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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Phantom by Greer Rivers

3 Stars

The man behind the mask won’t stop until she’s his.

Scarlett Day has been my obsession ever since I witnessed her dark side.

I was content with being her secret. Content with being her protector from afar… until a dangerous enemy sets his sights on her.

I will do anything to protect her. Even keep her against her will.

Now that she’s mine, I can’t let her go.

I’ve mastered the darkness. She tempts me with her light.

But when my mask is gone, will she fear the monster underneath?

It was fine. Sol doesn’t understand why Scarlett doesn’t trust him and messes everything up. The not trusting her continues throughout the story and nearly gets her killed because of this. Which is why the 3 stars.

Book 1 Tattered Curtain

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Caught Up by Navessa Allen

3.5 Stars

I wanted this woman, and I was a man who always got what he wanted.

Nico “Junior” Trocci knows Lauren Marchetti is off limits. She is sweetness and laughter, whereas Junior exists in a world of violence and depravity. Men like him don’t get to have women like her. It’s why he pushed her away back in high school and kept his distance ever since.

But when Junior looks Lauren up online, he discovers the shy, bookish girl he remembers is gone. In her place is a strikingly beautiful woman whose social media is filled with scantily clad pictures of herself and a connection to a nearby play club. Junior’s innocent curiosity quickly turns into a dark obsession. Watching Lauren from a distance isn’t enough; he needs to make her his.

He’s ruthless; a walking red flag. Good thing red is my favorite color.

Lauren is intrigued by the mystery man who keeps showing up at her club, who tempts her white-hot desires. But as their flirty online messages stir up a deeper form of connection, Lauren worries she’s developing real feelings for this brooding stranger. As their combined desire ratchets up to a breaking point, who will seduce who?

I took a minute to get into the story. Once I was into it I loved it. Listening to the book vs reading the book made it easier to fall into it. It was a darker book than book 1 which is why the struggle happened. I loved Nico and Lauren together. There were a lot more darker moments with them then book one characters. There were just as many new spicy scenes with some interesting locations. Definitely read the trigger warnings to make sure you are comfortable with this book.

Book 2 Into the Darkness

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Beautiful Nightmare by Katee Roberts

4 Stars

For one awkward sleep paralysis demon, scaring humans should be simple—except Gemma’s first solo haunting goes hilariously wrong in this tantalizing dream of a short story by New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert.

When Gemma’s supposed to terrify her appointed victim, she ends up captivated instead. Caleb, a romantic who believes in all things supernatural, finds her adorably pink-skinned, horned form more alluring than alarming. But as their steamy night unfolds and unexpected feelings bloom, Gemma must choose between her demonic duties and the human who makes her feel anything but monstrous.

I loved this monster romance so much. It was short and spicy. Loved it was like Monsters Inc with finding other ways to boost energy and the twist at the end was awesome. Would love more books in this world.

Book 5 Scared Sexy

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Willing Prey by Allie Oleander

4 Stars

An exhilarating, primal summer fling in the woods leads to an intensely sexy, edgy romance, where anything goes—just remember your safe word.

Divorced and buried in student loan debt, Claire Collins eagerly enters a spicy business agreement with an acquaintance who wants to explore his primal desires. The deal is simple: thirty days as his sexual prey, $30,000 in her bank account. All she has to do is give Shane Underwood the hunt of his life.

Claire’s a physical education teacher and perfectly happy to spend her summer having wild, kinky sex instead of working her usual serving job. But once they cross the tree line, she realizes how little she knows about the corporate lawyer paying her to be his prey.

Shane is different in the woods. Brutal. Devastating. Feral.

That’s okay with Claire—she is, too. And she’s sinking her teeth a little deeper into Shane’s heart every time he catches her.

The trigger warning page sold me on this book. It was spicy and different in the best ways possible. I loved how Shane was all in with Claire for so long. He opted for what he thought she would accept but he wanted so much more with her. He stalks her long before the deal. I love the deal was his romantic gesture to her and to keep her close.

Book 1 Feral Love

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He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Atta Hensley

3 Stars

Why choose between naughty or nice in this steamy, suspenseful Christmas-themed stalker romance that’s perfect for dark romance readers seeking a spicy, festive read.

It’s the night before Christmas and I’m alone in the house…

Popular jewelry influencer Chloe Hallman is steeling herself to spend another holiday on her own. Instead, she finds herself drawn to two different guys… a smoldering hot fan of her secret, seductive online persona, and a sexy fireman named Jack who looks out for her in their NYC neighborhood.

She has no idea that I know her better than she knows herself. Her deepest secrets, her darkest desires—she's careful, but I’ve been watching, never leaving footprints in the snow outside her home.

