The Deal by Elle Kennedy

The Deal - 4.5 Stars

Synopsis

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice...even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it's going to be oh so good

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

Review
4.5 Stars. I really enjoyed this book. I am a huge fan of Erin Watt and the two authors series "The Royals", which is my all my time favourite series. When I finished reading When It's Real, I wanted to read more by these authors. So I looked through good reads and was intrigued by Elle Kennedys "Off Campus" Series. It took me a little while to fully get myself immersed into the story. But that was down to me and not the story. I had several books on my TBR that I just purchased that I needed to read ASAP, to avoid spoilers. When I finally got to pick this book up, I flew through the story.

The story follows Hannah Wells, who is at college majoring in music and just wants to get on with life. She also wants to get together with the hot new football player Justin. But Justin does not notice Hannah, so she spends her time just watching and longing for him. Hannah believes her love life will not improve so she just goes with. That all changes when she and her Ethics class take a mid term exam and she is the only one to pass. She not only gets an "A" but she also gets the attention of Garrett Graham the colleges hot and mega popular Captain of the Hockey Team. Garrett tries to persuade Hannah to tutor him for the makeup exam because if he fails he's off the team. So he offers Hannah a deal. She will help him pass the exam and he will help her get it together with Justin. Hannah reluctantly accepts and this is where our story takes flight.

I loved the two main characters they made me laugh, cry and smile. They are both broken and need assistance to mend. If you are looking for a cute, quick, some time smutty romance, then this book is for you. All fans of Erin Watt and the Royals series will love this book. Cannot wait to go onto book 2 "The Mistake". I am looking forward to reading about the rest of the team. 

Staking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Stalking Jack the Ripper - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

Review

This was book was an absolute pleasure to read. I loved and devoured this book. For years Jack the Ripper has fascinated me from the complex murders to who committed the crime. I loved the twists and turns. Yes, the author took some historical liberties with her story, but I did not mind. I enjoyed being emerced into the world of Victorian London. Audrey Rose is truly a woman out of her time. She would be hailed these days as a genius, but alas she was born in a different time. She is a smart sassy heroine that captures our souls and refuses to let go. Thomas Cresswell is amazing, a Sherlock Holmes type young man. I loved the dynamic between the two young medical students. If you're looking for a good thrilling read, then pick up this amazing debut novel. Give it a go, you won't be sorry.

Now bring on book two. I need this now

Current TBR August 2017

The Deal (Off Campus) #1

Synopsis

She's about to make a deal with the college bad boy...

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice...even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it's going to be oh so good

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

His Nine Month Seduction

Synopsis


One night, with consequences...

After the breakup of his disastrous marriage, Lord Theo Trevalyen sure as hell doesn’t want another relationship. For the first time in his adult life he’s footloose and fancy free and he plans to make the most of it.

But a steamy one-night stand with the innocent Imogen Harper changes everything when she turns up in his life three months later… just as sexy as ever, and most-definitely pregnant!

Imogen wants to raise the baby on her own but the billionaire bachelor has other ideas! Before she knows it, she’s living with him, laughing with him, and spending all her energy trying not to fall back in bed with him. But does Theo have an ulterior motive in seducing Imogen? Is their romance too good to be true? Can she trust him – not just with her heart, but with her baby?

A sexy tale of seduction and lust, lies and betrayal… fall in love with Theo and Imogen in HIS NINE MONTH SEDUCTION, the latest romance from International Bestseller Clare Connelly.

Stalking Jack the Ripper

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

The Scot Beds his Wife

Synopsis


The Scot Beds His Wife is the next lush, captivating Victorian romance in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne.

They’re rebels, scoundrels, and blackguards—dark, dashing men on the wrong side of the law. But for the women who love them, a hint of danger only makes the heart beat faster.

Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, is a notorious Highlander and an unrelenting Lothario who uses his slightly menacing charm to get what he wants—including too many women married to other men. But now, Gavin wants to put his shady past behind him...more or less. When a fiery lass who is the heiress to the land he wishes to possess drops into his lap, he sees a perfectly delicious opportunity...

A marriage most convenient

Samantha Masters has come back to Scotland, in a pair of trousers, and with a whole world of dangerous secrets from her time spent in the Wild West trailing behind her. Her only hope of protection is to marry—and to do so quickly. Gavin is only too willing to provide that service for someone he finds so disturbingly irresistible. But even as danger approaches, what begins as a scandalous proposition slowly turns into an all-consuming passion. And Gavin discovers that he will do whatever is necessary to keep the woman he has claimed as his own...

