Cathy's World

REVIEW

The Ruler by Penelope Sky

Roman Republic book 1

~ Intense, emotionally charged, mafia style romance set in Sicily and Rome ~ Learned with a Golden retriever romance was after reading the book and would say this qualifies ~

What I liked:

* Constantine: “Emperor” of Rome, descended from ancient Emperor Augustus, deals with criminals, well connected, wealthy, insightful, intelligent, protective, lethal, dedicated to his family and his work, drawn to Aurelia

* Aurelia: professional photographer, committed to Enzo at the beginning of the story, dealing with breakup when she meets Constantine, truly a push-pull type with Constantine, conflicted, attracted to Constantine

* The instant connection and chemistry between Constantine and Aurelia

* That Constantine fell first and his feelings didn’t waver though he did get frustrated with her at times

* The hierarchy of the empire and the parts the three major powers have

* Medusa: Constantine’s German Shepherd trained as a police dog

* That Constantine was honest about who and what he was and also of his expectations

* That the story didn’t shy away from the ugliness of Constantine’s job

* That I cared about the outcome

* Constantine’s family and friends and the closeness that they had

What I didn’t like: * Enzo’s treatment of Aurelia and inability to be honest with her

* The way Aurelia kept waffling about what she really wanted with Constantine

* The criminals that Constantine had to deal with and trying to wrap my mind around the punishments meted out for the crimes committed

* Knowing that there are people in the world as evil as those that were punished in this book

* Not knowing how the series ends

Did I like this book? Yes and No

Would I read more by this author? If the synopsis interested me

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review

3-4 Stars

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REVIEW

The Mysterious Billionaire by Serenity Woods

The Ashford Legacy book 2

~ Mystery surrounds Caesar and Madie during their masquerade encounter that sizzled for a no-names-shared sizzling steamy hookup ~ Great addition to the series ~

What I liked: * Madeleine “Maddie” Rutherford: scientist, inventor, PhD graduate, works for her grandfather’s conglomerate, dislikes her albino coloring, reserved, unlucky in love, dreams of feeding the world, attracted to Caesar

* Caesar Ashford: scientist, works in the family agricultural business, wealthy, has trust issues, swept away by the masked woman at the masquerade and fell hard, dislikes and distrusts Tom Rutherford/Maddie’s grandfather, wants to maintain control of the family business

* Maddie’s ability to communicate her needs and desires to Caesar while masked and later when with him on their field trip to the farm

* Watching the relationship develop between Maddie and Caesar

* Watching Caesar work through his trust issues and how it worked out positively to further the romance between him and Maddie

* Brielle Rutherford: Maddie’s older extroverted sister, influencer, represents the company, wonder if she will get a book of her own

* Aurelia Ashford: sister of Caesar and Marcus, works in the family business, social media savvy, will be starring in the next book of the series

* The compromise that was achieved by Rutherford and Ashford companies and looking forward to how it plays out in the future

* That I liked and cared about Maddie and Caesar and could see them happy together in the future

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like: * The way Maddie was sidelined and in some ways made to feel “less” by her family though her input was what they should have been promoting

* Having to say goodbye to the characters

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

Jace by Kelly Finley

Belles & Bratva Beasts #5

~ Slow burn that heats up and catches fire once best friends Jace and Vivian finally are able to clear the air and open the road for more than friendship ~

What I liked: * Jace Ryan: works as guard at adult store, one of seven brothers, Russian heritage, evil father, difficult childhood, has loved Vivian for a LONG time and will do anything for her

* Vivian Tate: photographer, works at adult store, has a secret that ties her down, wants free of her ex, has big feels and fantasies about Jace, comes into her own as the story progresses

* Watching Jace and Vivian pussyfoot around and finally deal with what is blocking their being together

* The strong bond that develops between Viv and Jace

* The photography information and parts of the story and finding out who won the photography competition

* Catching up with the characters from previous books

* That it was easy to dislike Vivian’s ex

* The empowerment the women that marry into the Kholodov family

* The tie that binds the Kings and their Queens and why the initiation is so important to them all

* What the brothers find out about their paternity and how they ultimately deal with Ruslan Kholodov

* Wilder, Bishop, and Remi: “cousins” that sometimes work with the Kings – wonder if Remi might end of with Sasha and Harlow end up with Wilder

* Wondering if twin sister bartenders will end up in a story of their own

* The epilogue and finding out who the author will be writing about next.

