All I want is one little piece of it, a corner that I can call my own.
So when my boss runs away to “find herself”, I seize the opportunity and dive head first into the Sebastian’s glamorous universe. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted—fast paced and high stakes—and, even though I don’t fit in, I’m excellent at faking it.
Until I come face to face with the man in charge, Scott Sebastian, the arrogant, playboy heir with the mind of a devil and the body of a god and a mouth I can’t stop thinking about.
He’s infuriating. He’s a distraction. He’s the man who wants me in his bed as much as I want to be there.
And, if I get too close, he’ll be the one person who could expose me for what I really am—a fraud.
About the Author: With millions of books sold worldwide, Laurelin Paige is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author. She is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however.
When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Killing Eve or Letterkenny, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio.
Monica Murphy’s Meant to Be is a continuation and a conclusion of sorts to her first book in the duet, Addicted to Him. This duet follows the star-crossed lover’s trope with her hero and heroine attending rival high schools and the hero, Eli Bennett, showing open disdain for the heroine’s brother, his football rival. If I had to rename this series, I’d call it The Humanization of Eli Bennett because, in the book preceding this duet, Eli Bennet is difficult to like, let alone love. Yet, for me, the brilliance of this duet is Murphy’s ability to turn our minds on Eli, and she does this by, quite frankly, humanizing him, reminding her readers that people who bully hide a host of their own insecurities. In Meant to Be, just as she did with Addicted to Him, she makes this journey towards Eli acknowledging his hurts clear. In that truth, you come to appreciate Eli as a hero, but more importantly, as Ava Callahan’s boyfriend who absolutely adores her.
I saw a TikTok after Addicted to Him was released where the TikTok reviewer basically espoused her love for Ava as the best part of the book. That Ava is the only “good” person in the book. To be honest, that reviewer isn’t wrong. Even Murphy’s former hero and heroine darlings, Fable and Drew Callahan don’t make the cut as “good” in their indifference to their mean-spirited son, Jake, and their blinders to Ava’s strengths. Ava is the best part of this duet because 1) she knows herself, 2) she is wildly protective of the people she loves, namely Eli (even when Eli is a huge d-bag), and 3) she has a strong sense of justice. There is something very heroic about Ava Callahan, and even her sister and brother’s characterizations, pale in comparison to her empathic nature. Quite honestly, Ava as a character pulled me through Murphy’s two books in the duet.
And while I note Eli Bennett’s humanization, I don’t really like him until the end of Meant to Be. He is radically impulsive and trigger-happy in his disdain. I recognize that he is a teen boy, but like Jake Callahan, he is mean-spirited to a fault. Even after professing his love and adoration for Ava, for example, he gets angry at her at a party and allows her to walk away from him in order for him to drink and smoke out with his friend INSTEAD of apologizing. Even when he attempts to apologize, Ava has to pull it from him. Over and over, the Eli merry-go-round goes, and it becomes frustrating to find him either pining for her after pushing Ava away, physically attached to her, or struggling with his family. And yes, I understand his psychology. However, it doesn’t make Meant to Be an easy read.
This leads me to the biggest issue I have with Murphy’s newest book. It feels very “one-note” throughout. There are epiphanies for her characters but they are slight, and it doesn’t follow a traditional storyline. As such, there aren’t major moments or a distinct story climax. It’s like sitting in a gossip circle with a different person telling the same story but through their filter. I kept waiting for a break-out moment, for a real resolution, and those moments are muted throughout the story. I honestly finished the book and relished in the fact that I am no longer in high school. I’m not sure I could ever live through the drama again. When I read a book, I want some escape, and Meant to Be entrapped me in its pages and not always in a good way.
If you’re a fan of new adult romance, and you love the story of Romeo and Juliet, then you will probably enjoy Monica Murphy’s Callahans, namely the second book of the duet about Ava and Ell, Meant to Be. For this reader, it was a bit of a struggle.
