Sinful Daughter {a review}

Sinful Daughter is the first book in Emily Bowie's new Dark Mafia Sins series. Right off the bat, Emily Bowie lets us know that each book in the series will be a standalone. So no need to worry about cliffhangers!

Sinful Daughter introduces us to the Rossi family. They are one of the local mafia families in this area of Texas, and they are at war with the Mancini family. Aria Rossi is the eldest daughter, and she is trying to determine if she wants to be the lawyer for her family. She's giving is some serious thought, but doesn't know if it's what she wants. As she makes the decision, she's pretty much shunned from any conversations regarding the business.  Aria's father has also told her that she needs to get married. He has so graciously pulled a list of suitable husbands for her, and she needs to choose. There's just one little problem, Aria has fallen for Theo Fox. Theo is a local police officer, and he is anti-mafia. He believes these families need to be taken down, and that once they are gone the town/county/state would be all the better. His issue is also a bit influenced by the fact that his father (also a police officer) was killed by a person in the mafia. So that has given him a bit of a grudge. His little love affair with Aria is clouding his judgement though. Can he continue to take down these members of the mafia when he's in love with someone in the world?

When I read the description for Sinful Daughter, I wasn't certain how this relationship would play out. I mean a good cop, and a daughter of a mafia family? Hello opposites attract and enemies to lovers! From the initial meeting for Aria and Theo, to the very last page, I was fully captivated. I was curious how this would work out. I was waiting for the moment where they got caught, and what the ramifications of their tryst would bring. I was also waiting to see if Theo would keep his "good cop" status, or if he would start slipping into the shady cop world. I loved the enemies to lovers aspect of the story. I loved how they kept their relationship going, while trying to keep it hidden. My heart shattered toward the end, and I thought this was the end for Aria and Theo. I thought there was no way anything could happen. Then Kane entered the story, and this relationship gave me the HEA I wanted for Aria. I'm ready for Sinful Kisses to be released, as I cannot wait to see what happens next! Especially with that little tidbit we learned toward the end of the book. What the heck happened there? Oofta.

If you are a fan of Mafia Romances, then give this book a try. It isn't a dark romance like most mafia romances, so you won't get a lot of violence or gore. One thing you will get in this book is some steamy moments. It could even be a good introduction to the genre. Oh, and don't forget to scroll to the bottom and enter the giveaway that Emily Bowie is hosting through Rafflecopter!

Thanks for reading my thoughts,

Laura

I’m in love with a mafia princess…

And I’m a cop. One of the good guys.

Theo Fox:

I’m on the verge of taking down the largest mafia family. Until, Aria Rossi. She’s equal parts sexy and sassy. I want to hate her. Yet, she consumes me, drawing me into her world. She blurs the lines of right and wrong, twisting my moral compass each time we meet. She’s become a distraction that will get me killed. When I’m forced to choose between the job I love and the girl I need to hate, will I choose right? Is there even a choice?

Aria Rossi:

He’s the one cop who can’t be bought, making us enemies. I want him, I hate him. He should be off-limits and yet when he puts his hands on my body I can’t say no. War is at my family’s doorstep and Theo Fox wants to be the victor by eliminating the Rossi last name. I never asked for him to steal my heart but it never stood a chance. The world is all ablaze. Will my heart survive or turn to ash in my desperate attempt to save my family? Will either of us be standing when the smoke clears?

Add to your Goodreads TBR HERE!

Now available on Amazon!

US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Excerpt

“I’ve never claimed to be a saint, but you, il mio peccato (my sin), will destroy me,” I rasp into her ear. She wiggles under me, making those beautiful moaning sounds only I get to hear. The room is lit enough I can almost make out the smile on her lips.

The party echoes around us, and I wish I could kiss her in public. I wish she wasn’t planning on marrying someone who wasn’t me. Twisting her hair around my hand, I yank it toward me while biting down on her neck. The desire to mark what’s mine is strong, with the need for people to question who she was with. Even when I know it could get us both killed.

Coming Soon!

Releasing September 23

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Author Bio

Emily Bowie is from a small town in Western Canada. She has been making characters come to life through her writing since she was old enough to put her thoughts on paper. She loves her white wine cold, her heels red, and her books spicy. 

