Shameless

Archives: Reviews

  • The Setup by Rachel Van Dyken

    The Setup is the perfect ending to the BroCode Series! I adored Finn from the start and I’m glad he met his match in Jillian. This book had a more “adult” feel to it since the guys have graduated college and are working at the Wingman, Inc Headquarters, but it still had the fun and sass of the previous books. The one downside of this story was that it’s soooo short, I wanted much more Finn and Jillian. Their banter, awkwardness and sexual tension kept me laughing the whole time.

  • Release by Aly Martinez

    Hooray for a standalone friends to lovers romance! I feel like so many of the stories I’ve been reading lately are duets, trilogies or series, so I’ve been dying for a standalone that gives you a complete tale all in one fantastically written package. This book covers years of history, angst, character development, heartache, adversity and suspense in a few hundred delicious pages that I devoured in one sitting. It has a major plot twist that I was NOT expecting, but it honestly added a layer of complexity to the story that made it that much better! As my first 5 star book of 2020, Release has set the bar high for everything else to come.

  • Captured by Felicity Brandon

    There is not a ton that shocks me anymore to be honest. I have been reading dark/ horror erotica for quite some time now, but this is my first “dental erotica” and I was completely obsessed with this story. Poor Hannah has a hardcore dental phobia and thinks she has found the answer to help her deal with a painful toothache but man, she has no idea what is about to happen to her. Once she is in Lawes & Fuller’s possession, the horror truly begins, and she starts wishing her toothache was her only issue. Her curiosity and needs begin to grow as the “therapy” begins and you watch her body betray her. There are major triggers here – besides dental haha – including forced sex and kidnapping. Felicity Brandon really wrote a twisted tale with Captured and I am eager to see what happens to Hannah next.

  • Maddox by C.M. Steele

    I love me an alpha male and Maddox is every definition of the word. His obsession with Rory is a major turn on. He sees what he wants and he just takes it. She is everything you imagine a virgin to be. Sweet, innocent, but not naive. She has motives behind her choice to offer herself to him and it makes her character strong and fierce. Their dynamic is extremely hot, teetering on a BDSM lifestyle, and I really enjoyed seeing their story play out.

  • Just One Kiss by Tory Baker

    I read the description of this story and knew right away I needed to give this author a go! Tory Baker told an incredibly hot little tale about Rome and Summer from beginning to end. It is based on a quick connection after a chance meeting and it turns into a flurry of flirting and foreplay. Sometimes with insta-love, things seem forced or really fake in a book but their dynamic came across very natural and authentic. I liked that there was minimal drama, great humor and some real steamy moments!

  • Avoiding Temptation by Rachel Van Dyken

    Slater is my favorite of the “Pleasure Ponies” and the fact that he falls for his best friend’s little sister is so fitting! If you’re a fan of crazy sexual tension, then this is the perfect book for you. Watching Slater fight his feelings for Tatum is hilarious, especially when she pulls out all the stops to try to seduce him. This is a fun, quick read and the perfect pick-me-up.

  • The Wives by Tarryn Fisher

    “What the FUCK did I just read?” I often find myself asking that when I finish a book by Tarryn Fisher, then I immediately want to forget it so I can experience it all over again! Her characters are flawed and usually a hot mess, but I always end up loving them (or love to hate them as the case may be). The Wives is a roller coaster ride of emotions, for me and the characters. I never knew which way was up or down. The twists and surprises kept me glued to the pages and I legitimately had no clue how it was going to end. Tarryn Fisher, I adore your brilliant, twisted mind. Don’t ever change.

  • Dead Girl Walking by Lucinda Dark

    This was even better than the first one in the series, and I cannot wait to see how this series ends in the next book!!! Barbie is beautifully full of wit and sarcasm, Mav and Torin are the perfect super hot book boyfriends, and the suspense is enough to make this book impossible to put down! The characters are really what make this book special – in addition to the main three, there is a super evil monster of a villain, plus a cast of supporting characters that draws you in and makes you not want to leave. Read this series today, or else you might regret it!