Receiver of Many

Synopsis


Persephone's life has been one of leisure among the verdant fields: the maiden of flowers, sheltered by her mother, the Harvest Goddess Demeter. Now she is a woman, a goddess in her own right, yearning for freedom— even as the terms of an ancient pact are about to come due.

Hades's life has been one of solitude in the somber land of the dead: the God of the Underworld, he lives without attachments, eternally governing the souls of mortals. But he dreams of the young goddess who was promised to be his wife, and knows it is time for his Kingdom to have a Queen.

When Hades arrives to claim his betrothed, he finds a young goddess eager to unearth her divine potential— and a powerful mother unwilling to let go. Receiver of Many begins an erotic story of passion and possession, duty and desire, and a struggle that threatens both ancient Greece and the Realm of the Dead itself.

The Iron Trial #1

Synopsis


Most kids would do anything to pass the Iron Trial.

Not Callum Hunt. He wants to fail.

All his life, Call has been warned by his father to stay away from magic. If he succeeds at the Iron Trial and is admitted into the Magisterium, he is sure it can only mean bad things for him.

So he tries his best to do his worst - and fails at failing.

Now the Magisterium awaits him. It's a place that's both sensational and sinister, with dark ties to his past and a twisty path to his future.

The Iron Trial is just the beginning, for the biggest test is still to come . . .

Meet Thomas Cresswell

Synopsis

Novella about Thomas Cresswell and his 1st thoughts of Audrey.

Trust by Kylie Scott

Trust - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Being young is all about the experiences: the first time you skip school, the first time you fall in love…the first time someone holds a gun to your head.

After being held hostage during a robbery at the local convenience store, seventeen-year-old Edie finds her attitude about life shattered. Unwilling to put up with the snobbery and bullying at her private school, she enrolls at the local public high school, crossing paths with John. The boy who risked his life to save hers.

While Edie’s beginning to run wild, however, John’s just starting to settle down. After years of partying and dealing drugs with his older brother, he’s going straight—getting to class on time, and thinking about the future.

An unlikely bond grows between the two as John keeps Edie out of trouble and helps her broaden her horizons. But when he helps her out with another first—losing her virginity—their friendship gets complicated.

Meanwhile, Edie and John are pulled back into the dangerous world they narrowly escaped. They were lucky to survive the first time, but this time they have more to lose—each other.

Review

"Being young is all about the experience: the 1st time you skip school, the 1st time you fall in love... the 1st time someone holds a gun to your head"

This was just amazing. I loved this book from the start, the middle and all the way to the end. The book is told from Edith (Edie's) point of view. Edie is overweight and struggles with bullies in her life because of her weight. Being overweight and having being bullied because of this I could empathise well with her. Definitely my favourite book of 2017 so far.

Edie's life starts off like most young teenagers. Her plan to is to graduate high school and move on to Berkley. This plan was going well until Edie is held at gunpoint at her local late night store. She goes that night to grab snacks for a Harry Potter movie marathon (my kind of person). While being held at gunpoint she gets to know another hostage called John. John who was at the late night convenience store selling weed to another high school student helps her through the situation.

After the robbery at gunpoint, Edie decides enough is enough, life is too short to worry about others or put up with other people's behaviour. So she leaves her private school and starts to attend her local high school. Here she reconnects with John and tries to trust people again. But she has an attitude of I can do as I wish, just watch me. John, on the other hand, is trying to sort out his life. He also tries to help out Edie as well in the process.

This book made me laugh and cry. At one point I laughed so hard it hurt. I enjoyed the stage dive series by the same author, but this is my favourite by far. If you want a good laugh, cry and a little bit of sexy time then this is the book for you. 

When it's Real by Erin Watt

When it's Real - 5 Stars

Synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Erin Watt comes the addictive contemporary tale of a teen rock star in need of an image makeover and the teen girl hired to be his fake girlfriend.

Meet Oakley Ford-teen celebrity, renowned pop star, child of famous movie stars, hottie with millions of fangirls… and restless troublemaker. On the surface he has it all, but with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry, and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley's team decides it's time for an intervention. The result: an image overhaul, complete with a fake girlfriend meant to show the world he's settled down.

Enter seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett-devoted sister, part-time waitress, the definition of "normal." Under ordinary circumstances she'd never have taken this gig, but with her family strapped for cash, she doesn't have much of a choice. And for the money Oakley's team is paying her, she figures she can put up with outlandish Hollywood parties and a team of publicists watching her every move. So what if she thinks Oakley's a shallow, self-centered jerk? It's not like they're going to fall for each other in real life…right?