Jack was the first responder to the accident that stole a beautiful young woman's family two Christmases ago, and he's been quietly guarding her ever since. When Jack uncovers Chloe’s secret account, his obsession only grows. Both he and Chloe are drawn to the darkness that mirrors their own.

She’s my Christmas wish come true. And I'm hers. She just doesn’t know it yet.

Will Chloe’s Christmas be a tale of fiery passion...or a dangerous game with a man whose love knows no bounds?

I liked this but not loved it. There was humor throughout the book with the stalking. The other man drama was just meh. I am still questioning how Jack finds Chloe when Chloe was in danger. I liked it enough to check out book 2.

Book 1 Naughty or Nice

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What Hides in the Shadows by Allie Santos

4 Stars

She was always meant to be his.

Whispers haunted her for years, but before her thirtieth birthday, the truth emerged—something ancient had been waiting. A deal struck before she was born had bound her to a being older than time itself, a predator who claimed her soul was always his. No matter how she resisted, he slipped through every defense, watching, forcing . . . tormenting.

He was the monster destined to be her doom.

Countless souls had vanished into his shadows, leaving death in his wake—but her light was different. He didn’t want to destroy her. He wanted to possess her.

But want had never mattered. The bargain had been struck. Her soul marked for the taking.

To survive, he would have to consume the one thing he couldn’t bear to lose.

This was a dark and smutty book in the best way possible. I do think there could be some better world building but still a good read. Love the Lord of Shadows.

Book 2 Monsters of Darkness

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Knot Enough by JP Sina and Allie Santos

4 Stars

Read the warnings for this book as this book handles some very dark topics.

I’m the daughter overlooked. In a world where omegas are valued, I’m tossed aside when I never present. My daily routine is mundane—until my father tells me he got me a pack meeting, something strictly for omegas. It’s ludicrous, and I have no choice.

But that’s the least of my worries when a bag is thrown over my head. Rath may be my captor, but Kane, Oak, and Axel don’t stop him. They are set on exacting revenge—but on the wrong woman. I haven’t committed any of the crimes they accuse me of, and when their scent drives my instincts crazy, I’m forced to face the truth: the ones who were meant to love and protect me would become my ruin.

I loved Lena and the guys. I do question the ones actions and not confirming anything but what fun would that be. The guys do so much groveling to make up for what they did and it was nice. The book was well written and flows nicely. I would love more in this world.

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Their Lethal Pet by Lexi C Floss

3 Stars

Run. Hide. Fight.

It’s Monsters Night, the annual event where the portals to other realms and realities open, and monsters flood the streets to search for their potential mates.

And I’m one of the candidates.

Why?

Because I broke all the rules. I fought back against the elitist system hellbent on enslaving humankind. And f-ck if I’m going to let one of these monsters take me. Let alone three of them

Orcus.

Flame.

Reaper.

They saved me from a compromising situation, all because they think I'm a rare Omega. A Goddess. Their chosen mate.

You can run and hide, little one.

But we’re the monsters of the night.

And you are our chosen bride.

So be a good girl and let us worship you

This book was so long and it didn’t need to be. Add in FMC becoming a whimp once she finds her men it just became an ok read. The author has better books.

Book 1 Monsters Night

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Diamond in the Dark by Poppy Jacobson

3 Stars

I sold myself to three ruthless Irish gangsters, giving up my hard-won freedom to save my mafia family.

Rian is a cold mastermind who thrives on my tears, degrading me and praising me in equal measure.

Cormac is a sadist who revels in pushing me past my limits, until I can’t tell the difference between pain and pleasure.

Liam, the psychopath, craves my blood along with our bliss. His worship terrifies me as much as it reassures me.

Our dark bargain binds us together, but in my years away from the mafia, I’ve learned to be more than a fragile pawn. I’ve fought harder battles than these men could ever imagine, and I’ll continue to fight, even as they threaten everything I’ve built.

Giving into their violent devotion means giving up my freedom—and I was meant to be free.

I don’t usually read mafia books but Poppy Jacobson has converted me to reading them. I loved this book so much. I loved Ginevra and how no nonsense she was. Even though Rian, Cormac, and Liam were strong willed characters and they were gone over for Ginevra. Ginevra gives up her life to be with them and they work so well together. Definitely reading the rest of the books.

Book 1 Savage Jewels

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Gods of Vengeance by Michelle Heard

4 Stars

I was born into the Cosa Nostra, so I've always known an arranged marriage loomed in my future.

When the Capo dei Capi of the Cosa Nostra comes to Sicily to give his approval for his cousin, Stefano, to take me as his bride, I know my fate is all but sealed. Marrying Stefano is the last thing I want, but being a woman, I don't have a say in the matter.

Damiano Falco is merciless and rules the Cosa Nostra with an iron fist. Everyone fears him and won't dare go against him.

I'm still trying to accept that I'll have no choice but to marry Stefano when Damiano utters the last word anyone expects to hear.

