Cat Porter - Sin and Surrender (Lock and Key series)

Sin & Surrender: Small Town Motorcycle Club Romance by Cat Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**it would be beneficial (in my opinion) if you have read “The Wind and the Roar” Duet. Some characters roll into this book.


I just love this series! From book one on, the characters, details, all capture your heart. From major mistakes in the beginning, Wes somehow manages to correct the damage and recapture Lindy’s heart. And what a pair they make, absolutely made for each other, true soul mates. Add in the appearances of some of my (still alive) favorite Lock & Key characters, it’s a book that you can’t put down.

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Callie Hart - Riot Reunion (Crooked Sinners)

Riot Reunion by Callie Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Missed this group.
(sshhh, there are some blood and roses favorites that make an appearance)

In this book we revisit the group from Wolf Hall, all 3 couples, and where they are after graduating and moving on with their lives. But the past has a nasty way of interfering with future happiness. Fitz is still trying to cause problems, and without giving any spoilers away, he really jumps off the deep end.

Our couples are trying to create their lives together as adults, and not everything is as simple as it should be. Even with the amount of money all 3 guys have .... money can't solve everything. I do have to say it's been a while since I read the original 3 books, so I can't really remember all the details with Carrie and Dash. But Pax and Wren are my favorites anyway. I read this book in one day, there was just to much going on to not keep turning the page to find out what happens next. We have tragedy, happiness, and still a whole lot Callie can give us with this series. I really hope we visit them again.

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Tara Sivec - Stop Ghosting Me

Stop Ghosting Me by Tara Sivec
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars again!! I love all things Halloween and Tara Sivec. She spins the perfect blend of hilarious and heart warming tales that make me want to move to fictitious towns. The cast of crazy characters that surround our H/h are always the perfect added touch to make it a nonstop holiday of laughter.

*arc provided for honest review

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Tara Sivec - Spare Me (Summersweet Island #6)

Spare Me by Tara Sivec
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Nerd and the Firecracker .....

Like a modern version of Romeo and Juliet, you have a reversal of positions. The Nerd is the quiet, rule conforming "wall flower" until he is swept off his feet by the Firecracker who is claiming her life in a spectacular fashion.

I didn't think I would like this couple since we knew nothing at all about her, and almost nothing about Him. But what a surprise they were! Super fun, passionate, challenging, and imaginative. And I love that he is the nerd and she's the firecracker, the role reversal makes this couple a favorite. Add in the previous couples and a wild night with the guys, it was a perfect addition to this series.

***And if you are a fan of Tara Sivec, the only warning I will give you is this, when starting Chapter 20 DO NOT be drinking or eating anything. If you know, you know!

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Amo Jones - In Silence She Screams (Midnight Mayhem #3)

In Silence She Screams by Amo Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

spoilers ahead .....

I rarely give away spoilers, but I will admit that I am an emotional reader. I will get angry and even cry over the things that happen to beloved characters. I read to escape, and I really do escape into the world of the book I'm reading and become attached to the characters.

With that being said, this story broke me. The trauma that happens to Lilith and Eli is cringe, close your eyes, painful. At times it's a little hard to handle, but my love for this series pushes me on. EKC, Patience, and Midnight Mayhem crews and all involved in this tale, but I know that Amo Jones will bring us out the other side to where we need to be. It's the road to get there that breaks your heart along the way. I cried when it happened. Put the book down wondering why would she do this. How can you? We need him. But all I had to do was keep reading and keep hoping. All will work out. And along with that, more secrets that will lead us into the next book.

Amo Jones will always be a top author for me no matter how dark the road is, I'm always emotionally invested and hoping the next book comes out soon.

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Tara Sivec - With This Fling (SummerSweet Island #5)

With This Fling by Tara Sivec
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that I was late in reading this series. But when I was graciously given an ARC for an honest review, well I can't read a series out of order. So I have binge read this whole series in one week.

Series review:
I have always been a Chocolate Lovers series devoted fan, but this series comes in a very close second. Especially with the cameo of Millie from a Christmas Cliché (a must read for all Tara Sivec fans). I feel like I identify most with Tess, and admittedly I've dated a few Bodhi's in my life. This whole cast of characters is hilarious, my favorite dialogue are the text messages. Somehow that just makes it so much more laughing with tears funnier.

With This Fling review:
But for With This Fling, as I'm around the age of Laura, I would like to believe that there is hope for all of us stubborn, do it ourselves women, who could still find our HEA. Great couple, Dean just somehow melts right in to the crazy cast of characters and doesn't even blink with their insanity.

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Lili St. Germain - The Field of Wrongdoing

The Field of Wrongdoing by Lili St. Germain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Apparently this is a re-release of the original book, titled Gun Shy (hated the cover), which I already owned and never got around to reading. So I wish I had known I already had it before purchasing it again.

Anyway, this story is true Lili St. Germain dark, and I mean DARK. Trigger warnings everywhere with this one. But it's also a story of survival despite the horrible things you had to endure for years at the hand of your abuser. If you aren't willing to jump off the cliff and go on the long road ..... then this may not be for you. I don't mind the dark road, and I really liked how this all played out.

