REVIEW - Dark Protector (Black Hoods MC #1) by Evelyn Paige and Geri Glenn

The Book

Release Date: 28 May 2020

Goodreads Link

From two bestselling authors comes the story of two people who should have never fallen in love and the dangers that lurk around them.

Blair's life isn't perfect, but she has a plan. Find a new roommate, finish school, and finally start the future she's been working so hard for.

And then he knocks on her door. One unwanted visitor is all it took to crush her reality and leave her living in fear. But at least she's living, thanks to the help of a good Samaritan.

A very sexy, tattooed, and motorcycle-riding man with a dog that looks as savage as he is sweet. GreenPeace saves her. He makes her feel safe. He makes her feel a lot of things she's never felt before.

But, the danger's not over. Her attacker is still there, lurking in the shadows and waiting to strike again. GreenPeace will put his life and his club on the line to save the captivating woman that's stolen his heart. But even that might not be enough.

Contains mature themes.

My Review    5 STARS

Blair lives in the house that was left to her by her grandmother, but one night there is a knock at the door, but it is not someone friendly.

Green Peace is in a bike group and is passing Blair's house when his dog leads him into a house where he find a man over a prone body and his dog is not happy.  The man runs when he sees him and he then looks after the unconscious woman and has her taken to hospital.  Feeling responsible for her he takes her to his house when she leaves the hospital as her house is not safe.

Blair soon finds out that Green Peace is not the man that she though he was, he is actually a blast from the past, but he keeps her safe, protects her, his dog loves her, he puts up with her grumpy cat and he proves to her he will do anything to keep her safe.

There is an element of suspense as we wait to find out who her attacker is, then for Green Peace to come in and save the day, just like we know he will.

I really enjoyed this and may well go back to carry on with the rest of the series.

REVIEW - Say Yes by Elle Kennedy

The Book

Release Date: 15 July 2019

Goodreads Link

Maid-of-honor Emilia is looking for some stress-busting fun the night before her best friend’s wedding. And what’s more fun than a no-strings hookup? Good thing there’s an app for that, and she’s in luck - the sexy stud she swipes right on is more than happy to fulfill all her sexual needs. Her hot night with “Dirk” is everything she knew it would be.

But this morning?

He looks a hell of a lot like the groom.

©2019 Elle Kennedy (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

My Review    5 STARS

This was a very quick short story and certainly had a little spice considering the short timeframe.

It was sweet, fun and totally enjoyable.

REVIEW - Off-Limits Silver Fox Boss by Hannah Rio

The Book

Release Date: 11 July 2024

Goodreads Link

Escaping my wedding disaster was just the beginning.
Now, I’m hiding in my office cubicle, and only one man can save me.

Tears streaming down my face, I want to escape the humiliation of my fiancé's betrayal.

Comfort comes from the last person I’d expect in the dark, deserted office.
Donovan, the devastatingly handsome billionaire silver fox with a dark past.

He’s off-limits, older, and my boss. 

As the days pass, his muscular physique and dominant nature become irresistible.
I’m falling hard and fast.

His touch ignites a fire I can't ignore, a promise of forbidden pleasure. His strong, capable hands pull me from my misery and into his world of passion.

Donovan’s everything I shouldn't want. A dangerous, no strings attached game has begun.
Each encounter is more electrifying than the last.

I find myself wanting more than just seductive meetings behind closed doors.
I want a future with him.

But he’s a corporate player who loves to play with his women.
It’s all a game.

Now his growing seed inside me calls out for a new game.

Will he learn to play daddy?

Or will the fear of a corporate scandal of a young pregnant intern push him away…

My Review    3 STARS

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This book has a good plot but it just fell a little flat for me.  It is told in a dual POV, however at times the characters go over the same area so it felt a little duplicated.

Both Donovan and Kennedy fall for each other fast even with the 30yr age gap, proving that age is just a number, but the ending feels a little rushed and one point for sure does not get closed. (We know why Donovan breaks up with Kennedy, but the person is not found).

I did enjoy the story line and the characters otherwise.

A good light-hearted read.

