Violent Attraction by Jocelyne Soto {a review}

 

At the end of August, I had read a book called Vicious Union. It was the first book in a new series, and I loved just about every moment of that book. As that book was wrapping up, the stage was being set for Violent Attraction, and my curiosity was piqued. After all, I LOVE the brother's best friend trope, so I just had a feeling that this was going to be a good book. I just had to wait until October 19 for it to be released. Ahh bookworm problems.

I did receive an advanced readers copy (arc) of Violent Attraction, and friends, it lived up to the hype in my head. Santos and Isabella are simply wonderful.

So what happens in this book? Well for starters we begin at the wedding. After what happens there, we go back in time to when Isabella was 12. From that point on, we see how the relationship between Isabella and Santos begins to evolve. We also learn that Leo has pretty much told Santos to leave his sister alone.  Their relationship keeps progressing, and suddenly we are back at Isabella's wedding day where we see that initial scene play out. We also see the aftermath of that, and how it goes on to change their relationship once again. Knowing what has happened in the past, knowing how she has been hurt, can Isabella take another chance on Santos? Can these two ever find their way to their happily ever after? Or will her father always stand in their way?

Can we take a moment to ogle that gorgeous cover? The design was done by Books and Moods PR, and I think it is absolutely fabulous. It fits right along with the cover from Vicious Union, and it has me anticipating the cover for Vindictive Blood. So let's talk about the book. I still love the main characters, and I still strongly dislike Ronaldo, as well as Emilio. I get why Ronaldo set up the arranged marriage for his eldest daughter, but it still gutted me since she was so distraught.  Witnessing Santos go through the grieving process, and his desire to find the person responsible, tugged at my heartstrings, and brought on the emotions. Seeing how Santos and Isabella had to really fight for this relationship, and figure out ways to make it possible, showed how much they truly wanted this. Then there was Leo and Santos trying to find a way for Isabella to not have to go through with the wedding to Emilio, and it took a lot of effort to get to the point that they were. I just loved this story. From start to finish I could not get enough. Then Jocelyne had to go and set the stage for Vindictive Blood, and oh my word. I am so ready for Camilla's story, and to find out about that bombshell that was dropped! Is it November 23 yet?

I truly hope that you will read the Flor de Muertos series by Jocelyne Soto. While each story follows a different couple, I do recommend that you read them in order. It will give a better understanding of the characters and the situations that they find themselves in. Highly recommend this series, and cannot wait to read more from Jocelyne Soto.

Thank you for stopping by to read my thoughts. I greatly appreciate it.

Laura

She was a Cart​​el Princess. 

I was a soldier. A helping hand. A life that didn’t matter. 

 

None of that stopped me from falling in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her. 

This Cartel Princess was everything to me. 

And I was able to show her, but only in secret.

After years of hiding I had finally found the courage to tell her father, but he announced he’d arranged a marriage for her. One that will bound families. 

One that is all about power and money.

The man that she is set to marry is a dangerous man. He doesn’t love her. He only wants her for the money and power that she comes with. 

I need to try my hardest to stop this arrangement. 

No matter how much blood I shed. 

Isabella Morales is mine. 

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Meet Jocelyne Soto

Jocelyne Soto is a romance author  born and raised in California. 

She started her writing journey in 2015 and in 2019 she published her first book. She is an independent author who loves discovering new authors on Goodreads and Amazon. 

She comes from a big Mexican family, and with it comes a love for all things family and food.

Jocelyne has a love for her mom’s coffee and writing. In her free time, she can be found reading a romance novel off her iPad or somewhere in the black hole of YouTube.

Connect with Jocelyne Soto

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Thank you to Jocelyne Soto, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Violent Attraction.

Hold Me Now by JH Croix {a review}

 

A brand new firefighter series from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix! Hold Me Now is Paisley and Russell's story, and if you enjoy a workplace romance featuring the frenemies to lovers trope, then this is a must read for you! Or if you enjoy a good slow burn, then go for it.

If you read Wild With You, then you may recall Paisley and Russell. Russell has been a hot shot for a while now, and Paisley is just starting with the crew. Not to say she doesn't have experience, because she does, it's just back in Washington state. You may also recall that Russell isn't too keen on having Paisley on the crew. He can't explain it, it just isn't something he wants. Paisley isn't his biggest fan either. Paisley recently found out that she needs to find a new place to live, and vacancies in the town are hard to come by. So when she hears of a great place, she jumps on it. All she knows is that she'll have the upstairs, her housemate will have their area, and they'll share the kitchen. It isn't until she moves in that Paisley finds out that she's living with Russell. One thing leads to another, and these two come to realize they don't actually dislike each other. Oh no. It's all passion. But a person from Paisley's past may change their chance for romance.

