Bridezillas and Billionaires by Alina Jacobs

4 Stars

You ever have one of those really terrible days at work?

You know, where the maid of honor accuses the bride of cheating on the groom with the best man AND the groom’s father?

No? Welp...

Welcome to life as a wedding planner for the rich and entitled of Manhattan. I’ve seen it all—from the nastiest bridezilla to the most overindulged billionaire.

And Evan is the worst.

Tall, dark, and handsome, he has a ridiculously ripped body under his formal suit and runs a massive hedgefund that’s actively making the world a worse place.

I don’t even feel sorry for him when he walks away from the altar in a daze.

Well, maybe a little bit.

Enough that I now have a billionaire holed up in my teeny tiny apartment.

I regret it immediately.

My violently antisocial cat has welcomed him like a long lost brother, Evan’s half-naked six-foot-five frame is sprawled across my bed, and he’s eaten all of my lasagna.

A day and an epic screaming match later, he’s out on the street, and I have my high-stress, lonely life back.

But I can’t worry about a billionaire’s hurt feelings.

After all I have a business to run and bridezillas to corral.

But when I go to meet with my latest bride, guess-who is there smirking at me.

Evan’s decided he’s ready to move on from the cheating witch.

Who does he want as his rebound?

Me.

But I am immune to Evan’s obnoxious displays of wealth and his piercing blue eyes.

These panties are staying firmly on.

Mostly.

Except for that one time.

But it’s not like anyone’s falling in love right? Right?!

I really enjoyed the give and take between Evan and Ivy. The book itself is pure chaos with how it starts and Evan basically moves in with Ivy. She doesn’t want him there until she does. There is heartache and love and it was just a super cute read. Will definitely be picking up more books in the series.

Book 1 Weddings in the City

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Marriage Hex by Sara Blue

3 Stars

It was a stupid wish. One that’s come to haunt my doorstep fourteen years later.

When I made a pact with my best friend to marry each other if we were both still single at thirty, I had no idea it would be magically bound… by me.

Time and circumstance have separated us, and we’re no longer the naïve teenagers we once were. I’m thriving with my coven and Silas is the newly appointed Alpha of the local shifter pack.

Which is why this marriage will never work.

The Celestial Coven and the Moon Walker Pack have had an ongoing feud that spans generations. My former best friend has now become my sworn enemy. Unfortunately, my magic hasn’t gotten that memo and my nemesis/husband is now living under my roof and walking around my house topless in gray sweatpants.

I don’t want him. I shouldn’t want him. But why do I find myself stalling at figuring out a counter curse?

The characters in this book irritated me so much which is the majority of the story. They are just so ridiculous about who abandoned whom. The fight just got real old real quick. Then all the stuff about forgetting and I just didn’t enjoy this book as much as I wanted to.

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Queen of Diamonds by Marie Mackay

4 Stars

Most omegas dream of a happily ever after; I just want to survive.

I’m on the run from a cruel alpha—leader of the gang I was traded to. For years he kept me like a trophy, and each heat left me with scars—ones that mark the last secret I have left to protect.

Now, he’s found me, and my sanctuary—the High Roller club—is no longer safe. Just when I know I’m going to be dragged back to my worst nightmare, I stumble upon a pack I never thought I’d see again. A pack that’s haunted every dream since the day I met them. Kyan, Zed, and Knight are brutal boys of the streets, and they’re my mates, so falling into their arms for protection should be easy. But long dead are the days of stolen kisses and names scratched into notebooks amidst hearts.

Because they hate me.

When they got to their knees and offered me the world, I turned my back on them. I left them broken, rejected, and exiled from the only family they’d ever known.

Placing myself at their feet is my last hope of survival, but I can never let them see the scars their enemy left across my skin.

The guys didn’t deserve her at all. She let herself be tortured for them and they were dicks to her through most of this book. I did like how some of them opted to make it up to her. I also can get behind how the bad guy got taken out.

Part of High Roller Omega

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Everything He Couldn’t by Harlow James

 

4 Stars

One of my favorite songs growing up was Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield.

Ironically enough, I never realized I’d be living out those lyrics in my own life when I fell for my best friend’s girl—and then my best friend, John Schmitt, died.

Add on the fact that she was pregnant with his child and that I’d been harboring feelings for Evelyn months before all of this happened, and well, now?

Now the lyrics to that song don’t sound so bad anymore.

The worst part is, I’m the one to blame for his death which made facing her an even harder pill to swallow, so what did I do? Pretend like she didn’t exist anymore, even though it was virtually impossible because she was everywhere in our small town of Newberry Springs.

Flashforward six months and suddenly Evelyn finds herself in a legal battle she never saw coming, and I can’t just stand by any longer and pretend like my heart isn’t in shambles.

So I suggest the unthinkable.

