Wanted Girl by Lexie Winston

2.5 Stars

Things are looking up for Harlow in the Summers household. She’s working toward establishing a solid relationship with her father and his children are coming around to the fact that she will be a permanent fixture in their lives. In fact, you could say things are starting to look very good for Harlow.

Unfortunately, someone wants her as desperately as the Summers men. Wants her dead that is!

Once again, the Summers family are on the hunt for those that are determined to disrupt their lives. It’s hard to woo the woman you want when you are constantly dodging attacks. Harlow has been assigned a bodyguard and a trip overseas will hopefully get her out of the firing line. New leads are beginning to point to the person or person’s responsible.

Really tired of the insta connections and either the person is amazing or awful. There is no middle ground. With more information revealed about the guys I am starting to question the author’s development of the characters. The one brother works covert ops but doesn’t have any security on his own home? It’s all adding up to a very dragged-out story that is in desperate need of a good editor.

Book 4 Neighpalm Industries

Amazon 

Tormented Girl by Lexie Winston

3 Stars

Property destruction, aggressive threats and an injured family member is what Harlow and the Summers family are having to deal with.

Who is responsible or why this is happening is anybody’s guess?

But amidst all the drama, Harlow is trying to forget the hurts of the past and establish a new relationship with her adopted siblings, even if what she feels for them isn’t overly familial

A trip to Hawaii with Jaxon and Kai is just what she needs to forget about her worries for a while.

Or is it?

Will trouble follow them to the tropical paradise or will they get to relax and unwind and see where the holiday takes them.

With this one you finally see some relationship movement…FINALLY. There’s also a change of scenery as Harlow heads to Hawaii with Jaxon and Kai. I love the one on one we get and more backstory for the guys. This one is where my interest started to wane. It’s the same stuff from the previous books just repeated. The author seems to add side characters to suit the needs of the story. Still enjoyed it but getting frustrated by the lack of movement in the story.

Book 3 Neighpalm Industries

Amazon 

Broken Girl by Lexie Winston

3 Stars

Never in her life has Harlow felt as low as she does now. Even a beating from her mother was easier to take then the humiliation she just suffered at the hands of the Summer’s siblings.
Unable to return home due to a promise made to her foster father, she has to stay on until her commitments have concluded. With her new friends Alex and Shane trying to convince her to stay and her grandparents and father of the same mind, Harlow’s heart is torn in two.
But a mysterious phone call and a possible job opportunity may just swing the pendulum to one side.

More questions are answered but more are introduced. The adopted siblings are slowing changing but are still too stupid for me. I am pretty sure I know who the stalker is, but we must wait for a future book for the answer. It was another cliffhanger ending.

Book 2 Neighpalm Industries

Amazon 

Abandoned Girl by Lexie Winston

3 Stars

Her entire life, Harlow has been the cuckoo in another bird’s nest. With an unreliable junkie for a mother and an unknown father, her foster family, the kind, successful, and generous Bostons, are the brightest spot in her life. But even with a foster family like Harlow’s, there are some things money can’t buy- like the ability to fit in with the shallow socialites who act like her lack of pedigree is contagious. Now that she’s finished college and her veterinary degree, Harlow’s life was supposed to take off. She was supposed to get a job and create a life away from the petty drama of the wealthy elite. But when her mother dies and a life-changing secret is revealed, Harlow finds herself flying across the country to face an uncertain future that Kai, Holden, Jaxon, Thomas, Jacinta, Declan, and Oliver are going to make sure she won’t accept.

This one was a slow burn. You will hate a lot of the characters but that’s how they’re supposed to be. It was an interesting concept. Girl finds bio dad is rich and powerful. His adopted kids’ lust for her but think she’s after his money. They never bothered to learn anything about her. I know she’s going to end up with the brothers, but they have a lot to make up for after how this book ends. Still a lot of questions I want answered so I will end up reading the next one.

