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Review

The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller by Freida McFadden – My Review

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Title: The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller

Author: Freida McFadden

Release Date: October 1st 2024

Genre: Psychological Thriller

She’s looking for the perfect man. He’s looking for the perfect victim.

Sydney Shaw, like every single woman in New York, has terrible luck with dating. She’s seen it all: men who lie in their dating profile, men who stick her with the dinner bill, and worst of all, men who can’t shut up about their mothers. But finally, she hits the jackpot.

Her new boyfriend is utterly perfect. He’s charming, handsome, and works as a doctor at a local hospital. Sydney is swept off her feet.

Then the brutal murder of a young woman―the latest in a string of deaths across the coast―confounds police. The primary suspect? A mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them.

Sydney should feel safe. After all, she is dating the guy of her dreams. But she can’t shake her own suspicions that the perfect man may not be as perfect as he seems. Because someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn’t get to the truth, she’ll be the killer’s next victim…

A dark story about obsession and the things we’ll do for love, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden proves that crimes of passion are often the bloodiest…

I do enjoy a good Freida book. There’s always something I don’t see coming. At this point, I don’t even try to figure out how it ends or who did it, I just let it take me on that ride. That’s what happened with The Boyfriend. I was suspicious of everyone! Can you blame me?Some parts were a little slow but it picks up and then you’re at the end going what the f… just happened. While I enjoyed the book, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the way it ended at first. Then after sitting with it for a week, I’ve decided it ended okay. 

Reading a Freida McFadden book feels like a guilty pleasure for me. I devour each book of hers I can get my hands on. I give this 4 stars. 

*Affilate link*

Review

The Little Lies (The Great Hexpectations Series Book 1) by Marie F. Crow – My Review

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Title: The Little Lies (The Great Hexpectations Series Book 1)

Author: Marie F. Crow

Release Date: February 22nd 2021

Genre: Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal

Harper Buckland always knew she was different. The whole town has never let her forget it. What the town didn’t know, was one day they would come to her, in secret, to explore their deepest regrets.

Harper has made a living from being a witch. Using her powers over the dead, she brings those who need that one last farewell. Sometimes, though, the dead don’t want to say goodbye again, and sometimes, neither do the living.

When Harper discovers a little girl, Becky Torte, who refuses to stay deceased, she’s called in by the family to figure out why, but are they ready for the truth? Is Harper? Because what she will discover will change their lives forever.

Sometimes the littlest lies are the biggest weapons.

Can we take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous the cover is? 

I love me a good witchy book and this hit the spot. Harper’s humor and wit is relatable which made her that more endearing to me. The story had good pacing and some really great characters. I was pulled into Harper’s world and quickly grew attached to her and others. If you’ve read any books by Miss Crow, you are setting yourself up for heartbreak by doing this. I did it anyway. The story has some twists and kept me on the edge of my seat. I truly had a book hangover after finishing this one. 

The book is very well written and I love the authors storytelling style. Her writing style makes the story and characters come alive and you feel a part of their world. 

If you enjoy witches, suspense, with a dark vibe, this book is for you. I truly enjoyed and highly recommend it! I give it 5 stars. 


Review

The Faerie Throne: Chronicles of Shyal by Belle Manuel – My Review

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Title: The Faerie Throne: Chronicles of Shyal

Author: Belle Manuel

Release Date: November 9th 2023

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Raised with her brother by a brutal faerie warrior, Liserli Vaelus has grown bored of her small village life—and bored of the small village romance she has let herself enjoy.

When she breaks the law to go to Shyal, the bustling faerie city full of magic, Liserli has to face the consequences. She must serve the faerie court, and its three princes, one of whom is intent on tormenting her. Through her punishment, Liserli realizes life among the faeries isn’t quite so amazing as she hoped.

As dangers grow, Liserli must learn where to place her allegiances—with her brother as he fights in the human resistance, or with the faeries who promise her all she’s dreamed of.

From the author of the Twisted Fates trilogy and Soul Stealer Saga comes a thrillingly dark fantasy with twists and lust at every turn.

The world building in this story is pretty fantastic. Every time I opened this book, I was transported into a different world. A nice place to escape reality. We follow Liserli as she navigates the consequences of her actions. So many wonderful characters that brought this story to life. Cadoc is my favorite. He piqued my interest and as the story went on, I just became more obsessed. When you read this story, you’ll know why. Politics, secrets, and betrayal. That ending left me with so many questions and a wicked book hangover. I need answers Miss Manuel! 

This book is very well written. The pacing is good and then all of a sudden, you’re rapidly turning pages and your heart is racing trying to figure out what just happened. This is what Miss Manuel’s storytelling is like and I am here for it. 