REVIEW - The Dark King (Deviant Kings #1) by Gina L. Maxwell

The Book

Release Date: 27 September 2022

Goodreads Link

I thought a weekend away would be the perfect escape. Until I woke up married and trapped...by the king of the Dark Fae.

“Neon Gods meets Fifty Shades… Deliciously dark and sexy!”—#1 NYT bestselling author Helen Hardt

For Bryn Meara, a free trip to the exclusive and ultra-luxe Nightfall hotel and casino in Vegas should’ve been the perfect way to escape the debris of her crumbling career. But waking up from a martini-and-lust-fueled night to find herself married to Caiden Verran, the reclusive billionaire who owns the hotel and most of the city, isn’t the jackpot one would think. It seems her dark and sexy new husband is actual royalty—the fae king of the Night Court—and there’s an entire world beneath the veil of Vegas.

Whether light or shadow, the fae are a far cry from fairy tales, and now they’ve made Bryn a pawn in their dark games for power. And Caiden is the most dangerous of all—an intoxicating cocktail of sin and raw, insatiable hunger. She should run. But every night of passion pulls Bryn deeper into his strange and sinister world, until she’s no longer certain she wants to leave…even if she could.

Each book in the Deviant Kings series is STANDALONE:

* The Dark King

* The Rebel King

My Review    5 STARS

Ah.  The darker side of Gina Maxwell.

I really loved this book in Audible and Aidan Snow has a lovely growly character to his voice, great for a darker character.

Bryn get a letter offering her a free stay at an exclusive hotel in vegas, just as she loses her job.  What has she got to lose?  

Caiden is the King of the Dark Fae and finds himself completely draw to the lady in the lobby of his hotel.  Drawn to her later when she is on the floor, he finds himself beside her before he knows what's happening and enjoying himself with her.  The next morning they awake to find themselves married with no idea how it had happened.

But things are not as they seem.  Someone has been working in the background to force them together, and Caiden is not happy that he is now bonded to a female, who if killed will kill him.

We see as they fall for each other, as Ben is inducted into the BDSM world and the suspense is lifted as secrets are spilled.

I really enjoyed this book and will certainly finish the series whether on Audible or ebook.

REIVEW - Owned by Fate (Serve #1) by Tessa Bailey

The Book

Release Date: 27 September 2014

Goodreads Link

Her mind rejects his world. But her body knows its master.

Journalist Caroline Preston arrives at Serve, New York City's hottest BDSM club, with one goal - to hate it. If her brother wasn't trying to turn the family's respectable financial magazine into a publication that features "lifestyle" pieces for the wealthy and adventurous, she wouldn't even be there, trying to write an article about a world she doesn't understand. 

But then she sees him. 

Jonah Briggs doesn't leave his post for just anyone. As the owner of the club, his sole purpose is to ensure that his clientele get everything they need, but when he sees Caroline, his only thought is what he wants - to dominate the sexy little reporter and give the most exquisite pleasure she's ever experienced.

Caroline has no intention of entering that particular lion's den - not with her family's reputation at stake - no matter how dark, sexy, and complex the lion in question may be. But with every encounter, she craves more, and with every slide of his lips, she realizes Jonah might just be the man to break down all her defenses...if she'll let him.

Contains mature themes.

My Review    4 STARS

Tessa does not disappoint with a hot read!

Caroline only goes into Serve as her brother wants to have a relationship with the place and he thinks that the family magazine should be going in a different direction, especially with their father about to step down from his position as the head.

Jonah is a man who knows how to keep secrets, he also knows how to pleasure a woman and when he sees Caroline, something brings him out of his office and wanting to give her a tour of the place and introduce her into the lifestyle.

He always treats her with respect, and is a steady rock for her when she needs it.

Caroline forges a career for herself, a better relationship with her brother and father and a relationship with a man that quickly worms his way into her heart.

REVIEW - Two Kingdoms (The Dark Side #3) by Kristy Cunning

The Book

Release Date: 29 June 2018

Goodreads Link

I'm getting a little tired of completing my goals, only to have the bar raised too substantially for me to transition at a productive pace...
I started off as a sad little ghost with an impossible crush on four really hot, Gothic guys with some attitude problems. Now I'm The Apocalypse, they're the Four Horsemen, and Lucifer is my fucked up daddy. Now my additional goals look like this?