Book 1 Neighpalm Industries

Amazon 

Gold Digger by Susie Tate

3 Stars

He’s a billionaire Duke, he owns a good ten per cent of the UK, and he’s been voted Britain's Sexiest Aristocrat, but Oliver Harding still doesn’t know what to do about the massive crush he has on his cleaner. Lottie’s clumsy and really crap at her job, but her laugh is infectious, her smile lights up the room, she’s insanely good at chess, and he can’t stop thinking about her.

Aware of the power imbalance, he sets out to make her his, and he thinks he’s getting somewhere until she seriously betrays his trust. So now he tells himself he hates her, and he makes sure everyone knows it. But once Ollie realizes that his privilege and self-absorption have made him entitled and completely blind, he’s determined to win Lottie back. A fake engagement might be a bit extreme, but his family had been getting its way for five hundred years, and the Duke of Buckingham was no different from his ancestors.

Lottie’s life is a struggle. She’s had to fight for everything since going into foster care at the age of twelve. The Duke of Buckingham, wouldn’t understand struggle if it smacked him in the face. He’s got money and family coming out of his ears; she has twenty quid in her current account and no family other than her traumatized, selectively mute eight-year-old little sister, whom Lottie is determined to keep safe.

She doesn’t have time for handsome Dukes with silver tongues. So she tells herself she’s not heartbroken when he turns on her like she knew he would, putting everything she worked so hard for in jeopardy. She needs to concentrate on survival. But Lottie underestimates just how charming Ollie can be. Or what a formidable opponent his centuries-old, innate arrogance makes him.

Oliver was a raging asshole throughout this book and doesn’t really do anything to redeem himself at all. Lottie is just trying to make ends meet and maybe get a head while raising her sister and he assumes a lot. He learns the truth and still defaults to she must be after me for money. He’s so degrading to her and doesn’t change or redeem himself. I’ve loved all of Ms. Tate’s books and this one just seemed like he was just being cruel. It was one that I put down several times and I struggled to finish it. Here’s hoping her next one hits better for me.

Amazon 

Icebreaker by Elise Faber and Kat Mizera

4 Stars

She hates me…

I’m going to make her fall in love with me anyway.

As captain of the SoCal Vipers, the last couple of seasons haven’t been going well. My stats are slipping, and I’m at risk of being traded.

So, I’m not in the mood for a case of mistaken identity with the woman playing bouncer at the arena door.

But when I find out she’s come to town to escape her controlling family and make a fresh start, I know I can’t just let her walk away.

I’ll do anything to make sure she’s safe.

And if that means claiming her forever…then all the better.

Because she’s mine.

Even if she doesn’t know it yet.

Two of my favorite hockey romance writers wrote an amazing story. Loved Aspen and Banks. Seeing Aspen grinding to succeed and prove her family wrong made for a lovely read. Banks needed to grovel a little bit more after his mess up but I still love him. Would love to see the rest of the friend group and the little sister get a story.

Book 1 Gamebreakers

Amazon 

Two Wrongs Make Right by Chloe Liese

3 Stars

Opposites become allies to fool their matchmaking friends in this swoony reimagining of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

Jamie Westenberg and Bea Wilmot have nothing in common except a meet-disaster and the mutual understanding that they couldn't be more wrong for each other. But when the people closest to them play Cupid and trick them into going on a date, Jamie and Bea realize they have something else in common after all—an undeniable need for revenge.

Soon their plan is in place: Fake date obnoxiously and convince the meddlers they’re madly in love. Then, break up spectacularly and dash everyone's hopes, putting an end to the matchmaking madness once and for all.

To convince everyone that they’ve fallen for each other, Jamie and Bea will have to nail the performance of their lives. But as their final act nears and playing lovers becomes easier than not, they begin to wonder: What if Cupid’s arrow wasn’t so off the mark? And what if two wrongs do make a right?

I normally love Chloe Liese books but this one was just ok. Everyone of the characters irritated me. They all had issues and instead of talking about the issues they decided to pressure and push others to do what they wanted. Everyone was manipulating everyone. Concept was good but I just didn’t love it.

Book 1 Wilmot Sisters

Amazon 

Messing with my Brother’s Best Friend by Sam Hall

3 Stars

It was a decision made from one part desperation and one part need for revenge… I moved into their house, but they quickly moved into my mind every waking minute of every freaking day. Because they’re different than I remember:

Van was always the golden boy with the cheeky smile. Now that smile has a hungry edge that is saved just for me.

