BKFUNNEL/Perfect Catch BY CHELSEA HALE

 Goodreads 

 

He'd take another black eye if it meant a second chance with the woman he always loved.

Kandice Naylor was the perfect catch. But one wrong move, and Kyle Montgomery was given a black eye and the silent treatment for years.

When the grown-up version of her crush appears in her life again, will Kandice give him a chance to prove he's worth taking a risk for?

___-__--My  4 star Review Titled: Misunderstandings from High School linger 

This was a sweet story and I enjoyed Kandice's spunk and ability to not speak to Kyle for so many years. In High School she punched  him in the eye without a word and then refused to ever speak to him ever again. Telling him after that punch if he ever talked to or contacted her ever again, it would be a punch to his nose.  And he was a  shy guy who loved her since 8th grade but took her at her word and never told anyone the truth of what happened. Because he still didn't know what happened.! She wouldn't tell him ! He was kind of still afraid at 6'5"'s to tick her off. That made me smile !  It does have plenty of emotions in it too-because Kandice had been in love with him before and doesn't trust him now !

I kind of felt sorry for Kyle because he really did care about Kandice, he just wasn't very good at talking with her.  He keeps putting his foot in his mouth. Poor guy !  He's there for the summer until he has to head to the NFL, so his time is limited before he has to leave. He is watching his twin brother and sister and they a lot of fun. Especially his 15 year old sister, Liz is clever, observant and wants to see Kyle happy. Liz also likes Kandice a lot too, she's scheming to get them to date.  Adds up to some funny moments. So does the funny nickname that she has "Z". I kept thinking, who would ever name their kid, Grip? Sure, they are all in when it comes to football, but still. That's the other twin, then I learned his name was actually Luke and these nicknames came about because of when they were little kids, certain names were hard for them to pronounce!  

I really liked how the story ended, it was sweet and rewarding ! 

 

 

 

NOV1/ARC BKFUNNEL/ Mafia Don's Secret Captive BY VIRA BLACK

  Amazon  

Part of: Mafia Don's Lies Series (1 books)

I kidnapped my brother's ex. 

Now she's pregnant with my child—and he's back from the dead. 

Sophie stole a flash drive packed with Ricci secrets. 

Enough dirt to start a war.  

She was supposed to disappear.

Instead, I took her—claimed her—to protect the family as the Underboss.  

The Don's castoff. 

The woman he used.  

The one I tried not to want.

So I show her the man behind the monster.  

Lock her in my private suite. 

Guard her closely.  

She spits fire when she talks. 

But her breath catches when I touch her. 

One mistake. One reckless night. 

And now she's mine in every way that matters. 

She sees the blood on my hands… and still makes me want to be clean. 

But no one—not even the Don—can know she's carrying my baby. 

Because my brother survived the blast. And he's coming for her.

If I protect her, I betray my blood. But I've made my choice. 

Let him come. 

I'll burn everything before I let him touch her again.

-------------------My 4 Star Review- They never saw the real Sophie coming. 

The book opens with Vittorio as he watches fiery redheaded, Sophie Winters because he got a tip. He's been obsessed with her for months. And uh-oh,  Antonio Ricci  lied to Sophie ! And he'd beat her too ! No way does she want any part of him again.  And Vittorio? Heck, he handcuffed her to a car !! No way is she going to go quietly... And she does learn how to fight and is smart enough to look for weapons and track any weakness in security. Vittorio begins to marvel at this woman.

Yes,there will be blood but not super descriptive which I liked.  Things work out in totally unexpected, clever ways coming to a wonderful conclusion. 

I received a free ARC from Vira Black and enjoyed the story. 

 

BKFUNNEL/ Claimed by My Dark Protector BY Elodie Ashwood

  For any other questions, please contact:
Elodie Ashwood <sizzle@elodieashwood.com>

On the run from a kill team with the man I buried six years ago wasn’t on today’s agenda, but here we are.

When I steal files that get me targeted by assassins, a ghost from my past drags me into the shadows; his resurrection as brutal as his kiss.

