Showing posts with label Xavier Neal. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Twisted Debt by Xavier Neal and Amarie Avant {a review}

Happy Tuesday my friends! Today the Once Upon A Broken Crown anthology is available for purchase. I had been hearing about this anthology for a while now, and have been following their updates on Facebook. If you are looking for fairytale retellings then you need to go grab this! It's extremely affordable, and I think you'll enjoy it. I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of ONE of the stories, and I am hooked.

Here's what the blurb for the anthology has to say:

Your favorite fairytales, reimagined. What if Captain Hook was Snow White's Savior? And Belle was the Beast she feared. Maybe Red Riding Hood isn't so sweet. What if the villain got the girl? Or the Princesses we know and love had secrets so dark, their tales were better left distorted. 20+ classic tales retold from the minds of best-selling and award-winning authors. Romance like you've never imagined, spice that’ll set you ablaze, and adventure that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. Everyone deserves a happily ever after—even if it's twisted.

While I have not read the full anthology yet, I definitely will be. It's sitting on my kindle just waiting for me to pick it up.

So which book did I read an advanced copy of? That would be Twisted Debt by Xavier Neal and Amarie Avant. Twisted Debt is a Rapunzel retelling, and this story captured my attention from the beginning.

At the beginning of the story, we catch up with Mr Pierson and Elias Whittington. Mr Pierson had taken a loan from Elias, and was to be repaying that. Well he defaulted, and now Elias is here to collect the collateral. What is that collateral? Mr Pierson's daughter, Zel.

What started as a contractual agreement without Zel's consent, quickly evolved into more.

"For the next three months, you are here to entertain me. You are to be my date when I do not wish to dine alone. Companion for the events I do not wish to attend with the accompaniment of a beautiful woman on my arm. And most importantly, mine to use for pleasure--morning, noon, or night."

Witnessing the relationship between Elias and Zel grow, and evolve was an interesting ride. It was full of steam, questioning, and falling. Every single moment of the story had me wondering what was going to happen next. Then when the moment of conflict occurred, I was starting to doubt that Elias and Zel would get a happily ever after. But I should learn to never question myself, or rather the authors, as they'll give me what I want. The journey to their reunion was not an easy one, but there was definitely someone in Zel's corner helping her out.

Loved this retelling of Rapunzel, and have high hopes for the rest of the anthology.

Thank you for taking time to read my abbreviated thoughts (Twisted Debt is a novella after all). I do hope you'll pick up the anthology, especially if you are someone who loves steamy fairytale retellings.

Laura

Once upon a time, she was asked to let down her hair.

Little did this princess know, the arrangement she agreed to was going to be much more twisted than the original fairy tale...

Purchase now!

Add Once Upon A Broken Crown to your Goodreads TBR!

Participating Authors in this anthology:

Amarie Avant & Xavier Neal, Erin O'Kane, Susana Mohel, Sade Rena, Annie James, Lark Anderson & LJ Anderson, DC Renee, Catharina Maura, Mikki Noble, Kelly N. Jane, Amanda Kimberley & P. Mattern, Alexandra Silva, Olivia Peters, Katherine L. Evans, Sarah Bale, Taya Rune, Devyn Sinclair, Emma Luna, C. Hallman and Monica Corwin, Sierra Rowan.

About the Authors

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible).

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

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Thank you to Xavier Neal, Amarie Avant, and DS Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Twisted Debt.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Getting Gold by Xavier Neal {cover reveal}

From best-selling author Xavier Neal comes the next book in the page-turning, laugh-out-loud, paranormal romance series you don't want to miss...

GETTING GOLD (The Draak Legacy #2) by Xavier Neal

Release Date: February 24th

Genre/Tropes: PNR/Rom Com PNR

Fate hates me.

How else would you explain getting fired, kidnapped, and nearly killed by elves - which shouldn't even exist - in less than twelve hours?

And the apology this magical force gives me for constantly ruining my life?

Mating me to an ancient dragon.

An ancient dragon whose suave ways have me constantly torn between wanting to kiss him and kick him right where the scales don't shine.

And to top it all off - because clearly that wasn't enough - we have to rescue some poor kidnapped flamingo like we're reenacting a James Bond movie.

FFS.

Any chance this is all some low-budget horror movie I don't remember being cast for?

No?

Well, all things considered, it'd be dumb not to at least ask.

Preorder Now!

Add Getting Gold to your Goodreads TBR!

New to the Draak Legacy? Start with Saving Silver!