Goal #9: Make a deal with the Devil without getting cheated, manipulated, or tricked.

Goal #10: Make my boys love me and take over the world...okay...so maybe just that first part. That second part sounds like it could take too much ambition, and I just don't have the drive for that.

Goal #11: Make cookies.

Goal #12: Call dibs on my favorite color.

Goal #13: Find out if my siblings or my father killed me and my boys...

**Sexual Content
**Dark humor
**Reverse Harem
**Language warning

My Review    5 STARS

This book starts where the other left off and again stops with a cliff hangar.

More brilliant world building, complicated relationships with four men, bought of humour that really have you laughing and people who would do anything for each other.

Really enjoyed listening to this and cannot wait until the conclusion!

REVIEW - Three Trials (The Dark Side #2) by Kristy Cunning

The Book

Release Date: 2 December 2017

Goodreads Link

So, I've checked off some life goals and added a few new ones to my list:

• Get out of hell's belly without letting my ungrateful charges die.
• Get a new name that's more badass.
• Stop wasting my breath on lectures and start annoying the quad hell squad every time they annoy me. Fight fire with fire. Ha! Another hell pun.
• Find out who the hell killed me.

I'll add more. I don't want to overwhelm myself before I even finish checking off my old goals. But seriously, I really do need a more badass name, considering how much I have to keep saving my damsels in distress.

I probably shouldn't call them damsels, since they're a little murderous and all. 

Maybe I should add seeing a hell-certified psychologist to my list of goals.

Contains mature themes.

My Review    5 STARS

This book follows on straight from book one and also ends in a cliff hangar.

We do get some questions answered like who Ghost girl actually is, but the whole book continues with brilliant world building, laugh out loud moments and some serious spice!

I listened to this book on a binge and loved every second of it, but yet didn't want it to finish.

REVIEW - Tell me Your Mine (The British Billionaires #1) by J.S. Scott

The Book

Release Date: 4 August 2020

Goodreads Link

A chance encounter between a secretive billionaire and a plus-size PR expert could be the perfect solution to both their problems - or a delicious scandal in the making - in New York Times best-selling author J. S. Scott's new British Billionaires series....

I am the type of woman who always plays it safe. In my professional life as a public relations "fixer", and in my personal life, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Really, who needs the wild highs and the I-want-to-die-because-he-left-me lows of a relationship? At least, that's what I thought...until I met him. 

Damian No-Last-Name-Given is sexy as sin, and I'd developed some kind of weird, instant attraction to him the moment he settled his chiseled body next to mine on a flight from London to Los Angeles. His sexy British accent did crazy things to my previously dormant female hormones, which had eventually led me to do the most impulsive thing I'd ever done in my entire life. I kissed him while everyone else in business class was sleeping. Or had he kissed me? All I knew was that we were both very willing participants, and that panty-melting embrace had rocked my entire world while it was happening. 

Unfortunately, that moment of spontaneity would haunt me once I found out Mr. British Hottie's true identity. He'd held his last name back for a reason. Oh no, I couldn't make some once-in-a-lifetime misstep with an ordinary businessman. When I screwed up, it had to be one for the record books, and it had to happen with one of the most powerful men in the world. And, oh yeah, he also absolutely had to be the biggest man-whore on the planet. 

Once I knew the truth, I could have easily convinced myself that the kiss wasn't all that earthshattering - if Damian Lancaster hadn't boldly swaggered into my office the very next day to apologize, and to make me a business offer I couldn’t possibly refuse.... 

Goodbye sanity; hello madness.

My Review    3 STARS

This book had a good premise, but did fall a little flat, I mean what PR company does not do thorough KYC with a big client they want to land?  I know it's a story, but this did not sit right with me.

Otherwise this was a decent book, the characters grew, although things could have been sorted so much earlier if he had told her the truth from the start!

I have known better by this author.

REVIEW - Four Psychos (The Dark Side #1) by Kristy Cunning

The Book

Release Date: 6 November 2017

Goodreads Link

I'm not so different from most people. Like everyone else, I have life goals. 

Goal #1: Become a real girl instead of this invisible ghost thing I currently am. 

