Vindictive Blood by Jocelyne Soto {a review}

 
The time has come for the third, and final, book in the Flor de Muertos series to be released. Vindictive Blood by Jocelyne Soto is officially available! If you've read the other two books in the series, then be prepared, because Cami and Nathaniel's story is so good. There's an age gap (14 years), there is suspenseful situations, there is spice, there is family, and I loved it all.

Cami has headed to New York where she is applying to an art program through a local university. Shortly after showing her work, she heads to a bar to get a drink and some food. It is there that she meets Nathaniel. Curiosity is piqued, questions are asked, and after a conversation, a painting is underway. At Nathaniel's apartment. From there the two spend a weekend together before Cami heads back to Texas and her family. She knows nothing about Nathaniel except he's a detective. Nathaniel knows nothing about Cami, except that she's an artist who could very well end up as  a NY college student. Oh, and she's 14 years his junior. Eventually Cami returns to New York, and the relationship with Nathaniel picks right back up, and intensifies. Cami tells her sister a bit about the man she's dating, but never says his profession. Once that is discovered though, things get intense. Can their relationship survive the fallout? 

WHAT AN ENDING TO A TRILOGY! Oh my word, I loved it. Camila and Nate's story was so good, and had me hooked from the beginning. From their first encounter at the bar, I knew this would be an interesting journey. In my mind I wondered if Nate knew who he was sitting next to, and had the entire thing planned. I mean it would be one way to infiltrate the Morales family and get to her dad. Yet as their story built that thought left m mind. I was confident that it was just a random meeting. I loved that Camila was able to spread her wings in New York and not be forced into anything by her father. I enjoyed the connection that Nate and Cami had built. There was a level of trust built from the very beginning. When the big moment happened, I was on the edge of my seat. I had been waiting for this moment to happen, and oofta it was a doozy. In my mind I couldn't see how this was going to be resolved. I knew it would, but there was so much pain, heartache, and distrust, that I just couldn't visualize it. Can we talk about Ava for a moment? If you don't know she works with Nate, and they had a coworkers with benefits situation going for a bit. Everything about her had my curiosity piqued. I still feel like there is more to the story than what was shared. Is she just an agent/lover scorned, or is it deeper than that?

From the big dramatic moment, to the grieving and heartache, to Leo stepping in to help, to the reunion, to Nate sharing about his past and what lead him to the job he has, to the resolution, I loved it. Now there was one little tidbit toward the end that I didn't care for, but I can see how that probably couldn't be avoided.

The Flor de Muertos series captivated me from the beginning, and I'm not ready to say goodbye to the family! I need to know what Jocelyne Soto is writing next! Maybe just maybe the Morales family can make an appearance here and there. (Hey, a reader can dream!)

If you're a fan of mafia or organized crime romances, then please add the Flor de Muertos series to your TBR! It was fabulous.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,

Laura

Cover Design by Book and Moods PR

I had one job and one job only. 

Bring down the most notorious drug lord known to man. 

Dead or alive, that was it.

As I worked the case more and more, the lines started getting blurred. I made enemies where I wasn’t supposed to and friends in places that would get me killed. 

Then I met her, at a bar in Brooklyn of all places. She became the one thing in my life that was a constant, the one thing that made the dark hole I was in, as bright as could be. She was younger but that didn’t matter to either of us. I was starting to see a future with her. That is until I heard her cries of despair for her father. 

That man I’m supposed to take down? 

That man is the father of the woman I love. 

A federal agent falling for a kingpin's daughter never ends well. 

Order Your Copy on Amazon!

US | UK | CA | AU

or read for free in KU

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Start the series from the beginning!
(I love these covers!)

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

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

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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

Project Announcement: Coming Home

Graphic Designer: Kari March

Let love guide you home.

Join twelve of your favorite romance authors next year for heartwarming (and spicy!) stories about what it means to come home.

One author a month will deliver a new story that will have you falling in love.

