Loved Girl by Lexie Winston

1 Stars

When the unthinkable happens to Harlow and the twins, the Summers family scrambles to solve the mystery of her stalker- for once and for all.

Meanwhile, Harlow, Jaxon, and Jacinta are told a mind-blowing tale of deceit and treachery, discovering how their lives have been intertwined since long before they were even born.

Will one of them need to put their life on the line to save the others, or will they all make it out unscathed?

WTF did I just skim read. This was over the top. High drama and all unbelievable. I struggled with reading this one and wish I had never started the series. I was right about the stalker but so not worth reading.

Book 6 Neighpalm Industries

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Chaotic by T.S. Snow

3 Stars

Battle Mage or Magical Engineer?
Easy choice, right?
Engineer. Obviously.
I'm Charisma Carter, tech genius and nerd extraordinaire.
I actually used to be Charisma Silverstorm, member of one of the six elite Arcane Families,
until my family shunned me when I turned 18 because my magic wasn't strong enough.
However, where I lack in magic I more than make up for with the tech I develop, if I do say so myself.
Apparently, I'm not the only one.
From the minute I received my diploma as a magical engineer,
It seems like my world has turned upside down.
Now members of all six families are competing to get me to work for them.
They're willing to use anything, from bribes to charm.
It's not enough that the heirs to Arcane are walking sex gods,
they also have a lot of money and exceptional magical skills.
As our paths intertwine,
I have to try to stay true to who I am, who I've always been, and not succumb to their charms.
But how can a girl resist when the future she always dreamed of is right at her fingertips?

I really liked Charisma. She was weird but kicking but. I wanted more backstory and world building in this book. The book was a quick read, but it ends on a massive cliffhanger ending. I will be trying the rest of the series as I am very interested to see how this all plays out.

Book 1 Arcane Mage

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Cherished Girl by Lexie Winston

2 Stars

Harlow’s life was looking pretty good despite the attacks in Hawaii.

With Thomas on board, she has finally caught herself all of the Summers boys and is feeling pretty good about it. Jaxon and Jacinta's news, while shocking, is being dealt with and everyone is adjusting to the new circumstances. Things are finally starting to look good, with very little stalker action, the icing on the cake. Have they finally lost interest?

Making more permanent plans to stay in California is a big step forward in her relationship with the brothers but an ex has dumped a bombshell on them, and a surprise body has everyone questioning everything they thought they knew.

Is Harlow ever going to catch a break?

The only reason I am continuing to read is I need to know who the stalker is. This all got to be too many holes that I am only reading to see what the final answers are. Harlow is over the top too good, and the guys are still too stupid. Please be smart and skip the series.

Book 5 Neighpalm Industries

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

4 Stars

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain—and his entire nefarious empire—out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

After all, a good job is hard to find.

Very very slow burn book. If you expect any romance to happen in this book guess again. It is a cute read but slow going. It finally picks up and it ends. There’s no world building or character development. There are times things are mentioned that are very modern and doesn’t fit with the image of the world but it is used. I did enjoy reading it enough to want book 2.

Book 1 Assistant to the Villain

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Forbidden Freshman by Katy Archer

3 Stars

He lost a bet, now it's no girls for a month… until he meets a sassy freshman who just might be the girl of his dreams...

What can I say? I got cocky. One drunken bet and now I've gotta go girl-free for a whole frickin' month.

A bet's a bet, though, and now I have to man-up and take it… but it's gonna be impossible after last night. Ever since I saved that sassy, little freshman from a carload of sleaze bags, she's been under my skin. It's not just the fact she's a hottie. It's more about the fact that she didn't bat her eyelashes or flirt with me. If anything, she insulted me to my face and told me she could take care of herself.

And now I'm hooked. I couldn't get enough of that tomboy trash talk and now I want to know everything about her… including the secret I'm sure she's hiding. But I need to steer clear, right? I can't go falling for some girl and reneging on this bet. The consequences could get me kicked off the team… but there's something so addictive about this girl.

I have to have her. I have to make her mine.

This was fine but it too to long to get anywhere. I am all for the slow build up to the book but at some point you have to move the plot along and this book took it’s sweet time. I loved the concept that Ethan had to give up woman because he lost a bet just to find his forever in Mikayla. The biggest issues they had could have been resolved with a conversation but that would have been too easy. Overall it was fine just not my favorite book.

Book 1 Nolan U Hockey

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Pestilence by Laura Thalassa

4 Stars

They came to earth—Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all. When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed. Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed. Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her … and hers towards him. And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she'll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.

Four horseman of the apocalypse how could it not be a bit on the dark side. There were a lot of dark moments but I enjoyed the story. It flowed nicely. I loved the struggle Sara is dealing with where she’s falling for him but she doesn’t want to. She doesn’t want people to die but then when it is between people and Pestilence she has to choose. I know some people were saying this book is spicy romance but I would say it’s about 2.5/3 on the spice. I don’t know if I just read super spicy books so when people say it’s spicy I expect a lot of spice and this didn’t have that at all. Saying that I don’t care if it wasn’t spicy I just liked the book. Can’t wait to read the next one.