He’s a lethal shadow who’s been obsessively watching me, “protecting me” he says. But now he’s my only hope for survival. Every moment we’re trapped together is a battle between my rage at his lies and the explosive chemistry that never died.

After a firefight leaves us blood-soaked and breathless, we finally collide. But the moment I surrender, he shows me the darkness he’s become, demanding I step into the bloody, lawless world that he rules.

He's offering me a war against the monsters who prey on the weak. But to win, I have to become one.

I can walk away and lose him all over again…

Or stay and fight for his soul, even if it costs me my own.

______________________ 

----My 5+Star Review- Kaia mourns Greyson Sterling

 Kaia was a great main character who gets caught cracking the CIA's most Classified files on their server. She's smart and quick, sassy and quick on her feet but they almost get her ! Action right from Chapter one Especially when she gets help from a so- called, "dead"man.  She's furious when she finds out he's not dead and has been radio silent for 6 years !! But there is so much more that will make her even MORE furious !

I loved that I got both Kaia and Greyson's point of views. Because we next get Greyson and he's been keeping some MAJOR secrets.  As a dead man, he's known as Wraith (the Ghost who kills) he's a government assassin!!! He used to call Kaia, "Wildcat" and I loved that ! And he's missed her and hearing her voice for every one of those 6 years !

Kaia's mother was paranoid thinking that everyone was out to hurt Kaia. But was she really?   Kaia's father is Richard Matthew and he puts the "E" in evil ! He's in prison now. But is that enough? 

This is a clever action romance with an ending and Epilogue I never saw coming but loved ! She never fights fair and neither has he, but now he's learning to let her lead more !

And now I can hardly wait to read more about their lives in the next book.  

Their story doesn't end in this book even though it's a great one !Their full story is coming in a future novel, "Vigilante",  

ARC Oct 30/BKFUNNEL/Guarded by the Don’s Ex–Navy SEAL by Nina Costa

   AMAZON   

 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FX4ZGP6G

PAGES 199

Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 30, 2025

I’m trapped with the Don’s ex–Navy SEAL son. He’s my protector, my enemy… and the man I can’t stop wanting.

Dominic Romano is a walking weapon.

Son of a Mafia Don. Ex–Navy SEAL. All muscle, scars, and sharp commands. He’s lethal, controlled, and absolutely off-limits. And now he owns my every breath.

I didn’t choose this safehouse. I didn’t choose to be locked away with him, watching those cold eyes track my every move. 

He’s grumpy, arrogant, and impossible to resist. Every order he gives makes me want to defy him… and every defiance makes him burn hotter.

He says he’s here to protect me. But the way his hands grip my waist, the way his mouth crashes against mine, the way he makes me feel like fire and danger all at once—none of this feels safe.

I swore I’d never fall for him. But I already have. And when betrayal hits and the bullets start flying, I’ll have to face the truth:

Loving Dominic Romano might not just break me. It could get me killed.

------------My 5 STAR Review Titled: She's no one's prey

I loved spunky, Lila Bennett,  she is a lawyer intern who has seen too much and the mafia is hot on her heels. She overheard Barry Malkin, a partner of  the firm where she works, let slip some damaging information about the Mafia. They are ruthless and unforgiving; they are not going to stop.  She's also had some "training"  on how to stay alive. Both from her mother, who died of cancer and Professor Torres, the woman who saw how whip smart she was. That voice from Professor Torres, those words of wisdom helped her so much, and actually helped save her a few times.  Lila is no dummy and people tend to underestimate her. Her mother however had told Lila A LOT about the Moretti mafia family. So she is well aware of who and what they are. So, after her mother's death it became of lifestyle of always fighting alone. Up until that time they  had been running from them for years.  Lila now wears the Moretti ring since her mother's death.  I think there is more to the story  about that ring, but it doesn't go too far about that in this book. 