I knew, I just KNEW, that Paisley and Russell's story was going to be intense. I also knew it was going to be one heck of a slow burn. And Hold Me Now did NOT disappoint. Between the forced proximity, the denial, the hate to love, I was just a sucker for this story. Add in that little bit of romantic suspense, and I was all in. Paisley and Russell created some major sparks, and oh the steamy moments that occurred. Aside from the romance, there was also family stuff that both characters had to deal with. For Russell it was about his dad, and how he died. (That pulled on my heartstrings big time.) Then for Paisley, that was just a wild ride. I can't even really talk about it because spoilers. But just know, how that storyline played out, was so good. SO GOOD. I loved the hate to love. I loved the frenemies to lovers. I loved the slow burn. I fell hard for these characters (main and side). And that setting? FREAKING GORGEOUS! Also, that setup for the third book in the series? It sounds so good! Second chance romance is a favorite of mine, so bring it on J.H. Croix. BRING IT ON!

It's a firefighter romance, set in Alaska. Do I need to say more? Go read it. Go fall for the setting, and the characters. Just trust me on this.

Thanks for reading my thoughts,

Laura

He’s my new roommate.

I can’t stand him, and he can’t stand me.

Russell Dane thinks he’s all that. Maybe’s he’s so hot he should come with a too-hot-to-handle sign, but he drives me crazy. Not the good kind of crazy either.

He thinks women shouldn’t be firefighters, he’s obnoxiously overprotective, and I can’t stand him. Unfortunately, my body is not getting the memo, but I’m stronger than a few confused hormones. Right?

It wouldn’t be so bad if we didn’t have to work together, and if he wasn’t my boss. It definitely wouldn’t be so bad if he hadn’t gone and kissed me.

Russell & Paisley’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, sassy tomboy heroines, roommate romance, frenemies to lovers, hate to love, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a broody, protective hero.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google Play 

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet J.H. Croix

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. 

Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. 

Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!

Connect with J.H. Croix

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Thank you to J.H. Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Hold Me Now.

Only One Regret by Natasha Madison {a review}

 

From USA Bestseller Natasha Madison comes a brand new Hockey series The Only One. I have been EAGERLY ANTICIPATING Mini Coop's story! If you have read ALL of Natasha Madison's hockey novels, then you know who Cooper Stone is. You also know that Matthew Grant, Cooper Stone's stepson, named his first born Cooper. This is his story.

At the beginning of Only One Regret, we find Cooper in the final moments before his divorce is official. His family isn't in town, so it's just him. Well him, and his best friend. She's always available to talk, and is a major support system for Cooper. Cooper never planned on getting divorce. He planned on remaining married, and raising their daughters together. But those plans were dismantled when his ex served him after practice. He was barely off the ice. And that was it. Now here he is trying to figure out the new normal. Erika is by his side though, and so it's making things a bit easier. All is going well until the night of his divorce party (that Erika made him throw). Things between Erika and Cooper are about to change. Can their friendship survive? Will Erika run away? Will she leave him?

Considering I have absolutely loved the twelve books (4-Something So, 4-This Is, and 4-Only One) that have come before Only One Regret, it should be of no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed Cooper and Erika's story. How can I not love a book that features the friends to lovers trope? How can I not love a book that brings back so many familiar faces? How can I not love a book that makes me smile, swoon, and feel the emotions? I can't. I LOVED ONLY ONE REGRET! I (obviously) loved the characters. The setting was familiar, safe, and fun. The storyline entranced me. Seeing Matthew Stone act like the caveman that he is, had me laughing. That man has not changed one bit. Witnessing the banter between family members just brought me back to the beginning of the Something So series. Only One Regret was a reunion. It was a homecoming. It was needed. Not just by Cooper, but by me too. Getting to be reunited with these characters that I adore just makes me happy.  The one thing I wasn't expecting when heading back to Dallas, was the time jump that occurred. It had only been a few years, but still it made me pause. Knowing that Becca had stepped back from her role, and Erika had taken that over, I wasn't prepared. It wasn't a bad thing. Not at all. It just caught me off guard. I fully expected that from the way Only One Touch had ended, that we would pick up with Cooper's trade to Dallas. That wasn't the case. And that's fine. It's FINE. Moving on. I do love how the relationship between Cooper and Erika played out. I also love how the big Grant/Stone vacation showed just how much Cooper is like his dad. THAT had me rolling. The big dramatic moment for our couple, wasn't really that dramatic in my mind. To be honest, what happened is what I expected to happen. This moment was more like a little speed bump than a giant mountain that they had to climb. And that's okay. It worked for their story. In the end, it all worked out. Our couple walked away happy, and in love. Plus we had the set up for Only One Mistake featuring Michael Horton. (oooh I'm hoping for another family trip and/or get together!)