She married her high school sweetheart and they have two amazing children. 

She is the author to the Bennett Brothers Series. 

Recklessly Mine, Recklessly Forbidden, & Recklessly Devoted. 

When she is not writing she can be found reading a good book, making digital scrapbooks and being physically active—whether it is at the gym, going for a walk, or playing /keep up with her children.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter | BookBub

~GIVEAWAY~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saving Ariel {a review}

Are you looking for a new romantic suspense book rec? How about a love at first sight book rec?  What about a book featuring a strong heroine?  Single dad romance? Need a new series? Well then look no further! Allow me to introduce you to Saving Ariel by Ellie Masters!

Ariel Black, our heroine, is a helicopter pilot who has extensive training as she had been a helicopter pilot in the military until she received a medical discharge. This flight though is going to change her life in ways she isn't ready for. Ariel and her crew are headed to an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico to pick up a couple of injured workers. This flight though is right during a hurricane, and all of the crew is evacuating. So her getting there on time is necessary. After a bit of a difficult landing, the medical crew exits, and Ariel is waiting to be secured. Suddenly there is knocking at her door, and Aiden is there telling her to get out of her helicopter. Naturally Ariel fights this, but Aiden wins this round. Once inside the rig, Ariel checks out the weather. It looks like the hurricane is coming in quicker than anticipated, and taking off at these wind speeds is not going to happen. This group is now stuck on the rig until conditions improve. And that is how the story begins, and it is on that landing pad that Aiden falls hard and fast for Ariel.

When I first started Saving Ariel, I thought that the helicopter pilot was a male. I know, I know, I shouldn't have assumed. But I did. So when I found out she was a female, I was cheering her on. She is a strong woman, who is proving that she can do anything she puts her mind to. She knows how to do her job, and she knows what is safe versus not. The fact that she was fighting with Aiden right away made me root for her even more. She wasn't taking anything from anyone. Or at least not if she could help it. I also loved how she fought her attraction, and voiced that it had only been hours that they've known each other. Yet for Aiden, he was all in. Ariel was right to be a bit skeptical and reserved. I loved how the relationship started, and the connection they felt. I love how Ariel's crew was a bit worried about her, and were all ready to go big brother on Aiden. Then Aiden's group was right there calming the waves and talking about what a great guy he was. I just loved it. When the big dramatic moment happened, I fully admit that I held my breath. I may also have started speed reading at that point so I could see what happened next! I had to know! And when that was all revealed, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. The HEA at the end made my heart happy.

I absolutely loved Saving Ariel from start to finish. It was a wonderful story with a strong heroine. I could not put the book down, and am excited to read the rest of the series as it releases. We've been set up now for the next book, Saving Brie, and I cannot wait to hear her story. With how Saving Ariel kicked off, I have high expectations for the series!

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

If they want their happily ever after, they’ll have to fight Mother Nature for it…

Aiden Cole isn’t interested in love.

Any romantic notions he had died with his wife, despite her dying wish that he find love again. His focus is on raising his daughter as a single dad, and keeping his offshore oil rig crew safe. As his crew evacuates in advance of Hurricane Julian, a category five monster barreling down on the gulf, disaster strikes. Two of his crewmen are critically injured. He needs to get them to safety before the hurricane hits. When the aeromedical rescue helicopter pilot turns out to be a woman, he’s surprised. When she falls into his arms, his entire body takes notice. The tough, gorgeous, pilot is everything Aiden thought he’d never have—or want—again. Can Ariel be the one? His second chance at love?

Too bad the storm seems to have other plans for them…

Ariel Black doesn’t believe in love.

With a category five hurricane barreling down on the Gulf, helicopter pilot, Ariel Black, is on a mission to evacuate wounded men from an oil rig. When the massive storm arrives ahead of schedule, it grounds Ariel’s helicopter, trapping them on the oil rig. She and her men, along with Aiden and his wounded, must ride out the storm. It’s the worst possible time to fall in love, but she does. Ariel falls hard…right into the installation manager’s arms. Aiden Cole makes her heart race, her pulse pound, and the butterflies in her stomach soar. Could he be the one?

Will the storm of the century destroy Aiden and Ariel’s chance at happily ever after? Or does fate have something else in store?

