Cursed by K Loraine {a review}

"I wasn't her true love. I was her second choice. The safe choice."

Recently I've started stepping into the PNR world, and I am finding that I am liking it here. It's a nice little break from contemporary. Could I stay there permanently? No, I don't think I could, or would. I love contemporary way too much to just abandon it. 

My rating for Cursed:

Cursed pulled me in with the blurb, and I knew that I had to read it. The fact that Kim Loraine wrote it was just icing on the cake. Kim is one of my one click authors so it's of no surprise that I enjoyed the book. There is just something about Kim's storytelling that lures me in, and has me wanting to live in the worlds she creates.

I found myself really intrigued with everything that was happening throughout the book. From the reintroduction of Aurora and Philip, to the meetup at the castle, to the reveal of the curse, and everything else that happened with in this story, I did not want the story to end. The dragons were definitely a nice touch. Add in the familiar faces from The Mate Games series, and I was hooked.

Loved the little twists that Kim added to the Sleeping Beauty story, and how she brought it into a more modern setting. I am so ready for more PNR from this author.

If you think you might have read Cursed before, know that is a possibility. This book was previously released with the title of Twisted Slumber. No matter what though it's a good read! There's action, there's steam, and of course there is a happily ever after.

Go check out this novella! Especially if you've been wanting to check out paranormal romance, or the writing of K. Loraine. I think you'll enjoy it.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

 

My family is cursed, and I’m the next victim.

At least, that’s what my father believes. His obsession with the sleeping curse that took my mother has driven him mad.

Growing up as the daughter of Hollywood royalty put me constantly in the sights of paparazzi. So when an invitation to visit Prince Phillip of Ashea arrives, I jump at the chance to get away from the cameras. He’s the man I’ve wanted since we were both children.

But I’ve only ever had him once upon a dream.

My prince is everything I envisioned, but a dark brooding presence has worked his way between us. Malachi, his wicked step-brother, weaves his spell around me. I should choose Phillip, but I want Mal just as badly.

In the halls of the castle, I discover fate has plans for the three of us.

One of them is destined to save me. The other is my curse.
And me? I need them both.

Cursed is a menage Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist. Two dragons, one princess, and a destiny none of them can escape.

Thank you Kim Loraine for providing me with an advanced copy of Cursed!

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Therefore purchases made through the links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you for that!

All I Want by JH Croix {a review}

Haven’s Bay was the place I went when I needed to get away, although I hadn’t been here in almost four years. It was home in a way that nowhere else was.

All I Want is a 2017 release from author JH Croix. It is also the first book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series. The tropes in this book include best friend's sibling, age gap (10 years), second chance romance, and it is set in a small town. I went into this book expecting it to be similar pacing, and writing, to that of the various series set in Alaska. That isn't the case. Yes, the setting intrigued me. Something about Haven's Bay called to me, and I looked forward to exploring that little village.

My rating for All I Want:

Dallas and Audrey also grabbed my attention as this book features one of my favorite tropes (best friend's sibling). I was waiting to see how that would affect the storyline. When would Thea's friendship with Audrey come into play? Having read many of JH Croix's books that are set in Alaska, I thought I knew what to expect. After all JH has a way with those Alaska stories that just appeal to me.

All I Want had so much potential. SO MUCH! I mean we have an FBI Agent, we have his sister's best friend who just caught her fiancee in bed with another, it's holiday time, and we're in a small town. What could go wrong? It has all the makings of a Hallmark movie or even a Lifetime movie! That being said, All I Want was extremely slow. Not slow burn slow, just slow. There was almost too much detail and a lot of that detail wasn't necessarily pertinent to the storyline. Or at least not from my perspective. Even the time that Audrey and Dallas spent together wasn't anything that memorable. Honestly, the majority of their time together seemed to be of the intimate variety.  

With the recent break-ins in the Haven's Bay community, I thought that Dallas would be involved in the manhunt. Why? No clue, it's just where my brain went. I wasn't expecting a workaholic who couldn't even enjoy a vacation. My heart broke for Audrey and the situation she found herself in with her ex. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Yet she didn't seem as heartbroken about it, and it was almost more of a relief. In my mind I had expected that she and Dallas would get out and get reacquainted with this community that they grew up in. Especially since it was supposedly Christmas time.  