Goal #2: Convince the four men I've been haunting for the past five years to pick me to be their new toy after goal one is complete. 

Goal #3: Figure out who/what I am and why I can't remember anything past the five years I've been haunting this quad. 

Goal #4: Eat popcorn. 

See? Perfectly normal. Sort of. Gotta start small, after all. It's not like anyone else is perfect either. 

Contains mature themes.

My Review    5 STARS

This is the first book that i have read/listened to by this author and it was certainly not as dark as perhaps I thought i might be.

We have a witty heroine with an odd sense of dress sense and sense of entitlement. But the the four men who she appears to be tied to are all different in their own way.

The men do not know their past and want to know that they are and have failed at being selected for the trials so far, but as soon as the woman changes from ghost girl to more solid, things start changing for them both dramatically.

Ghost girl also does not know who she is or where she came from and also has questions, but things are never as easy as they would like.

The book ends on a cliff hanger, so be sure to have the next book ready as you will WANT to binge this series.

REVIEW - Golden Touch (Giltmaker #2) by Sarina Bowen

The Book

Release Date: 9 July 2024

Goodreads Link

Livia

Once upon a time I spent an evening flirting with a handsome stranger in a bar. But before we could finish what we started, I lost my nerve and fled. 

Months later, I’m minding my own business at work one morning when a stranger lets himself into the empty brewery. Panicked, I call 911, and the cops show up to slap on the handcuffs. 

In my defense, I have very good reasons to be afraid. Also in my defense, I’d never met my boss’s son. 

Or so I’d thought… 

Nash

I don’t know what this chick has against me. First she ditches me, and now she wants to arrest me. 

Livia is as frustrating as she is hot. But nobody else knows the brewery better than she does. Now we’re stuck together, sharing an office and a very small house as I run the brewery for six weeks for my cranky dad. 

That’s just enough time to bring down her guard. Turns out we have a lot more in common than we thought, including a lot of smoking hot chemistry. Until Livia’s past catches up with her, and I finally figure out why she’s so jumpy. But I’ll stop at nothing to protect her, unless her ex finds her first…

My Review   5 STARS

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the second book in the series and can certainly be read as a stand a lone book.  Sarina is an author that I have read quite a bit, so I always know that it is going to be a good book and that she can have me laughing, crying and always looking forward to the couple's journey to happy ever after.

Here we have scared Livia who is hiding from an ex who is not only the president the the motorcycle club, but is trading in drugs and other illegal activities.  She does not have anyone to rely on and help and often helps others before herself and has had a bad string of relationships that seemingly have a pattern.  Motorcycle hunks with tattoos.

When Nash turns up to his father's brewery to help after he has had a heart attack, things do not go well to start.  Especially as he very quickly finds himself in handcuffs due to a mistaken identity.

Once that is over however he can see that Livia is skittish and looking over her shoulder and he gives her someone to spar with, laugh with and is there for her even before she knows what extra she needs.  He shows her that not all men are nasty or have agenda and he is plain about what he wants and how he feels.

I really enjoyed this couples dynamic and the supporting characters and will certainly have to go back and read Leila's story that I have somehow missed.

REVIEW - Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

The Book

Release Date: 15 November 2015

Goodreads Link

Erika: His name is Michael Crist. My boyfriend's older brother is like that scary movie that you peek through your hand to watch. He's handsome, strong, and completely terrifying. The star of his college's basketball team and now gone pro, he's more concerned with the dirt on his shoe than me. 

Michael: Her name is Erika Fane, but everyone calls her Rika. My brother's girlfriend grew up hanging around my house and is always at our dinner table. She looks down when I enter a room and stills when I am close. I can always feel the fear rolling off of her, and while I haven't had her body, I know that I have her mind. That's all I really want, anyway. 

Until my brother leaves for the military, and I find Rika alone at college. In my city. Unprotected. The opportunity is too good to be true. Because you see, three years ago she put a few of my high school friends in prison, and now they're out. We've waited. We've been patient. And now every last one of her nightmares will come true.

My Review   5 STARS

I think this may be one of the darkest books that I have read in a while.  But I certainly enjoyed it.