"No."

He doesn't give his approval, nor does he offer any explanation.

But if I think his refusal will set me free, I have another thing coming. Instead, my bags are packed, and within hours, I find myself sitting on a private jet with the head of the Costa Nostra.

The ruthless man doesn't tell me anything, and I have no idea what my future holds.

To say I'm terrified is the understatement of the century.

This was a very dark and twisty story. I loved how Damiano basically kidnaps Gabriella with certain plans for that all blow up in his face. She doesn’t mind the kidnapping or being held by him. I loved watching him come to grips with not being able to give her away to another mafia person and deciding to keep her. I loved how things play out with the bad guys though they got off way to easy.

Book 5 Kings of Mafia

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Cruel Devotion by JP Sina

3 Stars

A woman forced into an engagement...

Ripped from my bed, my loved ones in pieces,

I'm dragged through the forest, bound in chains.

Soon, I'll find where the lines of sanity blur.

But I won't go down without a fight.

 

A monster, undeserving of love...

I'd once been a man, but now lived as a beast.

Scouring the lands for virgins, I rarely make it home without a bite.

Distracted by a sweet scent, I find someone unworthy.

I'm keeping her.

 

A man, more monstrous than his brother...

I was the real wolf in sheep's clothing.

And I loved and lived for no one but him.

When he brings home a bunny, I can't help but have a taste.

Mine.

This is a dark romance with dubious consent. There isn’t a lot to it between world and character development. If you are looking for a quick and dirty dark romance this is the book for you. I enjoyed it for what it was and will read other books by this author.

Book 1 Monsters of Darkness

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Twisted Play By Poppy Jacobson

4 Stars

Cruel. Merciless. Wicked. If they find out the truth, I’ll lose everything—including my father’s life.

Surgery saved me, but left my family drowning in debt. The man we owe has one demand–destroy the hockey team from within.

Three obsessive, controlling men catch me spying and promise retribution for my sins. Cole is as cold as the ice beneath his skates, and he likes to hurt me. Tristan’s sweetness hides a terrifying possessiveness. And broody, frightening Coach Aleksandr? He hates me with a passion I don’t understand—but his hands tell a different story.

Their brutal touches and degrading commands break down my walls until I can’t tell where I end and they begin. With every cruel game, I fall deeper, tangled in a web of lies I can’t escape.

When you're in as deep as I am, walking away isn't an option. Surviving might not be, either.

OMG the cliffhanger ending killed me on this book. Here’s hoping she releases the next one early. I loved this very dark and twisted story. Eva is in a no win situation. She either loses her dad (which I am fine with) or she loses everything else. Since she wasn’t ok with losing her dad she gives up her freedom to get insider information on the college hockey team for the mafia. She doesn’t want to do it but doesn’t have a choice. Coach Aleksander blackmails with sexual favors to get her position on the team. She hooks up with Cole and figures it’s a one off until he catches her in a compromising position and blackmails her because he doesn’t want to walk away from her. Then sweet Tristan ends up roped in on the blackmail. The ending where the entire hockey team take issue with Tristan and Cole hurting Eva was amazing. I loved this book a lot and can’t wait for the next one.

Book 1 Cruel Games

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Death's Obsession by Avina St Graves

3 Stars

He’s coming for you.

Death is meant to come on a chariot of broken dreams or in the dark trenches of a storm, not in love letters and gifts.

He did not take my soul when I was meant to die. He did not want it all the other times that I’ve offered it to him on a silver platter. Yet, time and time again, he reminds me that I am his: His night monster, his dark love, his perfect other.

Death was the only thing keeping me alive. He watches me from his corner, taunts me with sweet messages, marks my body with his touch as I sleep.

He took the people that I love away from me. Still, no one believed me when I said that I saw the faceless man on the night of the accident.

No one can escape death.

Me? I’m chasing it.

 

This was a weird read. You're not sure what is going on through most of the book. It was well written, and it kept me reading until the end. I do feel it needs a book 2 so we can see the relationship grow and change. If you like weird give it a shot.

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Angels in the Dark by Shannon Elliott

2 Stars

My guardian angels are dead set on making me whole again.

When I'm taken by him, the criminal in charge of Mathieson Enterprises, my illusion of safety shatters. He has a Midas touch that is more destructive than it is beautiful. Now, I'm broken beyond repair.

But they’re there to pull me back every time I retreat into myself.

Jay — my best friend — who hasn’t left my side in years.

Griffin — an undercover cop — who loves me before he knows my name.

Sage — a mothering doctor — who stitches me back together.

Cy and Ember — the detached mercenaries — who take me in despite themselves.

To them, my survival is a threat. This is a dangerous game they're playing. Trying to keep me safe is playing with fire.

Sometimes the only way to find your way in the dark is to light a match.

