3.5 stars - One of the things I enjoy about the way Karyn Rose writes her stories is that she’s not in a hurry to divulge secrets. Her stories are mul3.5 stars - One of the things I enjoy about the way Karyn Rose writes her stories is that she’s not in a hurry to divulge secrets. Her stories are multifaceted and deeply layered.
Now that the main character, Kit, is falling for her love interest, Sam, a police psychologist, we get even more layers to her story.
This particular book is focused on foster sister, Akiko. Rose wraps the story around the mystery of her adoption and who her parents truly are. Family Lies starts off with a bang, and its fast-paced action keeps you on your toes.
We see a lot more of Sam in this story. So much so, I even questioned if this is a normal activity for a Police psychologist. He is one of the few who actually truly understands Kit. The romance continues to build at an extremely slow rate. That can be a major frustration for the reader.
This story also relies on so many characters that you have to try to keep track of them. I lost track. I’m not gonna lie. Not only do you have a new character(s), but you also have name changes within those characters. All of them have to do with Akiko’s family.
I also found the “why” this plot was based on certainly plausible, but not overly strong. That was kind of disappointing.
This is my 12th novel by Karen Rose, so I think it’s safe to say I truly enjoy her writing. This one just didn’t connect enough to the rest of the series for me.
I’ve never read this author before, but I was intrigued by the cover, even if it took me a few seconds to figure out what the cover was actually depicI’ve never read this author before, but I was intrigued by the cover, even if it took me a few seconds to figure out what the cover was actually depicting. But once I did, then I knew I had to read this book.
I enjoy the spice of life when I’m reading a romance. The authors have a clear choice to write their stories in a way that makes them comfortable.
This book is not just about the act, but it’s also about the characters learning how to grow and embrace the enjoyment of life.
The author created complex characters with deep levels of maturity and detail, allowing them to grow together. Exploration is a perfect way to learn about yourself and your pleasure. This author nails it.
Murray includes humor, fun, and wit. The characters are intelligent and a bit innocent in many ways. But learning to grow together brings that spice and heat that adds so much to this fun story.
A Little Buzzed is hot and sexy with a fresh take on finding yourself and that perfect one for you. Loved this story!
3.5 stars. ~~~~~~~~ I guess I missed a lot when I read the overview for this book because I didn’t realize that the entire thing was based on psychic a3.5 stars. ~~~~~~~~ I guess I missed a lot when I read the overview for this book because I didn’t realize that the entire thing was based on psychic abilities and paranormal romance.
Not that it is a problem. I don’t usually read that genre, and for me, it made it difficult to follow what was happening in the plot. It seemed like there was so much going on the path through the story.
To start, there is a murder mystery set up. There is a feud between two families. Then there are missing persons. We have missing items that are a critical piece of the story.
We also have a love/hate relationship between the two main characters that is quite antagonistic at times. I had a tough time following them as they grew and developed into a romantic relationship
I never really felt the connection between any of the characters. Several key characters came into the chapters sporadically or towards the end of the book, so you really don’t get that history built up and any warm fuzzy feeling.
For me, the suspense portion of the story was missing. While there is a lot of detail as they search for the missing items, I sometimes had a tough time following the story. I think that because a lot is happening in this book, I feel disconnected.
The Shop on Hidden Lane is unique and Krentz weaves an interesting tale. For those who love paranormal romance and murder mysteries, this is going to be a win for you. For me, I just didn’t feel it as much as I wanted to.
The story definitely stood apart from other edgy, darkish romances I’ve read. There were some strong points and a few weaker ones for me.
I3.5 Stars -
The story definitely stood apart from other edgy, darkish romances I’ve read. There were some strong points and a few weaker ones for me.
I liked the overall premise and concept, but the male lead felt a bit inconsistent. On one hand, he had this unsettling CIA background—casually torturing someone in the middle of a party, which was strange and surprisingly brushed off by other characters.
On the other hand, he was portrayed as a brilliant tech developer creating the perfect AI model, completely smitten with our female lead. The contrast between “dark operative” and “soft tech genius in love” didn’t always mesh smoothly.