  • Seducing Mrs. Robinson by Rachel Van Dyken

    Seducing Mrs. Robinson is a fun take on the older woman/younger man-student/professor romance. If you’re familiar with the Wingman, Inc books, you know that the guys of Wingman, Inc help the broken-hearted get their mojo back. Kora and Leo’s story is a little different as she is Leo’s professor and he’s been “in love” with her for years. Their story is light-hearted and romantic even though it deals with a very serious issue. Overall it was funny and sexy and you’ll definitely root for Kora to get her HEA

  • Archangel’s War by Nalini Singh

    This was totally worth the wait and cliffhangerish ending in the previous book. Archangel’s War was long, in-depth, and full of surprises. Raphael and Elena are one of my favorite couples, they strengthen each other, literally, with angel power and their love. Plus, since there is a huge multi-chapter battle over Raphael’s territory, Nalini gave us plenty of scenes with Raphael’s Seven to make me smile. Nalini never disappoints with her writing, her world-building and how she weaves multiple characters into 1 book without you becoming lost. Get ready for a book hangover… I’m ready for a reread to see if I can catch any hints I may have missed.

  • Landon & Shay – Part 2 by Brittainy Cherry

    Navigating mental wellness and healing is messy. One might also say, it ain’t pretty! But when written by a master of words, I would go as far as to say that it can be beautiful. Beautiful in a complex, angsty, disastrous, frustrating and ultimately human way. In this conclusion to this duet we revisit Landon & Shay not only where part 1 ended, but throughout the next decade of their personal and combined struggles and their journey back to their love. Like I said, it ain’t pretty, but it’s real and it’s beautiful in it’s own way. Normalizing mental challenges in stories such as this is SO necessary in this day and age. The world needs this, the book community needs this, I needed this. Well done Brittainy… well done!

  • The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne

    I was glued to this book from the beginning, had my heart bruised and broken along with Farah in the beginning. It had been over 8 years since I’d read a historical romance and Kerrigan brought her A-game. I wasn’t sure I’d like Dorian, he was too dark and broody for the lovely heroine, but she had strength and love for both of them. I loved this book so much, Dorian was such a great tortured hero. He had been through so much in his life, he needed all the love Farah had to give. There were several times when my eyes got a little misty but it was all worth it in the end. Also, Farah was no pushover, either. She was happy to help him with revenge because she wanted her own version as well. There were a few twists, some suspense, and great side characters (who will get their own books!) P.S. How about that cover! It is beautiful.

  • Teardrop Shot by Tijan

    What if you met your favorite sports player and crush and became friends? What if he fell in love with you despite making a fool of yourself, with all your quirks and baggage? You, too, will fall in love with Charlie and her odd questions. And Reese is so swoony and lovable and sweet to Charlie when she needs help. From there, the friendship zooms towards love and it was a wonderful ride. Tijan is always a Must Buy author for me, you will not be disappointed with this romance nor any of the over 3 dozen she’s written.

  • Winter Tales: An Original Sinners Christmas Anthology by Tiffany Reisz

    Anytime I get words from Tiffany Reisz is a gift. Getting new stories starring her iconic Original Sinners character is the best Christmas gift ever! These stories shine light on events that happen at Christmases over the years during the time of the Original Sinners Series. We get to see these beautifully strong characters at their most vulnerable… their stories of love and heartbreak will have you laughing, swooning and shedding a few tears. The hilarious banter and wickedly kinky scenes complement the series perfectly. Merry Christmas, kinksters!

  • Elemental Fae Academy Book Three by Lexi C. Foss and J. R. Thorn

    Lexi C. Foss never fails to blow my mind. And J.R. Thorn is definitely an author I need to explore more. This book, the conclusion to their Elemental Fae Academy series, managed to wrap up the series with a satisfying resolution, in addition to a ton of sexy times. As I read this book, I often found myself perched on the edge of my seat, waiting either for a new development in the story, or for a hot scene with Claire and her men. And oh, her men… Among the five of them, there is a book boyfriend for everyone! As always, this story draws you into the complex world that Lexi and J.R. have created and refuses to let you go. Read this series today, and you won’t be sorry!!!