Dominic is a war scarred man, whose father Don Salvatore tries to use him as a weapon. I liked him and his struggles against his father and his honor as a Navy Seal. He has lost teammates like Elena and others. His fallen friend, Jake, kept coming to his memory, Those words that he had spoken of, "Protect, Don't Fail."  You can see where those words pound against him as his father's commands of hurting Lila also put pressure and them.  They have to make some tough decisions.  They will have to take a stand. Dominic runs Lila thru fighting, physical drills so that she can be ready to fight or flee if she needs to.  Marco is an evil cousin, who works for his father; someone crueler than he needs to be and always wanting to be in charge over everything !  He fully believes the family motto of: "Loyalty above love" and doesn't care if Dominic dies. There  where times when I felt that there were a few scenes that were repeated a bit too much but overall I still loved this book. Because: This is a very clever, well written love story and action story with an unexpected ending . The Epilogue was called, New Tide  and I enjoyed that. 

 I received an ARC of this book and was glad that I read it. 

 

BKFUNNEL/DEFYING THE MAFIA PRINCE BY SADIE RUNE

   Goodreads  Amazon

Book 1 of 3  House of the Syndicate

He rules the Academy. She will bring it down.   

Rafael Moretti was born to rule—crowned heir of a mafia dynasty, trained to break minds with magic and bodies with fists. At the Academy, he’s judge, executioner, and sin wrapped in muscle and cold command. No one dares defy him.

Until Claire Williams.

She’s a scholarship nobody with rare shadow magic and a mouth that won’t stop tempting fate—or him. She was supposed to kneel like everyone else. Instead, she made him bleed for it.

Now he wants to own her. Break her. Brand her. But Claire is all sharp edges and venomous heat, and every failed attempt to bend her only feeds his obsession. He can’t control her. Can’t touch her. But when the Academy turns on her, he’s the only one brutal enough to keep her breathing.

She’s everything he shouldn’t want. He’s everything she was raised to hate. But some enemies set the world on fire just by looking at each other.

And when they finally burn, there will be no survivors.

—-

For readers who crave: Enemies to lovers. Mafia heir x defiant underdog. Touch her and you die. Bully romance. Dark academia. Violent longing. Filthy heat. Raw obsession. Shadow magic vs. mind control. Morally gray. Guaranteed HEA.

--------------------------------- 

  

------My 3 star review notes: TITLED: I Liked how they challenged each other

25 year old Claire Williams is a Shadow Witch who isn't doing too well. She's tough and gained a scholarship to the academy, and she's not one to back down from anyone.  The minute she arrives at the college she is confronted by a handsome, arrogant man who treats her like a cheap servant. No way Hosea, not happening. She stands her ground, giving as good as she got only to find out it's His House. He's the Mafia Heir, Rafael Moretti !  Great, she thinks she just picked a fight with him by standing up for herself !

His friend Dante, is his Head of Security who questions whether she is an asset or an enemy. He thinks she's dangerous. No one is immune to Command Magic but she seems to be. Rafael is stumped and he hates that ! His father, Vincent is up to something and he likes that even less. He doesn't trust him. Vincent has a  consigliere, Torrino, the Enforcer, who watches and reports everything back to Vincent. Rafael is  reminded by Vincent that he is in charge of maintaining order among the students and assessing and recruiting.  But not to worry Claire ends up doing her own research on Rafael too ! A Command magic at 12 years old, a weapon honed in childhood for sure!

The emotions, magic and dangers abound and so does the dangerous attraction between Claire and Rafael. I liked that we get to see both of their tortured points of views.  And the attraction that they've been fighting? It's getting irresistible ! Is anyone going to get out of this place alive? And with their minds intact?

 -------------------------------Side Note:

Not a favorite for me 

BKFUNNEL/ Fatal Festival BY CARLA CROWE

 

The pies are sweet, but secrets in the small town of East Black Oak can be fatal.

Just before the Fall Festival, reigning pie champion Martha Simms’ body is discovered by Candice’s German Shepherd Chowder— whispers swirl of stolen recipes, poisoned pastries, and a rivalry rooted in decades-old land disputes.

Prominent people have been profiting off the Simms family legacy for years—and Martha may have died trying to expose them.

