Gold Lust by Aleatha Romig {a review}

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a brand-new age-gap, family saga, chance meeting, contemporary romantic-suspense novel in the world of high finance, where success is sweet and revenge is sweeter.  GOLD LUST is a full-length novel and book three of the Sin Series that began with RED SIN, continued with GREEN ENVY and GOLD LUST, and will conclude with BLACK KNIGHT.

Gold Lust is absolutely amazing! It picks up right where Green Envy left off, and I could not put this book down. From start to end, I was all in. I loved being back in this world, and finding out what happened after Green Envy finished. And if you've read Green Envy, then you know the cliffhanger we were left with. Damn.

Here's the thing, A LOT happened in Gold Lust. It's intense. It is suspenseful. It has you questioning even more things. Then we are once again left with a cliffhanger! And that cliffhanger? Aleatha is excellent at those, because I need to know what happened next! Now I sit and wait for Black Knight.

While I gained more information about Van, I still have numerous questions. Not just about him, but the Butlers, the McGraths, Lena, Madison, and Philip. Then there are a couple of Van's employees that have raised some flags for me. I'm not certain they are working in Van's best interest, but rather that of another. Also, Greensphere. What is that all about? Who is behind it? I mean I have a gut feeling, but...

I know I didn't talk about much with this book. Honestly since this is a continuation of a storyline, it's a bit more difficult to review. There's too many chances of spoilers being revealed, and that's the last thing I want to do. What I can tell you is that this book holds you captive. Aleatha's storytelling draws you in, and there's just this desire to know more. What happened? Who are these people? Who's behind it all? Not to mention, can Van and Julia get their happily ever after, or will something (or someone) continue to block them? It's all very intriguing.

Rating wise, I gave Gold Lust 4.5 stars. It is absolutely fabulous. I love the setting. The characters have me curious. That storyline just continues to build, and it's about to explode. I CANNOT wait for Black Knight.

Thank you for taking the time to read my abbreviated, and cryptic thoughts on Gold Lust. If you are someone who enjoys billionaire romances, forced proximity, a suspenseful story that is filled with twists and turns, then you need to read the Sin series. 

Laura

Sexy, mysterious, with secrets hiding in the darkest of shadows, Donovan Sherman has stopped at nothing to achieve success. No one was immune.

One snowy night, his world and his life changed when he found Julia McGrath at the side of the road.

Finders keepers.

With Julia’s happiness as his new goal, he must keep his past hidden. Unfortunately, the casualties he’s left in his wake are back to threaten the life and love he never thought he’d have.

Will Donovan’s sins destroy their future?

Can Julia navigate the unfamiliar landscape where lust is more precious than gold?

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Meet Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

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Thank you to Aleatha Romig, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Gold Lust.

Shed My Skin by Nola Marie {a review}

Shed My Skin by Nola Marie is a must read for all rockstar romance fans, and it is now available! Shed My Skin is the first half of Maddox Masters story, and it is the fifth book in the Sons of Sin series. While you don't need to read the previous four books, I think it's beneficial so that you can witness Maddox in the other books. It will give you a better understanding of who he, the things he has been through, and how that has gotten him to this point. All of the books in the series are fabulous, and I am hooked. Keep in mind that this book DOES end in a cliffhanger. 

Seeing as how this book takes place after Break Me Down, I cannot recap Shed My Skin without giving spoilers for Ryder's book. So I'm just going to refer you to the description that Nola wrote (it's down below), and call it good. One thing I do want to mention is that there are trigger/content warnings for this book!

This book contains violence, explicit sex, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, suicide, child abuse, and sexual assault. Discretion is strongly advised.

Let's get my rating out of the way right from the get go. I gave Shed My Skin 4.5 stars. Maddox's story is dark. It is tragic. It is full of pain, and heartache. But at the same time we see Maddox falling for someone, and it's freaking him out because it isn't Zoey. Shed My Skin also shows us what it is Maddox is struggling with, and it isn't just the addictions he's battled for a while. It's deeper than that.

Holy hell that was a ride, and now I have to wait until Nola releases Breathe Again so I can find out how Maddox's story concludes. How does he get out of this dark space he is in? Does he come out of this working toward a future, or are we saying goodbye to a character? I refuse to believe that Nola would write off a character, so I'm thinking good things.