I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next. I highly recommend! I give this 5 stars. 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Peacock: A Novel (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – My Review

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Title: Peacock: A Novel (The Physical Collection)

Author: A.R. Hadley

Release Date: May 15th 2023

Genre: Erotica

A newly established artist moves to a small town and meets a married brute living life to excess.

Each encounter leaves her wanting more.
More of his rugged hands.
That sensual mouth.
More of his brash pursuit of her that never seems to end…

But the average life span of a peacock is forty years at best. And someone once told her those beautiful birds need constant companionship.

Author Note: The Peacock is a 9,500-word novelette. Part of The Physical Collection: a series of sexy standalones written by A.R. Hadley. Literary fiction, not romance. The characters and their intense and realistic actions drive the plot. Contains graphic content that may trigger some readers.

Right from the beginning, I was there for the dark vibe this story was giving off. Between the steamy hot encounters to the mysterious stranger, this story quickly consumed me. The author surprised me at a couple of turns and had the story going a way I never thought it would. It did not end the way I thought it would and I really liked that.

I recommend this book a try if you like steamy with a hint of dark. I give it 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Voices In The Dark (Monsters of Ashwood Book 1) by Ariel Dawn – My Review

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Title: Voices In The Dark (Monsters of Ashwood Book 1)

Author: Ariel Dawn

Release Date: October 18th 2022

Genre: Monster Romance, Fantasy

The voices are calling…

Jenna Hellsing isn’t afraid of the dark…in fact, she’s drawn to it.

For the last several years Jenna has been trying to quiet her demons, and the sleepy little town of Ashwood, Oregon seems to be the perfect place to hide and start over….but the darkness isn’t ready to let Jenna go.

Degal’s heart is colder than stone. After all, he’s been separated from his mates for more than a century, with only one focus: To protect Ashwood Manor, his home. When a young, fearless woman buys the legendary manor, Degal feels an undeniable bond he can’t ignore.

As Jenna tries to navigate her new life, she finds that some voices are too hard to resist.
Especially the ones you hear in the dark.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the cover. Isn’t it just so pretty?

I did not expect to become so attached, even consumed with this world and story! This story came out of nowhere and stole my heart. Along with its characters. I was already here for the dark vibes. The steamy scenes are scorching and just *chefs kiss* The ending left me wanting more and I’m ecstatic that there is a second book!

If you enjoy monster romance, this book is for you! Just binge read the duology. You’re welcome. I give this 5 stars.

Review

Caribbean Competitors (Simona Island Book 2) by Poppy Minnix – My Review

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Title: Caribbean Competitors (Simona Island Book 2)

Author: Poppy Minnix

Release Date: November 22nd 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Xiamara Nivar and Apollo Fischer had the perfect childhood friendship, leading her to believe they’d transition to soulmate-status seamlessly. She couldn’t have been more wrong. When it came to a more-than-friends relationship, they were super cringe. No wonder Xia didn’t believe him when he promised to come back for her the night before he left for college. But still, she waited.

After seven years of foolishly hoping he’d keep his word, Xia has put all that behind her. She’s got a career, a cast of colorful comrades, and a competitive streak bigger than the Caribbean Ocean. Winning this year’s Moss Monster Meet will be a cinch—until Apollo returns to the small island of Simona.

Not only is she a stumbling, stuttering, shipwreck of a human whenever he’s present, but the unthinkable has happened. Apollo plans to compete in the race, threatening the three-year winning streak that will earn her the coveted title of Moss Boss.

When they are thrust together, Xia can’t maintain her composure—and Apollo knows it. He isn’t above using it against her, either. With the finish line in sight, Xia has one burning question: is it the race Apollo wants to win, or her heart?

This was such a cute read! I loved the push and pull between the characters. The attraction and the competitiveness. Xiamara was such a relatable character. The author did a fantastic job of world building. I could picture this tropical oasis and it allowed me to escape into the book and away from reality for a bit. Who doesn’t live that?

If you’re looking for a super cute romance, I highly recommend this book! Grab the first book while you’re at it. This can be read as a stand-alone but just do yourself a favor and get the first one too! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Matched to the Minotaur (Matchmaker Monster Romance Book 1) by Luna Joya – My Review

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Title: Matched to the Minotaur (Matchmaker Monster Romance Book 1)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: March 14th 2023

Genre: Monster Romance, Fantasy

A human, a minotaur, and the contract that binds them.

The Unsuspecting Woman

My friends surprise me with a haunted house tour to get over the ghost of my last relationship. Bring on the eerie sounds and special effects.

Except magic is real.

So is the labyrinth realm below the haunted house. And the demon who tricked me into a match with a minotaur.

Now, I’m stuck in another dimension until I can find a way out of this supernatural deal.

The Minotaur King

My labyrinth is dying.

