Shameless

Archives: Reviews

  • Heartbreak Warfare by Jessica Marin

    I loved this debut novel by #Shameless18 author Jessica Marin. Heartbreak Warfare has angst, emotional drama, lust and passion. Jenna has been through a lot in the past, suffering heartache through a divorce and rising from the ashes. I loved how fearless and strong she was, making something from nothing and moving forward through it all. Cal is a movie star and extremely full of himself. He has that smoldering, arrogant,alpha thing going on that I love to hate. The two worlds collide and it is sexy and amazing. There are feelings there that neither can deny and the back and forth banter is amusing. Secondary characters really bring this story together (I loved her friends) and Cal’s adoration for Jenna really shines at the end. I cannot wait for more!

  • Indecent Werewolf Exposure by Eve Langlais

    Eve Langlais is very quickly making her way to the top of my favorite author list! This is the second book of hers that I have read, and I absolutely LOVED it! Take two hot men, one a vampire and the other a werewolf, a heroine who I can completely relate to, a lot of humor, and a murderous mystery, mix it all together, and you get a book that’s impossible to put down! Put this one on your TBR list today!!!

  • Fresh Catch by Kate Canterbary

    This is the time of year that I want sweet, comfortable stories, And with this story I wanted to be in this world! I am a sucker for the strong, silent, slightly anti social heroes and Owen fits the bill, And watching Cole land in his world and turn it upside down is so satisfying. The story is solid and entertaining and the sex is explosive!

  • Liv by Kelsie Rae

    What a heartwarming debut from #Shameless18 author Kelsie Rae. Liv and Luke have such a cute dynamic and the way Kelsie writes their interactions makes you feel as if you are in the room with them. Liv loses her husband Adam right in the beginning. They were high school sweethearts and Luke was Adam’s best friend. After his death, Liv finds out she is pregnant and Luke steps in to be there for her but the feelings he has been keeping inside all these years can no longer be contained. I loved how sweet and careful he is with her throughout the book. You can feel in your heart how hard he is trying to deny his love for her and it is emotional and heartbreaking at times. Liv is so funny and sassy. She made me laugh quite a few times and I think it’s beautiful the way she carries herself. Overall, a really sweet second chance romance that you will not be able to put down!

  • Galaxies and Oceans by N. R. Walker

    This book is just sweet and classic. There is a young, damaged survivor falling in love with the older, lonely widower in a town at the end of the world. I know it sounds like it should be overdramatic and trite but N. R. Walker just makes it work! Aubrey and Patrick have instant chemistry and when they hit the sheets they go up in flames!! This book checks off all the boxes for a comfort read.

  • Devoted to Pleasure by Shayla Black

    This was my first time reading Shayla Black, and it will not be my last. Her characters are so vibrant, so easy to relate to, and so much fun as you watch them interact with each other, that you can’t help but fall in love with this book. The romance between Cutter and Shealyn is smoking hot, and the way they overcome their obstacles made my heart flutter. The supporting characters in the book are almost as much fun as the main characters, and the suspenseful part of the story is just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss this one!!!

  • Disgrace by Brittainy C. Cherry

    36 times. That’s the number of times I highlighted this book… 36 times people! You want to know how long it took me to cry for the first time reading it? About 25% in. Like in a matter of a few chapters I was already sobbing like a baby. That is the power of Brittainy’s books though. I want to eat her words every day. I already feel them heavy in my gut, so I’m pretty sure could live on a diet of them on the daily. This is yet another beautifully heartfelt and heart wrenching story from one of my favorite authors about 2 broken people who find belonging, redemption and salvation through each other in a life and a town that wants nothing more than to keep beating them down. This is a top read of the year for me FOR SURE!!!

  • About Time by B. Cranford

    I need more of Ashton and Duncan! This is such an emotionally charged book that makes you feel all sorts of happy! It is a fresh take on the “I fell in love with my brother’s best friend” tale and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. They fall for each other young but nothing ever comes of it and after years apart, making mistakes, enjoying themselves, living their lives, they are reunited and the passion explodes. There is drama, strong family dynamics, overwhelming love and entertaining banter, That sounds like the perfect mix for a summer read to me!