Who would have thought that a single night at Bemelman’s would bring forth three amazing stories centered around three brothers? That Ava Ryan, the crafter of said stories, would create these heroes who burrow in deep to your imagination. It began with Damon, the oldest brother who bears the wounds of his past as a way to jettison his want for accomplishment. His need to become a billionaire before an important age threshold drives all of his decisions until he meets Carly, and she shows him a different life, a better one. Then, Ryan presents Griffin, the middle brother, the one, whom I believe, feels the wounds of his family most deeply that it constructs an emotional wall so deep that it earns him the moniker The Beast. With the love of the right woman, Griffin’s true nature is revealed, one of a broken little boy afraid to be loved. This leads us to the last brother, Ryker, the hero of Ryan’s newest story, The Billionaire’s Cinderella, and quite honestly, he is the most emotionally mature of the three brothers. Since a uniting theme for these brothers is the influence of their parents’ ruined marriage, and given that Ryker was a toddler when it occurred, it makes sense that he would not bear and endure those wounds as his older brothers. This allows for him, to quite honestly, earn him the title of “most swooniest” of the Black brothers. Yep, I said it. While, until this newest book, Griffin held my heart because there is nothing more romantically intriguing than a broken, grumpy hero with a seriously soft underbelly, there is something more romantically enticing about a hero who adores his heroine even when she bears a prickly, defensive nature.
And that is indeed the case with Ryan’s The Billionaire’s Cinderella.
What isn’t there to love about a hero such as Ryker who, at first glance, knows his heart belongs to a certain woman. A hero who reads her so well that he is willing to experience her initial disinterest because he recognizes something more intriguing about her beyond her outward disdain. A hero who invites her home for an 80s action movie and proceeds to lick ganache from every part of her body. A hero who perseveres through her deep emotional wounds because he knows they are soulmates. This is the Ryker of Ryan’s book, and he will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. He knows himself in a way that Ryan’s heroine, Ella, doesn’t. Even more, he acknowledges Ella’s pain in a way that she doesn’t, and he wants to hold it for her. [Cue the waterworks.] Yes. I shed tears for the empathy that Ryker shows Ella because, to me, it illustrates a depth of intimacy found in the best of relationships. Therefore, the tension of the story lies with Ryan’s heroine.
And Ella is me. There is a distinct theme throughout this book about disparities of wealth. It is one not to be missed. Ella’s emotional wounds are created by wealthy men who were careless with her. In the face of another wealthy man, Ryker, there is an understanding that she would be reticent to hand him her heart. What I really think this book could be called is The Things You Carry With You (a play on another book title that I have to read). Yes, Ella’s past informs her present and future (for good reason), but she lives in a state of fear of “what could happen” because her past demonstrates it to be so. Instead of embracing life with Ryker, she manacles herself to her pride and protection over vulnerability and true intimacy, and it’s there where this book earned my tears. It’s there where I found myself, and it’s there where the message is most profound. Ryan’s evil genius ways make you feel deeply for Ella as she constructs deep walls against losing herself in a man who could rightfully take advantage.
However, Ryker’s love for Ella is the perfect protection, and Ella’s moments of vulnerability with him make your heart sing. When everything is right in this book, it is a delicious melding of sweet, $exy, and swoon. I could not read this story fast enough because I anxiously anticipated their happy ending. I will say, though, that that was the most disappointing part for me. There is a clear happy ending for Ella and Ryker, but it felt abrupt. Yes, Damon and Carly and Griffin and Bellamy are present near the end reminding us of their beautifully wrought stories, and quite frankly, that portion is incredibly poetic and lovely. But I guess I wanted more. I think I need a novella or a bonus epilogue for the Black brothers and their significant others. I really should blame Ava Ryan for it because she made me adore Damon, Griffin, and Ryker, and honestly, I didn’t expect it. Yes, the titles of this trilogy portend some “royal” romance, but that isn’t really the case. Instead, all three books magnify the idea that the most confirmed of bachelors can find “true love.” And I guess it’s there where Ryan’s fairy tale is found even when it looks like Manhattan and billionaire brothers. Honestly, grab The Billionaire’s Cinderella (I bought and sent it to my book bestie) because you will walk away from it feeling like your Prince Charming might just be right around the next corner.
