Devney Perry’s stories evoke so much emotion and Letters to Molly struck a deep cord with me. This beautifully written, second chance romance spoke so much truth about the messy and difficult roller coaster that is divorce. These characters are endearing and frustrating; their journey is angsty and painful at times, hopeful and swoony at others and their story really touches on how communication and trust can make or break a relationship. This is definitely a tale for those who like to be all up in their feelings, which is basically my jam 99% of the time, LOL! Another fantastic book by this fantastic author!
Archives: Reviews
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A Pizza My Heart by Teagan Hunter
If you know anything about me you know that I’m #teampizza all day everyday. So when I came across this little gem, it was an instant one-click, no doubt! A Pizza My Heart is a fantastic summertime RomCom, friends to lovers story. The characters, lead and supporting, have great chemistry, their journey to love is endearing and it was downright laugh out loud hilarious at times! I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series for more of this pizza lovin’ family. If you’re looking for a light pool/ beach side book to warm your heart this summer, A Pizza My Heart is for you
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His To Protect by Tracie Delaney
I started with Cole & Millie’s story because I loved the synopsis and jumped right in. He adored her as an adolescent and when they cross paths later in life, those feelings come rushing back. I loved that his feelings stayed true to Millie even through all the passing years, obstacles and life changes. Millie has gone through some true-to-life hardships. Her husband wrecked her for 10 years and she finds herself fleeing the trauma and trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Cole handles her with such care and love and I could not stop reading the evolution of their relationship. This book will send you on an emotional roller coaster but the payoff is totally worth the ride!
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Feast of Sparks by Sierra Simone
I’m absolutely in love with this series. In. LOVE. With all of it and all of them. Some questions were answered, but many mysteries still swirl around these six friends. The intensity, angst and sensuality of the first book are still strong in book two. And the kink? So much kink!! There’s some very taboo stuff happening here, so consider yourself warned. Once again, I was blown away and I can’t wait to see what happens next at Thornchapel!
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Only Ever You by CD Reiss
Super cute friends-to-lovers-fake-engagement story! This sweet romance has it all- a sexy “real” guy and the girl he’s loved since school, great family dynamics, humor, love and a big dose of real life. I love that Sebastian’s nerdiness still shines through even though he’s grown into a successful hunk. I love his loyalty to Rachel and the fact that he’ll do whatever it takes to make her happy, even go along with her crazy wedding plan. This book is perfect if you’re looking for something fun and sweet mixed in with some dirty-sexy. Well done!
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Resist by K Bromberg
I love a good enemies-to-lovers story, and Resist did not disappoint! Ryker and Vaughn have an amazing connection, even though it’s mostly friction and extreme sexual tension in the beginning. Watching their power struggle was so much fun! K. Bromberg always delivers strong female leads, and I love Vaughn’s strength and her vulnerability. These characters are flawed, jaded on love and have both been deeply hurt, and just when you think they have it figured out…BAM! I can’t wait to see how it all plays out!
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Over Easy by Jessa York
Thank god I read this after all the books in the series were released because the cliffhanger at the end of this story would’ve killed me if I had to wait! Harper & Jack send you on a crazy ride in this debut novel by Jessa York. Harper is finding herself coming off a hurtful divorce and Jack is knee deep in running his own business. The two meet because of fate and the connection runs deep. Both are cautious which was both realistic and refreshing to read because it felt more natural based on the circumstances in their lives. I loved that there was a lot of humor and sarcasm mixed in with the angst and emotional moments as well. The twist at the end was unexpected and I am so curious to see what happens in the next book because I am not sure how I would’ve handled it myself! This is a perfect summer series to read by the beach or pool, I can tell already!
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Curveball by Nicole Rodrigues
Occasionally I take a slight detour from my dark and devious reads and dive into a light, funny, second chance romance that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Charlotte and Gabriel were young and in love. The kind of love that has you feeling butterflies and pure, unfiltered happiness. All of that comes crashing down once Gabriel gets offered a chance to go pro. Their lives completely change and when they meet again in life, they both come face to face with secrets, resentment, hope and love. The sparks between them never left but the hardships they now must overcome will not make it easy. I loved this first book and felt like it really laid the groundwork for a great, fun series!