❤️

January – Cora Brent
February – Rochelle Paige
March – Grahame Claire
April – Melanie Moreland
May – Suzanne Halliday
June – Kaylee Ryan
July – Leslie Pike
August – Laramie Briscoe
September – Adriana Locke
October – Ella Fox
November – Brynne Asher
December – Layla Frost

 
Pre-order is available for these titles:

Ready for Moore by Rochelle Paige 

Shattered Secrets by Grahame Claire

Shelter by Laramie Briscoe

Join their new reader group for a giant giveaway and even more fun!

Announcement hosted by:

10 Bookish Stocking Stuffers

I don't know about you, but finding fun items to put in Christmas stockings can be a bit rough. Personally I'm trying to take a different approach to stockings this year. So I thought that I'd share what I would like to find in my stocking, and they are all reading related. For the most part. 

1) Longer Kindle Cord

The cord that comes with the Kindle is quite short. This one though, this is 5 feet, and perfect for when you want to read but the Kindle needs to be plugged in. Trust me, it's a thing, especially when the Kindle is used daily.

2) Extra Power Adapter

This just makes sense. If you're grabbing an extra long cord, grab a backup adapter as well. We all know adapters go missing, so toss an extra in your bookworm's stocking. (and then try your best not to "borrow" it.) 

3) Fun Socks

Now hear me out, the majority of the year I despise socks. I do. But in the winter time, and early spring, they are just needed. So bookish socks are a good thing to have on hand. My father-in-law gifted me a 3 pack of bookish ankle socks, and they are my go to socks. 

4) Stickers

Does this surprise you? Honestly I think everyone of any age can enjoy stickers! From kids to teens to adults, they are just fun. They are perfect to decorate water bottles, planners, notebooks, laptop covers, and the list goes on.  So trust me, stickers make a great stocking stuffer.

5) Bookmarks

These word wire bookmarks from Charlie and Crew are one of my favorites! Seeing as how I have that one from Charlie and Crew with my name, I also have my eye on this one:

I LOVE the Lord of the Rings movies, and my goal is to read the books. So why not branch into the books, and have a perfectly themed bookmark to go with it.

6) A Book Light

Any reader would appreciate a book light! This one just so happens to clip onto the book itself, and it is SO bright! When ever I am reading a physical book before bed (vs my kindle), I always have my book light going.

7) Pens and Markers

My favorite pen happens to be the Pilot Acroball (fine), and I use them all the time. These are the pens that I try to hide from my family members, because otherwise I will have NO pens. Trust me on that. As for Markers, I have my eyes on the Midliners from Zebra. As well as the Tombow Dual Brush Markers.

8) Favorite Tea, Cocoa, Coffee

This one seems pretty straight forward. If it were my stocking, it would include my favorite caramel cappuccino k-cups, cafe mocha k-cups, or some hot chocolate single serve packets. I'm not a tea drinker, but the other two would have me pumped. If you don't know their preferred beverage, a small gift card to Starbucks, Dunkin, or Caribou would be a great addition.

9) Page Flags

I'm not someone who annotates books, but I know there are plenty of readers out there who are! So to make it easier on them, toss in some page flags!

10) Gift Cards

My last suggestion is for a gift card to their preferred bookstore, or to their favorite author's merch shop! That way they can pick out that item they've had their eye on. My preferred bookstore is Amazon, because that is where most of the indie romance authors sell their books. I also peek at their merch shops from time to time to see if there is anything specific I want to grab. Right now there isn't, but I know that will change!

So there you have it, 10 stocking stuffers that I think any reader would like to have. Of course feel free to add in their favorite gums, lip balms, little lotions, etc to add to the fun.

What would you add for a bookish stocking stuffer?

Laura

What Laura's Reading participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, and as an Amazon Associate I earn a commission through purchases made using my links

10 Bookish Gift Ideas

 

The holiday season is quickly approaching! Which means it is time to start thinking about what gifts to give to those you cherish dearly.

If you have an avid reader slash bookworm in your life, that can make gift giving a little tricky. Especially if they want bookish items. I mean a gift card is always nice, but there are other options!

Here are 10 bookish items that I think most readers would enjoy.

1) Kindle Paperwhite

I know, I know, this is a big ticket item! Trust me though, if your person is an avid reader they will cherish this gift!

My husband gifted me a Paperwhite about 2 years ago now, and rarely a day goes by that I don't use it.