About the Author

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

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Thursday, December 30, 2021

Eden by Xavier Neal {a review}

EDEN by Xavier Neal is now available! This book takes place in the village of Doctenn. If you're a fan of Xavier Neal's creations, then you may recognize that name from the Duched trilogy. Now don't worry, you do not need to read that prior to reading Eden. Eden is a complete standalone. So rest easy.

Prepare yourselves though. Eden is a dark, forbidden, taboo romance with hints of suspense. I should also mention that it is also a romance between three people. This book may push you past your comfort zones. Please keep that in mind if you choose to pick it up.

Note from the author:

This novel is not a "safe" read. It contains adult content (18+) including mature subjects, explicit language, and graphic/detailed sex scenes. Some readers may be triggered by scenes, topics, or language included in it. Some readers may view the choices as "non-romance" or worse. If you are a sensitive reader or expecting a traditional style romance, I suggest you rethink your choice to read this novel.

Eden grew up in Doctenn. Her mom was the nanny for the Lawson boys, and her dad also worked for the Lawsons family. Because her mom was the nanny, Eden spent time with Thatcher and Ian. As they grew up, they realized that they had a connection that could not be rivaled by anyone else. On the night they were going to take their relationship public, Eden had her heartbroken instead. This lead to her leaving Doctenn to pursue her education in the States. But you see things at the Lawson home were not all they appeared to be. This home was troubled. The father was not a kind man, and did not approve of many things. Getting Eden out of town was his priority, and he didn't care who he hurt in the process. She would ruin his boys. Now Eden is back due to a temporary job with the royal family. Thatcher and Ian are aware of this, and they are determined to get their trio back together. If only it were that simple. Forces are fighting against them. Who is behind it all? What will they do to put an end to this? Can Eden and her men get their happily ever after? Or is this destined to all go up in flames?

“Thee and thine, me and mine.”

If you know me, you know that taboo and forbidden reads are not my normal reads. Yet there was something about the description of Eden that drew me in. Now I do read dark romances on occasion. That being said, Eden was quite possibly the darkest that I have read.

I knew going in that this was a dark, forbidden/taboo romance. And it definitely lived up to that description. What I was not expecting was the mafia-esque moments that occurred. I'd love to expand upon that, but it would be a spoiler. I'm not going that route.

Ian and Thatcher did everything that they could to have Eden return to them. What happened after her return to Doctenn, and the Lawsons, was wild. There were multiple people involved, and it took time to learn the entirety of it all. It was as this was all unfolding that the darker elements began appearing. And when those moments came in, they were intense. Dang! Now this is where your boundaries may be pushed a little bit.

One thing to know about Thatcher and Ian, they are professional divers. They've earned many medals, and are well known in the diving community. That being said, their diving coach is an ass. He is rude, and clearly has learned his people skills from Mr Lawson. As in he has none. And he has his favorite target. That breaks my heart.

Speaking of Mr Lawson (as in their father), the things he has done are 100% unacceptable. I get it. He has money. He has power. He has influence. But DAMN!

Eden wasn’t my typical read, and it was occasionally a bit much for me, BUT I still enjoyed the overall story. Thatcher and Ian are willing to do everything and anything to protect the people they hold dearly.

If you are someone who can handle reading a darker taboo romance, give Eden a read.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

Cover Design: Dana Leah

How far will they go to protect paradise...

From a very early age, I was warned to stay away from the Lawson brothers...

It didn't matter they weren't biological brothers or that one had been adopted on a guilt-driven whim. They considered one another family. They shared a bond like any other brothers would.

Except it ran much deeper.

Darker.

Dirtier.

They had all the power, money, and hunger capable of destroying anyone who stood in their way as they trained to become icons the world watched every four years bring home gold medals.

Little did anyone know, there was only one thing the legends worshipped more than their beloved sport.

Me.

*Eden is a forbidden, taboo, MMF, dark romance novel that includes several triggers.*

PURCHASE NOW!!!

Read for FREE with your Kindle Unlimited Subscription!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

About the Author

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

Hosted by:

Thank you to Xavier Neal, and Candi Kane PR, for providing me with a review copy of Eden.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Eden by Xavier Neal {cover reveal}

Check out this fantastic cover reveal!

EDEN is an all-new, standalone dark romance, by Xavier Neal that is coming December 30, 2021.

Eden is a dark, forbidden, MMF, taboo romance with hints of suspense. This novel is said to have several triggers. What those specifically are, I'm not certain. Should I become privy to that information, I will share.