  • Rest in Pieces by Lucinda Dark

    This was my first book by Lucinda Dark, and it will definitely not be my last. The story pulled me in and refused to let go, the characters kept me wonderfully entertained, and the twist at the end took me by surprise and made me look up the release date of Book Two! The slow burn tension between Barbie, Torin, and Maverick gave me all of the tingles, and left me in eager anticipation of the next part of the story. Start this one today, and you won’t be sorry!!!

  • Twisted Marriage by Alessandra Torre

    If you look up #ReadOneHanded in the #Shameless dictionary, you’ll find Alessandra Torre’s sweet face along with all of her books. And of those books, Twisted Marriage will be listed right at the top. Ya’ll. This book is dirty with a capital DIRT! It’s also engaging, sweet and wonderfully written. Easton and Elle’s real life marriage problems make them so relatable and you can’t help but hope they get everything they want. I’m in love with this couple and their fantasies are what wet dreams are made of. Run, do not walk, to this fantastic series!

  • Stealing Her by Rachel Van Dyken

    I’m a HUGE fan of RVD’s books. Her stories are always engaging and romantic. Stealing Her was a bit different that her usual Rom-Coms. It was definitely engaging, as I was hooked from the first page, but the romance was out of the ordinary. I loved Bridge and Izzy and was on the edge of my seat waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop. Just like the characters, I went through every emotion….wanting Bridge and Izzy to get their HEA but feeling guilty about what they were doing to get that HEA. This story is as heartbreaking as it is romantic and there’s more steam than in most of RVD’s books. The epilogue was perfect and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Tennysons!

  • Landon & Shay by Brittainy C Cherry

    This book is nothing like what I expected! First let me say, that even though this is a duet and I’m dying to get my hands on the sequel, this book is 100% complete on its own. True to Brittainy Cherry form, I was bawling like a baby and swallowed this book up in a matter of a day.
    You can always count on BC to get DEEP, but whew…this was deep in a way I didn’t see coming. It dives into the depths of depression, loneliness, hard family dynamics and the tiny blessings that keep us afloat. I would classify it YA and although it has a love story intertwined in it’s pages, it really highlights and shines more as a story of self discovery, self-love and self worth. I’m in LOVE with this book, LOVE I tell you!!! If you’re anything like me and live for a story that gets you way up into your feelings, do not hesitate, read this book ASAP!

  • Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

    As always, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward give us a unique story with amazing characters you’ll instantly love. I’ll admit, this one started off a bit slow for me, but once it got going I could not put it down!! This is not your typical rockstar romance. Griffin and Luca have a connection like no other and they have to fight like hell to be together. I couldn’t help but root for this unlikely couple. This story is sometimes heartbreaking but incredibly romantic…and the dirty letters are the cherry on top!! So good!

  • The Beard by Haylee Thorne

    The Beard had all of the elements of a great Rom-Com–the fake engagement, twin brothers, hilarious banter and swoon-worthy romantic moments made it a sweet, fun read. Like most Rom-Coms, it was predictable and safe, but that’s one of the things I liked about it. This quick read is perfect for a lazy Sunday snuggled up on the couch.

  • Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan

    There’s a reason so many fellow readers are raving about this book: it’s fantastic. Archer’s Voice is one of those books you hope will be great when you start and ends up being one you want all of your friends to read.

    Kyleigh Jane Says:
    Do you believe in fate? In destiny?
    Bree Prescott is running from the painful memories of one horrible night. When she finds herself in Pelion, Maine, she hopes this charming little lakeside town will finally bring her some peace.
    Archer Hale is alone. Sheltered and isolated, he lives a reclusive life trapped and silenced under the weight of incredible pain and tragedy.
    And then, their paths cross.
    This changes everything. This is a little piece of magic, right in your hand. This is a gift. Archer just might be the most beautiful character I have ever had the privilege of reading. You will carry every ounce of Archer’s pain and frustration, and rejoice every glorious moment of triumph and happiness. You will be broken, and inspired. Stripped down, and rebuilt. Restored. A heartbreakingly beautiful story of resilience, transformation, fate, and love. If there were a sixth star, I would give it freely. (I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.)