If you're like me, and have loved all of Natasha Madison's hockey romances, then it's a no-brainer that you need to read Only One Regret. If you're new to the hockey romances from Natasha Madison, don't feel like you need to start from the beginning with Cooper and Parker's story. Technically they are all meant to be standalones, but obviously you're going to see character crossover. So by starting from the beginning, you'll have the history, and know who these OG characters are as they make appearances here and there. I promise they are all quick reads. But if you'd rather jump in here with Cooper and Erika, that works too. Regardless, I truly hope that you'll read these books. They are some of my favorites.

Thank you for stopping by to read my random thoughts on the book. (and thank you for putting up with me laughing about Matthew Grant, and all his over the top ways.)

Laura

Cooper.

My name came with big skates to fill. .

At the top of my game, I had everything I wanted, or so I thought. .

Being traded to Dallas was not what I was expecting but neither were the divorce papers I was served. .

Now I’m a single dad in a city that isn’t my home. .

Erika.

Handed my biggest client when I was twenty-two made my dreams come true. .

Over time, our work relationship changed, and we grew closer, leaning on each other for support. .

He was my rock, my best friend..

Then one drunken night changed everything, and I saw what was in front of me all along. .

I just hope that when the dust settles, we won’t regret it.

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Meet Natasha Madison 

When her nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her...

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Thank you to Natasha Madison, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Only One Regret.

Saving Dani by Ellie Masters {a review}

Ellie Masters is back with another new release. Saving Dani is the latest addition to the One I Want series, and get ready reader friends because this one was so good. Although I feel like I say that about all the books in this series.

In Saving Dani, we meet Dani Studor and Alexander "Dax" Kingston. Dani is attending college to become a veterinarian, and this semester is winding down. Things are a bit rough with her fiancee, and Dani decides to end things once and for all. With spring break coming up, Dani decides to head home to spend time with her dad, and hopefully catch up with her friend Cate. Meanwhile, Dax's military career has just ended, and he's feeling a bit lost. He knows he should head home to Texas to be with his family, but the tension with his dad is keeping him away. He'll get there eventually, but first a road trip to see the US. Before he leaves on this road trip though, he visits a shelter, and ends up adopting the perfect dog for him. Together these two drive from Florida to Montana. Shortly after arriving to Bear Creek, Montana, Dax finds himself in the local diner where he overhears a conversation. Turns out one of the locals needs help during calving season, and well Dax is just the man for the job. A few days later Dax is driving along when he sees a vehicle on the side of the road, and a woman who appears to be struggling with changing a tire. He offers his assistance, she doesn't want it, but concedes that the lug nuts are too tight for her to release. And that is when Dani and Dax meet for the first time. No names are exchanged, and Dax drives off after loosening those lug nuts. Imagine his surprise the next morning when Dani finds him in the river where he's taking a quick bath. Friends, this is just the beginning of their story. Everything that happens during the river scene, to the discussion with her dad, to the fair, to her ex showing up, to the revelation of just who Dax is, it all just captures the readers attention.

Do I even need to say how much I enjoyed this book? Do I? Because I absolutely adored it. From the initial meet-cute on the side of the road, to the scene at the river, and every other part of the story, I was all in. I was drawn to Dax. There is something about him that just attracts you to him. There's a pull. Part of it may have been how he omitted little facts about who he is, the experience he has with cattle, his military background, and everything else that just makes Dax who he is. Dani is a strong, independent woman, who is capable of so much. Asking for help is something she isn't used to doing, and so she struggles with that. Dani is also a bit reserved about sensitive subjects, and gets uncomfortable when they are discussed. Together though, her and Dax are explosive. Dax brings out a side of Dani that she did not existed. The setting of Saving Dani is obviously gorgeous. I mean it's Montana, how can it not be? The characters of course drew me in, and I loved getting to reconnect with familiar faces from previous books. The story is so much more than just a love story. It's also about accepting the help that is offered to you, and trusting that you'll still be alright in the end. It is also about a family reconnecting, and moving on from the pains of the past. It's just so good.

You know I'm recommending this book, right? Of course you do. Whether you like small town romances, military romances, a bit of romantic suspense, somewhat of a forced proximity, or the feeling that the characters are soul mates, you need to read Saving Dani. Also, Saving Dani is the FOURTH book in the One I Want series, but it can be read as a standalone since each book focuses on a different couple. It's just that some of the characters you'll meet do have their own stories out there, so why not start from the beginning with Saving Ariel. I think you'll really enjoy them.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Saving Dani. It is a wonderful story, and I hope you'll give it a read.

