Prince of Hawthorne Prep by Jennifer Sucevic {a review}

Revenge.
Austin doesn't want me.
He wants vengence.
I'm just the instrument he'll use to achieve it.

Jennifer Sucevic is back with another installment in the Hawthorne Prep series! King of Hawthorne Prep and Queen of Hawthorne Prep both focus on Kingsley and Summer's story. Now though it's time to officially meet Austin Hawthorne, and see what happens with Delilah. I should mention I haven't read Kingsley and Summer's story, so I don't know everything that happened there. What I can tell you is that to fully understand everything that is about to go down in Prince of Hawthorne Prep, it might be best to pick those two up. I did not. I chose to go in not knowing anything, and I still enjoyed the story. But believe me when I say I will be going back to read the previous two books.

My rating for Prince of Hawthorne Prep:

4.5 stars

Wow, what a story! In the beginning I was livid. Jasper immediately rubbed me the wrong way. His mask was slipping, and you could see the villain starting to appear. The fact that he can so easily switch between personalities is a bit scary. One minute he's showing his true self to Delilah, and the next he's putting on the charm with adults and friends. 

Every scene with Jasper and Delilah had me on edge. It wasn't that it was making me uncomfortable, it's more so that I could tell the person who he truly is. Yet some how he's at the top of the food chain. When Austin begins to come around, you can feel the pull that he and Delilah have. You can also feel the pure rage and jealousy vibrating off of Jasper. You can also feel the shift that is about to happen.

I was proud of Delilah for standing up for herself, and also getting herself out of that situation. I liked that Austin was her protector in that moment.

The scene at the fundraising event really ticked me off. I could not believe when all of that happened, and how it affected both relationships. Then to have it turn even darker. As I was reading that scene I was expecting something to go down, but I wasn't expecting that. Then add on that it was marked as no big deal? WHAT? HOW? What sort of blackmail does this person have on the powers that be? UGH.

So much happens in this book that I can't even put it into words. I could not put the book down though. I wanted to find out what happened next. And before I knew it the book was over. Let me tell you, I was not prepared for this book to end with that cliffhanger! I knew a cliffhanger was going to take place, but I did not expect that!! Now I need to google and find out when Princess of Hawthorne Prep releases. (psst: it's February 10 2023)

Here are my random thoughts as I was reading Prince of Hawthorne Prep: 

• Jasper just needs to go away!
• Delilah's mom...WHAT ON EARTH?!? I mean that about a few things. I just can't with her.
• Things with Austin didn't really start the best way, but dang has their story grabbed hold of me.
• Hawthorne Prep is an interesting place, and definitely not a safe space for outsiders.
• Everything that happened at that party? OH MY WORD! I can't. If what happened is what I'm imagining, NO!
• I need Princess of Hawthorne Prep ASAP, as I need to know what happens next!

I went through a wide variety of emotions as I read. I still can't get over it. That cliffhanger is going to haunt me until I read Princess of Hawthorne Prep.

Now before you decide whether or not to read this book, and get invested in the world, I do want to mention that there are content warnings for this story. The author doesn't specifically call them out, but in my opinion, you will find emotional and mental abuse, attempted sa, and drugging through a beverage. If those are not something you feel comfortable reading, then I suggest passing on this book. 

Prince of Hawthorne Prep pulled me in, and I cannot wait to return to this world. Not only to find out what happens next with Delilah, Austin, and Jasper, but also to read Kingsley and Summer's story. Oh I also feel that there is another duet in the works, or at least an additional standalone. Once you read the book, you'll know which characters I'm referring to.

If opposites attract, bully romances, sports (football) romances, enemies to lovers, high school setting, and/or love triangles are tropes you read, then add Prince of Hawthorne Prep to your TBR!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Betrayal. Blackmail. Revenge.

How is it that those three words now rule my life?

Welcome to the world of Hawthorne Prep. A seemingly idyllic school where ivy clings to the thick stone walls and a wrought iron gate keeps out the townies who can’t afford to foot the hefty price tag.

Except…I’m one of those townies.

I don’t belong here.

Most of the time, I feel like an outsider with her face smashed against a windowpane while staring inside. It’s a lonely feeling. One I’ve gotten used to. There are times when I secretly wonder if I’ll make it through senior year intact.

But then someone comes along and turns my world upside down and inside out. He makes me feel things I never dreamed possible. There’s a possessiveness to the way he watches me, and it sets my nerves on edge.

Especially when it’s in front of my boyfriend.

The one I desperately want to break up with.

The very same one who will make my life hell if I try to pull the plug.

Steering clear of Austin Hawthorne is my only option. A little attempt at self-preservation. For both our sakes.