    Recommended by Jean

    This was a super cute, slow burning love story with a bit of delayed gratification. Ashton is a strong, independent woman who is about to become a Mom on her own terms, not needing to answer to a man to make it happen; and Dunc is the over-protective, dirty-talking, hot, sexy man who falls for her. This book has a ton of great humor, some lovable supporting characters, and a romance that is simply adorable to watch as it unfolds. Grab this one today, and you won’t be sorry!!!

  • When the Dark Wins Anthology

    This Anthology is a powerhouse of some of my favorite dark erotica authors like Yolonda, Dani & Addison so I was super excited to read. Each story holds its own in this collection and I can honestly say I enjoyed each one. They are short but very impactful and the imagery in a few will be forever burned in my brain. These are not to be read if some of your triggers involve gore, rape or abuse. These shorts will mess you up but you will still get a sense of fulfillment out of each one (Breaking Beth will forever leave me scarred). There are NO happy endings. There is NO love. There are only intense situations that even your darkest fantasies would blush at. You’ve been warned.

  • Hard Love by Peyton Banks

    This book is a super fun, fast read. Reiner will quickly make his way to the top of your book boyfriend list, with his Texan gentlemanly charm balanced out by his dirty-talking dominance in the bedroom. And Jada made her way into my heart with her determination and innocence. Their chemistry is explosively hot, and the speed at which they fell for each other was fast enough to make my heart thump. I highly recommend this book!!!

  • Miss Fix-It by Emma Hart

    Miss Fix-It was my first romance by Emma Hart.
    I liked this take on the single dad romance, for once the woman is the one who is clueless about kids and has never wanted any in the future. Then, she meets Brantley’s twin terrors and all hope is lost. The twins had some of the funniest scenes, but also Kali’s interaction with them will make you laugh. I enjoyed her best friend relationship she had with her stepmom because she gave great and sometimes funny relationship advice.
    I didn’t feel like there was a ton of unnecessary angst, Kali fought her attraction to Brantley but she had a good reason. I think she actually fell in love with the twins first, before she really gave Brantley a chance to make her happy.

  • Coming Unplugged by Renee Harless

    I loved this super hot story of instant lust between a rock star and his brother’s best friend. While the romance between Ryker and Norah was straight-forward and low on complications, the suspenseful story that brought them together kept me on the edge of my seat. Several times I gasped out loud as the story unfolded!!! The characters were a lot of fun, and the pace of the book was very fast. This would be an amazing beach read this summer!!!

  • Firsts by C.L. Matthews

    C.L. Matthews hits this taboo story out of the park. If you are not fond of the “forbidden” side of romance, this will be a hard book for you to get through. Silas and Leía have a huge age gap between them, and she is on the younger side of it, but if you give the story a chance you will see there are real, true feelings involved. It is so much more than just a taboo lovers journey. Yes, Silas is a step-father to Leía but the two have been through so much. I also loved the interaction of the secondary characters in the story. The innocence of it all is what builds the emotion and angst but make no mistake, when it gets hot, it gets smoking! The book ends on a cliffhanger but it is so, so, SO worth it!

  • Moonlight Seduction by Jennifer Armentrout

    The de Vincent brothers are back in the second book of their series, and they are just as hot, dangerous, and dirty talking as they were the first time around. Jennifer Armentrout weaves a spell with her story-telling that is full of romance, secrets, and mysteries that blew my mind. My favorite supporting character in this series is actually the de Vincent house; I cannot wait to learn exactly how much of what happens in these stories is actually caused by the ghosts in the house!!! Nikki and Gabe’s story was another wonderful piece in this puzzle, with amazing chemistry and scenes that made my stomach flip, and I cannot wait for the final book in the series!

  • You Don’t Know Me by Aza Clave

    I love suspense and twists mixed into my romance and this had a ton! You Don’t Know Me has more of a political, murder mystery feel to it but make no mistake there is a whole world of BDSM and kinky sex mixed in. I loved how the author intertwined so much, and from multiple POV’s, yet successfully made the story flow seamlessly. You are introduced to Hannah right away and the loss of her great love. As the journey unfolds though, we begin to see that not everything is what is seems to be. It is fast paced and honestly will leave you feeling like you have whiplash but I cannot wait for the next part of this trilogy!

