kings

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Love Laugh Lich by Kate Prior

3 Star

Some people have monsters for a boss, but not everyone has an undead Necromancer Lord at the office.

Lily has been the Lich's secretary ever since his evilness took over the company. She loves her job, but she's got some questions about her boss. Like what's under that cloak of ever-billowing.

Her wondering intensifies when one day the Lich needs something from her that isn't just scheduling appointments-- but a shiver. He needs it for a spell, but it feels like it crosses a line from their usual workplace banter.

After her contributions to his dark rituals become more than OSHA compliant, she starts to contemplate whether the Lich Lord returns her feelings, or still only sees her as his secretary. Lily may have given him her body, but he never asked for her heart.

Another quick and easy read. It is a story that makes me want more information. I needed more world and character building because I have questions about how the world is run. It is a very well written monster love story that has some very interesting smexy scenes. I enjoyed the writing enough to not care about any of the issues and will be checking out other books.

Book 1 Claws and Cubicles

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Vile Boys by A J Merlin

3 Stars

Nothing says welcome to your dream University like dead bodies and a warning to stay in my lane.

It’s almost impossible to get into Winter Grove University, so when I’m accepted on scholarship, I know my life will change for the better. Or will it?

When an alpha starts harassing me to join his pack, I’m left with no choice but to tell him I belong to another. The thing is, I name drop the richest, most notorious pack on campus.

Dorian, Foster, and August aren’t happy when they find out, and the tension between us grows. These vile boys know how to hold a grudge, but when I’m forced to spend time with them, I can’t stop the connection that’s growing between us.

With a killer closer than we thought, will I lose everything I’ve ever wanted or will I become the omega I never thought I could be?

I did love this book. It was a good story but there were issues with the secondary plot. Mercy is both strong and weak. She is on her own and is somewhat sheltered. She isn't willing to put up with the alphas being dicks but also caves to Dorian, Foster, and August. If the entire story was about what the Vile Boys do to Mercy throughout the story would be a solid 4 stars, but it wasn't. There is a murder on campus that they get dragged into. This part of the book isn't well developed at all. Mentioned in passing until they all get dragged into it. It didn't really add to the story. Overall good "bully" romance. Can't wait to see what book 2 has to bring.

Book 1 Knot Their Toy

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Perfectly Knot by Aspen Black and Jenn D Young

3 Stars

I’m broken.

A fractured omega with no value. A shell of my former self, but I found the strength to escape.

Now, I’ve started over. New life. New identity.

Then they appear. Four white knights who promise to protect me and love me despite my scars. A sweet beta and three fierce alphas. They make me feel safe. Cared for.

When the past comes calling, will they still be by my side?

She's escaping her abusive fiancé and falls into a relationship right away with her bosses. Which is what I struggled with the most. You're literally on the run after just leaving an abusive relationship why would you jump into a new one even if it was fated. Overall, the book was shallow. No world or character building so it was just meh.

Book 1 Curvy Omegaverse

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Omega Merger by Roxy Collins

4 Stars

Betas are made for business, not pleasure.

We’re intelligent, hard-working, and unlike alphas and omegas, we’re not ruled by our hormones.

That’s how I’ve earned the title of Alpha Wrangler. No matter how much testosterone floods a boardroom, I can always rise above it and get the job done.

Which wins me the plum job of negotiating one of the biggest mergers in the country. All I need are a couple of signatures, and then I can use my bonus to buy an apartment with Kelvin, my beta assistant and best-friend-with-benefits.

But all that comes crashing down when I’m triggered by a switch.

My hidden omega nature takes over, hungry for knots, and bites, and a pack of my own.

This was a different omega book. It was interesting. Maddie thought she was a beta and wasn't interested in a pack. She was in Friends with Benefits with her roommate Kel. He's meant for a pack and doesn't think they will be together. I loved the merging of the packs for her and the willingness to bend and change for each other. The hardest part of the book was with Max.  A good addition to the omega trope.

Book 1 Billionaires in Heat

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Take Me Home by Carrie Elks

4 Stars

Once upon a time Gray was Maddie's big sister's boyfriend. The most popular guy at school who never noticed a dreamer like her.

Then he left town to become a superstar and never looked back.

