Archives

Aveke by Tijan–New Release

Oct25

Aveke by Tijan is now live! 

I watched him in high school. Knew his reputation. Knew he was wealthy, privileged, and mean.
He ran the show back then, a partier and a player.
Then he came back from college, back to the town I never left. He’s different now.
He comes into the bar, and I know his routine.
I know which stool he’ll pick.
I know his favorite drink. I know which sports team he’ll want on the television screen.
And I watch as he gets hit on.
Sometimes he leaves the bar with a woman. Sometimes he doesn’t.
But I’m always there, tending to his drinks. He gives me a smile and a polite nod back.
Then one night, after a long appraising stare, he asked, “Ava, why are you single?”
I leaned in, told him a lie, knowing the truth.
What I didn’t know was that my world was about to shatter after that night.

Something else I didn’t know: would the man I watched all those years help put my heart back together… or smash it into pieces?

** A 42k novella written as a standalone from two characters in the Fallen Crest/Roussou universe. 

  Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo!

 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yNV0pn

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3D3cjVX

Nook: https://bit.ly/3rYXQEe

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3F4tSqn

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3MxLRHe

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!!

Last on the List (Wait with Me #5) by Amy Daws–Review

Jul8

Recently, I am loving the boss/nanny relationships and Max and Cozy were a joy to read about. The true scene-stealer, though, was Everly. Everly is Max’s eleven-year-old daughter. She is bright, inquisitive, sweet, charming, and a downright matchmaker. Love, love, loved Everly.

Max is a workaholic, who has the privilege of having his daughter to himself for the whole summer. He is longing for more time with her, yet is closing on a huge deal for his company, hence where the need for the nanny comes into play.

Enter Cozy (and what an entrance she makes😉). Cozy is a plus-size girl who is adapting to a new outlook on life, ‘why do more when you can do less.’ She appears to be a very confident woman, yet, at the same time also experiences insecurities about her body, which I found very relatable.

There were some things I loved and some things that just did not work for me. I adored how Cozy and Max each tried to push each other out of their safe space. While doing this they were able to learn a little bit more about the other. Everly. I loved the relationship between her and Max, and equally loved the relationship between her and Cozy. The tight bonds between them were evident.

Now, the thing that bothered me to the high heavens. Zaddy! I could really not hear that word again and I would be a happy camper. Zaddy was mentioned a lot! Otherwise, this was a cute story!

Somebody Else’s Shadow by Monica James–Book Review

Jun20

I am never underwhelmed when it comes to Monica, her writing, or her storytelling capabilities. I knew from the first page that this book was going to be special. The mental imagery that she can paint is nothing short of fantastic. I could visualize myself sitting on that tree swing and smelling the lake air, feeling the breeze on my face, seeing the bright color saturation, and tasting the vibrancy of lemons.

Books that deal with amnesia can be a wild card. There usually is a reason as to why someone has lost their memory, but the scary part is what will they find in the process to get it back. In this instance, Peyton Lane has no recollection of her life prior to a car accident six months earlier. As much as people want to help, nothing feels right. She’s heard the stories and has seen pictures, but things are not clicking until she notices Cayden Coachman. Cayden is the first person where she’s felt a quivering in her belly. The problem is that she doesn’t know why.

Somebody Else’s Shadow is not your typical boy/girl/amnesia story. It is so much more. There are twists and turns, and then there are Monica James’s amnesiac twists and turns. Just when I thought I might have an inkling of where this story would go, it did a sharp right and splintered off further.

I highly recommend reading Somebody Else’s Shadow. It’s powerful, impactful, thrilling gut-wrenching, and cry-inducing. Hey, Monica, prime merch opportunity, a tissue box/tissues with ‘Monica James, creator of tears, and a shoulder to cry on’ printed on the side.’

Big Balls by Anna Michael–New Release/Review

Apr21

Big Balls: a single dad sports romance by Anna Michael

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When reading the blurb, I immediately thought this was right up my alley. I love single dad sports romances and after a run of dark romances, I needed a cleansing book. I am so incredibly happy that I picked this book up!

Anna Michael is a new to me author who delivers a storyline that has steam, a spunky heroine, three best friends that a guy wishes he did not have sometimes, and who could forget Katy, Ethan’s daughter. The BF’s and Zoe were hilarious in the book, but I have to say that Katy was the star.

Katy is not your typical kid. She is neuro diverse who flourishes under her tutor, Zoe. Katy’s autism does not slow her down when she has someone to teach her and guide her. She is whip smart and may only be six, but she acts six times that age and is the ‘mother’ to this band of billionaires.

Poor Ethan has been dealing with things in his personal life that have caused him to be guarded, sheltered, and overly protective of Katy and her surroundings. As a wide receiver for the New Orleans Sinners, his hands are his money makers, but the plays that he does after catching the ball have earned him the moniker, Big Balls. Well, Mr. Balls, it is time to nut up and get on board with the changes that are happening around you.

I, truly, must give, Ms. Michael a round of applause. Technically, this book was spot on about the autism spectrum. It can be difficult to write about a topic if you do not have firsthand knowledge. For me, Katy is very reminiscent to Asperger (high functioning) patients I have worked with. Congratulations!

“Autism in not an illness. Autism is how the brain functions. I am different, but I am not less.”
-Ryan McGuire, spreads awareness through TikTok with his sister, Brittney @tacobellqween




View all my reviews