When it's all said and done, All I Want left me a bit disappointed.

Am I still going to read All I Need, All We Have, and All We Are? Oh absolutely. I'm not letting this one slow paced book deter me. I'm curious about Dallas's siblings, and what brings them back to Haven's Bay.

Have you read All I Want? What were your thoughts on it? Did I just go in with too high of expectations?

Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Dallas

One kiss that burned so hot, I never forgot. Five years later. Audrey… so beautiful she takes my breath away and my sister’s best friend. I was half in love with her for years.

I moved on, and so did she. The universe rolled the dice. A dark, snowy night—no joke—I find her walking through the darkness. Christmas is right around the corner.

She’s so tempting, I can hardly think. Maybe rules are meant to be broken. Maybe second chances are real.

Audrey

I’ve fantasized about Dallas for years. One wild kiss. Five years ago. I’ve never forgotten it.

He’s tall, dark and dangerous…for real. FBI Agent, broody, handsome and distant. He couldn’t be bothered with me. Maybe because he thought I was too young. I’m not anymore.

*A full-length standalone romance.

Note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above will allow me to earn a small commission. So thank you for any purchases you make. I appreciate it.

Making the Cut by JS Wood {a review}

I wanted to be the one person in the world she couldn't live without. I wanted to be her everything.

Making the Cut is the third book in the Average Gents series from author J.S. Wood. This new release features the brother's best friend trope, a fake relationship, and these two going from friends to lovers. After losing her job, Viv finds the perfect opportunity to work for the competitor. There's just one catch, all employees must be in a committed relationship. Now Viv has to find someone to be her better half. Enter Archer. Archer is Viv's brother's best friend, and Archer is volunteering for the job. After all he's been in love with Viv for the majority of his life. This assignment should be a walk in the park.

My rating for Making the Cut:

We've gotten to know Archer and Viv a bit while they've circled around in the back of the other books in this series. Now it's their time to shine.

While this starting off as a fake relationship, Archer isn't looking at it like that. In his mind, this is his shot, and he's taking it. This attraction isn't one sided though. Not by any means. In fact these two have been gone for each other for many years. So that just adds to the tension. So dang good. Then there's the fact that they're trying to keep it quiet from the friend group, and more so Viv's brother.

The beginning of the book had me feeling for Archer. You could tell he was struggling. The fake relationship came at the perfect time as it gave him something positive to focus on. For Viv having to start over wasn't ideal, but this new opportunity seemed right up her alley. Even if it did require her to find a fake fiancee.

Everything that happened in Making the Cut goes to show how important communication is. Not to mention finding those moments where you can squeeze in time for your partner when life is extremely busy. Had that line of communication been a constant for Viv and Archer, I feel like they wouldn't have had as many issues as they did. But that's just my take.

I loved how supportive Archer was when it came to Viv. Well even to his friends in general. He is the perfect cheerleader for he holds dear.

I feel like this book is quite possibly my favorite of the series thus far. Now that could change, but it might not. I was just drawn to this couple, and the fact that their story features one of my favorite tropes helps a lot.

Okay but one thing I do not like, and it has to be said, is the cover. I'm sorry, but no. Just no. It is way too bright, and I'm just not digging the Green Bay Packers color scheme. Also that is not how I picture Viv at all. Dark hair? Yep. Curvier body? Perfect. The outfit though? No. The hairstyle? Again no. Even just the stance. Sigh. I really feel like a neutral cover would have been better. Or something not so vibrant. But that's just me, and I'm one person.

Bring on the next in the series!

Laura

Amazon | Goodreads

Archer Moore has a secret.

Since he was fifteen-years-old, he’s kept the fact that he was in love with his best friends little sister to himself, never wanting to ruin things if the secret came out.

Now, she needs a fake fiancé to help her secure a new job and Archer is ready to step up.

Viviana Capello is in a bind.