  • Something About You by Riley Hart

    This story really touched me! An interracial love story where the racial differences aren’t the main plot points?! Yes, please! On the surface, this is a simple love story. But there is so much to unpack in this book, including unfulfilled love, destructive secrets of the elders and the role of the new generations in restoring the family. But instead of being super angsty this a sweet, romantic, enemies to lovers story of a small town golden boy and a Hollywood player that will charm you!

  • Tattered by Devney Perry

    Devney Perry is a FANTASTIC story teller! I’ve read all of her books and I have to say Tattered is my favorite to date. Thea and Logan couldn’t be more different, but their characters were so honestly written that I could feel their POV’s in my heart. I ached for their struggles and empathized with their views and decisions. This is a story about two worlds colliding by way of two chance encounters, joined by a special little girl who will steal your heart and backed up with a gaggle of supporting characters who you’ll equally fall in love with as well. If you love a story that will give you all the feels, you need to read this book!

  • Wicked Little Games by Dee Palmer

    My mind was blown and I was completely amazed by this book! #Shameless18 author Dee Palmer writes in such a descriptive way, and she weaves a suspenseful tale of dark romance with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat! This book gives you two hot alpha book boyfriends to lust after, and a heroine who is full of secrets which make it difficult for her to follow her heart. And the ending will make you rush to Amazon to grab the second book, even if it’s late at night and you should be going to sleep. This one should be on everyone’s “to read” list!!!

  • GENT by Harloe Rae

    Harloe Rae knows how to write a fun, down and dirty book! Trey & Raven’s journey has its fair share of ups & downs. He hides behind a self made wall of grief and anger and she sees right through it, hammering at the wall one emotional brick at a time. I loved how rough around the edges he was. Everything about him was dirty. His job. His mouth. The way he had sex! And Raven just throws it all right back at him. She is feisty and sassy and knows exactly how to break through his cold exterior. Their dynamic is engaging and I loved seeing their story develop. A very easy, fun book that really shows that sometimes enemies DO make the best lovers!

  • Rising by Jessica Ruben

    Holy WOW, what a debut novel from #Shameless18 author, Jessica Ruben. Eve and Vincent were amazing together. Both fighting to survive. Both facing hardships and struggles. Both grasping for a connection and affection. I loved how Jessica wrote about the gritty, raw, ugly version of New York. The topics discussed are harsh and uncomfortable. I loved how strong Eve was through everything that was thrown at her. She was smart and fierce and relentless. I fell in love with her right away. I loved how rough around the edges Vincent was and the story around how he came to be that way. He adored Eve and the way he protected her tugged at my heart strings. It ends with a slight cliffhanger BUT, Reckoning (book 2) is already out so you do not have to wait! This story was so emotional and REAL, in every sense of the word. Way to hit it out of the park, Jessica!

  • Crossing Hearts by Kimberly Kincaid

    In my continuing quest to read new-to-me authors who will be at #Shameless18, I came across Kimberly Kincaid, and she certainly did not disappoint. This book is a wonderful second chance, small town romance. As the story unfolds, you cannot help but sit on the edge of your seat while you wait for the main couple to just give in and get together. Hunter is the hottest small town farm boy you could ever hope to meet, and Em feels like someone you could be friends with in real life. She is far from perfect, but that’s what makes her so easy to relate to. Together, their chemistry is super hot. I definitely recommend this as a super hot summer read!!!

  • Only Him by Melanie Harlow

    First of all, the heroine in this book is a yoga instructor whose character is actually really well written (unrealistic ones are this yoga instructors pet peeve)… can I get an AMEN?!?! Secondly, heartwarming, heart wrenching, soul connected, second chance romance… HELL YES! This book had feeling, it had some really great LOL moments, it had angst and an obstacle you weren’t sure how was going to play out, but best of all it had a stubborn, sexy, tattoo artist, swoony hero who, no matter the outcome of the love story, you’ll root for him to win! Melanie Harlow writes the best stories <3

  • Ache by M. Never

    A steamy, quick read that follows a love triangle full of intensity and emotion. Everly and Tage have known each other from a young age and both have had their fair share or struggles. Tage can’t break the connection from her, yet keeps himself emotionally detached for years. That is until Alec enters the picture. He is a little bit of a prick but I learned to like him. I was intrigued with the characters and their relationships and would have loved to see more depth, but the M/M/F sex scenes more than made up for that. Super-hot in so many ways and more emotional than I expected! Things get intense at times with some plot twists so overall an entertaining read.