Review

I loved this book and struggled to put this down. Unfortunately hand to put down for my last exam (damm you exam). But got right back on top of it. The duo behind Erin Watt have done it again. Paper Princess etc, were my favourites last year. This one is a huge favourite of this year. The story follows Oakley and Vaughn. It's a love to hate story that grabbed my heart and would not let go. 

Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott

Lick #1 - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.

Play #2 - 4 Stars

Synopsis


Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast—at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. Mal doesn't plan on this temporary fix becoming permanent, but he didn't count on finding the one right girl.

Anne Rollins never thought she'd ever meet the rock god who plastered her teenage bedroom walls—especially not under these circumstances. Anne has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a wild life-of-the-party drummer couldn't end well. No matter how hot he is. Or could it?

Lead #3 - 4 Stars

Synopsis

As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, whether it's booze, drugs, or women. However, when a PR disaster serves as a wake-up call about his life and lands him in rehab, he finds himself with Lena, a new assistant to keep him out of trouble.

Lena's not willing to take any crap from the sexy rocker and is determined to keep their relationship completely professional, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when Jimmy pushes her too far and Lena leaves, he realizes that he may just have lost the best thing that ever happened to him.

Deep #4 - 4 Stars

Synopsis


Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins' ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben's the only man she's ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn't looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She's his best friend's little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he's not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he's always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible... but will it lead to a connection of the heart?

Review

Four broken bachelors who are struggling with their own demons. These 4 sexy men get the women of their dreams and they help to fix the to make them a family once again. Serious sexy time reads 

Tarnished Crown by Erin Watt

Tarnished Crown - 4 Stars

Synopsis

The Gideon & Savannah Story. Takes place after Twisted Palace.
Weekly release until August via Erin Watt's newsletter and, one week later, on their website and Wattpad.

Review

Cute and funny novella and an interesting format. 

Paper Princess Series by Erin Watt

Paper Princess #1 - 5 Stars

Synopsis

From strip clubs and truck stops to southern coast mansions and prep schools, one girl tries to stay true to herself.

These Royals will ruin you…

Ella Harper is a survivor—a pragmatic optimist. She’s spent her whole life moving from town to town with her flighty mother, struggling to make ends meet and believing that someday she’ll climb out of the gutter. After her mother’s death, Ella is truly alone.

Until Callum Royal appears, plucking Ella out of poverty and tossing her into his posh mansion among his five sons who all hate her. Each Royal boy is more magnetic than the last, but none as captivating as Reed Royal, the boy who is determined to send her back to the slums she came from.

Reed doesn’t want her. He says she doesn’t belong with the Royals.

He might be right.

Wealth. Excess. Deception. It’s like nothing Ella has ever experienced, and if she’s going to survive her time in the Royal palace, she’ll need to learn to issue her own Royal decrees. 

Broken Prince #2 - 5 Stars

Synopsis

THESE ROYALS WILL RUIN YOU...

Reed Royal has it all—looks, status, money. The girls at his elite prep school line up to date him, the guys want to be him, but Reed never gave a damn about anyone but his family until Ella Harper walked into his life.

What started off as burning resentment and the need to make his father’s new ward suffer turned into something else entirely—keep Ella close. Keep Ella safe. But when one foolish mistake drives her out of Reed’s arms and brings chaos to the Royal household, Reed’s entire world begins to fall apart around him.

Ella doesn’t want him anymore. She says they’ll only destroy each other.

SHE MIGHT BE RIGHT.

Secrets. Betrayal. Enemies. It’s like nothing Reed has ever dealt with before, and if he’s going to win back his princess, he’ll need to prove himself Royally worthy.

Twisted Place #3 - 5 Stars

Synopsis

These Royals will ruin you…

From mortal enemies to unexpected allies, two teenagers try to protect everything that matters most.

Ella Harper has met every challenge that life has thrown her way. She’s tough, resilient, and willing to do whatever it takes to defend the people she loves, but the challenge of a long-lost father and a boyfriend whose life is on the line might be too much for even Ella to overcome.

Reed Royal has a quick temper and even faster fists. But his tendency to meet every obstacle with violence has finally caught up with him. If he wants to save himself and the girl he loves, he’ll need to rise above his tortured past and tarnished reputation.

No one believes Ella can survive the Royals. Everyone is sure Reed will destroy them all.
They may be right.

With everything and everyone conspiring to keep them apart, Ella and Reed must find a way to beat the law, save their families, and unravel all the secrets in their Twisted Palace.

Review

An amazing ending to a wonderful addictive series. Loved all three book. I read all three in 3 days flat. Sad the series is over but will definitely re-read this series at some point. Truly addictive and unique loved them.  