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It’s Not Over by Grahame Claire
Let me tell you, Grahame Claire knows how to write an intriguing love story. I started this book expecting romance and suspense based off of the reviews but what I got was an edgy tale that really dove into the world these characters live in. It has angst, wrapping you up in Daniel & Vivian’s relationship both past and present and why they reached the point they are at now. It has seduction and aggressive passion, especially in the scenes where Daniel is trying to stay in control of his feelings for Vivian. I loved the twists that pop up and the evolution of the characters surrounding the two. I cannot wait to dive into the second part of this series, hopefully focusing on other characters while still incorporating Daniel and Vivian because I LOVED who they became in this book. The plot is well elaborated and well written and you will not be able to put it down once you start.
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A Five-Minute Life by Emma Scott
This book is like nothing I’ve ever read before. So unique and so well-written. A Five-Minute Life is powerful and moving and romantic in a way romance should be. It’s about family and love and hope. It’s heartbreaking, heart-wrenching and hopeful all at once. I was invested in Thea and Jim from the first page and didn’t want it to end. It’s definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read.
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Mr. Cream by Rebecca Gallo
If you are looking for a fast, lust filled escape from reality this summer, this story is the way to go! Devon & Ambrosia hit the ground running with their romance and nothing is left to the imagination. She is an innocent, sweet virgin and he is a man who gets what he wants. I enjoyed that there is depth to this even though it is a short story. Definitely a hot, date-night-with-yourself good time!
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Betting on Forever by Scarlett Black
Nothing makes me happier than reading a newly discovered MC book that has a solid story-line. The MC tale had been told in so many ways and luckily, Scarlett puts a fresh spin on it with the Battle Born series. Blade is everything you’d expect an MC President to be. He is brutal, 100% alpha, territorial, aggressive and downright HOT. Alessia is sassy, spunky and fearless and the two of them together is explosive. The supporting cast is amazing. His crew keeps things very interesting and they really add a whole other layer to this story. I can’t wait to dive into the other books now to learn the background of the characters and club. This is the making of one helluva MC series and Scarlett’s writing is pure awesome.
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All Grown Up by Vi Keeland
THIS is how you do May-December romance!! Vi Keeland has a gift for writing captivating stories with characters you can’t help but love. Her tales are woven beautifully with the perfect amount of sweet and sexy, and there’s always a fun twist to keep it interesting. Ford and Val are perfectly imperfect but perfect for each other. I immediately fell in love with these characters and their whirlwind summer romance. This book is HOTHOTHOT and the perfect summer beach read!
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No One But You by Alexandra Silva
Quincy and Jamie’s story is so full of real life and all the ups and downs that come with it. The yearning for something that isn’t yours even though you know with every ounce of your being that the connection and pull is real. The undeniable attraction to a person who, maybe in another life, you could call your own. The hurt and pain that comes with loss and the heartache that comes from betrayal. It is all here. Alexandra Silva created a world in these pages that captures you as a reader and makes you relate to the characters on a deep emotional level. I loved seeing Quincy and Jamie’s dynamic evolve and grow into something so beautiful and real. Their story is such a poignant one all on its own, and yet all the supporting characters around them take it to a whole other level. I can already tell this series will be a favorite of mine.
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Lethal by Cassandra Robbins
I jumped into this book by Cassandra Robbins because I was looking for a new author to possibly add to this year’s Showcase at Shameless Book Con but what I got was SO much more! This story is full of MC goodness. It follows Eve & Jason (Blade) and their ties with motorcycle gang, the Disciples. Meeting at a very young age, they become connected in a way that can only breed passion and lust. Fast forward a few years and he find himself back in her life as she is struggling with family issues It is undeniable, the chemistry between them explodes. There is angst, love, drama, suspense and some of the hottest MC men I have read in a while! I cannot wait to jump head first into the rest of these books!