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like – the man that Viv was married to, Jace’s father and his enemy Sheremetev

* Not knowing for sure how or if Sheremetev will be ultimately dealt with

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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Don’t let his smoldering smile fool you; Jace Ryan is a Bratva beast who gets what he wants—except me.

Sexy. Sweet. Steamy. Jace is my best friend, hiding his savage side.

Working at an adult store together, I’m a boudoir photographer, and he’s the king-sized guard. It’s a tempting proximity, but we don’t cross forbidden lines. Lines that ache; it hurts not to be together.

But Jace knows I’m miserably married. I would never break a vow. And he’s a man of honor… Until he discovers I’m trapped in a hellish arrangement.

My evil husband is holding me prisoner, and Jace is the killer key.

For me, his mafia beast emerges, bloodthirsty and unbound. His secret society of Bratva kings and queens conspires to help me. We forge taboo bonds that can’t be broken, As demons from his past shockingly abet our love.

I’m not afraid of their vigilante justice. I need their help to fight something even a bullet can’t destroy. A stolen image of me I can’t erase. One that’ll destroy my name.

But I’ll do anything to finally be with Jace. Anything to be his proud queen.

And Jace will destroy anyone to protect our precious future.

For content advisories, please click here

TROPES:

Best friends to lovers

Mafia King x Girl Next Door

Adult store co-workers

Yearning Soulmates

Touch her & be tortured

Surprise baby

REVIEW

Used at the Truck Stop

Written by Tabby’s Erotic Inspirations Narrated by Penni Stoker ~ Tabby’s hungry…but not for food ~ This erotic short story provides an explicit and satisfying encounter between two strangers. Tabby wanted to “feel” something as she pulled into the truck stop and had a plan to do so. She was lucky enough to approach a man who became a willing partner for what she had in mind. The nameless hunk she hooked up with had all of the qualities that was perfect to fulfill Tabby’s fantasy, and anyone else’s who happens to read this story. I smiled with Tabby as she read that note at the end of the story. Penni Stokes narration was easy to listen to, well paced, and provided smooth transitions between the two main characters making it easy to identify who was speaking throughout the story. Rating: Overall: 4 Performance: 4 Overall Story: 4

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REVIEW

Code Name: Leo by Janie Crouch

Zodiac Tactical Series

~ Fast-paced, fascinating, informative romantic suspense that I couldn’t put down ~ Great addition to the series ~

What I liked: * Isaac Baxter: ex-military, intelligent, leader, team player, strong, lethal, protective, patient, persistent, followed his own star, open minded, listens well, immediately attracted to Fallon

* Fallon Hemingway: independent, competent, bright, justice seeker, focused, willing to do more than most to achieve her target, protective, immediately attracted to Isaac

* Cassandra: Fallon’s friend and IT support in the pursuit of justice, reclusive, played a big part in this story and will be the female lead in the next book of the series Code Name: Scorpio

* Ryder Sutton: member of Zodiac Tactical, works with Isaac, had wise counsel for Isaac, rather taken with Cassandra when he first saw her during an online meeting, code name is Scorpio

* Learning what made Fallon exceptional at what she did and then reading a bit more to find out what she was dealing with physically as she worked in the field

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* That I cared about the characters and was rooting for them to succeed

* Watching the romance/relationship develop between Isaac and Fallon

* The solution that Ian, owner of Zodiac Tactical, had for Isaac and Fallon

* That it was easy to dislike the bad guys and wish Karma’s wrath would land on them

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:

* Knowing that there are so many people willing to con and steal from others and that too many of them get away with it

* Kessler: hired killer who enjoyed his jobs

* The loss of life that occurred whether victims of the criminals or on the job

* Thinking about the pain that Fallon must have had to live with.

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author and Protector Romance Circle for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

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REVIEW

The Lesser Murder by Colin Conway

~ In-depth, immersive, interesting look at detective work through the eyes of one admirable and dedicated detective  ~

What I liked:

* Detective Andrew Parker: loving husband and father, health-oriented body builder, realistic, human, determined, doggedly and systematically pursues clues, team player, someone I would like to have as a friend.