Tales of Beedle the Bard by J K Rowling

The Tales of Beedle the Bard - 5 Stars

Synopsis

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers’ attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger’s new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. 

Review

A re read for me. Love this one as much as I did when I first delved into this little gem of a book. Still read The Three Brothers with Hermoine's (Emma Watson) voice in my mind 🤓

Hogwarts Short Stories by J K Rowling

Hogwarts Heroes - 2.5 Stars

Synopsis 
 
‘Minerva was the Roman goddess of warriors and wisdom. William McGonagall is celebrated as the worst poet in British history. There was something irresistible to me about his name, and the idea that such a brilliant woman might be a distant relative of the buffoonish McGonagall.’ – J.K. Rowling

Pottermore Presents is a collection of J.K. Rowling’s writing from the Pottermore archives: short reads originally featured on pottermore.com with some exclusive new additions. These eBooks, with writing curated by Pottermore, will take you beyond the Harry Potter stories as J.K. Rowling reveals her inspiration, intricate details of characters’ lives and surprises from the wizarding world.

These stories of heroism, hardship and dangerous hobbies profile two of the Harry Potter stories’ most courageous and iconic characters: Minerva McGonagall and Remus Lupin. J.K. Rowling also gives us a peek behind the closed curtains of Sybill Trelawney’s life, and you’ll encounter the reckless, magical-beast-loving Silvanus Kettleburn along the way.
 

Hogwarts - Power - 2 Stars

Synopsis

No Muggle Prime Minister has ever set foot in the Ministry of Magic, for reasons most succinctly summed up by ex-Minister Dugald McPhail (term of office 1858-1865): “their puir wee braines couldnae cope wi’ it.”’ – J.K. Rowling
Pottermore Presents is a collection of J.K. Rowling’s writing: short reads originally featured on pottermore.com with some exclusive new additions. These eBooks, with writing curated by Pottermore, will take you beyond the Harry Potter stories as J.K. Rowling reveals her inspiration, intricate details of characters’ lives and surprises from the wizarding world.

These stories of power, politics and pesky poltergeists give you a glimpse into the darker side of the wizarding world, revealing the ruthless roots of Professor Umbridge, the lowdown on the Ministers for Magic and the history of the wizarding prison Azkaban. You will also delve deeper into Horace Slughorn’s early years as Potions master at Hogwarts - and his acquaintance with one Tom Marvolo Riddle

Review

One word disappointing   

Everything, Everything by Niola Yoon

Everything, Everything - 3 Stars

Synopsis

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Review

I was not to sure how to rate this. It was okay but not great. I think because I knew the twist early on. Plus one character annoyed me from the start and continued to the end. It was a quick read when I finally got into it. A good quick beach read if required.  

Movie Review - Was Excellent, better than the book

 

The Colour of Magic - Terry Pratchett

Colour of Magic - 3 Stars

Synopsis

On a world supported on the back of a giant turtle (sex unknown), a gleeful, explosive, wickedly eccentric expedition sets out. There's an avaricious but inept wizard, a naive tourist whose luggage moves on hundreds of dear little legs, dragons who only exist if you believe in them, and of course THE EDGE on the planet...


Review

Glad I've finally read a Terry Pratchett book. This was different to come up with a rating. In the end for me this was a 3.5. Which I don't normally do .5 stars. This was fun and enjoyable but needs 100% of your full attention due the writing style. Death was the best character for me. So will move on to Mort in the future. Definitely will give more books in the series a go. But will need to be in the mood. 
 

So I Married a Sorcerer (Embraced) #2 by Kerrelyn Sparks

So I Married a Sorcerer (Embraced) #2 - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Growing up on the Isle of Moon, Brigitta knows nothing of her past, except that she is Embraced: born with powers that forced her into hiding. Everything changes when she learns she’s a princess, hidden away from her villainous half-brother who now rules the kingdom. But he knows about Brigitta, and he’ll do anything to get her back. Unless a certain roguish pirate has anything to say about it…

Rupert is both an infamous pirate and a sorcerer with the power to harness the wind. He’s been waiting nineteen years for revenge—and he needs Brigitta to get it. What begins as a kidnapping of the fiery beauty turns into a fierce attraction. But can he win the captive princess’s heart?

Review

ARC received for review. This is the 2nd book in the embraced series. This one follows Brigitta and the infamous pirate Rupert. I loved this one as much as the 1st. This one has dashing heroes not found in usual places. Competitions and dragons, which always makes me happy. Can't wait for book three in this exciting and thrilling series. 

Bought for the Billionaires Revenge by Clare Connelly

Bought for the Billionaires Revenge - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Sold to the ruthless tycoon!