For my kingdom to survive, I must convince my fated mate to invoke the most ancient of magics—the carnal kind.

Too bad my mate’s a human who didn’t know monsters existed until she saw me.

Will their match lead to happily ever after? Or will this beauty reject her beast?

With cow shifters, a flying demon kitten, and a dicey love of tabletop games, Matched to the Minotaur is the steamy slow burn start to the Matchmaker Monster Romance series. The books promise a happily ever after for each of the four friends who walk into a haunted house, not knowing that monsters are real. Or that they’ve been matched to the monsters inside.

What do you do when one of your favorite authors writes a different kind of romance? Read and devour it of course!

From the amazing world building to the wonderful characters to the steamy scenes, this book was highly enjoyable and unputdownable. These characters quickly captured my heart and I wanted to climb inside the book and join their crusade. Or shenanigans. Both? Yes, both.

Luna Joya’s first dip into the monster romance pool is a huge success and already has me wanting more. If this is a genre you enjoy reading, don’t wait. Check it out today! I give this 5 stars.

Review

Perfect Circle (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – My Review

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Title: Perfect Circle (The Physical Collection)

Author: A.R. Hadley

Release Date: April 2nd 2023

Genre: Gay Erotica

What happens when two longtime friends decide to take things a little further than planned?

When acrophobic Meg ends up suspended at the top of a Ferris wheel with her sassy friend Ava Hawks, she gets much more than she bargained for.

However, the bi-curious girls also have boyfriends. Leo and Owen will soon be joining them at the county fair. And in the bedroom.

Will this be a night to remember? Or a tryst the four of them would rather soon forget?

Perfect Circle is a 5,600-word short story. Part of The Physical Collection: a series of sexy standalones written by A.R. Hadley.

This is a cute, steamy, and quick read. Best friends who explore what could be between them. Although this is a short read, I did get the sense that these two cared a lot about each other and I think that adds to their story. Makes their exploration special. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Good Girl: A Dark Romance Novella (Wickford Hollow Duet Book 1) by M. Violet – My Review

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Title: Good Girl: A Dark Romance Novella (Wickford Hollow Duet Book 1)

Author: M. Violet

Release Date: October 5th 2022

Genre: Erotic Horror

They call me their little fox…

They threaten to do things to me that I’m afraid to say out loud.

Poe, Grim, and Saint.

I belong to them now… and there is no escape.

Bailey Bishop doesn’t believe in ghosts or superstitions. So when her friend dares her to break into an old, abandoned house the night before Halloween, she doesn’t hesitate. Even if the rush of adrenaline is just a temporary fix to quiet her carnal cravings.

But Bailey may be getting in over her head.

Be careful what you wish for.

When three wicked spirits follow her home, they refuse to leave until she gives them what they want… Every vile piece of her.

Good Girl is a dark twisted romance novella where the main character ends up with multiple love interests. It is book one in the Wickford Hollow Duet. This book contains content not suitable for all readers. Please refer to the preview for a full list of TWs.

Warning: 18+ readers only. Discretion advised.

Good Girl by M. Violet was everything my little black heart desired. Dark and steamy? Yes please! I was quickly consumed by this story and its characters. Did I mention it was steamy? Those steamy scenes were *chefs kiss* I loved the overall dark vibe of the story and felt such a loss once I was finished. I had fast become attached to these characters and felt their loss as the story ended.

If you enjoy dark and steamy books, I highly recommend this one! Just skip adding it to your TBR and dive right in. You won’t be disappointed. I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Fireflies: An LGBTQ Novel (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – My Review

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Title: Fireflies: An LGBTQ Novel (The Physical Collection)

Author: A.R. Hadley

Release Date: May 15th 2023

Genre: Gay Erotica

Three’s company, but is four a crowd?

Mike and Dane are a bisexual couple living the good life in a tucked-away Florida beach town.

But things start to shift when Dane announces he’d like to add a third to their seven-year relationship. A woman.

What ensues is a journey neither man expected. And after a few rather interesting hookups, two women enter the picture, forever changing the course of their lives.

Will the men get everything they’ve always wanted? Or will their polyamorous relationship prove to be more than they can abide?

Author Note: Fireflies is a 45,000-word novel. Part of The Physical Collection: a series of sexy standalones by A.R. Hadley. More literary fiction, less romance. The characters and their intense and realistic actions drive the plot. Contains graphic content that may trigger some readers.

I enjoyed this story. The characters were different and also relatable in some ways. Do we choose who we love or does our heart choose for us? The story was both emotionally deep, thought provoking, and steamy. The intimate scenes were pretty smoking. This was a really unique story. Not a traditional love story but one nonetheless.

If you’re looking for something new and different to read, I highly suggest this one. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*