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F*ck Marriage by Tarryn Fisher
Welp… what can I say, I’m pretty sure if Tarryn named every one of her books F-something from here on out, it would be completely appropriate. Why? Because she writes the most agnsty F’d up books of all time, LOL! Not only are the characters F’d up, but these love pentagons she puts them in are messy AF as well. I mean, how does she even come up with this stuff? She’s a villain I tell you, but if you’ve read any of her other books this is not a surprise, not even a little. That being said, she’s a F’ing evil genius and I F-Love reading her words… even if they give me indigestion Amazingly enough, this book has an HEA, kinda. The bonus is you will feel more sane after reading it. So, if you’re ready for an emotional roller coaster, F*ck Marriage is for you. #PLN4LIFE
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Reel Love by Julie Richman
Reel Love is a fun and flirty look behind the scenes of Hollywood. Frankie and Finn have instant chemistry, but is his attention real or is he working her for a part in a movie? That’s the gist of their romance, we’re never sure if it’s real or if he’s using her. Then there’s the other guy….is he working her for a part, too? I loved that I never knew which direction the story would turn. The strong characters and flirty banter make Reel Love a fun and sexy summer read!
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The Other Side by Kim Holden
This book is not a romance and it is legitimately painful to read, but it is oh so necessary. Kim Holden is one of my favorite authors and human beings; Bright Side is a book I recommend more than any other, over and over, so even though this book is basically completely opposite of my regular recommendations I’m sharing my love for it here because the content is important and the story is beautiful. Like so many, I too struggle with anxiety and depression from time to time. When I was a teen, I too contemplated suicide. This story will take you down a dark and hopeless path, but then like only Kim can write, it will shed light on the other side… the bright side. I wept for Toby, I cheered for Toby, I prayed for Toby probably more than any fictitious character I’ve ever read. If you struggle with internal darkness or know someone who is/has, this book is for you.
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Mayhem by Autumn Sand
This is one of those books that hits you on every level. Dante and Cyma bring you passion, romance, suspense, intrigue, sadness and so much more. Both are broken in different ways yet dealing with similar heartache. I loved how Dante (Tick) swoops in and tries to rescue her and her daughter from the hardships of the world. He has felt loss down to his core and finally finds strength to care again because of them. I loved their dynamic. It evolves into something so beautiful and realistic. You feel every emotion and every misstep along the way. They claw their way to their happy ending and it is an amazing thing to experience.
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Fahrenheit by Leigh Lennon
This was a hot little MMF story that really explored the ins and outs of a multi-person love story. Scarlet is a feisty redhead who finds herself attracted to both Jordan and Levi, BUT Jordan and Levi are also attracted to one another. Among the insanely hot sex and foreplay, there is personal struggle involved and quite a bit of inner turmoil regarding Jordan coming to terms with his sexuality. Leigh really captures the depth of the unique dynamic(s) and the passion that is building as things develop and grow. You don’t expect a multi-layer ménage story but that is what makes this book SO GOOD!
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Nine by TM Fraizer
Let me start by saying that Samuel Clearwater, AKA Preppy is one of my favorite characters EVER written! That being said, I’ve been anticipating his brother Kevin, AKA Nine’s story with a thirst that only a Preppy Super Smoothie could quench. And boy oh boy, I was NOT disappointed! Nine and Lenny’s story was dark, funny, sexy, adventurous and everything you’d expect from a TM Frazier novel, but it was also very sweet in a way that tugged at my anxiety ridden heartstrings like no other. Lenny’s issues with anxiety are so deeply relatable and the honesty these characters share with each other just drew me in and had me flipping pages so fast I could not put this book down! This book stands alone, but if you want to fully experience it, I highly suggest reading the King series first. I’m actually debating a reread of the whole series right now, just so I can read this one in it’s full glory again. So flipping good!
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Written With You by Aly Martinez
The first book in this duet threw me for a loop and I’m SO glad this conclusion sorted me out, but not before it filled me with more angsty doubt and heartache. Aly has written another masterpiece with this story. It’s tragic, it’s suspenseful and it’s so much more than a romance… it’s human and it’s love. Messy, raw and honest in the lies and betrayals that are seamlessly weaved and in the genuine emotion it evokes. If you are looking for a real, original story that will take you on twists and turns that make you doubt who you can trust, even yourself… this book is a slam dunk!
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Jersey Six by Jewel E Ann
You can always count on Jewel E Ann to give us the most original and unexpected stories. Jersey Six the book was a suspenseful, dark, haunted and heartbreaking story. But Jersey Six the character was one of the most bad ass Mamma Jamma’s I’ve ever read! It has so many trigger warnings, that many will need to read with caution and care. I did not expect the plot twist, I prayed for these characters healing and peace and I was so conflicted about who I wanted to come out on top. Ultimately, this book broke my heart and renewed by faith that even the most broken can heal all at once. This one is going to stick with me for a while, my mind is officially blown and I’m still shook days after finishing it!