* Parker’s family: Brooke – his supportive stay at home wife and his three loving young daughters - Hailey, Charlotte and Willow

* Donovan Rubio: victim, murdered, enjoyed learning what his story was.

* The informative birds-eye view of the tedious, time consuming, grind of solving a murder case ~ I felt beside Parker and his partner Johnson throughout the story

* Being privy to Parker’s daily routine, thought processes, feelings, and emotions

* The interactions Parker had with his partner (Jesse) and others on the team, especially during the officer down portion of the story

* The setting where one of my family members will soon be moving

* That the story was believable, made me care, and feel about the outcome

* Thinking about the impact of gossip on people and communities and knowing how easy it is to influence others – and wishing that people could be more positive than negative

* Seeing how cases being worked can sometimes overlap

* That two cases were solved, finding out who the criminals were, and understanding why the crimes occurred though not agreeing with the reasoning of the criminals

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like: * The senseless murders and loss of life

* Knowing that it is very possible to have these crimes occur in real life

* Thinking about the emotional impact of murder on those that know the victim

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

The Duchess Society Collection: Books 1-3:

Steamy Historical Romance

By Tracy Sumner

~ Loved all three and believe you will, too ~ Below a few snippets from my reviews of the books ~

The Brazen Bluestocking

Delightful from Beginning to end! Loved SO much about this story and can’t wait to read it again.

The Scandalous Vixen: Smiling as I think about this book. Why? Because the story made me happy. Opposites on the social spectrum but more aligned than they should be, this couple was a treat to get to know and watch fall in love.

The Wicked Wallflower

Slipping back into this series was smooth and easy and oh so much fun!

5 Stars ~ I will gladly read anything this author writes!

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Publisher Description

“There are two things I need to absolutely adore a historical romance. Gorgeous writing and romantic tension that is so intense I’m basically a stick of melting butter. With quick pacing, perfectly steamy scenes, and a cast of loveable side characters, I need the next Duchess Society book in hand, well, yesterday!” ~ Charlie Lane, Regency romance author The Brazen Bluestocking The start of the wildly popular Duchess Society! A duchess, a broken engagement, an attempted murder, a kidnapping, and a cat. And best of all, a delicious amount of steam and a happy ending! Bad boy hero: He’s ruthless and untouchable, but she’s the one temptation he can’t resist. The Scandalous Vixen A wicked wager, a fake engagement, a duke with nothing to lose, and a woman determined never to belong to any man. Add forbidden passion, razor-sharp banter, and a delicious amount of steam—and prepare to melt.

Tropes you’ll love: Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance, Fake Engagement, Reunion Romance, Ruthless Duke, Strong, Independent Heroine, Scorching Chemistry, He Falls First The Wicked Wallflower **Maybe the most popular hero in the series? Meet Xander Macauley...***

A Top Pick on Thirteen Best of Historical Romance Lists!

Tropes you’ll love: Wallflower Heroine, Brother’s Best Friend, Rookery Rogue, Forbidden Desire, Rescue Romance, Class Divide, Scorching Chemistry

The Duchess Society is a circle of self-made rogues, reluctant aristocrats, and men forged in the shadows — and the women bold enough to challenge them. These are class-crossing romances where gambling kings fall for dukes’ sisters, bluestockings refuse obedience, and desire simmers for years before finally catching fire.

With wicked banter, slow-burn tension, found family, and deeply satisfying happily-ever-afters, this series delivers Regency romance with teeth. Expect scandal, heat, and heroines who won’t be tamed.

The Duchess Society Series The Brazen Bluestocking The Scandalous Vixen The Wicked Wallflower One Wedding and an Earl Two Scandals and a Scot Three Sins and a Scoundrel

REVIEW

The Lake House by Lori Foster

Firefly Summer #2

~ Family can be a blessing or a curse ~ sometimes people who come into our lives can become a close-knit group that is the closets “family” of all ~

What I liked:

* Brogan Rafferty: retired Navy SEAL, single parent of infant niece (Shayna Raye), difficult childhood, joined military young, dealing with survivor’s guilt, strong, inteeligent, aware, safety & protection oriented, loves his niece, has a plan that includes Pixie and her son

* Pixie Nolan: single mother of Andy, manager of a boutique, creative, artistic, empathetic, good friend, supportive, positive, loving mother, responsible, honest, settling into her new stronger identity in Bramble, arrived in the series in book one, attracted to Brogan