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Callie Hart - Riot Act (Crooked Sinners #3)

Riot Act by Callie Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Out of the three Riot House boys, Wren was my favorite. That was until I met Pax.

Dangerous, Dark, Obsessive, Broken. He has built a suit of armor around himself to block out the world. His anger and hostility to everyone but Wren and Dash is his weapon to keep people at bay.

But that all changes in the blink of eye with squealing tires and a girl thrown from a car bleeding to death. Somehow she sparks something in him, something he doesn't know how to handle. But Pres no longer has any fear and pushes him to places he never thought he would go.

It was a long road of working thru the armor and removing it piece by piece. And I really loved all of it, this is my favorite story of the series and I really hope we get more because that ending left me hanging by a "thread" (LOL).

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Karin Slaughter - False Witness (standalone)

False Witness by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Karin Slaughter since the first Grant County series book, and even in to the Will Trent merge. With those series we have a dark mystery. A thriller that you have to put the pieces together to get to the end. I always liked the "chase" to the end.

But, with her standalones, not so much. I have had trouble "clicking" with the stories. I did finish this one, but it was difficult. I skimmed chapters of it. Because honestly, I read to escape life, not be reminded of the pandemic we are living through or the needle by needle lesson in how to be a junkie 101.

We always knew who the bad guys were, and there were more than one. But what this turned out to be was a story of two girls whose lives started out with a spectacularly shitty mother, and then being molested by the same horrible man. One daughter went in one direction, the other (who had the worst of the sexual abuse) went down a very dark road of self destruction. And how they both crashed together in the end.

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Chevy Stevens - Dark Roads

Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't think anything could equal the intensity of Still Missing. But I stand corrected.

Honestly I don't know, for once, how to relay my thoughts and feelings about this story. So many layers, secrets, mysteries. I hung on by my fingernails hoping for the survival of our 4 main characters each step of the way. And one of those is a dog named Wolf, who is just as important to this story as the humans. They never gave up. They fought each step of the way to find the truth. How Hailey and Beth lived thru their wilderness treks is astonishing.

I know this story is inspired by the Highway of Tears, but it holds it own in the emotional meaning of those tragedies. And gives us a small amount of resolution to the murder that starts this journey. I would have liked a better ending for Jonny and Beth as a couple, but it ended as it should have naturally.

This book will stay with me for a while (and brought me out of my reading slump).

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Darynda Jones - A Good Day for Chardonnay (Sunshine Vicram #2)

A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, this is the best book I've read all year.

Second, I'm devastated by the cliffhanger ending. I'm was not expecting that at all and sat stunned cursing Darynda Jones for crushing me. I needed more!!!

I like this second installment more than the first. We get way more in depth regarding Sunshine's kidnapping and all the secrets that surround that event start to trickle out. Auri (so like a mini me version of Sunshine) is up to all kinds of "You are so grounded" kind of plots, but for all the right reasons. Everyone has their own plot line running in this one too. And i was totally invested in every word. This series is hilarious at times, serious and emotional in others, and super hot when Sunshine and Levi are even just in the same room together.

I can't wait to read the next book..... like now would be really nice, please!

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Tiffany Reisz - The Auction (The Original Sinners - Standalone Story)

The Auction by Tiffany Reisz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm just so happy to be back with the Original Sinners.... Kingsley, Eleanor, Soren, and the infamous "club". Back to those original feelings we had in the beginning of this series.

If you have read the short story The Seven Day Loan, then you will know who Daniel is. It's not absolutely necessary to have read it, because we are given enough backstory to refresh everyone's memory. And if you haven't read any of the Original Sinners series, well your missing out and I can't help you. Start at the beginning, but if you are not a "kink" reader, then this may not be for you.

Daniel has returned from his 18 month trek while trying to get over his 2nd love, or who he thought was his 2nd love. Just to find his true 2nd love. Though nothing is easy in the world of Kingsley. You have to go thru alot of missteps to get where you truly belong.

Anya is trying her very best to make a better life for her siblings. How she wound up in Kingsley's realm is a mystery. But the old saying, right place - right time, is never truer than when she opens the door to a very dirty and disheveled Daniel. Love at first sight? Hmmmm, let the games begin!!

**ARC provided for review by author.

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Darynda Jones - Beguiled (Betwixt & Between #3)

Beguiled by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many questions....
So many wonderful cliff hanger questions ...

Some mysteries are solved, new mysteries leave us hanging, needing the next book now.
These characters reminded me of the "vibe" that the Charley Davidson series had between the characters. But now they are all unique to me and I love them all. This is a series to read for all Darynda Jones fans.

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Beth Flynn - Tarnished Soul (Nine Minutes Spin-Off #4

Tarnished Soul by Beth Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are just those series that stick with you years after reading them.

Nine Minutes is one of them, including the spin-off's.

Brooks & Lucy are the perfect analogy of opposites attract. They couldn't be more different. But in their own way they are the dark/mc version of Beauty and the Beast. She quiets his demons, helps him make sense of the world and gives him something precious to protect. Something that is just his. She finds the protector in him to be something that makes her feel beautiful and wanted for once in her life. They have been waiting for each other for a long time.

