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bookjournalboss's reviews
23 reviews
Charring Bones by Brandy Hynes
Gage gets a blast from his past when he discovers the most recent woman rescued and protected in their shelter is none other than the woman who betrayed him in his past life. Before he was Gage, the KORT enforcer, he was Josh the mafia soldier. And Ainsley was the mafia princess he fell in love with. She's also the reason he hasn't been able to trust woman with very few exceptions.
Ainsley thought Gage had died while away in the military years ago. So imagine her shock when she see's him again years later. Calling it a tense reunion would be a mild way of putting it. She's been battling her own struggles all alone while trying to find a way out. She's tired of being used and abused.
Both of them are harboring quite a bit of hard feelings, guilt, betrayal, injustice, and a begrudging love for each other even after all this time. They are all trying to get to the bottom of who is out to get her after what she did to get free. Gage and Ainsley have a long way to go to work through all their issues to get to the other side in whatever way that may be.
These two were intense and I loved every minute of it. I loved seeing how it all started with them, how things went so wrong, and how they faced their feelings to find the truth of what really happened. I'm not ready to let this series go because it's just so good. But at the same time is wrapped up in such a great way with looks into where everyone ended up years down the road. I can't wait to see where this world will go with the Noire brothers next. And I can totally see myself reading this series over again.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
What a way to end a series…
Gage gets a blast from his past when he discovers the most recent woman rescued and protected in their shelter is none other than the woman who betrayed him in his past life. Before he was Gage, the KORT enforcer, he was Josh the mafia soldier. And Ainsley was the mafia princess he fell in love with. She's also the reason he hasn't been able to trust woman with very few exceptions.
Ainsley thought Gage had died while away in the military years ago. So imagine her shock when she see's him again years later. Calling it a tense reunion would be a mild way of putting it. She's been battling her own struggles all alone while trying to find a way out. She's tired of being used and abused.
Both of them are harboring quite a bit of hard feelings, guilt, betrayal, injustice, and a begrudging love for each other even after all this time. They are all trying to get to the bottom of who is out to get her after what she did to get free. Gage and Ainsley have a long way to go to work through all their issues to get to the other side in whatever way that may be.
These two were intense and I loved every minute of it. I loved seeing how it all started with them, how things went so wrong, and how they faced their feelings to find the truth of what really happened. I'm not ready to let this series go because it's just so good. But at the same time is wrapped up in such a great way with looks into where everyone ended up years down the road. I can't wait to see where this world will go with the Noire brothers next. And I can totally see myself reading this series over again.
Master by J.L. Quick
Sasha has gone from one bad relationship to another. She's found herself at the hands of poser Dominants using the lifestyle as a way to act out their abuse. When she's pushed into a scene at the club by her worst abuser, it's Liam who steps up as her hero. Even though they're strangers he can't sit back and watch her lose her life in a dangerous situation, especially not in his own club.
Abuse and mistreatment is all Sasha has ever known. She's always been at the mercy of a Dom and now without one she's a bit lost. When she seeks out the man who rescued her, she never imagined she would agree to be taught by him. He wants to show her what the lifestyle and a D/s relationship should really be about. He wants to help her build back her strength and confidence.
They agree on a contracted time as teacher and student. But it's not just Liam who pulls Sasha in. It's also his loud, outspoken, bold, and protective family that she's drawn to. He's not ready for a real relationship and she's not ready to trust anyone with her secrets or her heart. But how long can they really hold themselves back?
I loved Liam and Sasha together. There was an instant connection between them right from the start. The brothers and their beloved women welcomed her immediately and saw how much they effected and healed each other. The whole Evans crew is just fantastic and I can't wait for more.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
From Hero to Master…
Sasha has gone from one bad relationship to another. She's found herself at the hands of poser Dominants using the lifestyle as a way to act out their abuse. When she's pushed into a scene at the club by her worst abuser, it's Liam who steps up as her hero. Even though they're strangers he can't sit back and watch her lose her life in a dangerous situation, especially not in his own club.
Abuse and mistreatment is all Sasha has ever known. She's always been at the mercy of a Dom and now without one she's a bit lost. When she seeks out the man who rescued her, she never imagined she would agree to be taught by him. He wants to show her what the lifestyle and a D/s relationship should really be about. He wants to help her build back her strength and confidence.