For years she’s worked to build her reputation as one of the best marketing agents in Denver. When her callous boss fires her without cause, she goes to their biggest competitor.

However, this new boss is unconventional and Viviana knows that having a partner will give her a leg up.

But when her ex crush and brothers best friend volunteers to help her out, feelings start to rise to the surface again.

Thank you JS Wood, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Making the Cut.

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Therefore purchases made through the links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you for that!

Playboy's Reward by Gina Azzi {a review}

Damien Barnes is more than distracting. He's downright captivating and he knows it.

It is release day for Playboy's Reward! This is the fourth book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series from Gina Azzi, and I am loving it. This book may start off as a fake relationship, but it quickly moves away from that. These two neighbors are blurring those fake lines, and falling hard for each other. That is until insecurity rears its ugly head, and puts up a giant roadblock. 

My rating for Playboy's Reward:

Gina Azzi continues to pull me in with her storytelling, as well as the characters she creates. From the Hawks, to the Thunderbolts, to all the other characters Gina has created, I cannot get enough.

We first meet Harper at her apartment where she learns her mother has already RSVP'd Harper for her 10 year high school reunion. Harper has been avoiding that, and does not want to attend. Especially since her ex-boyfriend, and ex-best friend will both be in attendance. Harper doesn't want the drama that will surely happen. It is shortly there after when Damien casually throws out that he'll go with her as her date. What started as a neighbor helping a neighbor by being the date for a high school reunion, quickly morphed into an actual relationship. Could this fake turned real relationship survive? Or would it go up in smoke before it has any true potential?

I loved this story. I loved the characters. I loved everything that they had to go through to get their happily ever after. I loved the community that Harper eventually found, and the support system that established itself. I loved the 180 that Damien's family did. I loved the banter between Harper and Damien. Sean is pretty much the worst, and has some entitlement issues going, but he's the ex for a reason. 

Speaking of Sean...Every scene that he appeared in had me cringing. There was just something about him that didn't sit right. Thankfully the right people were by Harper's side to shut him down. As for Harper's best friend, I'm glad that closure happened there. Can that friendship be reestablished? Only time will tell, but I have hope for them both.

Then there is Damien's family. That was a really interesting dynamic. There was a lot going on there, and I don't think we even delved into the majority of it. Clearly there are some family issues happening. From miscommunication, to substance abuse, to a marriage in trouble, to high expectations, and it could have been so much worse. Yet the family found their way out of that hole, and have come out the other side.

You may notice that I didn't say a whole lot about Harper and Damien directly. It's hard to put them into words, as they just fit perfectly together. They are both hard working, driven, passionate, determined, and not willing to put up with much BS. Now are they my favorite couple of the Thunderbolts fandom? No, they're not. But they are still wonderful. (My favorite Thunderbolts couple is currently Maisy and Axel from Brawler's Weakness.)

Throughout Playboy's Reward we frequently were surrounded by players from the Knoxville Coyotes. Now I have to know if Gina Azzi is going to write the Coyotes series or not! I mean we've met numerous characters, and it just feels as though the stage has been set for us to stay in Tennessee but switch sports. PLEASE PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE! THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN! I will scream about it until it becomes reality.

Head over to your preferred e-book retailer and read Playboy's Reward. The story is good. It's friends to lovers, it's fake dating, and it's hockey romance! It's delightful. Oh, and did you know that the cover model for this book is Gina's husband? It is!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads

It was supposed to be a favor between neighbors…

When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I intervene. I volunteer to be her date to her ten-year high school reunion. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy and I make an exceptional plus-one.

Being Harper's fake date is easy. Pretending not to fall for her when our innocent kisses turn passionate is a little more challenging.

But when Harper returns the fake date favor and accompanies me to my parents’ anniversary party, everything changes. She garners my dad’s respect and eases the familial pressure I drown under. She makes me crave the things I used to laugh off.

Tangling up with Harper was supposed to be a fun way to pass the summer. So, why does it feel like she’s the real prize? The elusive, fleeting kind of real I’ve avoided for years?