How far will they go to protect paradise...

From a very early age, I was warned to stay away from the Lawson brothers...

It didn't matter they weren't biological brothers or that one had been adopted on a guilt-driven whim. They considered one another family. They shared a bond like any other brothers would.

Except it ran much deeper.

Darker.

Dirtier.

They had all the power, money, and hunger capable of destroying anyone who stood in their way as they trained to become icons the world watched every four years bring home gold medals.

Little did anyone know, there was only one thing the legends worshipped more than their beloved sport.

Me.

*Eden is a forbidden, taboo, MMF, dark romance novel that includes several triggers.*

Add Eden to your Goodreads TBR!

PREORDER NOW!!!

About the Author

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

Hosted by:

Friday, December 10, 2021

Duched series by Xavier Neal

Xavier Neal has just re-released the Duched trilogy!

The Duched trilogy is a laugh out loud royal romantic comedy that features a charming playboy prince, and an art student who loves to knock him off his throne. This previously published series has been updated with new covers, as well as new content!

This trilogy follows Brie Sanders, and Kellan Kenningston. The books must be read in order, and the first two books will end in a cliffhanger. So let's jump into this opposites attract rom com, and find out what happens with our couple.

Duched

I, Kellan Kenningston, am known for being three things:

The 2nd Prince of Doctenn - it's honestly for the best that I probably won't ever rule the country - my big brother is much better at keeping his royal jewels in his pants than I am.

Duke of Rockbridge - oh so not my idea. It was a royal decree or won in a poker game or something equally as eye-rolling.

And king of one-night stands - okay, well, I was until one mouthy, American art student knocked me off of that throne.

Now, I'm embarrassingly domesticated.

I remember to close the curtains at fancy hotels.

I've learned to cook since the woman I'm crazy about can barely microwave popcorn.

And most importantly, I've stop dragging our family's sacred name through the mud.

What do I plan to do next?

Turn the love of my life into a duchess, of course.

At least that was the plan until my father stepped in and duched it all up...

Royally Duched

When Brie Sanders unexpectedly falls head over heels for the playboy of Doctenn, Prince Kellan Kenningston, Duke of Rockbridge, she highly underestimates the risks he is willing to take to give their love a chance.

After dealing with an emergency, family disagreements, and a media nightmare, the two of them are forced to wade through the unfriendly waters of being a royal couple.

Traditions will be broken. Loyalty will be tested. And relationships will be redefined.

Royally Duched Up

Preparing to marry Kellan Kenningston, Prince of Doctenn, Duke of Rockbridge, hasn't gone as smoothly as Brie Sanders was hoping. However, her fiancee who seems hell bent on breaking traditions is equally hell bent on giving her the special day she's always dreamed of. After their whirlwind wedding and hot honeymoon, the two embark on the adventure known as happily ever after.

It isn't long before old issues arise, unexpected challenges are presented, and new foes are exposed.

While the royal couple knows their life together isn't going to be easy, neither is prepared for the heartaches and hardships that lie ahead.

Add the series to your Goodreads TBR!

Ready to read the series?
Duched | Royally Duched | Royally Duched Up

By the way, Duched is currently FREE on Amazon.

So go download Duched before December 12, 2021!

Also, you can read the series for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

About the Author

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

Hosted by:

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The 8 Duets I Read in 2021

We've talked about my love of series, but another thing I enjoy are duets. Especially when they are well written, and there isn't too much time between release dates.

In years past I haven't read a lot of duets (duologies), but in 2021 I managed to read 8. Technically Chase by Kacey Shea could be considered a series, but the author considers it a duet, so I am too. Then there is the Bennett Duet. While Beni and Chantal's story is complete, I am still holding out hope for a novella or spin off featuring Miko. If you know, you know.

Here are the 8 duets that I read in 2021.

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Taming of the Crew by Xavier Neal {a review}

Today is the day that TAMING OF THE CREW by Xavier Neal is officially available! This is the fifth book in the Hockey Gods series that is set in Vlasta University in Vlasta, Wisconsin. This new adult/college romance tells the story of Patrick Peck- the captain of the Vipers hockey team, and Nyeena Stiles- the niece of Coach Stiles. This opposite attracts story will hit you in the feels, and have you falling hard for the couple. Now TECHNICALLY this is a standalone, and you can read it as such. That being said, you miss out on the knowledge of the other couples, and may not fully understand the banter or nicknames. So if you were me, start from the beginning with Can't Block My Love.