I offer to marry her, help her prove that she’s a fit mother and her daughter is being raised well despite John not being in the picture.

But Evelyn doesn’t know that being near her gets my blood pumping, even more so after avoiding her for months.

She doesn’t understand that doing this favor for her is a way for me to gain retribution for John’s death and take a chance to find out if she can reciprocate my feelings.

And she doesn’t get that by being there for her and loving her and her daughter that I’m doing everything that my best friend couldn’t.

This one I loved so much. I loved Walker and Evelyn. They both have so much guilt and are working through it when custody is threatened. I enjoyed watching them work through the guilt and finding their happily ever after. There is a bit of a pacing issue but I enjoyed getting there.

Book 2 Newberry Springs

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Blackened Blade by Isla Davon

4 Stars

Not many people get a second chance, let alone a second life.
I died. Burning in a prison cell I spent years of my life rotting away in.
I had been beaten, battered and bruised beyond repair...but not broken.
Never broken.
By whatever miracle, I’ve been brought back ten years into my past and before I was locked away...
But to a different kind of hell…Wensridge Academy. A place filled with only memories of pain and suffering.
But this time I’ll break the wheel of misfortune, and with it all the people who caused my suffering and death.
This time I’ll have the life I should have always had.

Why did I read this before all books were out. It starts with time travel, which I’m not a huge fan of but this one made me happy. Micai can get revenge for all those that harmed her. All things that make for a good read for me. I wanted more world building and character development. I also wanted some back history but I’m hoping that will come in future books with how the book is set up. It was one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Book 1 Blackened Blade

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Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer

3 Stars

He's the hot, grumpy goalie I had a crush on in high school... and now I'm his live-in assistant.

After my ex crushed my dreams in the music industry, I’m done with getting my heart broken. Working as an assistant for an NHL player was supposed to be a breeze, but nothing about Jamie Streicher is easy. He’s an intimidatingly hot, grouchy jerk who can't stand me. The guy has a massive ego. Keeping things professional will be no problem, even when he demands I move in with him.

Beneath his surliness, though, Jamie’s surprisingly sweet and protective.

When Jamie learns how bad my ex was in bed, his competitive nature flares, and he encourages and spoils me in every way. The creative spark I used to feel about songwriting? It’s back, and I’m writing music again. Between wearing his jersey at games, rowdy parties with the team, and being brave on stage again, I’m falling for him.

He could break my heart, but it might be worth it.

Behind the Net is a grumpy-sunshine pro hockey romance with lots of spice and an HEA. It’s the first book in the Vancouver Storm series and can be read as a standalone.

This probably would have been a 4 if Pippa had gotten some bigger revenge on her ex. He steals her songs and does nothing but blocking him. So, he can get away with being a dick, making money from her work, and nothing happens. No thank you. Jamie was a good grump and I loved the give and take between them. It was a nice read.

Book 1 Vancouver Storm

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Pack’s Pledge by Victoria Kent

 

3 Stars

All I ever wanted was to be his… Until I met his pack.

I know what they call this place: Club Heat. Behind the bar is the only place a beta like me belongs at Ardor, the exclusive club where powerful alpha packs come to meet, mingle, and mate with the omegas who crave them.

There’s only one man I’ve ever wanted like that: Conall, my first love, my teenage crush, my best friend… until he presented as an alpha and left me behind.

Now he’s here, in my bar, looking at me with the same shy smile I remember from when were were young–and he's not alone. He has a pack built not on romance, but convenience: a sexy second-in-command alpha with a wicked sense of humor and a rare male omega with an irresistable smile.

All those years I’d been dreaming about him, he’d been longing for me, and now, he wants me to be his…

And only his.

So why can’t I stop thinking about his pack?

I loved this second chance romance/adding a beta to an established pack. It was so sweet how they all worked together even when the one was a dick. It was sweet and spicy all at once.

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Big Witch Energy by Molly Harper

4 Stars

The lost love that’s always haunted her is about to make an unexpected return....

Caroline Wilton has no time for romance. She’s too busy running her family’s bar to even think about dating. She’s also one of Starfall Point’s resident witches, responsible for keeping the local ghost population in check.

But even the most magical of witches can use a shoulder to lean on, which is what happens when Ben Hoult, the handsome doctor she never quite got over, walks back into her life. Ben is a single dad now, and as he and Caroline reconnect, they discover that they both have a knack for helping and protecting the people near and dear to them.

Soon they’re working together to unravel a centuries-old murder, and Caroline has to face the wrath of angry ghosts...and the uncertainty of opening her heart back up to love. She’s not sure which one is worse. All she knows is that keeping her heart safe will take every ounce of magic she’s got.