The female lead came across as more believable in her development. Despite her medical issues, she maintained a generally positive attitude, and I really enjoyed their dynamic as a couple. Some scenes were undeniably odd—especially the virtual-reality sex scene—but they were also creative, sexy, and memorable.
Both characters had their own side plots as well: her eccentric mother and his eccentric potential investor, who ended up playing a bigger role than expected.
Overall, the writing was strong, but certain elements didn’t land as well for me. Axe and Grind hits many tropes readers love—fake dating, darker romance vibes (especially toward the end), a touch of the paranormal through tarot cards, and plenty of steamy moments alongside the slow-building connection.
The story also delivers some welcome twists, and the authors do a great job keeping you slightly off-balance until everything clicks together at the end. It’s a book where you benefit from reading between the lines and paying attention to the details....more
This book has the best plot. It is hard not to like this story because it is unique and supportive in so many ways.
The beginning sets the stage with aThis book has the best plot. It is hard not to like this story because it is unique and supportive in so many ways.
The beginning sets the stage with a fabulous kick-off, and you will absolutely fall in love with Nolan. You can feel their connection and cannot wait to dive into the story.
The Bodyguard Affair brings a fun story that is entertaining from page one, with a range of topics that bring the emotional connection. The secondary characters add depth and inspiration. Andi did have some low self-esteem she had to work through, but Nolan was the perfect partner to help her through.
I love the little closet visits, and the author brings some delicious steam. Their love is so sweet and sensual. They are perfect together. I could not stop reading this one in certain parts. And that ending – sighhhh
If you love a good romance, this one is a great choice!
3.5 stars - I’m a sucker for second-chance romance. Sometimes we may think about the one that got away or the one you never really got a second chance3.5 stars - I’m a sucker for second-chance romance. Sometimes we may think about the one that got away or the one you never really got a second chance to find out if it was meant to be.
This particular story had some very interesting twists and centered around the main theme of Pickleball players and learning how to play the game.
As someone learning how to play it myself, it sounded like a fun plot, and it was. The twist is that the story is mainly in Costa Rica, and yes, there is some Pickleball in it, but it is not extensive.
I have to say, in the beginning, I struggled a bit getting into the story. I’m not sure what it was, but once I had the chance to sit and really read for long periods of time, the story grew on me.
The female leader focused a lot on her hurt and bitterness regarding the fact she felt he let her down as young lovers. Now she’s juggling a kid, a job that blew up, and life in general, so the last thing she needed was him showing up as she tried to manage everything.
The story is built as they traverse Costa Rica. I really like the male lead character. He is sweet and kind, even though she is a tad hostile at times – lol. The story is cute, clean, a bit swoony, and a refreshing change of pace.
There were some spots that kind of rang a little untrue in terms of being in the jungle, which, by the way, would be a hell no for me. But overall, it is refreshing and light, and the twist at the end really did make the story.
Pickle Perfect is lighthearted and a relaxing story that doesn’t get you all wound up, full of anxiety. A fun read overall.
My first thought when reading this book was yay to the publisher for taking a chance on this one! This story is something erotica romance readers woulMy first thought when reading this book was yay to the publisher for taking a chance on this one! This story is something erotica romance readers would find buried in the ebook section. Let’s bring hot stories to the forefront.
This story is not just scorching hot. It is a fun, humorous, filthy, erotic, heartpounding race to the finish. Oleander delivers a book that is addicting to read and brings us main characters who are opposites in many ways, yet perfectly matched competitively and sexually. Her writing skills are top-level as she wrings out every ounce of anticipation from the reader.
The setting descriptions and secondary characters dial in the reality and bring a great balance to the story.
Fast-paced, gritty, with a bit of a dark romance vibe, Willing Prey will not disappoint! It carries loads of kink and trigger warnings, but overall, it is an addictive read that I could not stop picking up. I love that he falls first! Thanks for a true epilogue with a fabulous ending too!
Sometimes books that are labeled as a rom-com don’t always end up that way for the reader. However, this story delivered the humor.
The lead female chaSometimes books that are labeled as a rom-com don’t always end up that way for the reader. However, this story delivered the humor.
The lead female character was very witty and had a great sense of humor, especially when it came to fake dating scenarios with a millionaire. The banter between these two is really what made the story. Her sass balanced with his ultra dry, hard-to-crack facade brought balance to a familiar trope.
The rags-to-riches scenes were memorable and so sweet. I love these two together! The secondary characters became the stage and added another layer of delight to the story.
Painter pulls out the stops with her FMC character and the quick wit, but there were a few areas where she was getting a bit mean and overly snarky. Dex was sometimes not communicative, which led to issues, of course, and a third act breakdown. ugh
Maid for Each Other is a sweet, charming, and romantic story that only Painter can tell with her flirty, light-hearted way with words that envelop the reader.
I might be a rarity in that I was not thrilled with the way she chose to end this one. We do get the happily ever after, but I really wanted more!
After settling into the story a bit, I realize this book has everything to do with opposites attract. He’s white, she’s black. He’s a racecar driver. After settling into the story a bit, I realize this book has everything to do with opposites attract. He’s white, she’s black. He’s a racecar driver. She’s a baker and owns a growing company. She was dumped at the altar. The last thing he thinks of is getting married.
The beginning of this book is fabulous and fun. The connection is hot, and the author keeps it relatively clean, although the attraction is definitely palatable.
Then, as we settle into the story, it becomes more complex. There are parts of the story where I really didn’t like her much. She refused to see the truth in front of her and refused to hear or understand his feelings. She didn’t even want to admit she liked him for the most part. He was definitely head over heels for her.
Of course, in the end, we get the coming together, and all things become wonderful. In terms of heat and spice, I would call it mid-range as there is only one truly open-door scene. The rest of it is just admiration and lust.
The author has a wonderful gift for crafting a story that is entertaining, including a blend of humor, strife, happiness, and frustration. Her characterizations of the main couple push-and-pull throughout most of the book. The supporting characters are diverse and add a lot to the enhancement of the story, allowing Soltani to build in the next book to come.
Ride With Me is a great choice if you love the slow burn. This is an uber long burn, and while I appreciate more of the physical aspects of a story romance than the buildup and lust phase for most of the book, it was engaging in an overall sexy and sweet story.
I must admit I love this story’s “You’ve Got Mail” vibe. First of all, a special discussion forum buddy with whom you can share pretty much anything iI must admit I love this story’s “You’ve Got Mail” vibe. First of all, a special discussion forum buddy with whom you can share pretty much anything is a great way to burn off your frustration with your new boss, who is pitting you against your rival!
This crazy plot seemed a bit far-fetched at first, but Brady develops this story with finesse and plausibility all over the pages. Her characters are unique and fun. The secondary characters are a riot and the spicy risqué book nights are so creative. Where is something like that where I live?
Ryan and Josie each carry a lot on their shoulders, and their growth from strangers to tolerable co-workers and finally more feels like a natural progression. I love their growth through work lessons and the love of books. The way the author brings in other authors, books, reviewer info, and the overall love of reading to bind them together is clever and sweet.
Battle of the Bookstores is a slow burn, opposites attract love story with the texting buddies amping up the confusion and awareness. But once reality hits, the hair comes down and the shoes come off quickly. This is a sweet'n spicy “he falls first” story that will delight readers of romance and women’s fiction all over!
I was really looking forward to a fun romance and, in many ways, the author delivered on that promise. I love a second chance romance stor3.5 stars -
I was really looking forward to a fun romance and, in many ways, the author delivered on that promise. I love a second chance romance story. It is my favorite trope, I think.
But this one just hit a little funny for me. I can’t really put my finger on it other than the female lead was so indecisive and frustrating in many ways. She was groomed to not take chances and she leans on other people for approval. In a lot of ways, she was a bit clueless.
But balance those flaws with the main male character. He was so sweet and so deeply in love with her. I just love what they had together and in the past.
Solomon has written some beautiful romances that I truly have enjoyed completely. What Happens in Amsterdam is a love story of the city in many ways. If you love to be swept away by the atmosphere and the setting, this is a wonderful book for that.
The connection between the two main characters is strong, but the female lead just didn’t do it for me. I thought she was too weak for him. Regardless, their love story is sweet and steamy, and if you love a rekindled romance, Solomon tells a wonderful story.
I don’t understand the compelling need for authors to destroy something in the third act. This isn’t angst. This is soul-crushing somebody. He just brushed it off, but it was not cool and not needed.
If you’re into a little bit of scandal and dangerous situations with your historical romance authors, this is a great story to grab.
St. George is blenIf you’re into a little bit of scandal and dangerous situations with your historical romance authors, this is a great story to grab.
St. George is blending an American Heiress into society in the Regency era in London. With a large dowry, marrying the right man is expected. However, following your heart and your hormones usually ends up a little bit differently.
This story is not your typical Regency style romance but focuses more on a middle class to lower class hero in our high society, looking for a husband heroine.
Eliza and the Duke is a bit of a forbidden romance because of the class issue and the fact that she really is a bit out of control, especially at the beginning of the book. The author actually lost me for a bit as the heroine was really out of her depth and overly risky.
However, I loved the way the author depicted the Duke. He definitely falls for her which brings the steam and delicious swoony things going on between them. However, she is betrothed to another man, so the whole story has this air of forbidden romance surrounding it and figuring out how to come to a satisfying ending.
Overall, the story was well-written, interesting, and sexy, and the ending completely made up for the rocky start.
If you’re into alternate types of historical romance, Eliza and the Duke is a great choice. St. George is making her mark with the blending of American Heiresses and English aristocracy in a wonderful manner.
I have to say this book started very strangely. You are not really sure what you are getting yourself into. The author did a great job with the weavinI have to say this book started very strangely. You are not really sure what you are getting yourself into. The author did a great job with the weaving and wandering to capture the reader's interest, but at some point, it got to be a lot for me. I like to know what I am reading, and something about where we are going in the book.
This is a very odd story in many ways. I’m not even sure what to classify it as but I think it’s a romance. It is also classified as a mystery; true crime could fit, though.
Regardless, Posey manages to take the weaving and wandering into a story that is very compelling with the developing “interest” between the characters. Loaded with dark humor, inuendo, and, dare I say, romantic interest, the two became partners, at work and at home, and that is when it gets interesting.
I loved the transformation of the characters as the story develops from the weird and strange, loaded with secrets, to misunderstood people harboring pain and loneliness.
Overall, Serial Killer Games is loaded with games. You have to be savvy enough to follow along and play too. Clever and unique.
This author is a first-time read for me and what a story to start our introduction. Not only is the title perfect for the story, but it also explains This author is a first-time read for me and what a story to start our introduction. Not only is the title perfect for the story, but it also explains how it made me feel as well.
Crazy plot but it worked so well. The author nailed it with the off-and-on feelings, the awkwardness, and the way they end up working together. I fell in love with this story as the characters fell in love with each other.
The amazing descriptions sweep you along and the balance between the characters is perfect. The age gap and the push-pull add the needed elements to the story. Plus, O’Leary adds the bit of angst at the end that rachets up the intensity even more.
Swept Away is romantic, sweet, adventurous, thrilling, and a totally addictive story. It is inventive and rich with detail – so worth the read!
3.5 stars - ~~~~ I really enjoyed the author’s last publication so I thought I would give this one a shot as well. I like her concept of the story as i3.5 stars - ~~~~ I really enjoyed the author’s last publication so I thought I would give this one a shot as well. I like her concept of the story as it was definitely a different plot than what we normally see.
The author certainly gave us plenty of twists in this book and I felt the romance portion was secondary to the action and suspense.
Personally, I was looking for more in between the two main characters. I felt that their connection was good, but the story lacked that intrinsic connection and passion, focusing more on the suspense/espionage factors. The secondary characters were a big part of this story adding depth and dimensional factors.
Code Word Romance is an enjoyable story that keeps you guessing. It is entertaining and completely standalone in terms of the plot. I wanted more depth to the romance. Otherwise, this is a fun, fast-paced, and exciting story that pumps your heart.
Rekindling friendship with the one who got away, so to speak, is a wonderful plot and story in this particular book. They’re both in a transitional agRekindling friendship with the one who got away, so to speak, is a wonderful plot and story in this particular book. They’re both in a transitional age and at a point in their life where they are ready to value their personal life as family members are raising their own family.
There are some wonderful pieces and points within the story that I can definitely relate to since the main characters are turning 50. It brings to mind how those around that age point want to look back in the past, slow down a bit, and find their peace. I loved that whole portion of the story.
I also love the rekindling of the friendship and the growing carefree love. Both of the characters were so sweet and I love their interactions and the love story between them. It was something that had never gone away. I am a sucker for a second chance at romance.
But there were some parts that really got to me in terms of a lot of repetition. Age was pounded into our heads. Family drama over the fact that the main female lead wanted to find her own space was a major part of the story. The number of characters tended to be close to overwhelming, especially since I had not read prior stories.
There was some family drama with Matthew and misunderstandings that need to be corrected and I simply loved the ending where everything came together. Balogh is a genius in the slow, comfortable romance growth, full of sweetness and caring.
If you read this series, you’re probably going to love this ending story. Remember When will spark that “what if” internal dialogue and that can be a good thing.
I have to say right off the bat that this is a wild story! Rose reels us in with multiple murder victims, a twisty brilliant plot, and actual growth wI have to say right off the bat that this is a wild story! Rose reels us in with multiple murder victims, a twisty brilliant plot, and actual growth with the ultra-slow, maybe in our lifetime, romantic interest.
The characters in these novels are complex and Rose brings in so many dimensions you could swear you know them. Messy backstories make them compassionate humans who excel at their craft, solving murders. This team is amazing and addictive.
What I love the most about this book is we start to see the softness of Kit starting to come through. The cracks are there and she is weakening…Can Sam hang in there? Will it happen that they can build a relationship? Gahhh – you have to read this one. I think Rose is the queen of the slow-burn romance. How long can she make us suffer?
If you love romantic suspense, and crime-riddled police procedural mysteries, you need to read this and any books by this author. So addicting!
The story really got to me in many ways, especially due to the fact that our female lead was a public entity on social media.
The author takes on the iThe story really got to me in many ways, especially due to the fact that our female lead was a public entity on social media.
The author takes on the issues that social media can bring to people in terms of privacy and the faceless person feeling like they can trash or say anything because it’s on a social media platform. Sad really.
This story dives into the psychology of dealing with grief and how it can affect people differently. The story tackles, not only the business profession, but also personal relationships, and how that can affect your psyche and outlook while grieving.
What was wonderful was the female lead taking a chance on traveling, meeting new family, and getting the backstory that she never knew about. Within all of this we also meet a wonderful guy who is a perfect balance for everything she’s going through.
Probst delivers amazing descriptions and details that paint a picture of Sicily that will warm your heart. The story is in the details and the author definitely enhances it with this vibrant setting.
To Sicily with Love is a beautiful story that is a bit of a tear-jerker about family, healing, and finding your perfect path. It definitely made an impression on me as I could relate to many pieces in this story.
4.5 STARS!! This book was so much more than I expected. Billed as a romantic thriller by two authors I have not read before, I couldn’t wait to dive in4.5 STARS!! This book was so much more than I expected. Billed as a romantic thriller by two authors I have not read before, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
The first few chapters are always tough as we get to know our characters and the plot. I did think it was a bit strange meeting someone you would consider hot at a morgue, but it is different, and once past that the story starts to take off.
I love that the authors do not shy away from anything. This story is unabashed in desires, dreams, heat, passion, and erotica. Also in triggers like murder, stalking, abuse, and more.
The characters, while rife with issues, are protective and infatuated in their growing work relationship. Lines are blurred and the heat and steam grow. The story is fast-paced and so hard to stop reading. I was addicted to this book!
Strike and Burn is dark in many ways but sexy with trigger warnings all over this one. It really became an obsession to finish and the end was … wow! It’s not a book to be missed if you love dark romance built on passion, not twisted relationships. So good!!