From the new fairy godmother of midnight romance, Ava Ryan, comes The Billionaire’s Cinderella, the third, standalone in the Fairy Tale Billionaire series.
It only took one night with her to make me
reconsider everything I thought I wanted.
Marriage and relationships aren’t for me.
I have no desire to revisit my failures. Now I work hard and play hard–period.
Until suddenly there she is. Sexy. Unexpected. Sweet. Unforgettable.
One unprecedented night with her only whets my appetite for more.
She’s been burned before, which makes her suspicious of me. Doesn’t think she’s good enough, that I’d prefer someone more… society.
If only she knew how uninterested I am in other women since I first laid eyes on her.
And I hope she never knows the things I think about when I look at her now.
Fairy tales endings are meant for children’s books. I know that.
But I write my own stories…
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Ava Ryan is an author of sexy contemporary romance. Her favorite things, in no special order, are animals, her family, cookies, people with great senses of humor and love stories. Currently in her writer’s cave (ostensibly working hard on her next book while also checking Netflix every few hours to make sure she hasn’t missed a new true crime documentary show), she loves hearing from readers via her website or social media. If you love billionaire alpha males, the feisty women who snag their hearts and books that end with a happily ever after, you’ve come to the right place. Please make sure to subscribe to Ava’s newsletter to stay in the loop about her latest releases and upcoming books!
I would have sworn on anything that what we shared was real.
But she broke my trust. And then my heart. I don’t think I can piece it back together without her, but I’m sure gonna try.
I’m better off on my own, anyways, right? Who needs girls when you have football?
If only I believed that. Look, when you need someone in your life, you don’t want to let her go. And I can’t let go of Ava. I love her. She loves me. Nothing can convince me otherwise. It’s as simple as that. I know no matter what, this girl belongs to me. We may have issues, but we’re meant to be. So I’ll do whatever it takes to get her back.
Even if I have to fight dirty.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling romance author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult, new adult and contemporary romance. She’s also known as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.
A native Californian, she lives on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere with her husband, two kids, one dog, and four cats. When she’s not writing, she’s an assistant coach for her daughter’s high school cheer team, which is a two season sport. Meaning, she’s at practice with a bunch of teenage girls all the time. Or she’s at a football game. Or a basketball game. Maybe someday, she’ll even write about this experience.
Let me begin this review by acknowledging that I love me a darker romance with forbidden qualities. If constructed concisely, there is nothing quite more titillating as you delve into the world of forbidden cravings. With the announcement of the Black Mountain Academy series with some of my favorite authors of the darker romance variety adding to this series, I raised my hands in hallelujah at the possibilities for this series. Dani Rene’s Deviant is one of the first books for the series, and its promise of a forbidden romance between teacher and student enticed me for an ARC (for an honest review, of course). I haven’t read much of Dani Rene, and she clearly has a knack for crafting sensual, $exual moments between a dominant alpha-male and a heroine who feels a little bit broken, but only by the standards of a vanilla society. In Deviant, her heroine, Arabella is seemingly broken by the death of her father; however, Arabella is fully aware of her submissive proclivities. She is more mature than most nineteen-year-olds, so there is a believability in her characterization. While it seems that her teacher, Elian Donati, in all of his alpha-male tendencies, might take advantage of her, that is the furthest from the truth. Arabella knows who she is, and she finds her match in Elian.
This book is dirty, dark, and dynamite. At its core, Deviant is meant to titillate. It’s decidedly $exual with fiery chemistry between Arabella and Elian. When you look beyond their connection, though, the story finds troubles. For one, I struggled with the chronological sequencing of this story. There were times when I thought a day had passed between Elian and Arabella to realize it had been weeks. I found myself confused by its plotting. Additionally, there is so much happening in this story that oftentimes it makes your head spin, and it isn’t always cohesive. The various moments of the story don’t always transition well because they are distinctly different and the connections should have been made stronger. Even more, I’m not sure that I believe Elian and Arabella’s undying love for each other. I absolutely believe in their sensuality and physical connection but there is so little emotion developed between the two that the credibility of their forever love is questionable. And, man, do I have questions. For one, Elian notes Arabella’s ability to engage in debates with him, but I want to know: did he like her papers? Did he give her grades on them as she spent so much time writing them to entice him? I found so many missed opportunities for story development and connection that, for me, the story felt a little bipolar.