I love it when Molly Harper comes out with a new audiobook. Her narrators are always fabulous and make the book that much better. This one was no different. They brought the characters to life and made me want to make time for me to listen. The story was also engaging. It picks up where the first left off but with the focus on Caroline and Ben. This is a second chance at love for them. Ben teens are adorable, and they made me laugh so many times in this book. Caroline has a backbone and isn’t willing to put up with much. I really really want her brothers to get their asses handed to them because of how they were in this book. Beyond that the story progressed and I am dying to find out who the big bad guy is.

Book 2 Starfall Point

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Falling for Grace by JL Reed

2 Stars

Grace left the man she loved so he could live his dream of being an actor but nothing in life is easy. Life insists they are not done and draw them back together. Will secrets from their past ruin their future?

The idea for this book was good but the actual implementation was lacking. This book has 3 parts. The first one is an intro to everyone and how they are all linked. Not really pivotal to the overarching story in any way. Part two is showing why Grace and Brandon aren’t together. Throw in cheating and pregnancy and I am starting to really not enjoy this read. Part three should be all about these two coming together for their HEA but it isn’t. Secrets are revealed. Brandon is an asshole and never redeems himself. He was the one who was selfish throughout the entire story but somehow Grace is the one to blame for everything. She apologizes repeatedly for her wrongs. He never does. By the end of the book there is no HEA or even a HFN. This is not a romance without one of those options happening. The book also need a major warnings. The BFF/brother commits suicide and loss of a baby. Neither of these are mentioned anywhere and if you have a trigger for either of these they are just thrown at you. I would just pass on this book.

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Broken Heart Syndrome by Susie Tate

 

3 Stars

Frankie has crushed on Thomas G Longley for years until he publicly humiliates her. She moves on but goes into her shell and just focuses on work. She was expecting to be working in palliative care but ends up on a rotation for cardiology with Tom as her new boss. The only good thing about the posting is Tom doesn’t seem to remember her at all. She understands the job and does it well but her heart is in palliative care.  The more they work together the more he sees her for the wonderful woman she is. The problem can she forgive and forget his past behavior?

Was not one of my favorite reads of Susie Tate. Thomas was a dick from beginning to end and the Frankie deserved so much better. She had so much going on and he just kept piling on more. When it all played out she forgives him instantly and it frustrated me. I like the other books better but this one was FINE.

Book 1 Broken Heart

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Never Plan a Billionaire’s Wedding by Julia Kent

3.5 Stars

Kari and her friend decided to open a business to help the super wealthy keep their events going without problems. Nothing will keep them from giving you your perfect day. When she and her partner meet the newest client, she wasn’t expecting it to be her ex-boyfriend. Caleb was surprised and incredibly happy to see his high school sweetheart at the meeting for his brother’s wedding. He feels this is his chance for a forever with the one that got away but will miscommunication keep them apart?

I loved the idea of this book. It was funny at times but the hesitation Kari has throughout the book did get old very quickly. I loved Caleb and wanted her to go after him sooner than she did and can completely understand why he thought they were done done because that’s how she had been acting through the entire book. Hook up with him then ignore him. I am still baffled by why Caleb’s brother married his wife but not my problem. Overall, it was a fine to read and I only really wanted to throw my kindle at the end ish.

Book 1 Whatever it Takes

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Bad Business by Elise Faber

3 Stars

Roman is trying to survive raising his son. Maddie is a fixer, and she wants to fix everything. When she sees Roman and his son fighting, she’s determined to help them. When feelings develop, between Roman and Maddie will she be able to move past her trauma to get her HEA?

It could be because I haven’t read the series in a while, but I don’t remember the details leading to Roman and Maddie’s HEA. This one wasn’t one of my favorites. Felt the relationship was too rushed with Maddie’s issues and wrapped up too pat. Without spoilers I also didn’t get the closure I wanted with the other big plot. Overall, it was an ok read, just not my favorite.

Book 17 Billionaire’s Club

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Ember and her Marshals by Rosemary A John

2 Stars/3 Stars

Ember thought she had her forever until he disappeared. Ending up in custody not expecting to ever get out she gets comfort from where she can. When they put her up for auction, she was not anticipating her the mate who left her to get her. There’s more at play then she realizes but she’s not sure she can trust anyone let alone the man who already took another omega but the men just might prove her wrong.

I wanted to like this more than I did. The ad I saw described it differently than the actual book, so I had expectations that were not met. That is probably why its rating is so low. It was fine omegaverse book. Nothing really happens in the book. Issues are brought up with the world at large and nothing seems to be resolved. The pack comes together and that is it. I also didn’t like most of the pack which made it harder to read. Meh skipping.

Book 2 Pack Bonds

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Coming Home for Us by Carrie Ann Ryan

3.5 Stars

Maddie has loved Elijah from afar for years. Helped him through the loss of his girlfriend. Now she is ready to move on and get more out of life. She’s ready to accept another job to grow more. That is until the Wilder Brothers offer her a new position with their business and Elijah has finally shown he is interested in more with her. Will she stay or will she accept a different direction?