2) Kindle Unlimited Subscription

Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans

As you may know, I am a major fan of the romance genre, and I've heard that KU is the subscription to have! I've yet to sign up, but if I were to receive it as a gift, I'd be thrilled! Plus they let you download 20 books at a time! That's just wild.

3) A Kindle Case/Protector

You've just spent all that money on the Kindle, now let's protect it with a cute case!

This is definitely on my list for Christmas this year. When you're looking at cases, make sure to check out what generation it fits! I have a 10th generation Kindle, but they just released the 11th generation!

4) Library Bag

Who doesn't love a good tote bag? It's perfect for picking up your latest book holds at the library, or for perusing around the local bookstore.

I have a library bag, and my kids recently received their own as well. It's definitely handy when we go to the library! I no longer have to hold all their books while they browse.

5) Book Sleeve

Maybe your person is more of a physical book reader than an ebook reader. If that's the situation, look into book sleeves! These are perfect to throw in your tote bag, back pack, or purse. It will help to protect your current read from getting all banged up.

6) Cozy Blanket

This blanket will be well used! Every time they curl up with a book (or their Kindle), they will have this to keep them warm and cozy. It's all about being comfy while reading a book, and a nice blanket is always nice to have close by.

7) Bookish Mugs

Perfect for coffee, tea, hot cocoa, hot apple cider, or any other beverage. I mean mugs are always nice to have! Mugs that speak to the bookish soul, even better!

I have this one from Awesome Librarians, and I ADORE IT!

8) Bookish Shirts

Hey, if people can wear support their favorite fandoms and/or teams by wearing their apparel, so can book lovers! Plus if you know one of their favorite authors, chances are they have a merch shop!

I've been eyeing up merch from Samantha Lovelock, Helena Hunting, and Xavier Neal. I do wish Samantha had a shirt that just said The Heirs. Maybe I'll suggest that to her.

9) Notebooks or Journals

Most bookworms are also big into notebooks, journals, and planners. A notebook gives them the option to write down their favorite quotes, create a reading journal, write down their to be read (TBR) list, upcoming releases from their favorite authors, and so on.

I've had my eye on that one above for a white now, but haven't pulled the trigger. Yet. There is also one at Target that caught my eye. My 9 year old daughter also noticed it, and said "I want that!". Great minds think a like. Now, that journal was almost $20, but it would be a great gift idea.

10) Air Pods

I know, another big ticket item! Hear me out though. There are many book lovers out there who prefer audio books over physical books or ebooks. So a pair of Air Pods would make it easier for them to listen to their books! They'll appreciate them when they are listening on Scribd, Audible, Libro.fm, Overdrive, or listening to their favorite podcasts!

So there you have it, my 10 (non-gift card) ideas that I think any book lover would enjoy.

What would you add to the list?

Happy shopping!
Laura

*What Laura's Reading participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, and as an Amazon Associate I earn a commission through purchases made using my links.*

Reckless Desires by Victoria Ellis {a review}

Hey rockstar romance lovers, I need your attention for a moment. Are you looking for a new book to read? Well, check out Reckless Desires by Victoria Ellis. This is the first book in her Reckless Desires series, and I think you'll fall for Bordeaux and Isla. (as well as the rest of the band.)

Bordeaux, Declan, Flynn, and Miller are just about finished up with this tour, and Bordeaux has made plans for their little break. His plans include helping his grandma (Frankie) at The Vinyl Kitty, and hopefully hiring someone to help out regularly as well. Isla Robles is a college student who is majoring in music management, and is also a talented painter. She recently ended a relationship, and is against falling in love again. Been there, done that, don't want to repeat it. Isla is also in need of a job, so she applies at The Vinyl Kitty. Bordeaux happens to be the one who calls her for an interview, and then also conducts the interview. Upon meeting her, he is definitely intrigued by her, and her knowledge of music. A job offer is made, and Bordeaux is determined to stay away. That's all fine and dandy until Manny walks into the record shop so that he can talk to Isla, aka his ex-fiancee. A lot happens in that short time, and suddenly Bordeaux is taking Isla to Manny's upcoming wedding. It is more so to get Manny to back off, but secretly Bordeaux wants it to be a real date. From a fake date, to the sharing of past hurts, to a real relationship, to the big dramatic moment, and ultimately the reunion of the couple, you'll be swept into this rockstar romance.