Friends, you are going to love Peck! This man is 100% dedicated to hockey. It is essentially his everything. His parents have made sure of that. This is his senior year at Vlasta University, and once again he's been chosen to be the Captain of the hockey team. This year though, Peck's brother is joining the team, and this could go either way. The Peck family is not close. Not at all. There are major issues that are brought on by the parents. You'll learn about those as the story progresses. Peck (Patrick) is ready for a fantastic final season. That is until Nyeena Stiles makes her appearance. Nyeena knocks him off balance, and he is immediately taken by her. Meanwhile Nyeena has just moved to Vlasta so that she could receive treatment for a disease that really one has one cure. Meeting Peck, and falling for him was the last thing on her mind. Yet her she is, living her life to the best of her ability with Peck and his crew by her side. All is going amazing, until the moment it's not.

I was not prepared for the emotional scenes in this book. Yes, Xavier Neal warned me that tissues would be needed, but I wasn't expecting the story to go the route it did. So please have tissues ready for when you read Taming of the Crew. Everything about this story drew me in. Peck was a familiar face and I had been waiting for the day he found his person. I enjoyed getting to catch up with the crew, and witness how they added Nyeena into the fold so easily. I enjoyed how finding a passion aside from hockey altered Peck's life. He found something else to bring him joy, and to focus a bit on. Yes he wasn't 100% focused on hockey, but that was a good thing. It allowed him to be a better player, because he finally knew what a life off the ice could be like. Nyeena is a fiery, passionate, independent, intelligent woman, and I loved it. She is a fantastic character who is dealing with some major health issues. Yet she didn't let that really slow her down. She was determined to live the best life she could with the time she's been given. The relationship between Peck and Nyeena had a bit of the instalove elements, but this was most definitely a slow burn. And oh what a slow burn it was. SO GOOD!

I want to bring up the big moment that happens...don't worry I'm not going to say what it was because spoilers. I do want to say that it was intense. It was emotional. It truly showed a found family relationship, and how those who love you will be by your side. Also, my gut totally called the resolution. From the moment things were set into place, and little tidbits of info were dropped, in my mind I was thinking "hmmm I wonder". This big moment though, I'm going to be thinking about it for a while. Peck and Nyeena's story is definitely my favorite of the series. If there is another addition to the Hockey God's series, I'm not certain it could top Taming of the Crew.

If you enjoy a good slow burn, then please read this book. If you enjoy sports romance, read this book. If you enjoy new adult romances set at college, read this book. If you are a person who lives in Wisconsin, and you like to see your state represented in a book, read this book. Basically just read this book! I honestly think you'll love it. Just have those tissues close by.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Taming of the Crew. I love the folks from Vlasta University, and I hope you'll read their stories and fall for them too.

Laura

Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical.

All the other college athletes across the country wanted to be them.

All the chicks who glided into their gazes were excited to bang them.

Their reputation was that of Gods who wore skates instead of sandals.

And thanks to a certain center's constant leadership on the ice, they are true champions once again.

Captain Patrick Peck lives and breathes hockey, yet one glimpse at his head coach's loud-mouth, full of life niece who has just moved to Vlasta, and suddenly, he wants more.

More days of watching old TV shows and less days of listening to hockey podcasts.

More nights of hearing her scream his name and less nights of scheduling extra practices.

More memories out of the rink and less memories of only being loved in it.

Will this overly focused center be able to balance hockey and love, or will he be forced to abandon one for the other?

Go One Click this book now!

Add Taming of the Crew to your Goodreads TBR!

Are you new to the Hockey Gods and Vlasta University? Start here↓

Can't Block My Love

Amazon | Goodreads

My Fair Puck Bunny

Amazon | Goodreads

The Forward Must Cry

Amazon | Goodreads

Defenseman No.9

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

Hosted by:

Thank you to Xavier Neal, and Candi Kane PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Taming of the Crew.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Peep this cover!

TAMING OF THE CREW by Xavier Neal is coming on October 28th!

This new adult, sports romance is set at Vlasta University in Vlasta, Wisconsin. If you are a fan of opposites attract, keep this one on your radar!

Oh, and if you're wondering what sport this sports romance falls into, it's hockey of course!

Now don't you worry, if you haven't read the previous four books in the Hockey Gods series, Taming of the Crew can be read as a standalone. Reading the other books just helps you know the other characters that will make appearances.