Not saying their life is a fairytale come true with no violence and drama, but they seem to balance each other in a way that makes it's all seem lighter in the world of dark he roams in. And they make me want to re-read the series again. I miss all of the characters .....

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Shantel Tessier - Make You Beg

Make You Beg by Shantel Tessier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm speechless.

This went so far beyond my expectations. The short story was just a tease as to what the full story really is. Secrets, lies, sex, violence, and in the end ... love.

I actually miss Henley and Law. There was so much to this story. And everything that came to light in the end was twisted and mind blowing. Don't go into this thinking you can handle the dark environment. If this is not your usual genre, this is not the one to jump off into.

I hope we get the remaining Reapers stories.

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Kimberly Loth - Circus of the Dead complete series.

Circus of the Dead: The Complete Series by Kimberly Loth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Completely spellbound by this series.

This series is not what you think it is. Yes, it's paranormal, with voodoo, spells, witches, zombies, ghosts, and an island full of trapped people. That should be super creepy scary, but it's not. It's really quite funny, and sweet at times (in between all the magical wars).

I kind of equate this series to a paranormal Nancy Drew mystery. Lot's of things happen in rapid fire sequence. And just when you think it's all done, no, another piece of this enormous puzzle shows itself. The cast of characters are unique with their own backstories, and they all fit into the grand scheme of the island. And let's not forget we have a villian to this story (not going to give that surprise away) who tries to stop our Heroine from everything she tries to do.

So don't go into this series expecting a horror/scary/spooky story. It's not truly that, it's a story of good versus evil with a 16 year old Heroine who goes up against alot of paranormal things to accomplish her goals (not revealing that secret either)

So give this a try, go in with a blank mind and just enjoy the ride. I don't think you'll be disappointed. This series is on Kindle Unlimited at time of review.

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Colleen Hoover - Layla

Layla by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bizarre Love Triangle

I really love the premise, it was unique. And in it's own paranormal way, a true love story. Leeds and Layla are characters that connect in that unusual way that you just know it will be a forever love story. True soul mates. But that's all I'm going to give away.

I will say that the story moved a little to slow for me, I did have to fight my urge to walk away. But that's me. I need a more fast paced storyline. Do I think it was all worth it in the end, sorta. I think the ending could have had a little more spark than say the "riding off into the sunset" feel I had. But I don't regret reading the book, it was that unique of a story.

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Darynda Jones - Bewitched (Betwixted & Between #2)

Bewitched by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you love the Charley Davidson series, you will adore this one.

Defiance and her bff Annette are so clumsily funny. Even in the middle of serious witchery problems, hauntings, kidnappings, and trying to launch a business, they seem to take everything in stride. Find time to remember the little things, including laughter.

I tried to explain the plot to a friend and just couldn't. There are so many wonderful characters with full backstories that it's impossible to relate it to someone without it being a really long conversation. I want everyone to read this series!!

And as usual, we have a cliff hanger moment that me yelling "Oh no you didn't!!!". Thankfully, the next book comes out February 15th so I won't have to wait long. ...... for Roane.

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Callie Hart - Riot Rules (Crooked Sinners #2)

Riot Rules by Callie Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, to start, I was confused at first until I realized that this story starts before Elodie and Wren. Before Elodie even shows up at the school.

So once I got "situated", I still had trouble clicking with Dash. There was just something off about him, but never fear, I love him now. Maybe it was the confusing timeline in the beginning, don't know. I just wasn't "in" to the story. Skip ahead a few chapters and I'm in love with both of them. Knowing Carrie's backstory and Dash's secret love for the piano, you can't help but become attached to them.

And Sadly, we have to go thru some heartbreak, the reliving of the Fitz storyline, and you just kind of break emotionally before it comes together in the end. Not going to say who saves who, but it was an epic love story moment.

Now we have Wren and Dash, whatever will knock Pax off his pedestal?

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K.v. Rose - Boy of Ruin (Unsainted #4)

Boy of Ruin by K.V. Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well...

This book is long. For me, about 100 pages too long. I love these characters and the storyline is layered and fast paced (most of the time) to keep me interested. I actually read books 1-4 back to back, and I never do that.

So many secrets are uncovered, so much damage done to children. It's a very dark world they live in. This series is not for the vanilla reader in any way. And I'm good with dark subject matter, but with this particular book, I found the enormous amount of sex too much. Too much in the way that it swallows the story. Happens to frequently with too many partners, some at the same time. Why would Lucifer allow that to happen at Ignis if he is so possessive of Lilith? Didn't add up to me. So sadly, I did start skimming some sections to get past it so I could get to the actual story. And all in all, Lilith/Sid is the strongest character of this series, even more so than the guys.

And even with my few dislikes of this particular story, I will keep reading this author and the series. We end on a cliff hanger and I need to know what happens next. Not sure whose team I'm on yet, Lucifer or Jeremiah. It's a toss up right now .....

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