They agree on a contracted time as teacher and student. But it's not just Liam who pulls Sasha in. It's also his loud, outspoken, bold, and protective family that she's drawn to. He's not ready for a real relationship and she's not ready to trust anyone with her secrets or her heart. But how long can they really hold themselves back?
I loved Liam and Sasha together. There was an instant connection between them right from the start. The brothers and their beloved women welcomed her immediately and saw how much they effected and healed each other. The whole Evans crew is just fantastic and I can't wait for more.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Fallen Foe by L.J. Shen
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Scorned Obsession by Victoria Paige
Some might say Bianca fell victim to the De Lucci obsession at a young age. She's always felt the pull to Sandro Rossi. From hero worship in adolescence to more as she became an adult. She saved him and he repeatedly saved her. He always saw her as a younger sister to look out for until the pivotal moment in her college days that caused things to change. Their age gap didn't feel the same. But even as her obsession with him continued he was determined to keep her at a distance. They secretly and not secretly stalked each other.
But events take a tragic turn, someone she cares for is in danger and she's put in a position she can't escape. Sandro becomes the enemy and the dynamic shifts. This mafia assassin who's always been her fierce protector is now someone else to her. They have to struggle to figure out their new roles in each other's lives and how it effects both of their families. Sandro will do whatever it takes to protect her, even when Bianca hates him for it.
I love these two together. I've loved the little hints at their interesting relationship building in the background of this series. So I've been waiting for their story. And I was not disappointed. This was so good. These two were definitely meant for each other. It was great to see Bianca grow into the powerful woman she never really realized she could be and to see Sandro step up and take charge.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers…
Some might say Bianca fell victim to the De Lucci obsession at a young age. She's always felt the pull to Sandro Rossi. From hero worship in adolescence to more as she became an adult. She saved him and he repeatedly saved her. He always saw her as a younger sister to look out for until the pivotal moment in her college days that caused things to change. Their age gap didn't feel the same. But even as her obsession with him continued he was determined to keep her at a distance. They secretly and not secretly stalked each other.
But events take a tragic turn, someone she cares for is in danger and she's put in a position she can't escape. Sandro becomes the enemy and the dynamic shifts. This mafia assassin who's always been her fierce protector is now someone else to her. They have to struggle to figure out their new roles in each other's lives and how it effects both of their families. Sandro will do whatever it takes to protect her, even when Bianca hates him for it.
I love these two together. I've loved the little hints at their interesting relationship building in the background of this series. So I've been waiting for their story. And I was not disappointed. This was so good. These two were definitely meant for each other. It was great to see Bianca grow into the powerful woman she never really realized she could be and to see Sandro step up and take charge.
🔥🔥🔥
Ruthless Rival by L.J. Shen
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A Prince from a Cruel Summer by Anya J. Cosgrove
Their chemistry was intense and irresistible but the relationship was forbidden. They were fire and ice, royalty and common fae. Bound by responsibility and by an unwanted arranged marriage to another. Theirs was a love for the ages but with a drastic fallout that tore them apart.
A century later with money and fame in the New World, when Beth receives the invitation to sing at his wedding she can't resist the chance to find closure. Even after all that time she can't forget the love she's continued to hold for Aidan. She can't help but wonder if he has forgotten her or if he still feels something for her.
I don't want to spoil their journey for you, but oh what a journey it is. Love and longing, heartbreak and betrayal, secrets and lies, danger and intensity. A love that the heart can't forget no mater what stands in their way. I loved the combination of experiencing their past and present times and how their story connects to others we've already met in the series. This was a rollercoaster of emotions. I think Beth and Aidan have officially beat out Damian and Nell as my favorite couple of the series so far. I can't wait for the next book.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Because of the marriage plans Beth's father has arranged for her, she now has the opportunity to attend the Royal Academy. All she has to do is make it through the deadly labyrinth trials in one piece before the timer runs out. She never expected to be captivated by the beautiful fae male running the last trial. And she never imagined he would turn out to the be none other than the Summer Court Prince - Aidan Summers.
Their chemistry was intense and irresistible but the relationship was forbidden. They were fire and ice, royalty and common fae. Bound by responsibility and by an unwanted arranged marriage to another. Theirs was a love for the ages but with a drastic fallout that tore them apart.
A century later with money and fame in the New World, when Beth receives the invitation to sing at his wedding she can't resist the chance to find closure. Even after all that time she can't forget the love she's continued to hold for Aidan. She can't help but wonder if he has forgotten her or if he still feels something for her.