Innocent socialite Marnie Kenington was devastated when her parents forced her to spurn Nikos Kyriazis. She's never forgotten him, nor his raw sensuality. So years later, when Nikos insists on a meeting, Marnie's heart leaps...until Nikos strikes a cold, hard deal. Her family is on the verge of bankruptcy and he will rescue them--if she becomes his wife!

Marnie's rejection drove self-made billionaire Nikos to unimaginable success. Now, he'll take his revenge. Marnie's poise is legendary, but he knows in the bedroom he can take her apart, piece by sensual piece...

Review

Clare at her finest. This was a gem  

Nicola and the Viscount by Meg Cabot

Nicola and the Viscount - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Nicola always gets what she wants.

Nicola Sparks, sixteen and an orphan, is ready to dive headlong into her first glittering London society season. She's also ready to dive headlong into the arms of handsome and debonair Lord Sebastian Bartholomew. Nicola's dream is a proposal from the viscount—a dream she's about to realize at last! So naturally, Nathaniel Sheridan's insinuations about her fiancé's flawed character annoy her mightily.

But when Nicola's natural curiosity gets the best of her, she begins to piece together a few things for herself. To her great surprise, Nicola realizes she's had the wrong viscount all along . . . but is it too late to make things right?

Review

Re-Read for me. Love Nicola, Nathanial and the other characters in the book. One from my youth and still a favorite. 

The Lady & The Laird (Scottish Brides) #1 by Nicola Cornick

The Lady & The Laird (Scottish Brides) #1 - 4 Stars

Synopsis

An Indecent Proposal!

Lady Lucy MacMorlan may have forsworn men and marriage, but that doesn't mean she won't agree to profit from writing love letters for her brother's friends - letters that become increasingly racy as her fame grows. That is, until she deliberately ruins the betrothal of a notorious laird, Robert, Marquis of Methven.

Past centuries of bloodshed have left the Methven and MacMorlan families bitter enemies and Robert is furious that Lady Lucy's letters have cost him the bride he needs so urgently to save his ancestral clan lands. Now he makes Lucy a shocking proposal; in return for his silence she must become his wife and provide him with the heir he needs. It is an inconvenient marriage of convenience but can the rugged laird and the bluestocking beauty fight against the power of love?

Scottish Brides - Where Regency elegance meets Highland passion!

Review

This book was a fun read. Lucy is sassy and not willing to be anyones wife. But a mistake puts her in the path of Robert and the adventures begin. 

Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife by Michelle Styles

Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife - 4 Stars

Synopsis

With the war drums echoing in her ears, and the sharp northern light glinting off the sharpened swords, Sela stood with trepidation on the shoreline. The dragon ships full of warriors had come, ready for battle and glory.But it wasn't the threat of conquest that shook Sela to the core. It was the way her heart responded to the proud face and chiseled body of Vikar Hrutson, jaarl, leader of the invading force--and Sela's ex-husband!

Review

Tried to read this many years ago, glad that now I have now completed this goal. Sexy fun time with vikings. 

My Lady English by Catherine March

My Lady English - 5 Stars

Synopsis

THE FIRST TIME THEY MET, SHE AIMED AN ARROW AT HIM. THE SECOND TIME, HE MARRIED HER!

Lady Julia of Foxbourne wanted to hate the Norman knight who'd wed her at the order of his king. But Falk de Arques, a fierce warrior on the battlefield, was not about to be defeated by a woman --- however spirited and stubborn.

How long would it take for Julia to surrender to her growing desires and become his Lady English?

Review

Re-Read for me. I loved this as much as I did many, many years ago. Glad I did not remember much, made reading this like it was my 1st time - bonus. 

Fairytale Shifters by Alexa Riley

Riding Red #1 - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Gray Ridge, Colorado is a quiet town, but this Halloween there's a mating moon, and the shifters' need to breed their fated mates runs strong.

Ruby is the proud owner of Red's Goodie Basket, and as the new girl in town, she's looking for business. But when the local sexy sheriff, Dominic Wolfe, keeps the customers away, she finds it's hard to stay mad when burning with desire.

Dominic is a shifter, and his wolf wants Ruby. Since the second he laid eyes on her, he's been fighting the need to mark her as his. But when the mating moon is full, he won't be able to control his wolf any longer.

Tricks and treats are the last things on his mind when the mating heat takes over, and his obsession is put to the test.

Warning: This story is a sexy twist on a classic fairy tale, complete with a red cape, a basket of goodies, and a hungry wolf. It's written to make you smile, turn you on, and help you celebrate Halloween!  