There was lots of suspense, characters that were hurt lashing out and a couple who have always been drawn to each other even though life and others are always trying to tear them apart.

Erika Fane aka Erika has just gone to college, but she does not know that she has been manipulated into staying in her new apartment and that 4 men are intent on getting revenge.

Michael Crist is a man in a position of power and he and his three friends want to get revenge on Rita for getting the three friends sent to prison.  They have been out for months and have been planning how they can ruin her.  But things are never quite as simple as it seems and not only feelings get in the way, but there is another player in the mix that changes everything, especially when they find betrayal within their ranks but family betrayal too.

But sometimes when the truth comes out, those strong feelings keep out couple together and Michael fights for what he wants and he fights for his fiends too.

Sometimes life is not easy and we have to be able to change with with the punches or lose everything that matters to us.

REVIEW - Seven Years (Seven #1) by Dannika Dark narrated by Nicole Poole

The Book

Release Date: 20 October 2013

Goodreads Link

It's been seven years since Lexi Knight lost her brother in a tragic accident. On the anniversary of his death, her brother's best friend shows up unexpectedly - a man she hasn't seen since the funeral. He is no longer the boy Lexi once knew, but a dangerous-looking man with tattoos and dark secrets. He broke her trust and abandoned her family, yet what he reveals makes it impossible to stay angry. 

Lexi has been secretly infatuated with Austin since childhood, so finding out he's a Shifter just makes him sexier. Dammit. Austin Cole has returned to the city where he grew up, and just in time. He's lived a hard life these past seven years, and the shadows of his past are threatening to destroy Lexi's family. It's time that she learned the truth about her brother, but there is a shocking twist that Austin never saw coming. Now he must protect her family when her mother and sister wind up in mortal danger. Will Lexi learn to accept the truth about who he is, and can Austin salvage a relationship from the ruins of their past?

My Review    4 STARS

I'm pretty sure that I have read something by Dannika Dark, but it must have been a long time ago.  I am now going to have to look out for more by her.

Lexi lives in the same home town and it is the anniversary of her brothers death.  A smaller celebration this year with just her mum and little sister and they see Austin, her brothers best friend who left the town after his death seven years ago.  A man that Lexi had had a crush on all of her life.

But Austin has a big secret.  His not human and he always wanted Lexi too, but she was too young.  Now back home though and with the past coming back, Austin now needs to protect Lexi and her family and his pack make sure to help.

There are surprises in store and a good strength between Lexi and her mother, a strong bond that helps them through the trauma that they are put through, finding out that the past was not what they thought.

I really enjoyed the twists with this book and will certainly be reading more from this author.

REVIEW - Idol (VIP #1) by Kristen Callihan

The Book

Release Date: 7 June 2016

Goodreads Link

Libby

I found Killian drunk and sprawled out on my lawn like some lost prince. With the face of a god and the arrogance to match, the pest won't leave. Sexy, charming, and just a little bit dirty, he's slowly wearing me down, making me crave more. He could be mine if I dare to claim him. Problem is, the world thinks he's theirs. How do you keep an idol when everyone is intent on taking him away?

Killian

As lead singer for the biggest rock band in the world, I lived a life of dreams. It all fell apart with one fateful decision. Now everything is in shambles.

Until Liberty. She's grouchy, a recluse - and kind of cute. Scratch that. When I get my hands on her, she is scorching hot and more addictive than all the fans who've screamed my name.

The world is clamoring for me to get back on stage, but I'm not willing to leave her. I've got to find a way to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything.

Contains mature themes.

My Review    5 STARS

Liberty Bell aka Libby or Ellie-Mae wakes un to find a man asleep on her lawn passed out drunk after crashing his motorcycle.  She is not a happy bunny.

Killian Murphy aka Lawn bum finds himself awoken in a strange place by being hosed down by an irate woman.  She thinks he's lost, but he is her new neighbour for a while.

Its not long before they are spending more time together than they thought they would, enjoying each others company, talking to each other and coming back to life from a world that has hurt them and left each of them with their own scars.

Eventually they both open up to each other, but reality has a way of crashing back in and making them evolve life for something other than the boxes they have fit themselves into.

Enjoyed this book and will look for more from this author.