Ten years later Maddie is waiting tables in a diner, when Gray walks through the door and sends her heart spinning.

From the way he flirts with her it's clear he has no idea who she is. And she's in no rush to tell him.

The chemistry between them is addictive. But secrets never stay secret for long in a small town like theirs.

They're playing with fire. And it's about to consume them both...

This was such a palate cleanse. Low angst. Gray is back in town to help family, sees Maddie after years away. Doesn't recognize her. Flirting ensues. Figures out who she is, and confusion happens for him. He shouldn't want her, but he does. She has a past trauma that comes into play, but it all works out to HEA. Really sweet book. Will be picking up future books.

Book 1 The Heartbreak Brothers

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This Life and the All the Rest by Brit Benson

3 Stars

She thinks our story is over.

It’s just beginning.

Lennon Washington has been the star of every dream, every nightmare, since the day I lost her.

Since the moment I let my demons win, and she slipped through my fingers.

Her memory has haunted me.

Changed me.

Broken me and remade me.

And I’d all but given up on us.

Now tragedy has brought her back into my life.

My secrets are at her disposal,

Hers are unraveling quickly,

And every emotion we’ve tried to deny is returning with a vengeance.

But we’re not kids anymore.

We have changed drastically.

And with each new ache, I start to wonder,

Is there a place for us in this life,

Or will we have to try again in the next one?

After reading both I will say this... adults suck and made all the wrong moves. Then never apologize for being bad at the whole adulting thing and parenthood. Lennon is the only one I don't hate through most of this book. She is less of a doormat, but she does forgive way too easily in this book. All secrets are revealed throughout the story (which is why the hate for the adults) Some people you understand better and others you will hate more. Overall if you like angst - a lot of it, read these books. 

Book 2 Next Life

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Knight Unchained by B M Clemton

2 Stars

I finally have the life I’ve always dreamed of.

Growing up in Stone Brook with my aunt and uncles, I wanted nothing more than to find my place in this world. I longed to discover more about my missing past and make sense of my wild magic. Little did I know those answers would come with so many more questions.

My nightmares are now a reality as the forces against my men and I tear us apart. Heaven and Hell are colliding, the shadows are circling, and the enemy is closing in. But I’m no stranger to the dark.

Thankfully, I’m not alone this time. I will do everything in my power to keep those I love safe, and God help anyone who tries to take them from me.

Overall, the five books could have been cut down to three books and it would have been a better and more concise story. It also needed an epilogue of them in the future to round out the story. It still feels a little unfinished. Overall, the story was good, just needed an editor to cut down some of the extra.

Book 5 Black Veil University

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Love of My Next Life by Brit Benson

3 Stars

I calmed his demons. He created mine.

Macon Davis.

My best friend’s brother.

My tormentor.

My least favorite person.

Pothead. Delinquent.

A careless, directionless loser.

That’s what I used to believe,

but I didn’t really know him.

And when I finally saw him,

it was the best and worst thing to ever happen to me.

We burned hot and fast.

Passion. Anger. Love. Pain.

We were reckless. Naive.

We were doomed from the start.

When I finally saw Macon Davis for who he was,

we both went down in the flames.

Ends on a cliffhanger as it is a duet. There was so much teen angst in this book. It was well written and if you are looking for teen angst, I 100% recommend it. My issues with the story were because I felt Lennon was a doormat throughout this book. The culmination of everything and how the book ends made me ticked cause it was just getting good and the book ends. I'm not going to spoil the ending but the way it plays out everyone, but Lennon really sucks.

Book 1 Next Life

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Knight Awakened by B M Clemton

3 Stars

Meeting Daxton Pierce flipped it on end and made me question everything I know.

My memories and my family had been ripped from me. I have been stalked, tortured, abandoned, and betrayed… but I’m not broken.

This world is not what I thought it to be, and while my new relationships only grow stronger by the day, tensions rise, bringing new and old enemies to our door.

Only this time, I don't have to face them alone.

I’ve learned there are worse things in life than the monsters hiding in the shadows, and I’m done cowering in fear.

This just feels drawn out at this point. This is book 4 of 5. It's the same issues every book. Things that should be on screen are done off page. Like Remi meeting his parents. We do get a ton of secrets revealed finally but it ends in another cliffhanger ending.

Book 4 Black Veil University

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