* Andy Nolan: Shayna’s son, biological father was a philanderer now deceased, claims Shayna as “My Baby”

* Shayna: infant, assigned Brogan as her guardian, daughter of Brogan’s deceased half-sister Connie, provides impetus for Brogan’s visit to Bramble Kentucky

* Watching the interactions between Brogan and Pixie and seeing their relationship grow

* The love that abounded in this story: between friends, community, parents and their children, couples, and those that were soon to be couples

* The way Brogan stepped into warrior-protector-rescue mode more than once in the story

* Being reminded of a summer on a lake where my sister could have been Benny and how lucky Benny was while others in his situation have not been

* The small-town community feeling that is there for one another

* The open honest mature communication between Pixie and Brogan and also they way they communicated with the children

* The side romance that might be brewing between officer Flynn and Ellen (Benny’s mother)

* Wondering if perhaps Erin will star in the next book of the series

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about how difficult the lives of both Brogan and Pixie were in the past

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

Curves for the Secret Duke by Janna MacGregor

Busty Bodice Club Novella #7

~ Who knew that being best friends, going on a road trip, and pretending to be married would provide so much entertainment and a happily ever after for Penelope and Edward? ~

What I liked: * Edward Thornton: tutor, son of a tutor, Penelope’s best friend, has loved Penelope for years, there for her for anything whenever needed, tries to be honorable, loves Penelope and will forever

* Penelope Harrington: youngest of eight sisters, propensity to wear over-the-top hats, believes her curves are unattractive, Edwards friend for years and has always loved him

* The chemistry between Penelope and Edward and that they were open and honest communicating in a mature manner

* The genuine regard, love, friendship, and care the couple had for one another

* The kissing practice times that Penelope requested to look more married

* Finding out who the man following them was, what he wanted, and how it changed their lives

* That I was able to shake my head and wonder what Lord Draven thought he would accomplish with his audacity

* The way Penelope taught classes with stories and ties to…fashion

* Meeting The Duke of Archer and the impact it had on Edward’s life

* That I could see the two of them were perfect for and with one another though I do believe that Edward was more book-wise and perhaps a better teacher than Penelope was

* Having now read six of the seven books in this series

* The author’s note at the end with historical background relevant to the story

What I didn’t like: * Hawksworth’s high-handed treatment of Edward and his lack of regard for Penelope when Edward wanted to send her a letter

* The Duke of Archer’s behavior toward his youngest son and the loss it created for more than one character in the story

* That Penelope, at times, seemed rather immature and a bit clueless ~ perhaps she was, having come from the home that she did

Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes, if the book sounded interesting

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

Cold Silence by Freya Barker

Silence Book 4

~ Excellent addition to the series ~ I know when I pick up one of Freya’s books I will be satisfied when I read the last page ~ Couldn’t put it down and am eager to read what comes next ~

What I liked: * Clem Tanek: business owner, mechanic, brother, relocated to firehouse after his shop burned down, calm, wise, supportive, crochets, excellent listener, stable, attracted to Tess

* Tessa “Tess” Androtti: single parent, homicide detective, divorced from abusive husband, new in Silence, has teenage sons, honest, open, dedicated to her family and friends, attracted to Clem

* Clem’s interaction with the teenager he caught stealing on his business property made me know he was a good man

* The open honest way Clem and Tessa communicated with one another and with others

* The maturity of both Tess and Clem and their positive body images and senses of self-worth – watching their relationship develop was a joy and so much fun – I know they will be happy together

* The murder mystery of who killed Ryan Wells, how the clues are followed to solve the case, take the bad guys down, and bring justice to Ryan’s mother

* Remi and his brother Linc: typical teens and brothers who were raised right by Tess

* Mouse: dog adopted by Clem that was perfect for him

* Catching up with some of the previous characters in the series while wondering which character(s) will star in the next book of the series

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about the damage done to the teens and the way they were exploited

* Having to wait for the next book

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

Denial by A. M. Wilson

~ Plucked my heartstrings, made me care, fell in love with the characters, couldn’t put it down ~ This is a new to me author I will look for again ~

What I liked: * Alice Thompson: outgoing, fun, strong sense of humor, resilient, protective, friendly, good friend, responsible, Type 1 Diabetic, arrives in town to be Nanny to Eleanor “Nellie-Jo” Sutton, has a stalker