Beauty Sleeps - 4 Stars

Synopsis 

Xavier has watched Gwen for years, sneaking outside her window just to watch her sleep. She calls to him in a way he doesn't understand.

After he loses his mom and his sister in a tragic accident, he disappears into the woods and lets his wolf take over.

Gwen has been waiting around for her knight in shining armor to show up, but years have passed since she reached her mating age, and he still hasn't come.

When Xavier makes his way back to Gray Ridge, one scent captivates him like no other...

He's on a mission. Claiming Gwen as his mate is all that matters, even if she doesn't remember him.

What he isn't prepared for is Alpha Stone keeping them apart.

Warning: This fairy tale contains a hero in desperate need of his sleeping beauty, a heroine who wants to mate with her beast, and an alpha trying to keep it from happening. This is meant to be over-the-top, extra sweet, and lots of fun. Come roll around in it.

The Lost Slipper #3 - 4.5 Stars (My Fav)

Synopsis

When the alpha falls... He falls hardest of all.

The first time Stone saw Winnie, she was alone in the woods with no memory of where she came from.

With one look, he knew something was different. When she finally came of age and her mating heat kicked in, he realized that she had always been the one.

Sent to live with a strange family, Winnie was forced to deal with the hateful treatment of her stepmother and stepsisters.

Mating the alpha changed that.

But when her past comes back to find her, will the heat last after the clock strikes midnight?

Warning: This shifter fairy tale is meant to be enjoyed by only those who love this kind of adorable stuff. Think you've got what it takes? Then come on in! 

Finding Snow - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Koda's found his sister, Winnie, and now he's made a life for himself in Gray Ridge, Colorado. As a bear shifter, he's naturally a loner, and with so few females around, he's resigned to never finding his mate. But when he stumbles upon a woman in the woods, his whole world changes.

Snow's been on the run and has made a makeshift family with a band of seven wanderers. While resting in the woods and waiting for them to come back, something big finds her.

When Koda and Snow collide, they realize their stories are woven together more tightly than they could have imagined. Will the truth break their mates bond? Or will it bind them closer together?

Warning: This fairy-tale shifter story is full of alpha sweetness with a side of growly bear. What's not to love?! If you love a classic story with a dirty twist, then get your click on! 

Review

These were fun, sexy, cute and addictive. The novellas got me to love paranormal romance, never thought that would happen. Love Stone and Winnie in The Lost Slipper. Keep reading that little gem over and over again.  

Cowboys & Virgins Series by Alexa Riley

Branding the Virgin #1 - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Mary-Jane wasn’t looking for drama. All she wanted was a family of her own, so she decided to make that happen. A mix-up at the sperm bank leaves her with a baby in her belly, but the father is none the wiser.

Ty was injured in a bull-riding accident, and now all he plans on doing is working on his ranch and keeping to himself. That is, until a little dark-haired woman shows up on his doorstep.

When their paths cross, will Mary-Jane be able to reveal to Ty that he’s the father? Will Ty be able to keep Mary-Jane from running? Will there be a lot of steam in this book? You betcha!

Warning: This pregnant virgin story is wonderfully ridiculous and just as sweet as it sounds. Saddle up and take an evening stroll with this easy quickie.

Roping the Virgin # 2 - 4 Stars

Synopsis


Blake Jennings has always wanted what his parents had: a sweet, simple love that lasts a lifetime. And when he meets Luciana, he knows she’s the one.

Luciana Salazar comes from a tight-knit family that pushes her to follow her dreams. When she takes a job on the Braided Rope Ranch, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with its owner, the dark-haired man she’s seen watching her in town.

Roping the Virgin is over-the-top sweet, with a heaping scoop of sexy steam. Blake sweeps his Luciana off her feet and gives her the life she’s always dreamed of.

Warning: Ridiculous is almost close enough to describe this irresistible short story. Come back to the Jennings farm and pull up a rocking chair. You’ll like the way they treat you.

The Wanted Virgin #3 - 4 Stars
  
Synopsis

Trace Jennings was the brother who most enjoyed his time alone. He never thought about spending the rest of his life with someone, until he found her on his ranch.

Addison Becket is on the run. She’s finally eighteen and able to break free of her father’s control, but taking off on a stormy night landed her in a stranger’s bed.

Trace is everything Addison dreamed of and more, and neither of them has the urge to let go. Can love at first sight truly exist? And will it be enough to keep them together while others try to tear them apart?

Please. This is an Alexa Riley hero. She’s not going anywhere.