Saving Ariel, a steamy, second chance, contemporary romantic suspense, about love at first sight. It features a protective hero and the smart, feisty heroine who steals his heart.

(Saving Ariel was previously published as 'Aiden.')

Get your copy today and let the binge-reading begin.

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ADD TO GOODREADS

EXCERPT

I spent eight years in the military. Alpha men are a dime a dozen in the Army, but we all had the same purpose, the same mission. The business of oil drilling attracts a similar breed, rough and rugged men, only these don’t hold to a code I understand. With the military, everyone marches to the same drummer, follows the same orders, and can be trusted implicitly.

Drillers? They’re a rough lot.

They make me uncomfortable, and I don’t trust them.

Gusts buffet the helideck and the craft shudders. As the whine of the engine disappears, another sound replaces it. A deep, thunderous booming, felt more than heard, joins the roar of the wind. Vibrations from waves crashing against the support pillars rip through the super-structure. Nature’s power literally shakes the world.

I pop open my door and signal to the waiting crew it’s safe to approach. They rush forward and secure my skids, bracing the helicopter against the rising winds. They do the same to the rotors overhead.

Once the skids are locked securely to the helideck, I give the signal for Andrew and Larry. The two men jump out, packs strapped to their backs and portable stretchers in tow.

This isn’t our first foray to one of the thousands of oil rigs distributed throughout the Gulf. The imposing structures never fail to inspire awe, and I feel some of that now pounding in my blood. Or maybe that’s adrenaline spiking along my nerves? It doesn’t matter. Everything about this situation is intense.

Safety protocols have been drilled into me, as they have for my crew. Many of the walkways, stairwells, and ladders span vast distances with deadly drops beneath them. One hand on the rail at all times. It’s a mantra we live with. A fall here can be fatal. Drilling remains one of the most dangerous professions for a reason.

A thick arm braces my door as a gust tries to slam it shut on my leg.

“Careful!” a gruff voice shouts.

“Thanks.”

He pulls back, a look of surprise on his face. “You’re a chick.”

“All day. Every day.”

“Huh.” He holds the door open against the wind. “Come with me.”

“I’ll stay here, thank you.”

“Not happening. Too dangerous.” His gruff features brook no argument as he studies my face. An aura of authority surrounds him and slams into me with the absolute assurance I will do as he says.

My entire career has been spent facing down dominant men and overcoming male and female stereotypes that define who I can and can’t be. I earned my right to pilot the helicopter and won’t let his overwhelming presence force me into feeling less because I happen to be a chick.

But that authoritative aura?

It does things—spins my thoughts, teases my mind, and draws forth a powerful need to cave to his demands. To dispel the effect he has on me, I shake my head and grit my teeth.

“I’m staying with the helicopter.”

“No. You’re not.” He props open the door, leans in, and pulls me out of my seat.

AUTHOR BIO

Ellie writes the kind of heart-stopping, pulse-pounding, can't-stop-reading romance filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy, alpha men. They have to be, because the heroines Ellie writes are strong women with take charge attitudes.

International, bestselling, multi-genre author, Ellie writes the stories she loves to read. Dark romance lover? Sweet contemporary romance? How about a romantic suspense to whet your appetite? Ellie writes it all. Don't wait any longer, your next book boyfriend is waiting for you.

Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook | FacebookGroup | Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

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Thank you to Ellie Masters and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an advanced copy of Saving Ariel.

Lachlan in a Kilt {a review}

Lachlan in a Kilt is the brand new book from Anna Durand, and it is the kick off to her brand new Ballachulish Trilogy! And let me tell you, this book is full of romance, steam, groveling, and you get a HEA at the end.

When the story begins, we find Lachlan attending a club that is meant as a place for casual hookups. I know. Not exactly the setting you'd think we'd be in, but go with it. All Lachlan can think about though is Erica, his new temporary neighbor. So imagine his surprise when he sees her sitting at the bar. Erica immediately assumes Lachlan is someone else (the man she was supposed to be meeting). That being said, she is drawn to him, and he captivates her. The next day, Lachlan and Erica officially meet, and Erica assumes that Lachlan is stalking her. She doesn't realize that he is her new, temporary, neighbor. Lachlan is in America for only a month while his friend is back in Scotland staying at his house on vacation. Lachlan is attracted to Erica, and he cannot get her off his mind. So he convinces her to have a month long relationship. The only rule is that they can share no personal information. Seems simple right? Well this proves to be anything but.