* Sutton Stone: police officer, single parent, grumpy, reserved, protective, strong, good friend, great support network, community-minded, fighting his attraction to Alice

* Eleanor Sutton: eight-years-old, Sutton’s daughter, active, curious, caring, loves Alice

* Meeting the support network that must have been in books I have not read and thinking that I probably missed some great books

* Watching Sutton try to ignore perky Alice and be the rigid employer as he fell under the spell of warm charming, rather wonderful Alice

* The open honest communication throughout the story – between the adults and between adults and children

* That I liked the characters and could see them living and loving together for the rest of their lives

* The information about type 1 diabetes and being inspired to refresh my nursing information on the subject…including what Alice and Sutton might face with her diagnosis in the future

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* Being able to dislike the baddies and being glad that they were eventually found and dealt with

* Having read a new-to-me-author that I will gladly read again.

* Everything except…

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like: evil doers after Alice and bullying of Eleanor

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

Forbidden Fate by Jezebel Thorne

The Omerta Brotherhood #1

~ Satisfying suspense-filled steamy story that introduced an intriguing new mafia romance that I couldn’t put down ~

What I liked: * Lena Haywood: orphan adopted as a baby, college student, musician, hard worker, strong, communicative, goal to play her violin professionally, has a target on her head, attracted to Rem

* Remus “Rem” Cosenza: maestro di giornata for the Cerreti crime family, adopted with his brother Ari by Aldo Cerreti, fixer, lethal, given oat to his family, attracted to Lena and will keep her safe

* Johnny Giordano: Rem’s right-hand man, like a brother to Rem, married to Bianca, strong, protective, good friend – Bianca and Johnny’s story is in the series prequel

* Aldo Ceretti: capobastone of the Ceretti family, strong, lethal, second son of the family, had an interesting backstory

* The protection that Rem offered Lena and the chemistry between them

* The rather dark and terrifying “meet-cute” that had Rem and Lena running for their lives

* The strong bond of the brotherhood and their vows to all members

* That the story didn’t sugarcoat the dark bits

* That I could see Rem and Lena being good for and with one another both in and out of the bedroom

* The hint of the Russian Mafia that will be part of the series

* The mystery of who was trying to kill Lena and finally finding out who was behind it

* Lena’s interesting backstory that was revealed toward the end of the story

* Wondering who is framing the Ceretti men and having them sent to jail

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like

* Having to say goodbye to the characters

Did I like this book?  Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Every Rose Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

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REVIEW

A Faire Affair by Rose Prendeville

Tennessee Hebrides #2

~ Slow-burn, long distance, opposites attract romance that has depth, evoked emotions, and made me care about the characters ~ Couldn’t put it down ~

What I liked: * Wesley “Wes” Teal: insurance salesperson, dreamed of being a designer, Stargardt Disease causing gradual vision loss, independent, wont’ ask for help, loving, kind, good friend, creative, commitment averse, fears loss, attracted to Eòghann

* Eòghann “Owen” MacNeil: Scottish, lives on Barra Island, drowning phobia, difficult childhood that left him emotionally scarred with some PTSD, good friend, needs/likes to be needed, attracted to Wes and willing to cross an ocean to reach her

* The text messages between Wes and Eòghann the year they were apart

* The way Eòghann’s panic attacks and phobia were described that made me more aware of how horrible they can be

* The theme that includes putting on a Renaissance Faire and the way Wes’s friends came to help pull it off

* Alec: Murray: Single father, doctor, musician, widow, left Scotland for medical school, has lost more than one loved one, am wondering if he will have a book of his own – his sons were wonderful

* Catching up with previous characters and wondering which of the old and new that are not coupled up will be finding their own partners – too many to name

* Learning the back stories of Eòghann and Wes

* The close ties of the men from Scotland and of Wes’s friends since college

* The way most of the emotional trauma is exposed, some is dealt with, communication is finally open and honest, and the way it all works out in the end

What I didn’t like: * Pierce: Wes’s ex she spent seven years to many with

* Eòghann’s father – sounded like a tyrant

* The childhood traumas that impacted more than one character in the story…made me sad