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Fixing Her by Miranda Elaine
Temperance & Asher have the type of relationship that even time can’t alter. Crossing paths in high school, Tempie crushed hard on the football star but chalked it up to typical teenage feelings that hormones and anxiety prevented her from pursuing. Now years later, Asher has returned home, and he lights that same fire in Temperance only this time, the feelings are mutual. I loved the emotional moments almost as much as I loved the humor and lightheartedness of the store. The story gets deep without feeling overwhelming or gut-wrenching, which I appreciated for an early summer read. A few twists and situations popped up that made me think everything I was enjoying was suddenly going to stop BUT Miranda knows how to shake it up without losing the heart and soul of the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
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Pretty Scars by CD Reiss
I’ve been intrigued by the Drazens since we first met Jonathan in Songs of Submission. Their dysfunctional father is the gift that keeps on giving. It doesn’t stop with Carrie. She finds her soul mate in college, but that boy is not good enough to be with a Drazen….typical Romeo and Juliet story. But nothing CD Reiss writes is typical. Carrie and Gabriel’s story is gut-wrenching, angsty and pretty dark. This book, like most by CD Reiss, should come with a warning. My warning to you is to clear your calendar because you won’t be able to put it down until you finish.
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Concerto by Skye Warren
Concerto is the suspenseful continuation of Liam and Samantha’s taboo love story. This book is a little less about their love and more about Liam trying to protect Samantha, but it’s still as sexy and angsty as the first in the series. There’s a lot of stuff going on in the background that distracts from the two main characters, and it left me wanting to know more about these secondary characters. The reality show aspect of the setting is unnecessary and over the top, but other than that I thought Concerto was a good read.
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Kickin’ It by Rachel Van Dyken
Kickin’ It is a fun and flirty sports romance with a twist! Too-old-for-his-age Matt and spunky Parker make a great couple. I love their flirty banter. Parker is a strong but vulnerable girl who has been through the worst ordeal. Matt is the big brother figure/agent/coach who becomes her biggest supporter. There’s a great cast of secondary characters that often steal the show (Jagger and Willow totally need their own book), and I loved catching up with Slade and Mac from the first book in the series. I love it when authors throw in little nuggets of goodness from their other books, and the mention of a certain Italian family brought a big smile to my face. Kickin It is the perfect summer beach read!
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Fluff by Kailee Reese Samuels
If you are looking for a dark, twisted romance wrapped up with BDSM paper and a bow made of suspense, you will really enjoy Fluff, the first book in the Ride series by Kailee Reese Samuels. Dale is a former porn star with a mile long sadistic streak in him, and Amber is a beautifully flawed heroine with some serious spark. Their love story will draw you in and captivate you while it keeps you on the edge of your seat with just enough suspense. I cannot wait to dive into the second book in the series!!!
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Unconditional by Q.B. Tyler
I love a good taboo read and Unconditional does not disappoint in that regard! Cal and Maddie’s dynamic is very unconventional and will push the boundaries of what you feel is right and wrong. Maddie comes into Cal’s life at a young age and the chain of events lead to him raising her. As their relationship changes and years pass, feelings develop, grow and turn into something neither expected or predicted. The sense of immoral love is the foundation of their forbidden desires yet, you can’t help but to see through to the very core of their connection. Maddie awakened something in Cal that he didn’t know existed and to watch them live their truth is truly something beautiful.
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The Fall Of Cinderella by K Street
This is a beautiful story that shows the very best & worst in life. Tess is a fantastic female lead. Her strength going through hardships is admirable & I loved how she let her guard down so Dante could care for her. The chemistry between them is slow & steady but when it picks up, DAMN it gets hot! Dante tends to her needs inside & outside the bedroom, ya feel me? K. Street really dives into the emotional sides of the characters & it honestly makes all the difference in their development. The story delivers the entire gamut of emotions but manages to leave you satisfied & content. A must-read author this summer!
Also Recommended by Adrian
This is not a Cinderella story. Repeat. This is not a Cinderella story! It’s a “bring the tissues” angst-filled story. There’s a lot of pain and heartbreak. This is a story about getting your life back together after it falls completely apart, not once but twice. It’s about healing yourself before you can move on. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s beautiful.
