Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Weekly Wrap Up

Well hello there reader friends!

It's Tuesday!

And I'm posting my weekly wrap up? Yeah, Monday was a day full of writing reviews, reading books, and general household things. So unfortunately this post had to be bumped until today. But that's okay! Life happens.

I'll let you in on a little tidbit of information. I have A LOT of reviews coming to the blog in May and June. Looking at my calendar, I'm actually a bit overwhelmed by what I'm seeing. But no worries, I'm positive that the books I have lined up I will enjoy. (okay there's one that I'm worried about, but we'll save that for a future update.)

Let's talk about my stats for my birthday week. I read:

6 books

1,495 pages

My favorite book of the week was Wild Ride by Kim Loraine. I love the Rykers, and this book did not disappoint. It was a great start to the new Wilde Horse Ranch series, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Let's start talking about the books I read last week. If a review has already been posted to my blog, it will be linked in the title. Also, all of the books I read were advanced copies. Some have been released. Some are coming this week. And one is coming later in the month.

Oh and in case you're curious, as I write this blog post I am rocking out to the Made in the AM album by One Direction. I happen to be a fan of all their albums (group and solo works).

1) Devious

by J.M. Stoneback
Rating: 3 Stars

Devious by J.M. Stoneback is a dark (and I do mean dark) mafia romance. J.M. Stoneback says there is no redemption arc for Cayden Vitali, and she was correct. Cayden is who he is, and he'll probably be on your shit list. Roselyn is the daughter of Lex, and she is being forced to marry Cayden in order to pay off her dad's debt. There is a lot that happens in this book, and I cannot even begin to go into detail. What I will tell you is that this is the darkest mafia romance book I've ever read. I'll also go so far to say that I don't want to repeat it. There were just parts that pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and I want to return to the safety of my bubble. Also, at the beginning of the book there are trigger warnings given.

I have heard that this book is being re-edited, so it isn't currently available for purchase, but you can add Devious to your Goodreads if dark mafia romance is your jam. Also, my review is based upon the ARC I had received, so my copy may differ from what is eventually released.

2) Wild Ride

by Kim Loraine
Rating: 4 Stars

Wild Ride by Kim Loraine is the official kick off to the new Wilde Horse Ranch series. This is one of my anticipated reads for May, and I am so happy that I was able to read an advanced copy. Don't get me wrong, I would have waited for release day and immediately abandoned what ever I had been reading. Hey when it's one of your anticipated reads that's just what happens.

Wild Ride is the story of Sera Ryker and Sutton Wilde. It involves a spur of the moment Vegas wedding, and the realization that this shouldn't have happened. Their families are rivals. There is history and a lot of hurt between them.

This book was so good. If you are into western/cowboy romances, please pick up Wild Ride when it releases on May 17. I have a feeling you'll really enjoy it. (also, if you haven't read the Ryker Ranch series what are you waiting for?)

3) The Prince I Love to Hate

by Iris Morland
Rating: 4 Stars

The Prince I Love to Hate by Iris Morland just released today! If you are someone who enjoys royal romances with a bit of mystery, then you'll want to read this one. Niamh and Olivier both have tasks they need to complete, but it is going to take them working together to accomplish the job. Now I will say that this book starts a little slow, but as I said in my review that is due to the foundation being laid. Once we get through that, things pick up. As for me, well that was when I was fully involved with the story. I had to know what was going to happen next. There is a big reveal in the book that happens, and it ends on a cliffhanger. The good news is that The Princess I Love to Hate comes out in June, so you won't need to wait too long for the story to be completed.

4) Hate to Love You

by Melissa Schroeder
Rating: 4 Stars

Hate to Love You is the first book in the Fillmore Siblings series (duet) by Melissa Schroeder. This book features a boss falling for his assistant. These two are also frequently butting heads, and it is sort of an hate to lovers situation. I say sort of because to me it isn't fully there. It's more of an annoyance than anything else. Grady knows what will set Sydney off, and he likes to push them often. She in turn doesn't take it from him, and will frequently throw pens at him. All it takes is one night at a club, where Grady sees Sydney dancing with friends, and he starts to realize his attraction to her.

Ultimately I enjoyed the story. I will say that the side characters kind of stole the show for me, and I found myself curious about them.

5) Love to Hate You

by Melissa Schroeder
Rating: 4 Stars

Love to Hate You is the second book in the Fillmore Siblings series (duet) by Melissa Schroeder. I was so excited that I had this one ready to go after finishing Hate to Love You. I could not wait to get started on Nancy and Travis's story! This book is a friends to enemies to lovers story. It is also a workplace romance, and it features the best friends sibling trope. Oof that's a lot. But it's all there. You're going to hate Travis for a good portion of the book. I'm just throwing that out there. It will be up to you to decide if you forgive him at the end. The things he put Nancy through just made me want to knock some sense into him. Ugh.

Absolutely loved this book. The characters, the storyline, the setting, it was all wonderful. I cannot wait to read Quinn's story when it releases later this month!

6) The Offer

by Becca Steele
Rating: 4 Stars

The Offer by Becca Steele is the first book in the London Players series. This little novella will have you wanting more. More of the characters, more of the setting, and more rugby. Oh wait, maybe that's just me. This was my first sports romance featuring rugby, and I want more. Obviously. If fake dating is a trope that you enjoy, then grab this book when it releases later this week. Victoria and Jake are complete opposites, but they are so amazing together. Loved it! Looking forward to returning to this setting when future books release.

The Prince I Love To Hate {a review}

Calling all fans of Royal romance!

The Prince I Love to Hate by Iris Morland is the first book in the Heir Affair duet. I went into this book knowing only what the teaser told me. So I knew we were headed to Ireland, I knew Niamh was going to be searching for her dad, I knew she was going to meet a Prince (Olivier), and I knew it was kind of a forced proximity type romance book.

What I didn't know was that the book was going to start off a bit slow. But really I think that was just the lead in to the story. It was the foundation being laid, and once the tasks were revealed (Niamh finding her dad, Olivier finding an antique clock), that is when the story really became intriguing. From that point on we are on the hunt. Not only that, but Niamh and Olivier were getting to know each other. There was a spark, but they were both too focused on their mission, and hating each other, to really fan that flame.

I'm telling you nothing else about the story, except for the fact that it ends in a cliffhanger.

Like I said above, the book started a bit slow for me, but redemption came. Once I was invested in the characters, and storyline, I had to know what happened next for Niamh and Olivier. I had to know why this clock was so important. I had to know why Niamh's dad has been nonexistent in her life. Plus there had to be something that bound these two journeys together. And there was. Oofta. Things are revealed. Things that shake up everything. And now I find myself wanting it to be June 15 so that I can read The Princess I Love to Hate. I need to know how this all wraps up!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,

If you'd like to read the teaser for The Prince I Love to Hate, please scroll a little bit further. There are also links to connect with Iris Morland, add the book to your Goodreads TBR, and links if you'd like to purchase the book.

This prince?

He’s anything but charming.

I’ve never been the girl who’s dreamt of a prince rescuing me from a fire-breathing dragon before whisking me away to his castle.

So when I fly all the way to Ireland to find my long-lost dad, I have no intention of playing the damsel in distress to some dude.

But the night I encounter—and accidentally wallop upside the head—Prince Olivier of Salasia, my plans are completely upended.

This prince is the opposite of charming, though. After thirty seconds in his presence, I want to feed him to a dragon.

But fate is a fickle b*tch. Before I know it, I agree to team up with Olivier in the search for my dad.

As I travel across Europe with this actual honest-to-god prince, I wonder, what’s the worst that could happen?

It’s not like I’ll be stupid enough to fall in love with Prince Charming.

Add to your Goodreads
The Prince I Love To Hate

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Meet Iris Morland

A coffee addict and cat lover, Iris Morland writes sparkling, swoon-worthy romances, including the Flower Shop Sisters and the Love Everlasting series.

If she's not reading or writing, she enjoys binging on Netflix shows and cooking something delicious.

Connect with Iris Morland

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Monday, May 3, 2021

Mason {a review}

Sports romance with a little Motorcycle Club action happening? Give it to me!

Mason is Megan O'Brien's latest release, and I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book. It was oh so WONDERFUL.

I'll admit that what initially drew me towards the book was the sports romance aspect. If you know me, you know that I love sports romance. And since I recently finished reading the Vegas Aces series by Lisa Suzanne, I was already in football mode. So reading Mason just made sense. Then add in that there is a connection to a MC series? It just gets better.

So what is the book about? Well, obviously it's the love story between Ellie and Mason. But their story starts at a party taking place at Mason's house. There the two meet and have an instant connection. It isn't until a bit later in the evening that Ellie finds out that Mason is a professional football player. This doesn't sit well with her, and she runs. Given her history, it makes sense. Mason isn't one to back down though. He's captivated by Ellie, and would like for her to give him another chance. As the story progresses we see Mason's protective side come out. He notices things that don't seem quite right, and he's doing everything he can to take care of it. Eventually Ellie fills Mason in on her history, and that just increases his levels of protection. Eventually it gets to a point where Mason calls home to his family, and this introduces the MC club.

This book was such a quick read. I loved every single moment of it, and sincerely hope that Megan O'Brien writes more sports romance with the MC club tie-in. Also, I need to go back and read the Ride Series. Now to figure out when to squeeze it into my schedule.

If you like alpha males, sports romance, instalove, a little suspense, and some help from a MC club, then go pick up Mason by Megan O'Brien. Just trust me on this.

Curious about my rating? I gave it a solid 4 stars.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

If you'd like to read a teaser for Mason, please scroll a bit further. You'll also find links to connect with Megan O'Brien, add the book to your Goodreads, as well as a link to purchase the book.

Title: Mason

A Ride Series Crossover Novel

Author: Megan O'Brien

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance

Release Date: May 3, 2021

BLURB

Ellie Mitchell has spent the better part of the last five years trying to move on from her past. As far as she's concerned, being alone is the best medicine. That is, until a certain football star comes barreling into her life, unexpected and oh so persistent.

Mason Jackson is a man who knows what he wants. And he wants Ellie. Ellie isn't like any woman he's met before with her quick wit and complete disinterest in his fame. Now, he'll need to convince her that taking a chance on him is worth it.

When Ellie's past resurges with dangerous consequences, Mason will do everything and anything to protect the woman he loves.

This is the story of Ellie and Mason, a Ride Series crossover novel.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

AUTHOR BIO

Megan O'Brien is the best selling author of the Ride Series and the Talon Security Series. She has a passion for a good love story and most enjoys writing stories with an alpha male and strong female characters.

Megan was born and raised in Northern California where she still resides with her handsome hubby and three amazing kiddos.

When she's not enjoying family time or burying her nose in her kindle she loves hiking, running and relaxing moments on the back porch with a glass of wine.

AUTHOR LINKS

Thank you to Megan O'Brien and Give Me Books PR for an advanced copy of Mason.
A positive review was not required. All thoughts/opinions on the book are mine.

Devious {a review}

Are you a fan of Mafia Romance books? If so, consider checking out Devious by J.M. Stoneback. This dark mafia romance features an arranged (ahem forced) marriage, it has an age gap, and it is enemies to lovers. So if any of those are what you like to read, then give this book a try.

Now I will say that Devious was a bit darker than I normally read. I can handle things to a certain level, and then I need to look away. Devious didn't have me looking away from the violent scenes, but there were a few times that I definitely cringed, and may have covered my eyes a smidgen. I also want to say that the "bedroom" scenes are not always carried out with consent. That was difficult for me to read, and so if that is a trigger for you, know that going in. Oh, and there is a trigger warning right at the beginning of the book that says "this book is a DARK romance. If you have sexual assault and violent triggers then this book isn't for you." So please keep that in mind.

Roselyn is the daughter of an underboss. And Lex, well he's in some debt. In order to repay that debt, he's given his daughter to Devious (he's the Don). Once they are married, his debt is forgiven. Roselyn doesn't want to get married, but she doesn't get a say in this. It's the way the rules have been written. Roselyn is essential a captive in the household. All technology has been taken away, and she cannot leave the property. There is a lot that happens in this book, and I can't even begin to go through it all. Just know there is a war between two families, and there is no room for forgiveness. It is intense.

I've read quite a few mafia romances as of late. Some I've enjoyed more than others. If I'm being honest, Devious wasn't my favorite. It was a decent story, and it had potential. Yet there was something about the flow of the book that didn't mesh with me. Then there is the fact that Cayden changed at the end of the book. That right there goes against what the author told us on the trigger warning page. She had told us that Cayden isn't a hero, and he isn't going to change for Roselyn. Yet he did. So what happened?

Since I like to be completely honest with you all, I gave this book 3 stars. I don't feel that it deserves anything lower than that, but I also don't think it should go higher. Will I read Villainous when it comes out? I don't think so. This series is a little too dark for my liking, and I'm not connected enough to the characters to continue.

If you choose to read Devious, please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear them.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,

If you'd like to read the teaser for Devious, please scroll a bit further. I've also included links to Goodreads and Amazon, as well as links to connect with J.M. Stoneback.

It's time to pay my father's debt.

Nobody is stupid enough to steal from him, Cayden Vitali.

They call him Devious for a reason. He doesn't let his debts go unpaid. He collects what he's owed.

Lex Bartoli works for Devious. Lex should know better than to steal his money. But mistakes were made, and now it's time to pay.

Unfortunately for me, Devious knows exactly what he wants as payment for Lex's stupid mistake.

Me.

Lex's daughter.

If I won't agree to marry Devious, he has another way of making my family pay.

The choice is mine.

Marry the enemy... or watch him kill my father as payback.

Devious is a mafia book with an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers and an age gap romance. This book contains graphic violence, dubious content, and may contain triggers.

Add to your Goodreads TBR → Devious

Purchase on Amazon → Devious

Meet the Author

J.M. writes New Adult, contemporary, paranormal romance. When she is not reading and writing about hot guys, she is spending time with her boys and husband. Travel, food, video games, and anime are her hobbies.

Connect with J.M. Stoneback

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing and JM Stoneback for an ARC of Devious.
A positive review was not required. All thoughts are my own.

The Secret Letters of Olivia Moretti {cover reveal}

Jennifer Probst has revealed the cover for The Secret Letters of Olivia Moretti!

Releasing: February 2, 2022

A secret romance pushes three estranged sisters to the Amalfi Coast to follow clues about their mother's past, and challenges them to a whole new future, from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Sisters Priscilla, Devon, and Bailey haven't been close in years, but when they're forced to come together to settle their mother's estate, they discover a secret none of them knew. In an old trunk, they happen upon ownership papers for a house on the Amalfi Coast, along with a love letter from their mother to an anonymous man, promising to meet him in Italy during the summer of her seventieth year.

Now they're questioning everything they knew about her history. In order to get answers about the woman they thought they knew, they'll have to go back to where it all started. The sisters embark on a trip to the stunning cliffside village of Positano, Italy, to track down the mysterious ex-lover, and figure out who their mother really was.

As Priscilla, Devon, and Bailey unearth the truth, they also experience the magic of Italy, the power of sisterly love, a little unexpected romance, and newfound hope for the future.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon | Nook | Kobo

Apple Books: Coming Soon

Meet Jennifer

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the New York Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews. She is also a proud three-time RITA finalist.

She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

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