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

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REVIEW

Curves for the Scandalous Duke by Kathleen Ayers

Busty Bodice Club #6

~ A peacock brooch, a quest to reclaim it, and chemistry in abundance ~ fun romp of a romance and lovely way to spend the evening ~

What I liked:

* Lady Josephine Harrington: second youngest of eight daughters, has a quest to conquer, focused on her inheritance, a bit awkward, self-assured, attracted to Lavisham, knows what she wants

* Marcus Long, Duke of Lavisham: “Lustful Lavisham”, notorious rake, excellent card player, noted for scandalous behavior, doesn’t want a bride…or so he thinks, rather taken with Josephine

* The library-study scene when Josephine came in disguise to steal the brooch and met with a surprise * The Late Duke of Kenworth: Josephine’s father, wagered and probably intentionally lost a peacock brooch, might have been a famous matchmaker if he’d chosen to do so when alive

* The scene toward the end with the wager for the brooch and how the game played out

* That I could see Josephine and Marcus happy together

* Wondering what the two might have in common if/when they actually get to know one another

What I didn’t like: * The first part that was a bit slow as Josephine and her friend Willa rather ineptly tried to set up a meeting between Marcus and Josephine – it picked up, though, after the library scene

Did I like this story? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review

4 Stars

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REVIEW

The Girl in the Attic by John Nicholl

~ Darkly disturbing twisted story that had me wanting to pull Olivia off the page and warn her LOUDLY that she should be careful or she might end up making a deadly mistake ~

What I liked: * The writing that described everything in a way that I felt I was there with Olivia – not always a nice place to be

* That Olivia’s backstory was well enough fleshed out that I got a feel for her though I never really warmed up to or completely understood the way she went off with Charles so easily

* The Jones Family: Eva and Edward, foster parents of Olivia from the time she was 14, warm, loving, caring, helpful, introduced her to gallery owner Benjamin

* That despite Olivia’s abusive childhood she was still able to feel hope and aspired to live a normal life – also her determination that sustained and helped her survive

* That the author gave enough detail of difficult experiences without going into graphic detail…just enough detail to hit hard

* That I was hopeful that the rest of Olivia’s life might be easier though I wonder if she will ever be able to truly put her past behind her

* Being able to thoroughly dislike Charles and Karma’s wrath upon him

* Finishing the book and being able to leave it behind me…very glad I wasn’t in Olivia’s shoes…or bare feet

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like: Olivia’s parents, her abusers, her kidnapper, and her first boyfriend

* That I felt at times that Olivia should have been more aware and wiser and listened to her gut instincts and wondered why she didn’t after having experienced so much evil already by the men in her life – seems she would have been more street savvy

* Knowing that the evil in this book is fiction but also that there are wicked people in the world as horrible as the ones in this story

Did I like this book? Yes and No

Would I read more by this author? Maybe, if the blurb sounds good

Thank you to Boldwood Books for the ARC ~ This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

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REVIEW

Curves for the Betrothed Duke by Robyn DeHart

Busty Bodice Club

~ Smiling as I remember the surprise under Tristan’s bride’s wedding veil ~ What a wonderful story ~

What I liked: * Imogen Harrington: sixth of eight sisters and seventh of nine children, curvy, made to feel less by her mother, intelligent, honest, mature, good friend, finds much more than she expected in Tristan

* Tristan Somerset, Duke of Winfield: ready to settle down, conforms to society’s expectations, doesn’t believe in love, good friend, forthright, finds more than he was expecting in his new bride

* The mature honest communication between Imogen and Tristan

* That the nine-year age gap between Tristan and Imogen never seemed too much due to Imogen’s mature outlook on life

* The conversation in the coach on the way from the wedding to the marriage breakfast

* The wedding night and the awakening of Imogen and seeds planted for a potentially warm and loving marriage

* Watching the growth of the relationship between Tristan and Imogen and knowing that though they had not courted as most do, they were perfect for and with one another and would have a happy life together

* That Imogen was able to fulfill the quest her father set for her and that Tristan was willing to help her do so

* Flynn Cavendish: Tristan’s good friend, witty, wise, wonder if he has a book of his own

* Reading a new-to-me author, loving the story she wrote, and knowing that I will look for her books in the future

What I didn’t like: * I can’t think of anything…

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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She traded places with his bride. Now he intends to keep her.

Imogen Harrington has always done what was expected of her… until the day she steals a duke at the altar.