  • Regally Bitten by Lexi C. Foss

    This is one of those books where I had to function on four hours of sleep the day after reading it, because I just couldn’t put it down and go to bed. There are two (!) hot alpha wolves, a strong and spirited heroine, a plot that grabs hold of you and refuses to let go, and so many sexy times. Lexi’s worlds are so beautifully built that each book leaves me wanting more. Get hooked on the Blood Alliance world today, and you won’t regret it!!!

  • Vision of Darkness by Tonya Burrows

    I was riveted by this story from the beginning! It pulled me in and refused to let me go! It alternates between a very sweet insta-lust romance between Alex and Pru, a suspenseful and dangerous mystery, and a ghost story, all woven together in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat. Alex and Pru are sometimes super sweet, and sometimes frustrating, and it makes them very real and well written. I cannot wait for the next one in this series!!!

  • To Have by M.L. Pennock

    Fairy-tale is the word I would use to sum up this story! It really is a sweet, young friends turn to soulmates book that makes you feel all sorts of happy! Brian and Stella were separated at a young age after connecting instantly and reconnect years later. Stella has had a rough time and finds herself – thanks to fate -reconnecting with Brian. They dynamic is adorable and innocent and I loved every bit of their second chance. It is a very mushy, romantic, everything works out for the best type of tale so if you are looking for something to give you the warm and fuzzies, look no further!

  • Park Avenue Player by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

    Once again, Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward give us a romantic and heartfelt love story with a twist. Park Avenue Player starts out like many other romance stories, the H and h meet and immediately dislike each other. But as Hollis and Elodie start spending time together, their chemistry grows. Their teasing games and banter were fun to watch. But as with most Vi & Penelope books, life comes out of nowhere and fucks it all up. There are a lot of deep feelings in the story…friendship, young love, loss…and the story flows effortlessly through the emotions. It’s a beautiful story of learning to live in the moment and not letting the past guide you. Excellent!

  • Happily Ever Crowned by Lexi C. Foss and Anna Edwards

    To begin this recommendation, I need to warn you that this book is DARK – much darker than anything else that Lexi C. Foss has ever written. (This is the first book that I have read by Anna Edwards, so I don’t have any comparison for her.) That said, I absolutely LOVED Happily Ever Crowned! This world, even as cruel as it is, drew me in and made me want more. The characters are wonderfully crafted, and the story is impossible to put down. The plot is full of intrigue, mystery, cruelty, revenge and lust. If you like dark reads, check this one out today, and you will not be sorry!

  • Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E Ann

    I work full time in a hospital that is not immune from TV worthy drama and scandals, so when I read the synopsis for this book I really hoped it would be authentic and juicy in the same way I see play out at work. Not only was it ‘Perfectly Adequate’ in that regard, but this story captures several layers of real life struggles in a genuine and endearing way… divorce, mental health, single parenthood, dating, human need, emotions, family dynamics, etc. It’s quirky, refreshingly blunt and an honest portrayal of navigating love on the human spectrum.

  • Climbing Off the Couch by Kristann Monaghan

    I’ve read this book twice and gifted it to many women in my life. It is hilarious and not your average “preachy” type health book. Kristann does an amazing job connecting with her readers. Her stories are real and relatable. I found myself laughing out loud all throughout her journey. She talks about the hard stuff but makes it easy to digest and with a humorous spin!
    Her nicknames for body parts had me belly laughing. Her dread of working out has me yelling “preach!” Her struggle with weight-loss shows you that true happiness comes from a million other things, not just the number on the scale. Her books are an inspiration and she is such a funny writer!

  • On the Corner of Love and Hate by Nina Bocci

    I’ve been reading a lot of this trope lately, frenemies to lovers. There’s something about the angst and love that comes from a long history full of trials and tribulations that draws me in and keeps my interest. This story is set in a sweet little town, with great lead and supporting characters that give you that lovely small town feeling. Complete with drama, scandal and nosey townspeople that will keep you cracking up with their antics. This story had me infuriated at times, swooning in others and laughing out loud throughout. What more could you ask for in a solid contemporary romance?