So why might someone want to read Deviant? Well, it has those dark romance elements with an alpha-male seeking after revenge and being thwarted. There is a seemingly nubile heroine who loves the aggressiveness of the alpha-hero’s interest in her. There is also the forbidden quality and some romantic suspense here. Plus there is a happy ending for its hero and heroine. If these are the qualities of romance that you love, you should read Dani Rene’s Deviant. Just be prepared for a story that feels uneven at times.
He loves the sweet life She’s ready for the future A twist they never saw coming
Submission Impossible, the first in the new Masters and Mercenaries: Reloaded series from New York TImes bestselling author Lexi Blake is coming February 16th, 2021, and we have the irresistible cover!
He loves the sweet life
Greg Hutchins is reluctantly adulting these days. He’s settled in his job, recently bought his first house, and has a network of friends he can call family. But there’s something missing in his life, and he can’t quite put his finger on it. When he’s assigned to a case that involves investigating a biochemical company, he meets a woman who’s sweeter than any candy. Maybe she’s just the thing to make him feel complete.
She’s ready for the future
Noelle LaVigne has faced plenty of tragedy in her life, but she’s on the right path now. Between her new job and settling into a new city, she’s got no time for dating or relationships. She’s worked hard to get where she is, and no man is going to push her off track. Except the minute Hutch crosses her path she can’t seem to think about anything but the handsome security expert. He’s there to find a corporate spy, but late-night work sessions make her think they’ve both found something much more meaningful.
A twist they never saw coming
When the case becomes dangerous, both of their futures are on the line. And when the bullets start flying, they will have to learn to trust in each other if they hope to survive.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.
Blurb: Deviant is a brand new forbidden student/teacher romance from USA Today Bestselling Author, Dani René, which is part of the Black Mountain Academy collection. All books within this series can be read as standalones.
Black Mountain Academy was my only choice. It was meant to be freedom. But with those watchful eyes, it’s anything but the fresh start I crave.
When you’re good, nobody remembers. But when you’re bad, they can’t stop reminding you. I was labelled a rebel, a party girl, a nuisance, even a… never mind, you don’t need to know that.
That all changed when he gave me a label. I submitted to the nickname. I am a Deviant. I revel in the dark, alongside him.
Forbidden. Against the rules. A bad idea. We can’t stop ourselves from breaking the moral compass.
But the stranger is watching me. Every move, every breath, and every dream. He’s there, waiting, biding his time. In the end, he will get me.
And when the secrets are spilled… Who will be the deviant then?
About the Author: Dani is a USA Today Bestselling Author of a variety of genres, from romantic suspense to dark erotic romance and even BDSM romance. She loves to delve into the raw, emotional journeys her characters venture on, and enjoys the dark, edgy, and sensual scenes that fill the pages of her books. Dani’s stories are seductive with a deviant edge with feisty heroines and dominant alphas.
Dani lives in the beautiful city of Cape Town, and is a proud member of the Romance Writer’s Organization of South Africa (ROSA) and the Romance Writers of America (RWA). She has a healthy addiction to reading, TV series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream.
Defend Me, an all-new super sexy and emotional standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Grahame Claire is available now!
I’ve done something stupid. And I’m not even all that mad about it. I’ve got a crush on my best friend’s sister. No, we’re not five. Though with the way we argue, it’s debatable. Half the time I don’t like her. She always says the wrong thing. But I’ve got a soft spot for her and her little boy. Yeah, me. One of the toughest defense attorneys in the city. I never lose. This might be a first. Because I can’t compete with a dead man.