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what to fully expect with Reckless Desires. I knew I was getting a rockstar romance, and that was about it. I wasn't certain if this rockstar romance was going to be similar to Sons of Sin, or Blood & Bone, or Mile High Rocked. Those are the rockstar romances I've read so far, so those are what I'm familiar with. I will say that there wasn't a lot of tour/band time happening in the book, but it did eventually occur. So this is much more focused on the couple during Bordeaux's "down time".

Isla and Bordeaux had me falling. With Isla healing from her breakup (as well as a major occurrence in her past), and Bordeaux dealing with family issues from his past, these two hurt people found each other. They had their highs, they had their lows, and together they came through all the difficulties to find their happily ever after.

That scene at the record shop when Manny walked in: fabulous.

The wedding weekend that Isla and Bordeaux went to? Was not expecting that to happen, but I'm glad it did.

The entirety of what happened in Indiana had me on the edge of my seat. (Flynn destroyed me)

Then there was the big dramatic moment, and my heart broke for these characters.

The reunion between Isla and Bordeaux gave me everything I wanted.

Also, the band and Hellfire? UGH.

I'm falling for this band, and I am so ready for the next in the series. Thankfully the wait for Shattered Desires isn't too long, and then I can learn Declan's story.

I hope that you will give Reckless Desires a read. It was such a good story, and definitely tugged on the heartstrings a few times. Surprisingly no tears were shed!

Thank you for reading my thoughts on Reckless Desires.

Laura

Reckless Desires is one of the hottest rock groups gracing the charts and Bordeaux Daniels is their lead singer and frontman.

Bordeaux Daniels

I don’t fall in love.

It isn’t what I do.

It isn’t in my blood.

But when Isla Robles walks into the record shop with her devastating curves, plump lips, and sexy smile, I can’t help but be intrigued. Inserting myself into her life as her fake wedding date to her ex-fiancés wedding could be trouble…

But trouble comes with the territory. I’m the lead singer of Reckless Desires, the country’s hottest rock band.

And I’m a rockstar in every sense of the word.

Isla Robles

My ex broke my heart.

He broke my heart and then invited me to his damn wedding.

There’s not a chance in hell I’d go…

Until a famous, sexy rockstar decides he’s going to be my date.

I never saw Bordeaux Daniels coming, and I’ll admit, I’m not one to be swept off my feet, especially with a past like mine. I don’t trust people, especially men, but I feel something different when I look into his eyes. I can’t help but feel a magnetic pull toward him.

It’s both intoxicating and terrifying.

Reckless Desires

The band that was launched into insta-stardom knows the price of fame. After all, they’ve all but sold their souls to the devil himself for their careers.

The tour they are about to embark on is going to be different than their last, though.

One night. One phone call. One life hanging in the balance.

Nothing will ever be the same.

One-click here!

 Add Reckless Desires to your Goodreads TBR!

Want to read more from the band?
Stay tuned for these upcoming releases!

January 7, 2022

Goodreads | Pre-Order

February 4, 2022

Goodreads | Pre-Order

March 7, 2022

Goodreads | Pre-Order

Meet Victoria Ellis

Victoria Ellis started out writing primarily thrillers but slowly transitioned into both poetry and contemporary romance. 

Now, she is a multi-genre author that publishes Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, and Romance novels. She is also the author of two poetry collections.

 

Victoria has a penname, Gemma Stone, for her upcoming romance novels that she plans on releasing. It was important to her to separate romance from thrillers. Be on the lookout for more Gemma Stone news in 2021 and 2022!

 

Victoria is the founder of Cruel Ink Publishing, LLC.

 

She resides near Chicago, Illinois with her husband, newborn daughter, and an abundance of animals.

 

Connect with Victoria Ellis

Website | Newsletter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Reader Group | BookBub | Facebook 

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Thank you to Victoria Ellis, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Reckless Desires.