When her dearest friend is about to be forced into a loveless marriage—and Imogen must wed to fulfill her father’s dying wish—she takes matters into her own hands. With a veil hiding her identity, she walks down the aisle and binds herself to Tristan Somerset, Duke of Winfield, before he ever realizes he’s married the wrong woman.

Tristan is not a man accustomed to surprises. Especially not ones that leave him legally wed to a woman who deceived him before the vows were even spoken. But annulment would mean scandal—and Tristan does not allow scandal to touch his name. Instead, he decides to keep his unexpected duchess.

As they travel abroad, Tristan quickly discovers that the impulsive, unconventional Imogen is nothing like the bride he intended to marry… and far more tempting than she has any right to be. Imogen, for her part, never meant to want the man she tricked into marriage, but the longer she remains at his side and his bed, the more she longs for his heart.

What began as a marriage of convenience is about to become something far more complicated…

She may have stolen his wedding… But Tristan is determined to take everything else.

***

Perfect for fans of:

Marriage of Convenience

Bride Swap

Accidental Marriage

Grumpy Duke

Sunshine Heroine

Forced Proximity

Opposites Attract

Only One Bed

Curvy Heroine

Possessive Hero

Travel Romance

High Heat Historical

I Shouldn’t Want You

REVIEW

Stolen Family by Lisa Regan

Detective Josie Quinn #24

~ Gritty, gripping, immersive story that had me guessing till the end ~ Couldn’t put it down ~

What I liked:

* Josie: homicide detective, survivor of a difficult childhood discussed in previous books, wife to Noah, strong, resilient, intelligent, team player, intuitive, guardian of Wren, and the main character of this series * Noah: police department lieutenant, Josie’s husband, calm, wise, good leader, sees the big picture, co-guardian of wren, there for Josie in more ways than one * The deep love, trust, and mature relationship Josie and Noah have * Wren: lost both her parents, artist, teenager, trust issues, settling in a bit more with Josie and Noah * Gretchen: Josie’s partner on the job, older, highly qualified, lives with daughters, strong, wise, supportive * Kyle: newest member of the team, abrupt, abrasive, his secrets and backstory fleshed out more in this book, daughter Cassidy kidnapped as big part of this story, eager to find out what will happen next in his life * The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* Not knowing who the killer was till near the end

* That I cared about the characters and the outcome

* Seeing and feeling with the victims and police force as they searched for the kidnapper/killer

What I didn’t like: * Who I was meant not to like: creeps, lurkers, killers, perverts, and the impact they had on those they harmed

* Thinking about how evil some people are

* Having to wait to find out what will happen next

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

BLURB

A breath of warm air lifts the canvas opening of the tent to reveal a carpet of crimson petals within. Two bodies lie side by side. Mother and daughter are achingly beautiful in the glow of the twinkling fairy lights above, but their cold blue lips have whispered their last "I love you..."

As a heatwave chokes the small town of Denton, Maxine and Haven Barnes are discovered dead at a local festival, blood-red camellias pressed into their once-clammy skin. Detective Josie Quinn races through the crowds to attend the scene, horrified that something so disturbing could happen at a family event. Maxine was known to the police for issues with her abusive husband, but the trail ends there.

Hours later, a call rocks Josie to her core: another mother and teenage daughter are missing, with the same rare flowers left on their doorstep. And just when the stakes couldn't get any higher, the missing women are linked to the most challenging member of Josie's team, Detective Kyle Turner. He had a secret family he's kept hidden from them all, and now their lives are in danger...

Clock ticking, it will take everything Josie has to break down the walls Turner put up to protect himself and the people he loves. But when tracing the flowers back to their origins has the killer within her grasp, a truth much closer to home reveals itself. And with it, more danger than anyone could have imagined. Can Josie bring this monster to justice before any more precious lives are taken?

An absolutely heart-stopping and totally unputdownable crime thriller from an Amazon, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. You will be up all night biting your nails and turning pages! Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine.

What readers are saying about Stolen Family:

"Absolutely unputdownable-I was up into the wee small hours! Lisa Regan has done it again... I told myself "just one more chapter" and before I knew it, I was reading into the wee small hours because I simply could not put it down... pulled the rug out from under me... relentless... gripping, emotional and packed with twists." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️