 

It is an interesting concept just poorly implemented. You have a woman who's been trafficked, abused in the worst ways possible and is finally rescued. Good so far but then she willingly has sex with her rescuer who she doesn't know is a good guy. I just have a hard time believing someone going through what she did would be ok the next day having sex. Beyond that there is way too many POV which makes it hard to follow. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and it doesn't make sense to end where it does. Very disappointed.

Book 1 Descent Into Darkness

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A Burn So Deep by Lily Wildhart

2 Stars

Having everything, living the high life, it was only ever in the movies.

Until now. Until them.

After a summer away, I return to find my mother remarried, and a whole new family around her. Now I’m enrolled in the college for East Coast’s most elite; Saints U. Along with my new stepbrother and his friends.

Only he wasn’t my stepbrother the night we first met, and it’s too late to turn back the clock.

They can make me their number one target, insult me and play their wicked games, but I’ve met worse monsters in my time.

These boys might think they can ruin me, but I’ll show them I can make their world burn.

I was bored with this book. When I wasn't bored with it, I was rolling my eyes at how incredibly stupid everyone was. There is also no world building or character development which made it hard to read. There are two more books, but I just don't care enough to read further. In my head they all die. 

Book 1 The Saints of Serenity Falls

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Savior by Jade Thorn

2 Stars

Sinclair's death should have been the end of the drama, but his son Alistair had already taken the reins. The threat is still very present. More and more refugees are flocking to the Triune Pack for help, stretching their resources to their limits, and the last attack will have far-reaching consequences for everyone. Quentin is missing and Lisa is dead but both gave their packs to Marcus. Alphas aren't meant to hold onto so many wolves though, so how will he cope with so many? Can he hold them all together while battling the darkness that rises against them all, or will his inner turmoil spiral out of control and consume him? Catriona has been asked to take on a new mate, but between the impending birth of her first litter of pups, her mate's struggle to hold the packs together and the attacks increasing in frequency, where will she find the time to get to know him? She's still struggling to meet the physical and emotional needs of herself, her wolf and her dragon, never mind the seven mates that she already has and the pups that are on the way. Life is demanding more and more of her. Her mother was torn apart physically, but Catriona fears that she will be torn apart mentally. Can the Triune pack hold their leaders together whilst overcoming the overwhelming odds against them?

I wanted to like this so much but it's not a true HEA. I was looking for Cat to end up with her men without spoilers that's not really what happened. It's fine but made me mad. If you don't mind a book without HEA good series to read. 

Book 3 Siren Saga

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Sovereign Jade Thorn 3 Stars

The wolf shifter council is in chaos, Sinclair is gathering an army and Catriona is pregnant! It's not just the wolves that are under attack now, other supernatural communities are being dragged into the war. Delegations soon begin arriving, seeking help and protection.
Can Catriona and her wolves navigate their own budding relationships while keeping peace between the various supernatural factions and preparing them all for the war?

This one was not as good as book one. Still enjoyable but it was bogged down by some of the details that are going on in the book. There's a lot going on in the book as well as the harem. Also ends on a cliff hanger but enough progress in the story that I enjoyed.

Book 2 Siren Saga

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Siren by Jade Thorn

4 Stars

For hundreds of years Catriona and her sisters have kept their existence a secret. The power that they hold could change the supernatural world.
One mistake during a night out on the town leaves her bound to a pack of wolf shifters, and all six of them want her. Her pheromones make their wolves wild for her and they will have her at any cost.
Now that she’s been discovered, other packs, even other races will kill to have her, to own her, to use her, to abuse her and to consume her. And all of them will hate her.
Suddenly thrust into the middle of pack politics, Catriona and her fated mates must negotiate their way forward to keep her safe, and to lead the Sirens and the Wolf Shifters forward to survival at the same time. There is a war coming, and the fate of all will depend up on them.

I loved this one. Catriona was an amazing character. She has a lot of choices taken from her and she keeps on going. the guys I feel are more problematic. They do some very shitty things to keep her. I understood why by the end, but it took a minute for me to forgive them. Can't wait to see how this all plays out. Does end on a cliff hanger.

Book 1 Siren Saga

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Vixen by Lux Miller

2 Stars

Darkness rises... empires fall. Who will still stand at the end of it all?

Stolen from a life I can't remember and trapped in a world I wish I could forget. At the beck and call of a monster. I wait for the chance to free myself of his tyranny and take back what's mine. They say every man has skeletons in the closet and when I discover his; I go from prey to hunter as I bring them out to play.

Ashes... ashes... we all fall down.

NOT A ROMANCE AT ALL…you are warned. It is a very dark and has no HEA book. Description definitely doesn’t match the actual book. If you have triggers be warned the entire book is SA. There isn’t a single instant of consent in this book. The writing style was good so I will probably check out other books by this author but not this one.

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