Tag Archive | 4 stars

Blame it on the Vodka by Fiona Cole–New Release/Review

Blame it on the Vodka by Fiona Cole

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This review is hard for me to write. While I loved the concept of the book and most importantly, I LOVE Fiona Cole, I had a hard time connecting with the characters/parts of the story. This may be, because I didn’t read the first books in the series, but I am not sure.
Austin and Rae are best friends who met in college. Now, years later, they are still best friends, but one side is wishing for more, while the other has a steadfast, self-imposed promise of NEVER marrying. Fast forward to being in Vegas for a friend’s wedding and apparently their own. What happens next?
I loved Austin. He fought for what he wanted and was determined to make things work. Rae on the other hand just did not connect with me. Due to situations in her past, it made it almost impossible for her to get over it.
Despite all this, the friends to lovers, secret marriage storyline, and ‘what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas’ was delightful.




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Beautiful Nightmare by Giana Darling–NOW LIVE

BEAUTIFUL NIGHTMARE
by Giana Darling

LLBB REVIEW
NOW LIVE! Beautiful Nightmare by Giana Darling is available now!
 
“A powerful punch of emotion, blasts of sizzling heat and luscious dollops of delicious swoon” – Amazon reviewer
 
“a phenomenal and entertaining conclusion to this duet… this deliciously dark, age gap romance picks up right where Dangerous Temptation left off.” – Anna’s Bookshelf 
 
“an epic dark romance duet that you do NOT want to miss” – Goodreads reviewer
 
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kiXYLi
Universal: https://bit.ly/3kkIZ3v
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Apple Books: https://apple.co/3GWh3wy
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3D4PGhK
 
Add to your Goodreads TBRhttps://bit.ly/34BFEIj
 
Bianca has finally found her rightful place amid the powerful Constantines. But all is not what it seems in this glittering new world. And Tiernan Morelli refuses to give up her up…
 
BEAUTIFUL NIGHTMARE is the final book in the Dark Dream duet by USA Today bestselling author Giana Darling.
 
ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE DARK DREAM DUET
 
Bad Dream – A Dark Dream Prologue Novella
 FREE on all platforms! https://bit.ly/2Y9XQ8C
 
#1 Dangerous Temptation https://bit.ly/3hl1bJm

Totally Schooled by Nicole Dykes–Review

Ms. Dykes is a new to me author and I am so happy that I read this.

Totally Schooled is a M/M romance involving Rafe Scott and Nolan Burke. Rafe is a single dad with the cutest little girl. Nolan just happens to be the kindergarten teacher at the local school (can you see where this story is headed😉).

Individually, Rafe and Nolan are fighting their own ghosts, insecurities, fears, and difficult pasts. Rafe comes from that ‘wholesome’ community that does not necessarily understand his sexuality, while Nolan comes from a family full of love. His problem (if it is a problem) is his big heart because people seem to take advantage of those with a big and giving heart.

“I know, without a doubt, I’m falling entirely too hard for both of them.”

I adored these two, and of course Hailey. They were friends first who just so happened to be extremely attracted to each other. I was a little perturbed with the pacing of the relationship towards the end of the book. I completely get the reasoning behind it but just want to yell, ‘communicate people’!! We get it, you’re friends, you’re cautious, you don’t want to make a mistake, etc., but holy moley, I believe that line was already crossed!

I am absolutely, 100%, in love with the ending. I am a self-proclaimed epilogue hoe. I love them and Nicole’s was written with so much love, that it gave me the warm fuzzies all over. Rafe, Nolan, and Hailey were a joy to read about am anxious to read more from Nicole!

“I think that’s why they call it falling in love. You have to take a leap to get there.”

Give Me A Reason by A.L. Jackson–Review

So, what do we have when looking under the cover of Give Me A Reason?

  • Enemies to Lovers
  • Single Dad
  • MC
  • Forbidden Boss
  • Pasts that never die

I was immediate to say ‘yes, please’ at the site of a single dad and MC read. All the other stuff was a bonus, a very good bonus. I adore Ms. Jackson’s lilting writing style. To a former musician/percussionist, this cadence like reading helped to progress the storyline along. Each word, each phrase felt purposely placed which kept this plotline moving. This allowed me as the reader to get sucked in. I felt like I was on a train that kept increasing speed the further along I went.

As mentioned earlier, a part of this book is on the single dad aspect. Trent Lawson has a five-year-old son, Gage, who is his ray of sunshine and “one good thing” in his life. As a secondary character Gage is the best. I could eat up all the adorableness that exuded from Gage.

“He was dressed in jeans, a short-sleeved button up, and his checkered Vans. Looking like the budding bada** that he was.”

Eden Jasmine Murphy appears to be prim, proper, innocent looking. She has a heart the size of Texas and teaches both elementary private school and dance. The only family she has is her father, who happens to be the pastor where Eden works. The thing about Eden is don’t let the external fool you. She may be innocent looking, but when needed, she has the ability to put one in their place.

“Girls like you don’t belong in a place like this. Now go home and lock your door behind you before you regret walking through my door.”

Trent and Eden are nothing short of magical, yet unmagical at the same time. Trent has many demons within him and nipping at his heels, yet when he’s around Eden he’s optimistic. Eden is fighting her own battles, but things seem a little bit brighter with Trent by her side.

What happens when light meets dark? When Eden and Trent cross paths in different settings? I can tell you, Give Me A Reason is what happens. The storyline, plotline, and pacing were well checked and consistently moving. Her characters and their development were hilarious, sexy, scared, and romantical. As the title implies, it’s simply saying, Give Me A Reason why not to read this book.

“One love. One Loyalty. One reason.”

Royal Reckoning by Emily Silver–Review

In a modern world, what happens to a royal that has bigger and better goals in mind? What happens when that royal is second in line for the crown? Is she able to fulfill her personal endeavors and do what makes her soul sing? Well, Royal Reckoning answers these questions and more in this meet cute fairytale romance.

Princess Eleanor has always felt love from her family, but not necessarily love for her future. When given the opportunity to have a royal holiday, she takes it and runs (literally).

The princess and the tattoo shop owner, sounds like a cliché, but Ellie and Sean are anything but that. Within each other they find that missing piece to make the other whole. Ellie was looking to spread her wings and let her true self out for a bit, while Sean needed more fun and ‘stop and smell the roses’ moments in his life. He has been so busy with opening his shop and other things, that he has lost/forgotten what enjoying life was all about.

Royal Reckoning was a quick read, both pleasant with some fog your glasses moments. As with most fairytales there is a HEA that makes you smile!