Gage was always tall and silent, but he’s a wall of hard muscle now and part of me wants to find out exactly how big.

And Connor? With those dimples and that cocky attitude, he’s got trouble written all over him.

Well, it turns out the joke’s on me.

I might be the one engaging in juvenile pranks this time, but these three guys are determined to play the biggest prank of all.

To get me back—in their life, in their bed, in their hearts.

The guys were such dicks to Kendall while she was growing up. They did sort of make it up to her when they end up together. I did have questions as to why Kendall’s family wasn’t helping her at all. She was just left on her own and it was never really explained why they didn’t help her. Overall, it was a fine read.

Amazon 

Beauty and the Orc by Finley Fenn

1 Star

She was ruined by an orc. Now his enraged ex wants to finish the job…

In a world of orcs and powerful men, Kitty Clarendon is a bubbly, beautiful woman about town — until she’s dumped by her benefactor and thrown onto the streets. And as she’s drowning her sorrows, she meets… an orc.

He’s rash, reckless, and on the rebound — but his laugh is contagious, his touch warm and wicked. And for one perfect, forbidden night, he’s all Kitty’s darkest dreams come true…

But by morning, there’s only shame. Regret. And the orc quickly makes his escape, abandoning Kitty to a devastating discovery…

She’s been compromised. With his… orcling.

But the orc never returns, and Kitty is left ill, impoverished, and hopeless. Until finally, another orc finds her. Varinn, of Clan Grisk.

The first orc’s best friend.

And… his very recent ex.

Varinn can’t hide his jealousy, or his bitter, broken rage — but he refuses to leave Kitty behind. And soon she’s under his stern supervision, and on her way to Orc Mountain. Back to the orc who so cruelly spurned her. The orc who’s been losing his own battles, and still longs for Varinn’s firm handling… and his heart.

And can Kitty bring two hostile, heartbroken orcs back together, for her orcling’s sake? Or will they break her own heart, too?

This book never ended. It was so long and repetitive with no forward movement in the story. I hated how passive Kitty was and let herself be abused by everyone. Varinn was just a dick and the other was so troubled. The one who was troubled was an addict and that was handled nicely in the book. Overall, this was by far the worst book in the series.

Book 8 Orc Sworn

Amazon 

Glass by Evelyn Flood

4 Stars

Hope is a delicate thing. Like glass. So delicate that once it shatters, it will never be the same again.

Vilified.

Despised.

Ruined.

Anastasia Cooper is the most hated woman in Sorelle. To avoid the modern slavery charges leveled against her by her scheming stepsister, she opts for a quiet life under house arrest to escape the frenzy of the media.

But she wasn’t banking on them. The Tate brothers.

Feared by all, everyone knows that Christopher, Silas and Rafael Tate are the real power behind the throne of Sorelle. And they’ve been looking for Stasi for a very long time.

Determined to make Stasi’s life as difficult as possible, Kit, Silas and Rafe take every opportunity to remind her how far she’s fallen. But Stasi has her own plans, and she’s not about to let the men who stole her heart once before and smashed it into pieces ruin the only thing she has left.

Hope.

But as truths come to light, the Tate brothers begin to realize that they might not have the full story.

And they won’t let Stasi slip through their fingers again.

 

This would have been 5 stars review except I don’t think Stasi actually had smexy time with all of her men. I still loved the book and felt it was a nice balance of bullying and groveling to make up for the bullying. I loved how it all played out with Stasi and the guys. I can’t wait for the next book to see what else the author does.

Book 2 Forbidden Fairytales

Amazon 

Beg Borrow or Steal by Susie Tate

4 Stars

Libby is willing to do almost anything to reach her goals and take care of her daughter. She doesn’t have time for judgmental doctors who have never had to struggle with life.  Jamie has worked hard to become the education director and doesn’t understand how some people can not take things seriously and show up on time until a 4-year kicks him in his shins for being mean to her mom. Finding out how hard Libby works makes him want to protect her but can he leave his judgment behind?