As fires are set, threats delivered, and poison slips into the contest, can Candice stop a killer before the town’s festival ends in another death?

Balancing her amateur sleuth friends and reporter Christopher Donovan with the local police chief and the mayor, Candice uncovers a chilling truth.  

The killer confronts her in her closed bookshop, The Crime Scene, with only Chowder and her cat, Whiskers, to protect her. 

Police Chief Sterling and his staff are busy with the festival as tension and fear mount.

---------------MY 4 star REVIEW NOTES TITLED: "Who is D?''

Who is D and where are Martha Simms recipes, files and cookbooks? Is a Barclay family member involved? Maybe Oliver?

 Tara York, is Candice's relatively new assistant at "The Crime Scene" bookstore. Gracie Beckett is Candice's neighbor who is a computer wiz and assistant East Back Oak librarian and amateur sleuth. Betsy Beckett is Gracie's quirky grandmother and their nosy next-door neighbor. 

Whiskers, is the new bookshop mascot cat.  Candice has her loyal German Shepard, Chowder who I have encountered in a previous book and look forward to more of him. She had adopted him when he failed at the police academy where she had worked years ago. She is a retired detective now a bookstore owner. Chowder is better known for sniffing out food rather than drugs but don't count out his abilities. 

Chief James Sterling, patrols the area as his team keeps an eye on things.  With the Chief wanting it all kept quiet until they can get more proof.  

His daughter Lucy , his wife and her step-mother Rebecca get pulled into his investigation too. Diane Warren knew things and kept silent. Mayor Ned Noodleman, what a name ! Is he corrupt? Will he try to do a coverup?  

Christopher is looking forward to taking pictures at the Fall Festival and always has a camera around his neck.  I hope that he's going to need to be more helpful than just with  his camera. So many secrets !!! And some suspects start showing up ! A good mystery with an Epilogue and ending with a sweet kiss between Christopher and Candice. 

 I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

BKFUNNEL/October 27/ARC of/ The Viscount’s Scarred Bride by Elizabeth Everly

 

“Two strangers, a marriage of convenience, and the Ton determined to judge them both.

When a marriage of convenience brings Lady Cressida Mayfield and Viscount Alaric Ashford together, neither expects more than practicality. Scarred by a tragic accident and judged by society, Cressida enters the arrangement with clear-eyed pragmatism, while Alaric struggles to save his family from financial ruin.

They shared the same passion, her harp, his abandoned pianoforte, sparks a connection neither anticipated. Through the challenges of social expectation, family intrigue, and delicate negotiations, their regard for one another quietly turns into affection.

Can two hearts joined for convenience discover that duty can give way to love, trust, and companionship?

-------------My  5 Star Review- Title: There's more to both of them

Cressida has suffered much from society because of the scar on her face that happened in that carriage accident when she was 12 years old. Her father loves her beyond all and has raised her lovingly after her mother's death years ago.  I loved both of them, each struggling in their own ways. His sister, Beatrice is kinda flighty.  She doesn't have an evil bone in her body and loves her brother wanting him to be happy.  She soon begins to like Cressida although she wasn't sure at first if she was gaining a friendly sister or not. I liked that not only was Cressida such an excellent, break taking harpist, who was in much demand about that. But she also was a regular volunteer and supporter of  nuns and orphans the St.Margaret's.  A little 9 year old girl named Mary was of special interest and talent when working with Cressida. I was so hoping that Cressida and Alric would adopt her.  Daisy, is Cressida's beloved friend and cousin. Someone who she would do anything for if Daisy would allow it. Daisy is a lovely woman who wants what makes her happy. Daisy can't do much because her father is a vicar and she must work to help support her family. She is working for a not so nice wheelchair bound woman, Lady Black, who is VERY demanding. Mr. James Thorton, doctor,  is hopelessly in love with Daisy and I was hoping for a HEA for them.

On the other hand, Alaric's Uncle Darwin, was not friendly towards Cressida in fact he was downright hostile. and I didn't like him from the start. I was suspicious about his true motives when he started trying to push people around. He was demanding, greedy and treated Alaric like a child not the Viscount that he now is.  Often boasting to Alaric, that he was not as smart financially as the uncle, to leave thing is HIS hands.  