Warning: This short story is filthy good, with co-dependency at its peak! These two people are absolutely crazy, and it if wasn’t so sweet, it would be certifiable. Go ahead and suspend your reality while you float away with this cloud of ridiculous!

Virgin Cowboy #4 - 4 Stars

Synopsis 

Dolly Jennings has wanted one man since she was sixteen, but he’s kept her at arm’s reach. Time has passed and she’s all grown up now, with a body that he can’t ignore.

Brandon Knight has wanted Dolly for longer than he should have, but he thought she deserved someone better. No longer able to control his desires, he’s giving up on staying away, and claiming his woman.

When Brandon finally gives in, can he prove himself worthy of Dolly? Will Dolly throw sass and southern sayings all over the place?

Absolutely!

Warning: This short story is packed full of big hair, big attitude, and big curves. Dolly holds her own, but the hero always ends up on top. *slow wink* Grab your boots and cowboy hat… We’ve got a couple of cherries to pop! 

Review 

Once again sexy cowboys and sweet virgins, need i say more.  

Lassoing the Virgin Mail-Order Bride - by Alexa Riley

Lassoing the Virgin Mail-Order Bride - 4 Stars

Synopsis

When Clare Stevens walked onto the McCallister ranch, she expected her life to be a certain way. She was the mail-order bride of the owner, and she was to fulfill her duties. Clean the house, cook for his men, and warm his bed at night. What she didn't expect was the beefy cowboy who walked in and literally swept her off her feet. 


Cash McCallister didn't have time to date and find a wife. So a mail-order bride seemed the easiest way to find a partner. He thought he'd made a mistake until he laid eyes on the little piece of sunshine that lit up his life. He never imagined a true love like this. He never knew an obsession could take hold so tightly.

When drama hits the farm and their fast love is threatened, can Clare and Cash hold it together?

Warning: This is literally as cliché as it sounds...and just as awesome. It's country living with high-calorie foods and easy sunsets. Come sit on the porch and stay a while. You'll like what you see.

Review

Sexy cowboy time, need i say more :o)

Princess Series by Alexa Riley

His Princess #1 - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Alena is a princess, and with that comes responsibility. Like marrying the giant caveman King Roman, who looks more like a warrior than a ruler. Everything about him is intense. Especially the way he looks at her. But she's been promised to him, and there's no way out.

Roman took one look and made up his mind. Princess Alena will be his and no one will stop him from taking her. Everything about her belongs to him now, and waiting one week for a wedding isn't going to happen.

This beast of a man might just claim his princess before she has a chance to say "I do."

Stolen Princess #2 - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Karim is past the time when he should have chosen a bride, but he never met anyone who caught his eye. Forced to choose, he holds a ball and invites all eligible princesses to attend. And that’s when everything changes.

Giselle’s been tucked away on her father’s land and doesn’t know how the royal world works. It’s her first party, and it’s going terribly until she finds herself alone in a room with a man. A man who wants to make her his.

When Giselle gives him everything and then discovers who he is…well, how good do you think she’ll be at hide and seek?

Warning: It’s instalove at first sight. Literally, like two seconds in. But don’t worry, Karim will find her…and steal her if he has to.

Each book in The Princess series is standalone & about a different couple.

Claimed Princess # 3 - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Heavenly and Carlos have been best friends their whole lives. But it’s almost time for Heavenly’s birthday, which means she’ll be married off to a king.

Carlos has been King for a few years now and is being pressured to choose a bride. But he’s only ever had eyes for one princess, and he’s had to wait for her to turn twenty-one.

Heavenly doesn’t have any idea the plans Carlos has made for her, so when she offers to marry his brother, things don’t go so well. Girl, they don’t go well at all… Carlos isn’t having that. She gets a dose of alpha when Carlos lays down the law. But when she runs…how far will she actually get?

Warning: Do you really wonder if there’s a happily ever after? Because you know that’s kind of our thing, right? Look, he chases her, but it all works out. Also it’s really hot. Get it!

Each book in The Princess series is standalone & about a different couple.

Forbidden Princess # 4 - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Tabitha is destined to marry a king and unite her powerful family with another. But she’s never been one to do what she’s told, and she’s decided to make her own destiny.

Vlad has devoted his life to guarding his king and never thought about taking a wife. But all bets are off when a sassy, dark-haired princess appears.

These two are hot and fast, but when Tabby’s parents step in, things get messy. Can they forgo tradition and make their own way, or will the divide break them?

Warning: Okay, okay…stop asking. They get their story. Happy now?

Each book in The Princess series is standalone & about a different couple.

Review

Found these quick, funny, sexy and addictive. Have read more than twice. 

