Misfit Monsters by Eva Chase

3 Stars

Three delinquent monsters with fearsome powers. One girl made of pure sunshine. Can she save this team of misfits?

My past? Let's just pretend it never happened. All I want is to spread enough joy to make up for the pain I've caused.

So it'd be nice if my unexplainable powers would stop going haywire.

When I start blitzing my fellow monsters as well as mortals, the authorities of the supernatural world give me a final chance to avoid banishment.

I’ve got to join three monstrous criminals on a dangerous mission no one wants to take. Strange creatures are attacking innocent humans, and we have to stop their rampage.

It’s up to me, a frigid winter fae, a brutal basilisk shifter, and a chaotic kitsune to figure out what’s gone wrong—and fix it. Which would be a lot easier if my teammates didn’t see me as a ditzy pipsqueak.

And if they weren’t so distractingly, deliciously handsome.

Um, don’t tell them I said that part.

I’m sure my cheerful optimism will win them over so we can get home in one piece. That is, as long as I don’t blow us all up along the way...

I was irritated with reading this book and not sure if I will continue the series even though it ends on a cliffhanger ending. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story and there wasn’t a lot of explanation as to the world development.

Book 1 Pack of Outcasts

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Time Will Tell by Hannah Bonam-Young

3 Stars

When a mysterious time capsule leads a Toronto teacher to England, she discovers some loves are worth crossing oceans—and decades—to find, from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Bonam-Young.

When a history teacher receives a letter from her deceased grandmother revealing a secret love affair in the 1950s, it leads her to a time capsule hidden decades ago. But it’s the charming grandson of her grandmother’s lost love who changes everything, proving that sometimes the heart knows exactly where—and when—it belongs.

Cute and quick read. Narrators were amazing.

Book 2 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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The Bully by Devney Perry

3 Stars

Nellie Rivera is trading traffic for tranquility. When the quiet streets of small-town Montana beckon, she leaves Denver behind and moves to Calamity. It would be the perfect adventure if not for Cal Stark.

When her archnemesis dares to show his face one Saturday morning, declaring he is moving there too, she vows to make his life a misery. The town isn’t big enough for the both of them and besides . . .

She was here first.

Cal has been a thorn in her side since high school. He might have bullied her back then, but she’s not a modest teenager anymore and has learned a few plays of her own. If all goes to plan, she’ll run the former pro quarterback out of town within a month.

There’s only one problem. Cal has the same plan. He wants Calamity bad enough to pull out all the stops. And after one kiss, she realizes that he doesn’t play fair.

This was my least favorite book in the series so far. I was irritated by the main characters. I didn’t like them and it never got better.

Book 4 Calamity Montana

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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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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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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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Knight Forsaken by B M Clemton

3 Stars

Betrayal. Chaos. Love.

I came to Black Veil for a new start. A chance to find myself again, and maybe learn how to control my unruly magic.

Instead, I've somehow bonded myself to three amazing men, found out I'm mated to my childhood best friend, and my magic grows more unstable by the day.

Danger lurks around every corner and death lingers in the air. Secrets are uncovered, questions answered, but I'm not entirely sure I'm prepared to face the truths that they bring.

Secrets are slowly revealed with each book. Key word... slowly. We still have the issue of things moving very slowly. The author also spoiled one of the new lovers which sucked since they hadn't been introduced. I'm enjoying the story but wish we had less day-to-day stuff. Another cliffhanger ending and with all the filler it irritates me.

Book 3 Black Veil University

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Your Trainer Said Hi by Indie Sparks

3 Stars

Sure, in retrospect, going into business with some guy I’d only been dating for six months sounds impulsive.

Okay, it was impulsive, but it was a good opportunity, and Heath put in as much money as I did. We were equal partners. Until he made an unauthorized withdrawal.

It’s not like he absconded to another country with the money. No, he sunk every dime into a foolproof investment. In my defense, I was vulnerable when we met, and Heath was only supposed to be my rebound guy. I never dreamed I’d have to financially rebound from him.