Tate’s books are always heart-retching books, and this was no different from her other books. FMC is working he butt off to make a better life for her kid and MMC is a major dick. He does get better, but it takes way too long, and he ends up hurting FMC and her daughter before he gets it together. If you are looking for a book to make you ugly cry this is a good one to read.

Amazon 

Sweetheart Part 2 by Marie MacKay

3 Stars

Vex wasn’t able to win the pack over and now she’s back with her forced pack. Will Rook, Ebony, Love, and Drake find her and save her from her fate before it’s too late?

I loved how this book ended but it still felt like it was way too long. It also is supposed to be a book of redemption and I don’t feel like that happens. All the guys do is really apologize to her. There are two MMC who do more, but Vex does a lot of saving herself and just loving on the guys. I still truly feel Sweetheart should have been one book all together and not two. Both were way too long and there were many parts that could be cut out and it would have been a great story. The growth the characters make aren’t enough for their to be redemption and with two books to get that growth it was very disappointing. Overall, it was a meh read.

Book 2 Omegaverse Bully Duet

Amazon 

Twisted Demands by Marley Wray

3 Stars

Arya is stubborn and doesn’t need anyone’s help until a serial killer turns his sights to her. She needs to rely on Erik to keep her safe. Will she be able to let go and let him do what needs to be done to stay alive?

We finally find out who the serial killer is, and it was worth the wait. I loved that the ladies saved themselves in this book. Beyond that Sorenson and Arya were awesome together. They worked well. My biggest issue was Arya was too stupid to live and that’s what led to her being kidnapped. Overall, good series to read.

Book 3 Dark Knights

Amazon 

Bitter Notes and Sweet Strings by Aly Beck

2 Stars

River West was just trying to get through high school and get out of town. She wasn’t expecting to meet Kieran, Cal, Ash, and Rad. She thought they wanted her, but they just wanted her connections and as soon as they have what they want they’re gone. Years later they need her to keep their musical career. This is their second chance at a happily ever after. Will they take it?

Duet that I am reviewing together as it should have been one freaking book. It makes zero sense to be two books. Both books are too long and drawn out. The guys are assholes throughout and never get better. Assholes who redeem themselves awesome but men who never change suck. River has zero respect for herself or her daughter. The guys never make up for being dicks to her and leaving her behind. River barely makes them work for it. All is forgiven because she lusts after them too much to walk away. Meh. I’ll pass on any future books.

Book 1 and 2 Second Sets

Amazon Book 1  Book 2 

Rejected by Dragons by Dizzy Hooper

4 Stars

Abandoned in the air kingdom by her parents, Ember is just surviving. Bullied by all, secret lover to crowned prince Storm, she thinks life can’t get any worse. That is until the secret relationship is revealed, and he rejects her. Thrown from the only home, she knows she is on the run to find a haven to live. Will she find what she’s looking for or will things get more complicated for her?

I loved this story so far and can’t wait for the next book. It does end on a cliffhanger, but it looks like the next book is due out next month. Fingers crossed it does come out then. I loved Ember. She took the hits coming towards her and kept going. The way Storm handled everything made me so mad and he better make it up to her in the next book. The ending was what made me maddest. Ember was just starting to figure things out and found two more mates. Then it just ended. So mad. Must find out how this plays out right now and not later. If you like dragons, rejected mates, enemies to lovers, with bits of steam you should check this out.

Book 1 Ember: Queen of Dragons

Amazon 

Pick Six by Maggie Monroe

3 Stars

Six is starting over after she divorced her cheating ex. Hired to blog about the New York Mavericks’ Football Team. She is ready to get her life back on track. What she wasn’t expecting was Sean, a playboy wide receiver. He makes the mistake of going at her on her first day. With all the sparks flying will they find their HEA?

This was a solid read. Do I want to own it nope, but I enjoyed the read. I liked the mashup of fake romance, enemies to lovers, and second chance romance this book brought to me. Not to mention the sports aspect which I love reading. Overall, I liked the characters and how the story progressed. Loved that Six ex gets what’s coming to him and that Six and Sean get their HEA.

Book 2 Mavericks Tackle Love

Amazon 

Our Secret Song by Emily C Childs

3 Stars

Alexis was in Vegas to get married and attend school. Only one of those is happening as her fiancé ran off with her stepsister. Now she’s in a different state with no where to live. Her brother comes to the rescue and sends his best friend to help her out. Bridger is dealing with his own issues but will do anything for Alexis. Will his problems ruin their budding relationship?

This is very much a blush romance and was a nice pallet cleanse. Alexis is screwed over by her fiancé and needs a helping hand. She wasn’t expecting it to come from her frenemy. I love the journey for her and Bridger to get to that HEA. There were a couple of things that were too pat. Bridger has his name dragged through the mud by an ex. She has her tell all that lays some really heinous charges at his feet. It’s like a week of this being out and then bam she recants and all is well. He deserved more with everything he went through. I very much like seeing those who do wrong make it right and the fiancé and ex do not make it right with either Alexis or Bridger. I guess living their best life is supposed to be good enough.

Book 1 For Love and Rock

Amazon 

Blood Moon by Jillian Graves

3 Stars

Hazel loves working her bar and seeing her supernatural regulars. She occasionally needs to blow off steams, but anonymous strangers work for that until she meets Vlad. She thinks he’s an excellent lay but is definitely running away when she finds out he’s the owner of the night club that just opened a crossed from her bar that is trying to close her down. Will they find their HEA?

This was a super spicy short story. I wanted more world building and character development but for a short story it was really good. Loved the main characters story and seeing them get their HEA. Will definitely check out other books by this author.

Amazon 

All’s Fair in Pucks and War by Elise Faber

3.5 Stars

Joel has never had to work for the interest in someone, but Billie Rose makes him work for her. It’s worth it though because she’s everything to him. When outside forces try to tear them apart will they prevail or will everything fall apart.

This one started right where the last one ended. I had issues with Billie Rose in this one. She has 0 faith in Joel. When someone claims to be his wife instead of asking him about it, she just takes off. It frustrated me. There was a legit answer and he had to chase after her to explain. It’s a whole thing with her. Misunderstanding she runs and he chases and has to force her to listen. Then all is well. Later on, other stuff happens that caused problems because she doesn’t share the load. Other than this I loved the book. It does on the cliff of all cliffs. That made me so incredibly angry. I need the next one now so I can see how their story concludes.

Book 5 Rush Hockey

Amazon 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarrows

 

4.5 Stars

Violet Sorrengail had spent her entire life planning on becoming a scribe like her father. After the death of her father and brother her mother forces her to join the other candidates to become a dragon rider. She’s smaller than all the other candidates and has been dealing with a lifelong disability. Everyone thinks she won’t last long as she is too fragile. Even if she lasts long enough, they don’t think a dragon will bond with her as there are always more people than dragons. If the tasks and dragons don’t kill her then the other candidates will just, to get revenge against her mother. Xaden is the most powerful wing leader and has sworn to take her out. That is until the dragons make their decision. Will she survive?

This book had so much hype behind it I didn’t think it would stand up. I had never read a book by Rebecca Yarrows and wasn’t willing to buy the hard cover book at that price, so I waited for the library. I ended up being one of the first to get the book. I blew through the dang thing so fast and wanted the spray painted one, so I went out and bought it. It’s somewhere between 4 and 5. It’s borderline I want to reread it already. I loved that Violet is disabled and shows what it looks like when someone has been dealing with long term issues. It’s a different way to view disability but for those who have been living with issues for a long time will relate to this so much. I loved that the Violet grows so much in this book. She is willing to grow and change to stay alive but not everything about her changes. The big one is her character stays the same. There are several twists and turns in the book that kept me reading. The one character that dies was just heartbreaking and made me so mad. There are a lot of deaths in the book but there is just one that was just so nooooo! The ending of the book was a WTF moment and was sort of a cliffhanger ending but not a true cliffhanger. It wraps up the main plots in this book but ends with some new questions. I can’t wait for the next book to come out in November.

Book 1 The Empyrean

Amazon