Lachlan in a Kilt was a pretty decent story. I will say that it seemed a bit heavier on the steamy scenes than the story, but hey every once in a while those types of books can be appreciated. Now that's not to say that there wasn't a story going on, because there was. Erica clearly had things she was going through with Presley (her ex), and Lachlan was dealing with a divorce that kept stalling. Both of them needed to get through that, but it was proving that they both needed some assistance. I loved the bits of Gaelic that were thrown in throughout the story. I loved how Rory was helping Lachlan not only with his divorce, but with Erica's issues, and eventually on winning Erica back. The point of conflict was good, and I'm glad that it wasn't handled quickly. Sometimes it seems that the hero or heroine forgive too quickly, and things are just glossed over. That wasn't the case in this book. So I appreciated that. The reunion was wonderful and brought us back full circle. And can I just say, I loved Erica's dog. I have a thing for Goldens and oh this pooch! Such a good boy. After finishing Lachlan in a Kilt, I am now eagerly anticipating Aiden's story. Is it July 27 yet? I can't wait to see all that he goes through on his journey towards an HEA.

If you enjoy steamier books, ones that feature love at first sight, and/or a rich hero, then go grab this book. I've also learned that while this story is told from Lachlan's viewpoint, Erica tells her side of the story in Dangerous in a Kilt!  So I'm going to need to check that out to see what that's all about.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

Lachlan MacTaggart is hot, Scottish, and dangerous — to a woman's heart.

I'm done with love. My ex-wife made sure of that. When my American friend offers to swap houses with me for a month, I can't say no. Chicago sounds like the perfect place for a holiday, until I find out there's a sexy American lass living next door.

Erica Teague is bonnie, clever, and as wounded as I am. But I won't ask her why. All I need is Erica in my bed for four weeks, no strings, just a summer fling. We won't talk about our pasts, our lives, or anything except sex.

That's the plan. But the woman who's too young for me is determined to crawl under my skin and expose everything.

Lachlan in a Kilt is the first book in The Ballachulish Trilogy, a brand-new series based on the first three books in the bestselling Hot Scots series, reborn and retold from the heroes' perspectives. Lachlan in a Kilt is coming soon in audio and will be narrated by John Hartley.

Download today from one of these retailers!

Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add to your Goodreads TBR HERE!

Meet Anna

Anna Durand is a bestselling, multi-award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her books have earned bestseller status on every major retailer and wonderful reviews from readers around the world. But that's the boring spiel. Here are some really cool things you want to know about Anna!

Born on Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Anna grew up moving here, there, and everywhere thanks to her dad's job as an instructor pilot. She's lived in Texas (twice), Mississippi, California (twice), Michigan (twice), and Alaska--and now Ohio.

As for her writing, Anna has always made up stories in her head, but she didn't write them down until her teen years. Those first awful books went into the trash can a few years later, though she learned a lot from those stories. Eventually, she would pen her first romance novel, the paranormal romance Willpower, and she's never looked back since.

Want even more details about Anna? Get access to her extended bio when you subscribe to her newsletter and download the free bonus ebook, Hot Scots Confidential. You'll also get hot deleted scenes, character interviews, fun facts, and more including audio bonus chapters!

 

Connect with Anna

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | BookBub | Newsletter

Thank you to Anna Durand and Grey's Promotion for providing me with an advanced copy of Lachlan in a Kilt.

Forever After All {a review}

I just finished reading Forever After All by Kaylee Ryan, and ooohhh-eeeee, this was GOOD. If siblings best friend is a trope you enjoy, then go grab this one. Oh, you like friends to lovers? Well, then grab this book! Oh, it's small town romances that you like, gotcha, go read this book!

Forever After All is the story of McKenna (Kenna) and Rip. These two have known each other since McKenna was 7 years old. Back then Laramie and McKenna started their friendship, and thought they were destined to be sisters one day. It was about that time too that McKenna and Rip had their first marriage ceremony, AND shared their first kiss. Fast forward many years later, and McKenna is returning to town after graduating from law school. She is determined to take over her grandfather's practice, but first she just needs to pass the bar exam. First things first though, it's time to reconnect with her friends. And well Rip, is overjoyed that Kenna is back in town. He's also ready to act on the feelings that he's had for quite some time now. He fully believes that he and Kenna belong together. Now he just has to convince her through words, actions, and time together. Can these two friends have a happily ever after?