Book 1 Four Horseman

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Liminal by Marie Mistry

3 Stars

My necromancy-practising murderers never expected me to rise again.

I was just the latest in a long line of gullible sacrifices to ensure their continued control over the Arcanaeum, so it shocked everyone when I woke up as a ghost and kicked them out.

For centuries now, I’ve faithfully carried out my self-appointed duties as the Librarian. I keep the vast halls of magical knowledge organised, fight the mad whims of the sentient—and interfering—building, and deal with the incessant demands of our patrons.

I have all the books and solitude I could ever want, the ability to redecorate whenever I get bored, and I can banish arcanists who refuse to follow my rules.

But the Arcanaeum has started acting out, especially when it comes to six particular patrons, all of whom want something from me.

Jasper and Dakari need my protection, but Pierce isn’t above threatening me ensure I give them both up. There’s no rule Galileo and North won’t break to get into the secret vault. And then there’s Lambert, who seems to exist for no reason other than to vex me with his smiles and... hugging.

Inconvenient, given that every time they touch me, my ghostly body cracks and breaks like glass.

To keep the Arcanaeum safe, I might just have to put my trust in all of them, but what if the cost of the building’s safety is my destruction?

I’ve loved all of Marie Mistry’s books but this one took a minute to get into. It is the first in a series so there is a lot of building going on. Once I got into it I loved the story. It was a nice set up for a new series and I can’t wait to see where it is going and how it all will play out. I mean who can hate a book set in a library with the FMC being a librarian. With everything setup I am sure I will love the rest of the series.

Book 1 Arcanaeum

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Not Satisfied Dragon by Colette Rhodes

4 Stars

Once upon a time, there was a gold dragon who would have given her life in exchange for her revenge.

The conclusion we needed. I loved how Shira’s mates are willing to change to nor lose her. They are completely different mates from books one. Such a good conclusion.

Book 2 Deadly Dragons Duet

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Not Cursed Dragon by Colette Rhodes

 

4 Stars

I am a dragon who hates dragons.

The dragons murdered my family. The dragons stole me. The fae purchased me. My mates saved me.

My mates imprisoned me.

They think they're keeping me safe. They think they know what I need. What all delicate, feminine, gold dragons need. A comfortable den. A well-stocked pantry. Twenty children.

That's not what this gold dragon needs. This gold dragon needs blood. This gold dragon needs revenge.

I loved the premise of this book. Shira has had a crappy life because of dragons and she wants revenge. Her mates rescue her just to keep her locked up … for her own good. She finds a way out to get her revenge in the best way possible. I loved how she does it. It does end on the cliff but book 2 is already out. I do want more world building but still loved it.

Book 1 Deadly Dragons Duet

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Grim Tidings by Amanda Lee

2 Stars

Grim(ace) while you work ... Aisling Grimlock is having a bad week. Well, actually, she’s having a bad life -- not that she's complaining. Okay, she's totally complaining. After being laid off from her secretarial position, she has no choice but to join the family business, and now she’s a full-time grim reaper. That’s right. She collects and transfers souls to the hereafter. Cool, huh? Not quite. On the second day of her new job, Aisling (literally!) stumbles over a dead body that’s not on her list and the stakes are suddenly raised because, when a name isn’t on the list, that means someone stole it (and that's never a good thing). Aisling’s family, which consists of a tempestuous father and four overbearing older brothers, are hot on the case – but the answers they’re coming up with aren’t exactly soothing. It seems a contingent of wraiths have descended on the area, and they’re not just dangerous for unsuspecting souls and the general populace. The Grimlock family is at risk, too. If that weren’t bad enough, Aisling finds herself inexplicably drawn to Detective Griffin Taylor – the police officer who considers her a murder suspect. Oh, and she's a wraith-magnet -- although, truth be told, she's more interested in Detective Taylor. Aisling is determined to prove that she has what it takes to be a great reaper – even if it means risking her life and proving her father and brothers wrong when it comes to her competence level. When things finally become clear, will Aisling survive long enough to make things right? Or, will she fall prey to the wraiths and the individual controlling them?

Good idea but you need actual movement in the story. Instead it’s just sibling fighting throughout the book. It was cute at first but the more fighting that took place the more I wanted to bash heads together. There was a major pacing issue as well. As I said nothing happens in this book. It’s a couple things here and there but no forward movement with no world building. The idea is cute but not implemented well. Going to pass on the other books.

Book 1 Aisling Grimlock

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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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Keepsake by Amy Oliviera

4 Stars

In the red corner is a six-foot-three machine of pure mass, an ex-MMA fighter with a bad attitude and fists of steel.

He is my best friend’s brother.

But Sofia is not here anymore, and all that she left me were her instructions: take care of my kids.

Not a simple task, especially when I have to open my doors to Sofia’s estranged brother.