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Cruel Beauty - 2.5 Stars

Synopsis

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle—a shifting maze of magical rooms—enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Review

This book was written beautifully but I found Nyx indecisive at times. I loved the loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It was okay but not great.

My Lady Jane by Various

My Lady Jane - 4 Stars

Synopsis

The comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey. In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.

At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane is about to become the Queen of England.

Review 

Took a different and dangerous time and turned it on its head. Loved how they changed the religious fight to a can you transform into an animal fight. This was an interesting read between my university courses. Can't wait to see what the writers do next

The Ever Never Handbook - The School for Good & Evil - Add On by Soman Chainani

The Ever Never Handbook - The School for Good & Evil - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Every four years, two Reader children are kidnapped and brought to the School for Good and Evil to be trained for a life in a fairy tale. There, Evers and Nevers take courses in Animal Communication and Uglification, among others. The highest ranked students become the heroes and villains of the fairy tales — while the lowest, well, we don’t want to talk about what becomes of them.

This handbook contains the scoop students need in order to get to the top of their class — the fairy tales you need to know, the myths it’s dangerous not to know, spells you won’t live without, Who’s Who and What’s What, and much more. And of course, it’s all in glorious color because in the School for Good and Evil, nothing is black and white.

Review

A fun little add on item. 

The School for Good & Evil #1 by Soman Chainani

The School for Good & Evil #1 - 4 Stars

Synopsis 

The first kidnappings happened two hundred years before. Some years it was two boys taken, some years two girls, sometimes one of each. But if at first the choices seemed random, soon the pattern became clear. One was always beautiful and good, the child every parent wanted as their own. The other was homely and odd, an outcast from birth. An opposing pair, plucked from youth and spirited away.

This year, best friends Sophie and Agatha are about to discover where all the lost children go: the fabled School for Good & Evil, where ordinary boys and girls are trained to be fairy tale heroes and villains. As the most beautiful girl in Gavaldon, Sophie has dreamed of being kidnapped into an enchanted world her whole life. With her pink dresses, glass slippers, and devotion to good deeds, she knows she’ll earn top marks at the School for Good and graduate a storybook princess. Meanwhile Agatha, with her shapeless black frocks, wicked pet cat, and dislike of nearly everyone, seems a natural fit for the School for Evil.

But when the two girls are swept into the Endless Woods, they find their fortunes reversed—Sophie’s dumped in the School for Evil to take Uglification, Death Curses, and Henchmen Training, while Agatha finds herself in the School For Good, thrust amongst handsome princes and fair maidens for classes in Princess Etiquette and Animal Communication.. But what if the mistake is actually the first clue to discovering who Sophie and Agatha really are…?

The School for Good & Evil is an epic journey into a dazzling new world, where the only way out of a fairy tale is to live through one.

Review

This was an interesting twist on our perception of fairy-tales. Slow beginning but an interesting fast paced ending.

Seduced by the Vengeful Tycoon by Clare Connelly

Seduced by the Vengeful Tycoon - 5 Stars

Synopsis

He's spent years waiting for the perfect revenge, and now Benedetto Arnaud has the means to exact it slowly, sensually and in the most satisfying of ways. Sleeping with his sworn enemy's adored daughter will be the ultimate payback for a crime too dark to forgive. Finally, Benedetto has a way to avenge the death of his father. Katherine Beauchamp is just a very beautiful, very desirable means to an end. Only there's something about the stunning heiress that doesn't add up. Why is she using a different name? How come she's going out of her way to distance herself from the Beauchamp name? Why is she living in relative poverty when her trust fund is worth millions? And how come he looks at her and feels more than just a sense of vengeance, even as his plan works perfectly?

Kate Jones has left her old life in the distant past. She's a whole new woman - apparently one who's unpredictable and spontaneous! When a handsome and enigmatic billionaire spends two hundred thousand pounds buying her secretarial services at a charity auction, her life leaps off its rails and before she knows it she's caught deep in his web of seduction. Her body is alive for his; their passion is fierce and inexhaustible. She trusts him implicitly and together they explore a dark sexuality that is a total awakening for the innocent Kate.

But is there more going on than Kate can possibly appreciate? She's fallen hard for the dark, tortured tycoon, but how much does she really know about him?

In avenging his father's death, Benedetto unwittingly puts his young lover's life in danger. Can she ever forgive him for the hateful plan and a betrayal that goes to the heart of everything she's running from?

The latest book from Best-Seller Clare Connelly is full of sensual passion, dark obsession and deep betrayal that will have your pulse racing and your heart bursting.

Clare Connelly: Romance that sets your soul on fire.

Review

As always an amazing 5 star read from Clare