It's no secret that I love small town romances, as well as the best friends sibling trope. Add in friends to lovers, and just hand me the dang book. Chances are I'm going to love it. So when I read Forever After All by Kaylee Ryan, I was done for. I literally read this book in a day, and did not want to put it down. I found myself falling for the characters and wanting to explore more of their community. From the moment Rip and McKenna saw each other again, I was rooting them on. The history that they share. The friendship that they have. The connection that their families share. All of it is just so wonderful. Add in the fact that they both have crushes on each other, and just yes. YES YES YES. I will say the personal history that McKenna is still working through hurt to read about. Knowing her past broke my heart a bit. Thankfully her grandparents are an amazing support system for her. I loved everything about Forever After All. Everything. I swooned, I laughed, I cried, I was frustrated, and yes, I cheered. I just loved this book. 

So if you're like me, and you enjoy small town romances featuring the siblings best friend trope, and the friends to lovers trope, then please, please, please read Forever After All. I think you might like it.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

McKenna

I’ve always had a thing for my best friend’s older brother. In fact, I’ve been planning our wedding since elementary school. Then I grew up, moved away, and studying, and law school became my only focus.

Now that I’m back, the sexy cowboy is everywhere I turn. I shouldn’t mind so much as Rip Callahan is all levels of fine. My problem? His presence… his attention is sending me in a spin. And our reconnection? It’s fast and intense and everything I’ve ever dreamed of.

So why am I getting in my own way?

Rip

I didn’t know the first kiss I ever had would still play on my mind over ten years later. But with beauty and brains, McKenna Dawson is under my skin and very much off-limits.

Crushing on my sister’s best friend isn’t the worst part. That connection? I can’t ignore it. Should I fight it? Probably. Do I want to? Absolutely not.

A challenge among friends is all it takes for me to know she’s what I’ve been missing. That and one incredible trip with those same friends means there’s no going back. Not for me.

It was only supposed to be a weekend, but maybe we were meant to be forever after all.

Available now on Amazon!

US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ADD TO GOODREADS

Author Bio

Kaylee Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. When she’s not spinning tales of happily ever after, she’s reading or spending time with family. Born and raised an Ohio girl, Kaylee resides in Cincinnati with her husband and their son.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Thank you to Kaylee Ryan and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an advanced copy of Forever After All.

The Princess I Love To Hate {a review}

 

The Princess I Love To Hate by Iris Morland is now available! I have been eagerly anticipating this book ever since finishing The Prince I Hate to Love back at the beginning of May! I needed to know how this love story ended! Especially with all those details that had been revealed. I mean, come on!

In The Princess I Love to Hate, we pick up shortly after the last book finished. That being said, in this book we alternate between current time and time past. So we're getting filled in on things that we missed. It was interesting but also confusing. I couldn't understand why we just didn't stick to current time and just begin the book from that time period. Does that make sense?

I would recap the book for you, but really it would just be full of spoilers, so I'm going to pass. Just know that Niamh's brother makes appearances, and it is worth it every single time. Also know that Niamh and Olivier experience communication issue, but in the end you'll get your HEA. We just have to work for it.

So here's the thing...I wasn't overly fond of this conclusion. Something about it felt off to me, and I cannot fully figure it out. Yes, there were somethings that made me happy, but over all, the book was just okay. Nothing overly exciting about it. I wish I could say that it was the best thing ever, but unfortunately it wasn't. Yes, I loved the HEA. Yes, I enjoyed how Niamh handled her dad. Yes, I loved how Niamh's brother came barreling into town. Yes I love how the scandal was handled in the end. But that's about it. Olivier just seemed childish at times. So did Niamh.  That frustrated me. Also the fact that Niamh was just supposed to know how to act in certain situations when she wasn't raised as a royal? Yeah, no.  I'm still glad I read the conclusion to the story, I just wish it had been a bit different.

I'm choosing to give The Princess I Love to Hate 3 stars. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura