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I’ll Always Be With You by Monica Murphy–Review

May12

I am a sucker for anything dance related. If you show me a pair of ballet pointe shoes, I am in. This Monica Murphy book was everything a YA/NA book should be.

I have to say, I don’t know which character I liked best. Carolina and West are a beautiful symbiotic combination of give and take. Carolina can be prickly and bitchy, while Weston can be calm and non-confrontational. He knows when to push her buttons and enjoys watching her bloom. Now, don’t get me wrong, West can be everything a possessive, demanding, over-the-top Hero should be, he just knows how to use this to his advantage when interacting with Carolina.

IABWY is an easy read. It does minorly deal with some sensitive topics, such as eating disorders. Due to Carolina’s strenuous work schedule, it is alluded to that she may have an eating disorder. Ordering salads with veggies and no other frills or her mother continually saying snide comments on this topic. Despite all of this, I fell in love with Caroline and West and their storyline.

Coming May 18th

💫𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦💫𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤💫𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐠💫𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥💫𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐁𝐮𝐛💫

Crybaby by Monica James and Michelle Lancaster

Oct31

Whoa!! I have fallen down the rabbit hole and am still shooketh!! From the get-go, there is a scene with ‘trigger warning’ written all over it and yet it somehow pulled me in deeper throughout the pages.

Monica and Michelle certainly did not hold back on their writing. This book is dark, gritty, straight in your face with no chance of hiding, yet there was something internally that I found myself silently rooting and squealing the main characters on. It felt wrong. It made me question myself, but most of all, it made me wonder where Monica has been hiding this side of her writing? (I believe I should thank Michelle for that)!

Crybaby is not an easy read. There are topics discussed and executed creating a strong visceral reaction and despite some topics that are mentioned, I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t walk away and wondered what would happen next. I HAD TO keep reading.

I found myself with absolutely zero in common with these protagonists, but I was definitely drinking the Kool-Aid and couldn’t turn my back on them and walk away. Rev and Darcie (aka…Bonnie and Clyde, Ken and Barbie, or the Lonely-Hearts killers) have had unfathomable things happen to them. You realize that you can only push someone so far before they break, well we got to read about that side after the break. All I have to say is, Monica and Michelle MUST keep writing together! Is it too early ladies to ask for more??😉😁

Monica and Michelle are the newest power duo, and their writing style is wicked, dark, imperfect, and not for those faint of heart, but a must-read! (Michelle and Monica do you hear it now? (must have more, Must Have More, MUST HAVE MORE)!! 

“I’ll never see her as a victim. Rather, I see her as the victor. She survived, but the ones who broke her won’t.” 

Darling Dmitri by Rose Croft–Review

Oct6

My Darling Dmitri,

You have snuck in under my radar and confiscated my heart, soul, and being. Your filthy words, unwanted touch, and overall aggressive and protective nature are almost too much (Hint: almost, but not entirely. I will not be throwing out my safe word!)

I wholeheartedly approve of grey sweatpants, no shirts (yours, not mine), working out, hot saunas and having your guy friends over. But this is getting ahead of myself. Do you remember the days when Daddy Arty told you to, ‘Make her feel welcome. Safe. Protected. You are now like her older brother.’ Yep, me neither. Good, now that that is settled, let’s get back to us!

Talk soon, my grumpy, grouchy, alpha Russian!
Checkmate,
Sue (the original zaychik)
—————————————-
Rose Croft has elevated her writing to a whole other level with Darling Dmitri. This is the third book in the Boys on the Hill series. Let me just say, I fell for Roman and his growly nature, while Nicholas sucked me in with all the feels, but it is Dmitri who has put me under a spell.

This book introduces us to Dmitri and Sorina. It is full of angst, it is forbidden, taboo, and has an alpha who will put ALL OTHER ALPHAS to shame. Sorina is a strong and feisty character who can give as good as she gets. Dmitri is Dmitri. A completely unapologetic, grumpy, Russian male, who excels in football.

The interaction between the two of them is explosive, electric, and spicy. There is witty banter, needling between friends, immense angst, and emotions on overload. It is safe to say that Dmitri and Sorina are my new favorite couple and Rose’s best book yet. I am so excited to read about Axel and his troubles. I have a feeling it is going to be good!!

Fall of the Stars by Monica James–Review

Apr10

Monica James has done it yet again. She has eviscerated me with another all-in, ball-busting, heart-stopping, action-packed, out-of-the-box romance read. The battle between England and the Scandinavians, life vs love, good versus bad, and the battle of herstory vs history are alive and well.

Emaline and Skarth are in love and out for revenge. Skarth’s old best friend, Ulf, is more prominent than ever, and where does England reside in all of this? These are just some of the questions we get answers to.

I finished FotS about 5 days ago, and I am still shook. When Monica James puts her pen to paper, watch out, because you will be left with a 100% angst-filled and angst-driven book. She executed every little plot point, character-driven storyline, and minute detail to perfection.

I was in love, saddened, shocked, elated, and eventually content with this final book in the duet. If possible, I would give this book, a million ‘North Star’ stars, but alas, I cannot. Five stars is the max and therefore it will be. No matter what trope Ms. James executes, she can write brilliantly. Highly recommend!!

5 ‘North Star’ Stars!

The Potter by Kristy Marie–Review

Mar4
Dr. Vance Potter.
Releasing March 17th, 2022

I am continuously amazed at the level of writing that Ms. Marie puts out. I fell in love (hardcore) with the Commandeer in Briefs series and have since become a must-read author since then. Her writing style, flow, humor, and character development (personalities) are top-notch.

Dr. Vance Potter and Halle Belle are our main characters, and they are magical together. I am completely blown away! I fell in love with these two as well as the secondary characters, Astor, Duke, and Remington.

Vance is a broody genius with a mega-dose of a**h0le thrown in and let me tell you, I am here for ALL of it! He is so wickedly delicious that if hard-pressed, I would say he is in the top three of Kristy Marie’s H.

Halle was a breath of fresh air. From her southern belle accent, small-town farm upbringing, sassiness, sarcastic, yet sweet nature, she will win you over.

Ok, buttercups, be prepared to feel all the feels. To laugh, to cry, to be shocked, but also feel the power of love as its healing properties.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Incredible job Kristy Marie!