Laura

BLURB

Air Force special ops, Dax Kingston is a military Pararescue Jumper who swoops in to save the day, rescue the wounded, and bring peace to the world. That is... until he becomes one of the wounded.

With his injuries, the Air Force sends him on his way and he’s left to say goodbye to the only life that ever mattered. Adrift without purpose, he takes his beat-up pickup truck and his trusty dog on the open road, looking for something, anything to ease his troubled mind.

What he doesn’t count on is the spitfire, slip of a girl he finds stranded on the side of the road. Dani hits all his buttons, takes none of his flack, and won’t let him fix her flat.

She makes him feel things he never thought he could feel, and while he’s determined to reel her in, she fights every step of the way.

Sparks fly. Tempers flare. But, he knows she’s his one.

There’s only one problem.

Dani's nursing a broken heart and wants nothing to do with love.

Will Dax and Dani lose their chance at a happily ever after? Or will true love prevail?

Saving Dani is 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. If you believe in true love and soulmates, this story is your happily ever after.

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

(Saving Dani was previously published as Dax.)

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

“I want sleepless nights and conversations without end. I want passion, madness, and someone who will make my entire body shiver with one look from across a crowded room. I want someone who will pull me close and make me feel as if I not only belong, but am an indispensable part of them. I want them to see my flaws, embrace them, and show me how they’re my greatest strengths. I want love without compromise. I want to face the storm and know I’m not alone. I don’t want an ordinary love. I want the impossible.”

I bare my soul, giving him everything in one breath. Then I sit still. My chest heaves. My heart pounds. Regret creeps into my thoughts.

What the hell have I done?

He says nothing, yet his thoughts are telegraphed in the movements of his body. In the tensing of his legs. In the way his breaths hitch. He tells me everything.

He splays his hand across my belly, keeping his touch modest and yet at the same time, incredibly sensual. Possessive. Protective.

Dax’s chest swells with the deepness of his breath, then it’s as if his entire body curves around mine, claiming me as his own.

He wraps his arms around me, sheltering me. The warmth of his breath whispers past my ear, sending a shiver down my spine and a tickle shooting up my neck.

I tilt my head back against his shoulder.

“That’s…” He clears his throat. “That’s not what I was expecting.” He tugs on the reins and his horse ambles to a stop. “Who hurt you? Who took your heart and broke it?”

ALSO AVAILABLE

FREE for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Always free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

COMING SOON

Releasing February 22

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Releasing July 31

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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.

Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. 

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK GROUP | AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER

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

Loyalty in the Shadows by Veronica Eden {cover reveal}

 

The bestselling Crowned Crows series from Veronica Eden continues with Book II, 𝙇𝙤𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨. Ready to go deeper into the shadows of the dark city full of secrets and power? They say crows have a long memory. Never cross a crow.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒖𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑?

 

𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢

Thorne Point sunk its claws in me at a young age.

I refused to let its harsh truths snuff out my light.

When an attempt to kidnap me is stopped, I know they’ll never give up.

The city’s seedy underbelly won’t let me escape forever.

My only choice is to run into the arms of monsters for safety.

The Crows have a terrifying reputation, and Levi Astor lives up to it.

But my protective monster will never be worse than the ones who buried their ugliness deep in me.

 

𝘓𝘦𝘷𝘪

𝘓𝘦𝘷𝘪 𝘈𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵.

Our unchallenged rule over this city is crumbling.

We’ll hunt down the ones behind this and make them pay.

𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦.

Guarding the senator’s daughter isn’t on my agenda, yet I couldn’t ignore her if I tried.

Sunshine might break through the shadows, but it will only illuminate what makes me a deadly monster.

Isla Vonn should run in the opposite direction instead of into my arms.

Because everyone fears the Leviathan in Thorne Point.

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Veronica Eden

Veronica Eden is an international bestselling author of dark new adult romances + reverse harem romances with spitfire heroines and irresistible heroes.

She loves exploring complicated feelings, magical worlds, epic adventures, and the bond of characters that embrace us against the world. She has always been drawn to gruff bad boys, clever villains, and the twisty-turns of morally gray decisions. She believes sometimes the villain should get the girl and is a sucker for a deliciously devilish antihero. 

Veronica also writes romance as Mara Townsend. 

When not writing, she can be found soaking up sunshine at the beach, snuggling in a pile with her untamed pack of animals (her husband, dog and cats), and surrounding herself with as many plants as she can get her hands on.

To learn more about Veronica Eden, visit here!

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