So now, while he’s busy hawking snake oil, trying to grow his downline, I’m out here just trying to maintain my sanity, stay on top of my game for my sales job, and keep our juice bar afloat.

But there’s always time for vengeance. Heath stole my money; I’ll take his beloved personal trainer. It’s a start.

Wick puts my body through the wringer, in the gym and out, but he’s so not my type. His storm-cloud eyes might see right through me, and his filthy mouth definitely takes my mind off my troubles for a while, but there is not a more arrogant man in the world. Like I said, so not my type. So, why do I keep seeing him?

The first book was better, but this was fine. Nadine frustrated me so much. Burned once means not finding out what happened with Wick. I get her anger but to not even ask seems very ridiculous. There also wasn't as much smexy time as the first one. So overall... meh.

Book 2 Vengeful Vixens

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Knight Revelations by B M Clemton

3 Stars

I'm sorry, Dani.

Those three words echo through my mind and tug at the broken strings of my heart.

Bonds, magic, and lies seem to make up my world right now as it crashes around me.

All I wanted was a normal life, to go to college and try to put the shadows of my past behind me. Instead, my world has been turned upside down, and my bright future at Black Veil University is suddenly looking dim.

The shadows are closing in, putting those I love most at risk, and they will stop at nothing to get what they want.

I loved the guys even more in this book as well as Dani's BFF Kayla. There was a major pacing issue. The book was incredibly slow through most of the book and then sped all the way to the end which was a cliffhanger ending. It felt like the author decided the book had to end this way and wandered around to the end. This made for a less enjoyable book. It was still enjoyable but not as awesome as book 1. 

Book 2 Black Veil University

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Knot their Reality by Miranda May

3 Stars

Two years ago, I thought I’d found the one thing I’d been missing—a pack. Except they didn’t want me.

Now, it’s time to leave them in the past where they belong and find my pack with the help of Heated.

As the second season’s omega, I have twenty alpha and beta suitors vying for a spot in my pack. We have eight weeks to get to know one another, to unpack each other’s baggage, and to see if we can be one another’s forever.

Except, there are surprises being thrown at me left and right—leaving me completely off balance. I’m sure it’ll make great television, but can I make it through this? I want to—no, I need—to make this work. One thing they’ll learn about me is that I don’t give up.

I will find my pack, but I’m quickly realizing that leaving the past behind isn’t as simple as I once thought it would be.

The last couple of chapters ruined this book for me. The book was going along nicely, and I was enjoying how everything was playing out. There's a point where everything goes from plodding along to rush rush rush must conclude the story to the point it hurt the story. It felt like the author was having fun and then realized her word count was close, so they had to finish. The first half was a solid 4 the last bit was a 2 so 3 stars - very disappointing.

Book 2 Heated

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Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward

3 Stars

It started when I hosted a little party for a bunch of new friends.

Though “friends” might not be the right word since the invitees were all the women I’d found out my boyfriend was talking to behind my back. When the guest of honor walked in—aka my now ex—things took a turn….

Unfortunately, a stranger witnessed the whole blowout. I was in a mood that night and ended up giving this gorgeous guy an attitude, too. As if my night could get any worse, before he stormed off, he informed me he was actually my landlord.

Colby Lennon, along with three of his friends, owned the building where my tattoo shop was located.

He and I were total opposites.

He wore a tie, oozed confidence that came with years of women falling at his feet, and wasn’t afraid to say what he wanted, which lately—was me.

I hated that I found myself attracted to him.

Especially since I was supposed to be on a self-imposed dating hiatus. Yet the two of us couldn’t seem to stay away from each other. We started hanging out, as friends.

I even went as far as making rules for what he’d dubbed our “undates.”

But eventually, our explosive attraction became too much to bear, and we broke our resolve. I let my guard down and started to really fall for Colby.

Nothing could have prepared me for the ride he took me on. And I certainly wasn't prepared for where I'd wind up when the ride was over.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn't see coming.

I am being generous with the three stars. The first half of the book was good. It was the second half that's pissed me off. I liked the idea of the book. Nothing wrong with MMC or FMC but as soon as MMC did what he did, I was done with the book I don't know how you get past him marrying another woman. At that point I was done.

Book 1 The Law of Opposites Attract

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Sugar Rushed by Leigh Kelsey

2.5 Stars

I'm caught between the devil and the deep blue serial killer…

Well, he’s more green than blue. He’s also a lizard maniac determined to take over all of Hell. And with Taj fatally wounded, X kidnapped, and Dev so weak he’s in a coma, I’m more than caught. I’m falling apart—and so are Ark and Joseph.

Eidolon won’t stop until he’s all-powerful, and he’s holding my mate as leverage to make me do his dirty work. If I don’t hand over a deadly relic, he’ll kill X. If I do, he’ll be unstoppable. There’s no way to win this violent game of cat and mouse.

If I want to end him once and for all—and make sure he stays dead this time—I’ll have to risk everything. My sanity. My magic. My mates. And I’m not sure I can pay that price.

Just think of cocktails on a private island when all this is over, Avie. Just think of cocktails.

Sugar Rush 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 was unnecessary. It was too long, and nothing happened. If this had been combined with the last book and modified to be more concise it would have been better. It ended up being a lot of the same stuff over and over. The first book was awesome but the whole series was brought down. 

Book 3 Killers and Kings

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Deep Sea Kiss by Zoe Ashwood

3 Stars

“Go away. My brother is dead.”

When Lottie learns her baby twins’ father died - violently - she is determined to make friends with his brother. The man is grumpy, secretive, and strange, but she wants her kiddos to know their family, so she’s stuck with Eiric.

Eiric wants nothing more than to send his dead brother’s ex packing, but she claims Mikkel is the father of her kids. Which is a problem, because their family isn’t exactly…human. And if the twins inherited the ability to shift into sea dragons, the pretty human is in for a world of trouble.

But humans aren’t the only ones who would love to get their hands on the vulnerable babies. Someone is watching Lottie and her kids, and Eiric is the only one who can protect them. To do that, however, he’ll need to earn her trust - and reveal his true nature to her.

It was a fine read. A little on the different side. It was a whole lot of insta love. I have questions about the world and how things will work. I enjoyed the way Eiric was all in with Lottie but only when she knows everything. So many times, he just wants to hold them tight, but he wants her to have all the knowledge first. It did have some pacing issues but nothing major. I'll give her another read.

Book 1 Norse Sea Dragons

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Sweet Violence by Leigh Kelsey

3 Stars

Here’s a tip: when you fall into Hell, seduce the devil.

Not that the devil needs much seducing. He’s seen all the twisted, blood-soaked things I’ve done on Earth, and he’s already obsessed with me. A little too obsessed, if you ask me. I already have four mates, and they’re more than enough trouble.

But when the devil—I’m calling him Dev—gives me a chance to hit my psychopath father where it hurts, and take out some of his minions, I jump at the chance. I’m not an assassin-for-hire, but if Eidolon keeps amassing power, he’ll be even more dangerous. And there’s no doubt he’ll come back for me.

But with cuddly Joseph, obsessive X, dominant Arkan, and ruthless Taj by my side, what can go wrong?

Everything, apparently. But at least I’m not dead…?

The Candyfloss Killer is back, b*tches!

Sweet Violence 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 one wasn't as good as the first one. The plot wandered which made for a long book. The book is best when all the mages are together, and it isn't a lot in this one. There were also issues with continuity. Aveline was walking with a demon. Her mates showed up and that demon was forgotten. I literally reread to see what I missed. Overall, it was still enjoyable but less so than book one.

Book 2 Killers and Kings

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