And how can I prove that this playboy wants a different kind of reward? One that sounds a lot like commitment…

Thank you to Gina Azzi, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Playboy's Reward.

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you!

Real Like Daydreams by J Wolf {a review}

"I'll stand on your battlefield with you until you see what's real and not what your mind is telling you."

Julia Wolf is back with the fourth installment of the Savage U series! Real Like Daydreams is Julien's journey toward healing and a happily ever after. This book is filled with discussions of mental health, a serious accident, family issues, and people who don't always have your best interest in mind. Julien and Sera's story is emotional, intense, steamy, and it's simply amazing.

My rating for Real Like Daydreams:

Oh how I loved this story!

Julien has been on my radar since Bright Like Midnight. Everything that happened, especially at the end of that book, had me wanting to know what would happen next for him. Then when he became a more central figure in Sweet Like Poison, I was hopeful that Julien would get his story told.

Here we are in Real Like Daydreams, and it was everything I was expecting! Julien's life has not been an easy one, and add that accident on top if it all, ugh. My heart breaks for him. His meet cute with Sera was simple, but effective. It set that stage perfectly. That meet cute played on in my memory throughout the book. Especially with the text messages.

Now did I like the reason behind the fake relationship? No, absolutely not. BUT the way it was handled? YES! So good. Also, Carson is seriously the worst. Okay it's a toss up between him and Sera's ex.Well I mean, then there's Phe, and she isn't my favorite either. But I digress.

Real Like Daydreams honestly felt like watching a tv show. Seeing all of these bits and pieces play out, how those affected the storyline, how it pushed and pulled the characters, I couldn't get enough.

There were moments in this story that were so heated in conversation. You could feel that honesty, that pain, all the emotions just pouring off the pages.

Sera and Jules...love them together.

Sera explaining her past, and everything she dealt with tugged on my heartstrings. Then to see that relationship with her mom and sister play out...heartbreak. Add in the ex, and the ex's best friend? More devastation.

Then there's Julien...that sweet man. You can practically see the shield he has put into place. Plus that pulling away from his closest friends? My heart cannot take it! Not to mention the drama with his dad, and then that pesky little brother. Okay the little brother is pretty cool in the grand scheme of things.

Watching both of these characters go through the rough patches, fight their way out, and work toward that healing? Amazing. They are fighters through and through, and are determined to find a way out of the darkness.

That set up for the spin off series? I cannot wait! One because we'll get to see this group again. Two because we've met the characters for the first book, but we don't fully know their stories yet. I just know when they come together it's going to be intense.

Have you discovered the Savage U series yet? If you haven't, I highly suggest that you do. While some of the books have darker elements, this one did not. This one was much more emotional since it was more mental health based. Regardless all four books in this series have been amazing, and I have fallen for the characters.

Let me know if you pick up Real Like Daydreams. I'd love to hear your thoughts on everything that Julien and Sera have been going through.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Seraphina…that’s a big name.


The first time I laid eyes on Julien Umbra, he made me cry.

That makes him sound mean, but grumpy would be more of an apt description. Besides, I always cry when I’m drunk.

Hate is a strong, strong word.

I’m back for another semester at Savage U, nursing a bruised heart and shattered ego. That’s what happens when your ex cheats and everyone knows.

Worse than that, the girl my ex told me not to worry about and then banged is vying for the one thing I want: drum captain of the marching band.

Pretend all you want to.

I have a chance to get what I want, there’s just one little thing I have to do: fake date the grumpy guy in the hoodie. The one who sits alone at the front of the class and growls at anyone who speaks to him.

But Julien doesn’t growl at me, and to my surprise, he agrees to be my fake boyfriend.

Breaking the already broken…

Julien is scarred in more ways than one, but he’s not as broken as he thinks he is. There's something about him that draws me in.

I like him, and the longer we do this, it starts to feel like it’s not for show.

All of this is fleeting.

I have to remember this is fake.

When I get what I want, Julien and I will walk away from each other.

The song will end.

But what if all I want is Julien?

Thank you to Julia Wolf, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Real Like Daydreams.

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you!