  • Falling for Mr. Slater by Kendall Day

    This might be the perfect book for summer! It’s a great mix of my favorite tropes, enemies-to-lovers and teacher-(former)student romance. It’s the perfect combination of sexy and sweet, with witty banter and steamy chemistry. There’s a great message in there about how kind, encouraging words can really change someone’s life path. “McSlutbag” and “Roxie with and I-E” will make you laugh and swoon. I hope we get more romance from Bracken Middle School!

  • All In Duet by Alessandra Torre

    Even Money (Book 1): I love this book. The writing (as always) is phenomenal. It’s sexy and dark and daring, a story like no other I’ve read before. Dario’s unrelenting pursuit of Bell is both romantic and borderline stalkerish, but their chemistry is undeniable. This exciting, sexy, fast-paced book will have you on the edge of your seat from page 1 to the “WTF just happened” end.
    Double Down (Book 2): The conclusion to Dario and Bell’s love story is filled with angst, murder, suspense and longing. Dario’s alpha personality is romantic and frustrating. Double down is just as fast-paced as Easy Money, but there is more mystery and suspense. The total package is an engaging story that will keep you guessing until the end.

  • The Chateau by Tiffany Reisz

    I’ve been madly in love with Kingsley since I first met him in The Siren. His wit and charm are both maddening and endearing. To get this glimpse of young Kingsley, before he became the King of the 8th Circle, was absolutely amazing. This part of the Original Sinners story is a bit different than the others…we still get the kink and the humor, but it’s more mysterious and thrilling. Kingsley working undercover in a sex cult…what could possibly go wrong? The Chateaus is sexy, witty and downright dirty with some crazy twists and turns. You won’t be able to put it down.

  • The Alcove by Rosalind Abel

    This is it. Grab a cold drink and grab a seat next to the pool because this is your summer read. I have been a big fan of this series from the start but this stand alone is the best by far! It has all the elements, Start with Jasper, the slightly nerdy bookstore owner. When you combine him with Russell, the classic brooding bodyguard with a past, you get a sweet love story, sex hot enough to put some sweat on your brow and just enough danger to keep you from getting a cavity. Put your shades on and escape to Lavender Shores!

  • Voyeur by Fiona Cole

    Wow, what a well written love story! I adored everything about this book! I went into it with one thing in mind and was completely captivated by Cal and Olivia’s journey. I do not want to give away a lot because this story is too good to spoil but basically, she is working at a club to pay off her college and he is a professor. The relationship walks the line of taboo and that adds excitement to the whole dynamic but it doesn’t come without struggles and uphill battles. Cal has been broken and hides behind his past but Olivia fights to get through to him and the payoff is beautiful. Really well written and sexy, I enjoyed every page of it!

  • Aftercare by Tanya Chris

    Layers. This book is all about them. Most stories that have a BSDM element focus on the submissive’s journey. A lot of the focus here is on the emerging Dominant, Aayan. He has to find a way to balance his new desires with his deep faith. It was refreshing to watch Garrett, the submissive, guide his Dominant on the path to his fulfillment. Watching them explore that gift of submission will melt your heart and make you sweat!

  • Slave by Candace Blevins

    If you have read my other recommendations, you know that I lean toward the very traditional, modern romances. This book, where the emphasis was on beatings as much as on sex, was outside of my usual comfort zone, but I found it intriguing so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did! I found that I thoroughly enjoyed this darker twist on a paranormal romance, and I really enjoyed the ride these characters took me on! The ending was quite unexpected, and I know that there is more in store for these characters, and that I will be reading the next book sooner rather than later!