I don't want to spoil their journey for you, but oh what a journey it is. Love and longing, heartbreak and betrayal, secrets and lies, danger and intensity. A love that the heart can't forget no mater what stands in their way. I loved the combination of experiencing their past and present times and how their story connects to others we've already met in the series. This was a rollercoaster of emotions. I think Beth and Aidan have officially beat out Damian and Nell as my favorite couple of the series so far. I can't wait for the next book.
🔥🔥🔥
The Broker by Nikki Sloane
Book six is not normally where I would start a series, but that's what happened with this one. When I got the chance to jump right in with this book and realized the series is full of standalone stories, I didn't hesitate. And I certainly wasn't disappointed. This book pulled me in from the very first page. And what a first page it was!
Noah has moved back to Nashville from New York in his 30s to change up his career path and be closer to his family. Charlotte is trying to find her footing after a series of bad decisions that found her living with her parents again in her early 20s and paying back a debt she owes them. They're both in two very different places in their lives but somehow find themselves at the same bar one night. A fun meet-cute moment leads to a steamy night but with some boundaries in place.
It's only after that they realize his new career path means he's now working with her father. And her debt to be paid back means she's helping clear her father's office building after hours. When her father ropes her into a cleaning job for Noah at his new house, things get complicated.
Over time they find out they share some of the same nontraditional interests. And Noah opens her eyes to a whole new world of experiences and people. They have to keep their relationship secret or risk his job and her relationship with her father. They have to decide what they both really want and what they're willing to risk to have it.
I absolutely loved this book. I've had this series on my list for a bit but obviously I just barely dove into what all it was about. So I was very pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to go back and read all the books that came before this one now. And I'll be checking out others from Nikki as well. So good! The chemistry, spice, emotional connections, and more, just great.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
One Night Stand to More…
Book six is not normally where I would start a series, but that's what happened with this one. When I got the chance to jump right in with this book and realized the series is full of standalone stories, I didn't hesitate. And I certainly wasn't disappointed. This book pulled me in from the very first page. And what a first page it was!
Noah has moved back to Nashville from New York in his 30s to change up his career path and be closer to his family. Charlotte is trying to find her footing after a series of bad decisions that found her living with her parents again in her early 20s and paying back a debt she owes them. They're both in two very different places in their lives but somehow find themselves at the same bar one night. A fun meet-cute moment leads to a steamy night but with some boundaries in place.
It's only after that they realize his new career path means he's now working with her father. And her debt to be paid back means she's helping clear her father's office building after hours. When her father ropes her into a cleaning job for Noah at his new house, things get complicated.
Over time they find out they share some of the same nontraditional interests. And Noah opens her eyes to a whole new world of experiences and people. They have to keep their relationship secret or risk his job and her relationship with her father. They have to decide what they both really want and what they're willing to risk to have it.
I absolutely loved this book. I've had this series on my list for a bit but obviously I just barely dove into what all it was about. So I was very pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to go back and read all the books that came before this one now. And I'll be checking out others from Nikki as well. So good! The chemistry, spice, emotional connections, and more, just great.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Forever Filthy by Samantha Barrett
By the end of book one Vivian proved just how little they knew about her. In this second book, she is a year into her role as Lordess of the Haven Saints. She's working some devious boss babe magic to set things right, protect her family from a distance, and take down those who have wronged her and those who try to get in her way.
Ezekiel, Archer, and Hayze are tired of sitting back and waiting. And they are tired of being without Vivi. Some friendly schemes, angry words, and sultry looks later and there might just be some hope. But Vi is determined not to let anything stand in the way of her goals. Convincing her they all belong together will not be an easy mission.
So much happens in this journey from friends to enemies to lovers. Secrets, lies, betrayals, death, mayhem, surprises, twists, unexpected allies, and so much more. Great dark and twisted read. Some stuff I hoped for while other events I never saw coming. I can't wait to see how things go in the next book.
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Vivian is not to be underestimated. Her twin brother and his three best friends have always done what they felt was best to keep Vivian in the dark about all the seedy business surrounding the secret society their families have been involved with. They wanted to protect her even when that meant lying to her, hiding things, and even leaving her behind. It was just assumed that she didn't know about any of it and was this delicate thing to be treated gently. Oh how wrong they were.
By the end of book one Vivian proved just how little they knew about her. In this second book, she is a year into her role as Lordess of the Haven Saints. She's working some devious boss babe magic to set things right, protect her family from a distance, and take down those who have wronged her and those who try to get in her way.