I knew that Maddox's story was going to be dark, and full of painful moments. I wasn't expecting him to have dealt with the things he did. His past is full of twists, turns, drama, and trauma. In this book we walk through all of that with him as he writes his "goodbye" to those he holds dear. It is very eye opening, and it has me viewing Maddox in a different light. 

One thing that was shared was everything that happened with Zoey. This has me understanding it so much more, and it all breaks my heart. Their relationship/friendship endured so much. Yes there was good moments, but there were also painful ones. I'm also better understanding the relationship with Ryder. It's all making sense. It's coming into focus, and the puzzle pieces are fitting together. Things with Bastian are making sense as well. Basically this book answers a lot of questions regarding Maddox's life. Which up until this point has been a mystery.

This story alternates back and forth between time frames. One moment you'll be in the present, at others you'll be back a few weeks, or even many years. Nola Marie does an excellent job of reminding you of the the time that you are in. All of the back and forth just helps to explain Maddox. His life hasn't been sunshine and rainbows. There are a lot of grey clouds in his world, and quite a few storms have passed through. 

The way this book ends, has me eagerly anticipating the second half of the story. There is a tentative release date of January 2023 (sigh), but I did see that Nola said on her Facebook page that it will be sooner than that. So just know that Breathe Again will be on an anticipated reads list eventually.

One thing I wanted to touch on was the mental health aspect of Shed My Skin. As I was reading the story, and we flashed back to his childhood, I honestly saw the signs of ADHD in him. I feel that there are potential other potential diagnoses that could be given, but that stood out to me immediately. Maybe it's because I have a child with ADHD that I just recognized it. I will say that his childhood did not set him up in a way to understand what was happening, or gave him any coping skills. Then there is the family medical history that was touched on. Again, had he received services for how to work with it all, or even therapy, maybe he wouldn't have gotten to this point. Maddox's life has not been easy. Not at all. But he also hasn't been taught the skills he needs to work through the highs and lows of his mental health. I think that is something that a lot of us can relate to. Especially as we move out of this ordeal we've been in for the last two years where a lot of us have learned more about ourselves.

I truly loved Maddox's story. I was a nervous wreck for a lot of it. It comes down to the fact that this character has me on edge. Witnessing him share his story, and everything that he has been through is just so hard hitting. It is dark, and it take a lot out of you. But as the book ends, you're left in this moment of wanting nothing but the best for Maddox. You're wanting him to come out the other side, and find the happiness that so deserves. To find the love that he so deserves. To have his person walking along side of him through the highs and lows.

Thank you for reading my thoughts on Shed My Skin. If you've read the previous books in the Sons of Sin series, then you need to read Maddox's story. It's a wild ride. Take breaks as needed. In the end, you'll understand him. Thank you Nola for sharing Maddox's story. I know it couldn't have been easy to write.

Laura

Cover Art: Nola Marie & Daria Loshlin
Photograph: Vologymyr, Canva

I'm tired.

Tired of the spotlight. Tired of fighting my demons. The guilt and shame have become too heavy to continue. It's time for me to go. Though my grip slips more each day, I need to hold on just a little longer. I need them to know the truth. That this fight was never theirs. My soul mate. My brother. My protector. And her. My Canary, my heart. My lullaby with whiskey eyes. I love you with all that's within me. I just wish I had more than darkness to offer.

This road has been long and winding
And I’m too tired to go on
Pain and sorrow have haunted me
Guilt and regret fill my mind
I can’t go on, I can’t keep fighting
This is my goodbye but it’s only for a little while
You were the one who kept me afloat
For you have I tried to keep breathing
But these ghosts haunt my soul and mind
This may be my last note
But from you, I’ll never be far
This is goodbye but it’s only for a little while
It won’t be long now but don’t shed a tear
Don’t cry for me or mourn my name
Cause I will always be with you
Even after I’m gone
My last song is goodbye but it’s only for a little while

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About the Author

Nola Marie has been writing her entire life but has authored nine books in the last year, four of which are published as her steamy mafia romance series, The Men of River City. Currently she is working on her Sons of Sin series which promises to be just as bold and exciting.

She also holds a bachelors degree in IT Management and an MBA in Leadership and Strategy. 