One night changes everything between us and has me believing in the possibility of something more.
Just as swiftly as I’m given hope, it all comes crashing down around my head, making me a pawn in a game between two boys who will stop at nothing to take each other down.

Prince of Hawthorne Prep is book one in a duet and not a standalone novel. The completed duet is a standalone story within the Hawthorne Prep series and will conclude with Princess of Hawthorne Prep. You do not need to have read the previous books in this series to enjoy this duet.

Thank you Jennifer Sucevic, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced copy of the Prince of Hawthorne Prep.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Lukas, Sometimes by Tempest Phan {a review}

"He tasted like torture. He tasted like sin. He tasted like everything I shouldn't have, he tasted like my downfall."

Lukas, Sometimes is the second book in the Art of Sinners series from author Tempest Phan. 

My rating for Lukas, Sometimes:

As I started reading Lukas, Sometimes I debated on whether or not it was the right book for me. It was just starting off so slowly, and I didn't feel anything for these two characters. Now maybe if I had read Damien, Forever things would be different. It wasn't until about 25% through the book that things began to pick up. Yet there was still that thought in the back of my mind that I should walk away. I still wasn't sold. 

Still I pushed through, and was determined to see the book to the end.

I have mixed feelings.

On one hand, I really enjoyed the suspense that was written in. That was an unexpected surprise. At one point I thought I knew who was behind it all, but I was wrong. It happens. When it was revealed though, it all made sense. Had I been paying closer attention I would have figured it out. But I was so focused on other parts of the storyline that I kind of glossed over the "proof".

As for the romance between Lukas and Lily, it was decent. Personally I didn't feel their connection. Lukas came across as an ass, and quite pushy. Whereas Lily was quieter, uncertain, and eager to please. It all felt a bit forced to me.

The pacing of this book was slow. For me there was too much explanation, filler moments, and internal dialogue. The description of the book is what appealed to me, and I thought for sure I would enjoy it. Did I enjoy it? Kind of. I feel like Saint might have been a better fit of for Lily. But Saint doesn't have the billionaire lifestyle happening, so there's that.

All in all the story was decent. I might give the author another try, but as of right now, I can't guarantee that.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads

A billionaire romance with a touch of angst, a hint of forced proximity, and a whole lot of heat.

LILY
There once was a prince, in a bungalow by the sea…

He’s the ocean roaring into my life, an ocean whose depths I can’t resist even though I must. I want him, but I’m not supposed to want more. And yet, when I look at him, this damaged artist, this kindred soul who paints my dark world with his laughter and his pain, I want to give in…But I can’t, not when I’m not the one he sees, not when doing so would mean losing my voice all over again.

There once was a prince, in a bungalow by the sea.
But he's not my prince; he never was for me.


LUKAS
Along came a pixie, in a faded hoodie…

She’s the wave crashing through my world, the wave that brought me to my knees and threatens to sweep me under. I want her, but I’m not supposed to want more. And yet, when I look at her, this paperbag princess, this impossible minx who dances her way into my dark, I start to lose control... But I can’t, not when I have nothing left to give, not when doing so would mean digging into the wounds of my past all over again.

Along came a pixie, in a faded hoodie.
Just a minx, a pixie… and she’s all that I see.

The ART OF SINNERS Series... An exquisite fall from grace.

Thank you Tempest Phan, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Lukas, Sometimes.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

The Mistletoe Bet by Maren Moore {a review}

I hate the holidays. Actually,  I loathe them. Call me Scrooge. The Grinch. The Girl who hates Christmas.

Maren Moore just released an adorable, yet steamy, holiday novella! The Mistletoe Bet proves that a lot can happen in a week, and Quinn is about to find that out firsthand. Especially since she just agreed to a bet with Parker. Who wins the bet? You'll have to read the story to find out.

My rating for The Mistletoe Bet:

It should be known that I have absolutely enjoyed every book that I have read from Maren Moore. So I went into The Mistletoe Bet with high expectations. Maren did not disappoint. I enjoyed every single minute of this novella, and have found myself wishing it was a full length book.

Not only did it feature one of my favorite tropes, but I just loved how the heroine was this grinchy grump who suddenly despised Christmas. Then there was the bet that was made, and I just fell hard. I wanted to see how Parker would have her rediscovering her Christmas spirit, and of course what it would take for these two to fall head over heals in love. 

I loved every single date/adventure that they went on. Those moments together definitely set the stage for a relationship. Oh, and that night at the Parker's office?

Then there was that moment when I literally gasped because two characters from the Totally Pucked series made an appearance. I may have been a little giddy about that, as I love when previous characters make appearances in other books. It's like a little easter egg.

The Mistletoe Bet is an adorable story that is filled with our heroine returning home for a week with the family, our hero trying to change the heroine's mind, plenty of dates, and not to mention, a lot of steamy moments. I don't know how Maren squeezed all of this into a novella, but she did. 