Ezekiel, Archer, and Hayze are tired of sitting back and waiting. And they are tired of being without Vivi. Some friendly schemes, angry words, and sultry looks later and there might just be some hope. But Vi is determined not to let anything stand in the way of her goals. Convincing her they all belong together will not be an easy mission.
So much happens in this journey from friends to enemies to lovers. Secrets, lies, betrayals, death, mayhem, surprises, twists, unexpected allies, and so much more. Great dark and twisted read. Some stuff I hoped for while other events I never saw coming. I can't wait to see how things go in the next book.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
You're Ours Now by Jaye Pratt, Samantha Barrett
Mellie is the type of college girl that loves love. And her three best friends - Storm, Zayne, and Julius - are they type of guys that all others are measured against. They are perfect and would be perfect for her... if only they saw her like she sees them.
She decides to take a chance on a new matchmaking show. The little bit of liquid courage before the interview leads to her letting things slip about her fantasies. The one involving masked men. When she shows up for the matchmaking date, she gets a surprise in the form of not one but three masked men. Her eye-opening experience makes her crave things she never could have imagined.
This is fun, primal, sexy spin on the best friends to lovers trope and it was so good. If you're looking for a quick and super spicy read for Valentine's then your search is over. This was actually my first Jaye Pratt book but I've read many from Samantha Barrett (huge fan). Now I want to go back and read all the previous standalone books in this Masked Men series. And I'm looking forward to the next one.
🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Masked Best Friends to Lovers…
Mellie is the type of college girl that loves love. And her three best friends - Storm, Zayne, and Julius - are they type of guys that all others are measured against. They are perfect and would be perfect for her... if only they saw her like she sees them.
She decides to take a chance on a new matchmaking show. The little bit of liquid courage before the interview leads to her letting things slip about her fantasies. The one involving masked men. When she shows up for the matchmaking date, she gets a surprise in the form of not one but three masked men. Her eye-opening experience makes her crave things she never could have imagined.
This is fun, primal, sexy spin on the best friends to lovers trope and it was so good. If you're looking for a quick and super spicy read for Valentine's then your search is over. This was actually my first Jaye Pratt book but I've read many from Samantha Barrett (huge fan). Now I want to go back and read all the previous standalone books in this Masked Men series. And I'm looking forward to the next one.
🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Under An Endless Moon by A.L. Jackson
We all felt the chemistry between Otto and Raven in book one of this series. Since Otto is the best friend of Raven's brother and he's older than her, they both recognize that a relationship between them is forbidden territory. But they can really only lie to themselves for so long before they can no longer fight their feelings for each other.
After Raven walks in on a scene she never wanted to see involving her brother, she realizes it's time to find a place of her own. In the meantime Otto offers her refuge at his place, even if there's only one bedroom and this burly bear of a man is way to big for sleeping on the sofa.
Otto is tracking down his enemies in secret, keeping his revenge and justice from his band of brothers. But while he's stalking his prey, Raven finds herself in someone else's dangerous sights. Otto will do anything and everything to protect her. Even if that means he might have to go against her brother to finally claim her.
All the built-up tension, forced proximity, forbidden romance elements, fun banter, fierce protectiveness, and amazing chemistry makes for a great journey for these two. I loved them together so much. The history of their tragic pasts and everything they've been through together just adds to the strength of their bond. I can't wait for what's next in this world.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Forbidden but Meant-To-Be...
We all felt the chemistry between Otto and Raven in book one of this series. Since Otto is the best friend of Raven's brother and he's older than her, they both recognize that a relationship between them is forbidden territory. But they can really only lie to themselves for so long before they can no longer fight their feelings for each other.
After Raven walks in on a scene she never wanted to see involving her brother, she realizes it's time to find a place of her own. In the meantime Otto offers her refuge at his place, even if there's only one bedroom and this burly bear of a man is way to big for sleeping on the sofa.
Otto is tracking down his enemies in secret, keeping his revenge and justice from his band of brothers. But while he's stalking his prey, Raven finds herself in someone else's dangerous sights. Otto will do anything and everything to protect her. Even if that means he might have to go against her brother to finally claim her.
All the built-up tension, forced proximity, forbidden romance elements, fun banter, fierce protectiveness, and amazing chemistry makes for a great journey for these two. I loved them together so much. The history of their tragic pasts and everything they've been through together just adds to the strength of their bond. I can't wait for what's next in this world.
🔥🔥🔥🔥