She has spent her entire life in Louisiana, and absolutely loves everything about it from the crawfish to the swamps. She has a hard-working, completely devoted husband that encourages her to do what makes her happy, three smart, kind, intelligent children that are her best friends, and an assortment of pets. 

When not spending time with her family, she reads, writes, listens to music, doing amateur graphic design, and plays video games.

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Thank you Nola Marie for providing me with an advanced copy of Shed My Skin.

My Scorned Best Friend by Piper Rayne {cover reveal}

I'm a little giddy right now.

Piper Rayne has just revealed the cover for My Scorned Best Friend.

This is Clara and Xavier's story.

If you've read the Greene Family series, then you know, YOU KNOW, things have been tense between the two. You know they are more frenemies than friends. But we don't know why. Heck the Greene siblings don't know. Well on July 12, we will all know what went down. We will all get to witness these two best friends overcome what ever issue they had, and FINALLY get together.

Cover Design: By Hang Le

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

 

Xavier and Clara kissing in a tree...

When your best friend growing up is a girl, that's the song your classmates taunt you with over and over again. But it was never like that... until now.

It's always been Clara and me. She's the only one who truly knows me. After I was drafted into the NFL and ended up the starting quarterback for the San Francisco Kingsmen, I begged her to come with me. But she had her own life and responsibilities back in our small Alaskan town, so I didn't fault her for staying.

We remained the best of friends despite the distance. I'd hang with her in Alaska during the off season, and she'd visit me in California while I was playing. Then, one night the lines blurred for the briefest of moments and set in motion a series of events that changed everything.

I'm not proud of the decisions I made after that fateful night, and I plan on making amends, because I need Clara back in my life. But not as my best friend--as my everything.

 

Pre-order your copy today on Amazon, Apple Books, Nook, Kobo, or Google Play!

Coming soon to Audible!

 
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Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we're not one author, we're two. Yep, you get two USA Today Bestselling authors for the price of one. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). 

A little about us.... We both have kindle's full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too. 

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Nothing Feels Better by Brit Benson {cover reveal}

Nothing Feels Better is the third interconnected standalone in the Better Love series by Brit Benson. 

This single-parent, opposites attract romance is sassy, sexy, and has a guaranteed HEA. I am so excited for this book! Based on the blurb it is also sounding a bit like an age gap.

I've read the previous two books in the series, but Brit says it is not necessary to read the other books in the Better Love series in order to enjoy Nothing Feels Better.

 Release Date: May 23

Cover Design: Murphy Rae

Cover Image: Lindee Robinson Photography

Jesse Hernandez has infiltrated my life.

 

The gorgeous, exciting, genius of a man who hangs out next door.

Who happens to be younger than me.

And in college.

And heading to medical school in just a few short months.

 

It started innocently enough.

The occasional run-in.

A few chance encounters.

An offer to babysit.

An offer for…more.

 

But then it snowballed.

 

Now, I only know two things for certain.

One, for the first time in my entire life, I’m not an afterthought.

And two, this will end very, very badly.

 

My kids. My job. His future.

It’s all at risk.

 

Jesse Hernandez has infiltrated my life, and if I’m not careful, we will all be in tatters when he leaves.

****

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Meet Brit Benson

Brit Benson writes romance novels that are sassy, sexy, and sweet.

When she’s not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she’s reading. 

When she’s not reading, she’s probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods.

Brit currently resides somewhere near the Blue Ridge Parkway with her husband, daughters, and dogs.

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April Anticipated Reads

I cannot even begin to wrap my head around the fact that I am talking about my anticipated reads for the month of April. How? How are we at that point?

April has a lot of new releases that I am beyond excited about. One thing you'll notice is that all the books I am excited about are part of various series. If you know me at all, you know that series are my weakness, and I always gravitate toward them.

This month there are a couple series concluding (Only One and Vegas Aces: The Tight End), one just getting started, and of course numerous others in progress. 

You may notice that I have Caught Looking by Aven Ellis listed for April. Aven has said, in her Facebook group, that it WILL be an April release! When in April? No clue. Doesn't matter. I will read it, and I am sure I will love it. It's a book by Aven, and I almost always love her stuff.

So what books, besides Caught Looking, are on my list? Let's take a peek!