This book is one to read this holiday season. I highly suggest either downloading a copy immediately, or at least adding it to your TBR. If you've set a reading goal for 2022, and are a bit behind, grab some novellas to catch up!

Happy Reading,
Laura

 

Amazon | Goodreads

Everyone says “there’s no place like home”… well not for me.

When I’m forced to spend the holidays at home with my family in Strawberry Hollow, I have no idea how I’m even going to survive the week, let alone make it through my least favorite holiday… Christmas.

That is until I run into my childhood crush, and my brother’s best friend, Parker Grant.

Now, he’s the sexy, off-limits doctor in our small town, and nothing like the man I left behind six years ago.

While I hate the holidays, there is nothing that he loves more.

Well, other than a good bet...

Which is exactly what happens when we end up together under the mistletoe.

A bet that changes everything.

He asks for the next seven days to change my mind about Christmas.

But seven days alone with Parker is more than either of us bargained for.

He gives the season of giving a whole new meaning…

Maybe home really is where the heart is.  

Thank you Maren Moore for providing me with an advanced copy of The Mistletoe Bet!

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

No Mistake by Lisa Suzanne {a review}

"That's all I've ever wanted. A lifetime of laughter, of peace and harmony." 

Oh, this freaking series! Lisa Suzanne continues to lure me in, have me falling for the characters, and then torturing me with cliffhanger after cliffhanger. I don't put up with this from just anyone. Yet I do for her as the stories are like a miniseries that used to air on TV back when I was little. Tristan and Tessa's story is only 5 episodes long, but I cannot wait for the next "episode" to release. I'm a bit obsessed. Thankfully the next book, Favorite Mistake, is the finale, so all my questions should be answered!

My rating for No Mistake:

Friendly reminder that Vegas Aces: The Wide Receiver is a continuing storyline. So that means 2 things; 1) if you haven't read the other books in the series don't read this review, and 2) I have to be careful with what I say, so that I don't spoil anything. Believe me when I say that holding back is difficult, as there is so much I want to say! Especially with how No Mistake ended. My lips are sealed.

When Honest Mistake ended the way it did, I immediately had a couple thoughts going through my head. Obviously I can't say them, because spoilers. BUT in No Mistake we find out what happened with all of that. I am thankful that the scenarios I had playing out in my head were 100% wrong.

This book was a major turning point in Tristan and Tessa's story. We find out things about Stephanie. We find out more about Coax. We find out more about that social media account that is impersonating one of our main characters. There is so much revealed in this book. It's mind blowing.

We may have found out a lot of information, but that doesn't mean it was drama free. Oh not by any means. Especially if that ending was any indication. And of freaking course that cliffhanger had to involve that trio. UGH.

I need to read Favorite Mistake immediately so I can see Tristan and Tessa FINALLY get their happily ever after. Also so help me if Savannah doesn't get what's coming for her...UGH THAT WOMAN!

Have you read this season of Vegas Aces? Or are you being smarter than I am, and waiting for all 5 books to be released? If you like football romances, a surprise pregnancy, second chance romances, or just books filled with drama, then add this entire series to your TBR. 

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

All I want is my happy ending with the boy next door.

Every time we get close, something threatens to break us. Half-sisters, town gossips, and jealous exes throw punch after punch, but we hold on tight to each other as we attempt to navigate the chaos.

With his life in the spotlight as a professional football player, I start to feel like it might always be like this.

All I can do is pray there’s no mistake so big we can’t overcome it together.

NO MISTAKE is the fourth book in the VEGAS ACES: THE WIDE RECEIVER series. This series must be read in order.

Thank you Lisa Suzanne, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced copy of No Mistake.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Monthly Wrap Up {October}

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

*Poof* Just like that October has come and gone!

One thing is for certain, my family and I had quite the month. We went to see a play at our local high school that was based on video games, we went to a corn maze and pumpkin patch at a local farm, and then also did pictures at a county park. October was also full of baking, and jumping in the leaves. Oh, my kids and I watched The Masked Singer too! I've loved that show since it's second season, and within the last couple my kids have joined my tv time. They have no clue who the majority of the celebrities are, but between the music and Ken, they are all in. Then naturally we ended the month with trick or treating. I stayed at home handing out candy, and in about 2 hours we had 150 kids. We're not back to our pre-pandemic numbers, but it's getting close. I think if Halloween hadn't fallen on a school day we would have had more kids. (and I would have been in trouble.)

Aside from all of that, and reading, I also have been listening to Midnights by Taylor Swift on repeat. Constantly. It's pretty much the only thing I listen to. I freaking love this album.

When it came to reading, I took this graphic to heart this month!