I would have given this a 4 star if not for how the drama in the book was handled. Maddie was too forgiving of Elijah. His brothers do call him out for his idiocy and get him into much needed therapy. He basically shows up with his hat in his hands and was all I am so sorry excuse because of his trauma. All was forgiven at this point. I feel like this would have been better towards the middle of the book and have him work towards forgiveness instead of instant forgiveness. The writing was good and it is worth reading but I was just frustrated.

Book 4 Wilder Brothers

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Fake it Till You Mate It by Flora Quincy

 

3.5 Stars

She was supposed to marry her perfect pack and then it all went to hell. Years later she’s back in town looking for a divorce so she can marry her new mates. When the courts throw a wrench in the works what will happen?

I loved this second chance romance. There is so much to unpack and figure out where everything went wrong. I loved the process to get to the happily ever after. There are so many personalities in the book, and they just mesh well. There are some grammatical and spelling errors that should have been caught in editing. I caught several and usually I miss these issues. I knocked off a half star for that. Other than that it flowed nicely and I fell into the book. I can’t wait to see the next book.

Book 1 A Package Deal

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Love to Hate Her by J. Saman

 

4 Star

Seven years ago, the woman I love broke up with my brother and walked away from both of us. Viola Starr is everything that I want but she’s my brother’s ex and I can’t have her. My band is about to go on tour and I need a nanny for my autistic daughter. Viola is perfect for the position and she is desperate for a job. To keep myself at a distance I have to make her think I hate her but it’s hard when all I want to do is take her and keep her. Will I find a way to walk away, or can we find a way to make it work?

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the mix Jasper and Viola had about starting a relationship. Jasper didn’t want to hurt his brother who had her first, but he was so in with her that he just couldn’t keep walking away from her. I loved the back and forth and I even liked the interactions with Gus. He was so gracious about them getting together. I can’t wait to see him find his happy ending.

Book 2 Wild Love

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Love in Due Time by L.B. Dunbar

2.5 Star

Naomi Winters is about to hit the big 4-0 and has only ever been with one man. One night a long time ago. He’s now back and she is still drawn to him. Nathan isn’t that same teenager from years ago. He’s always been a rule breaker but Naomi is the one woman he’s willing to change for. He doesn’t want to lose her again. Will he be able to keep her or will the due date come for their relationship?

I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t get past how different the two are. Plus it didn’t seem like Dunbar knew a lot about Wicca as some of the things she mentions Naomi doing things that aren’t necessarily things a Wiccan would do. I also didn’t like the fact that MC wasn’t mentioned anywhere until you get into the book and then that is the main part of the book. All of the issues made it a slow read for me and I kept forcing myself to push through the book. I will try other books in the Penny Reid world as I love a good library setting.

Book 1 Green Valley Library

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Perfect Storm by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

Caleb has one big regret in his life walking away from the one woman he loved. He thought he would never get a chance to say he was sorry until a little boy runs into him at the hospital. It’s been four years since he saw her last and his feelings haven’t changed but when he finds out the boy who ran into him looks like him and is the right age to be his how will he handle getting Kim’s forgiveness and becoming a dad?

I struggled with this one to start with as it falls under the trope, I am not a huge fan of the Secret Baby. Once all the secrets were out, I enjoyed the story a lot. It follows all the other Elise Faber books and the story itself was interesting. Kim was incredibly strong, and Caleb was incredibly lucky she was as forgiving as she was. They make cute kids, and it will be interesting to see them in future books and see how Caleb handles the baby time. I am looking forward to the next one.

Book 6 Life Sucks

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Love You Again by Julia Kent

 

4 Star

Kylie is trying to remove her ex from her life by throwing all of his stuff into the donation bin. What she wasn’t planning was to also toss her keys with them. When she tries to rescue them, she ends up locked in. Luke lost the love of his life to an accident and has held on to her things until now. He is ready to donate them and move on with his life. What he finds is an old girlfriend stuck in the donation bin. As a cop he has the key to get her out but left it at home. After he rescues her, he’s not ready to leave her in the past. When he needs a new babysitter, and she needs a job Kylie agrees to be the babysitter until she can find something else. The more time they spend together the more they remember all the feelings they had before. Will they be able to work through their past to find their happy ending?

This was a super cute second chance romance. I liked Kylie a lot I think that she dealt with a lot growing up and to find what works for her was amazing to read.  Luke was an interesting character he very much was a grumpy single dad who is just trying to make it work. The big blow up that happened between them was expected but I liked how it resolved itself.  Can't wait for the next one it will be interesting to see where Kent takes the series

Book 2 Love You, Maine

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