“I’ve been thinking about our communication problem.” My breath hit her in the face. “You and I do plenty of talking, but we’re speaking the wrong language.” “You’re insane.” I trailed my finger down her cheek, skated it the length of her neck. She shivered. “Hmm. Your body likes what I’m saying just fine.” I nibbled her ear. “It’s that head of yours that’s the issue.” “I’m not stupid,” she breathed. I pulled back and stared into her eyes. “No. You’re one of the smartest women I’ve ever known. But your head controls your mouth, and what comes out of it is dangerous. Except when I do this.” I palmed her jaw and gently sucked in the crook of her neck, remembering how much she’d liked that. The scent of her skin was driving me wild. The softness. I wanted to keep exploring her neck, her collarbone, her breasts. I wanted to taste all of her. “Patrick.” My name was a breathless plea. I smiled in satisfaction. “See what I mean.” She slapped me in the arm. “Get off of me.” I stepped back, and she nearly slid down the wall. “Are those words I should pay attention to or ones I should ignore? It’s hard to tell the difference with you.” “Shut up.” “Too much talking, Wicked.” I climbed into bed. Blake mumbled and rolled toward me. “Night, little man.” I kissed the top of his head and reached over to flip the master switch for the lights. The room went pitch black. “Patrick,” Marlow whispered. “I can’t see.” “You’ll find your way.” She cursed when she bumped into something, but eventually the bed dipped. “I hate you.” “You’ve already told me that.” “I really mean it.” “Sounds like your problem, not mine.” A little body snuggled against mine and this weird peace settled over me. I put an arm around Blake and held him close. Maybe it was my problem, after all.
About Grahame Claire
Grahame Claire is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result…Grahame Claire. Soulmates. Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share. Pleased to meet you. Want to find out what we’re up to?
On finishing Emma Renshaw’s Vow of Worth, I felt replete. Renshaw’s newest book offers up more of what we’ve come to love with her Vow series: seriously alpha-men who protect their heroines at any cost, heroines whose strength is drawn from the love of their heroes but also from personal experiences that have changed their lives, and a story grounded in suspense. There is all of this in Vow of Worth plus a lot more to love, making it a perfect weekend read.
What is there to love?
★ There’s a dog named Pepper Jack. Pepper Jack is one of the best parts of this story. When everything feels serious, leave it to Pepper Jack to bring in levity. If you have ever owned a dog with a mind of its own, then, like me, you’ll love Pepper Jack.
★ Renshaw’s hero, Kiernan, is everything you love about her brand of hero. He has a lightness to himself which actually covers the hurt of his past. He’s gorgeous and insightful. Even more, from the moment he lays eyes on the heroine, Caroline, he’s gone. Like every hero in any romance book, he makes his mistakes and threatens his relationship with her, but he also loves her beyond herself, speaking truth into her soul when she needs it. The way that Kiernan loves Caroline will turn you into the heart-eyes emoji.
★ Renshaw’s heroine, Caroline, is one of my favorite types of heroines. She is not perfect. In fact, she has self-esteem issues that Kiernan lovingly notes and pours into her to change. That being said, she’s a professional woman who is successful. She’s a perfect match for Kiernan, and her relationship with Pepper Jack makes you smile.
★ The Vow family is in this book, and it illustrates one of the biggest truths of Renshaw’s story. What we learn through their relationships with Kiernan and Caroline is that family can be created, brought together through mutual love. This is an important message that Renshaw carefully tends to as the story progresses.
★ And of course, there is some romantic suspense here. It wouldn’t be a Vow book if there isn’t some type of intrigue to solve. This draws you further into the story. I’ll be honest, though. I figured out the person wreaking havoc in the story. I’m not sure if Renshaw intended it to be difficult to figure out, but I determined it early on. That being said, it didn’t dissuade me from reading because Kiernan and Caroline’s journey has elements of sweet, $exy, and sassy to keep you engaged.
Emma Renshaw’s ability to grab her reader and offer up characters that ingratiate themselves into your reading is what calls to me. I love it when I find out that she’s writing a new book because I know she’ll bring a story that tugs at my heart. Vow of Worth is more of that. When Kiernan protects Caroline from strangers and her family, my heart became his. Grab this one today!
Professor Romance 