I spent my entire life dreaming about having a family of my own, but I didn’t think it would be through loss that I would find my gain.

Three brilliant children need me, and I’ll have to learn to co-parent with a bull of a man in the China shop of my life.

We are complete opposites; I’m the business first, workaholic in the big city with a penthouse. Then there’s Alvaro Castillo, El Toro, with callouses in his hands and ink all over his skin.

I’ll need him on my side if I want the best for these kids, but my trust isn’t something I give out easily. To make things worse, El Toro has a secret that might ring the bell of defeat in all of our lives.

Now I have everything I’ve ever wanted. But at the cost of my best friend’s life.

This was such a good book. It had all the feels with it. Sophie has her issues but wants to step up for her friend’s kids. Alvaro is struggling just as much as Sophie but hides it better than Sophie. The story flows nicely and it was such a good reading, and the ending was perfect.

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Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray

4 Stars

He's a hot, shirtless hockey player…and he’s my fake date for my ex-husband’s wedding. Talk about a hot flash to beat all hot flashes.

The wedding bells are ringing and my ex-husband is the groom! When my grown kids hook me up with a fake date to my ex-hubby's tropical island nuptials, I expect sun, sand, and plenty of fruity cocktails - not steamy nights with a shirtless pro hockey player!

Roman might be all swagger on the ice, but this growly, egotistical male model of perfection has a soft side too. While I battle dresses made for twenty-somethings, awkward run-ins with my ex, and unwelcome hot flashes, Roman is there to distract me with flirty compliments, stay up late with me when I can’t sleep, and make me feel vibrant and ageless.

As good as it feels, none of this is real, and Roman is way out of my league. Who’s going to believe this gorgeous, famous, muscle-bound athlete would ever date a scatterbrained, hot-flashing, insomniac nerd with twenty stubborn extra pounds around the middle?

But as the big day approaches, we grow closer. Wedding activities lead to beach walks at sunset, and his oh-so-talented fingers twist my hormones up in a whole new way. Gazing into Roman’s eyes, I start to wonder if he could be my shot at a real happily ever after.

That’s the thing about vacations, though; at some point, you need to return to reality.

Loved this story so much. Olivia has an issue with her backbone with everyone but Roman. For whatever reason he brings out her spunk. When she finally stands up for herself it was amazing. Loved how all in Roman was with her and how it all played out for these two to get their HEA.

Book 1 Hot Flash Hookups

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Cursed Wolf by Brogan Thomas

4 Stars

Forrest clings to her humanity, trapped in her wolf, and abused by those who should be taking care of her. She is ready to give up on everything when she is able to shift into her human self and brings to light the abuse she’s suffered. When her long forgotten brother finds out about the abuse he whisks her away to another prison. People are out to get her and she’s not sure how to solve all the problems. Will finding her mate help keep her safe or will he fail her like everyone else?

This was a surprisingly good read. It is a very slow burn fade to black story, and I enjoyed it a ton. I loved the FMC and how much she wanted to kick butt. It flowed nicely and it was an interesting book. It was different from other ones I’ve read that are similar. I still want to know what happened to her brother. He was the biggest dick through this entire book, and I want karma to get him so badly. Give this one a chance.

Book part of Creatures of the Underworld

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Between Realms by Yve Vale

3 Stars

Wyn is one of the only humans in the fae realm after the war. She’s an indentured servant who just wants to live her best life. When she receives a summons to the castle for an audience with the royals. On her journey to the castle, she runs into trouble and is rescued by a mysterious fae who is also heading to the castle. He takes it upon himself to be her protector to the castle. Once they arrive, she finds he is an advisor to the prince. The prince wishes to learn about humans and their bodies and asks her to allow him to explore. There isn’t supposed to be any feelings or connections but can they keep out emotions before they get hurt?

This is a very slow burn. Wyn is very Pollyanna esc character and a whole lot of naivety. This is also a world building book and set up for the rest of the series which is fine but made for slow reading for me. It does end on a cliffhanger and that is about when it started getting really good so a bit disappointing, but it did draw me in enough to look forward to the next book.

Book 1 Fae Hearted

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Assistant to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

4 Stars

Evie Sage is looking for a new job, but she wasn’t planning on working for the villain. He pays well and he’s not making moves on her so she can live with some severed heads and screaming from the captives. Now she just needs to keep from drooling over her boss.

This would have been a 5-star read but for the fact that it ends on a cliff with no clue when the next book will be out, and it used modern idioms that didn’t fit the world. There was a scene where Evie was described as a wrecking ball, but this world is described as magical with horse drawn carriages. I would highly doubt they would have a wrecking ball available.

I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for book 2. The slow burn between Evie and the Villian is amazing. Nothing beyond looks really happens in this book which was fine. Getting to know all the characters and seeing the give and take was awesome. The sucky thing is the bad guy. No spoilers but once you read it you will see why it sucks and it’s not because it’s poorly written.  

Book 1

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