There is plenty of emotions, some expected and unexpected challenges. Some other possible romances and an outstanding, welcome Epilogue and a Extended Epilogue.  I really enjoyed this book.  So sweet and overcoming !! Thank you so much Elizabeth Everly for giving me an ARC of your book. 

 ------------

Other notes: the nasty uncle made the mistake of being nasty at dinner in company with Daisy & Mr. James Thorton (Doctor) . He vivaciously made remarks to Cressida's face , which she put down laughingly, but when he verbally attacked Bea? She called him on it ! Alaric was out of the room but that didn't stop her.  

ARC FREE KINDLE/ MY GRUMPY FIREFIGHTER DADDY BY NELLY ADLER

 AMAZON

  Part of: MY GRUMPY BILLIONAIRES (4 books)  

From flirty texts to falling hard… now he doesn’t remember my name.

It started with a wrong number.
I should’ve deleted it. Instead, I replied.

Jack Reid was all fire and fury. He was bold, gruff, and unexpectedly funny.
I was hooked before I even knew his name.

This mistaken identity continued for a while, but we got serious once he figured me out.
First coffee. Then Dinner at my place and kisses that made me forget how to breathe.
And Lily—his smart, sassy daughter with glitter on her shoes and a heart big enough to break me.

I fell hard for both of them. Trips to the park, special time with Lilly, and late nights with Jack!

As the Charge Nurse in the ER, I received a call stating that an incoming firefighter was in critical condition. I knew it was Jack before I saw him.

Now he’s broken. Bruised. And doesn’t remember I exist.

And now I will fight for a man who’s forgotten he ever loved me.

my 5 STAR review Titled: First Sight attraction but will it last?

Hilarious and Charming ! Right from the start when Karla answers a wrong number on her phone and gets chewed out about dumping his friend! She doesn't tell him that he's SO wrong and just runs with it ! It's hysterically funny and so is her best friends, Becky and Cindy, who egg her on !! Becky is the funny chaos of the two and Cindy is more the clipboard hugging, logical friend who is still in on the fun ! And his daughter, sweet, take charge,funny, charming, 6 year old Glitter obsessed Lily almost steals the show. There are plenty of emotions in the story especially when Jack screws it all up when laughing with his fellow firefighter Cruz.  That man is going to have to grovel if he's really serious about Karla.  Things also hit the fan when it comes to his job. Is he is going to lose his job? Will his fellow/friends and firefighters stand by him or will they prove to be fair weather friends?  Who are his real friends and family? His sister Becca is always there for him but it's mainly his job to weather it all and he's tired. But he's used to not being enough. Karla doesn't see him that way and neither does Lily, she adores him !!!

It has a heart warming Epilogue done in style. I got this as an ARC and loved it ! I'm keeping it to re-read and laugh again !

Nov 04 2025/NETGALLEY/READ NOW/ Prowl ( SANCTUARY BK#2)by Colleen Coble

  Amazon  Bookbub review

Goodreads review  I WON'T BE FOLLOWING THE SERIES THOUGH.

Pub Date Nov 04 2025 | Archive Date Dec 05 2025

Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson

General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance 

 

Talking about this book? Use #Prowl #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!

---

Description

Prowl, the second book in USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble's Sanctuary series (following Ambush), delivers exactly what her fans want: the ideal blend of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat with just the right amount of romance. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Allison Brennan, and Dani Pettrey.

When a worker at the Sanctuary is discovered dead in the tiger enclosure, authorities assume the big cat killed her. But when the autopsy shows she was killed by a lethal dose of anesthetic delivered by a tranquilizer gun, suspicion falls on Blake Lawson, co-owner of the Sanctuary. Blake has his hands full trying to clear his name as well as get the Sanctuary finances back in the black. When a soil test turns up traces of rare earth, he's even more puzzled. Is someone trying to run them out of business to get to whatever is under the ground?

Meanwhile, wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden is determined to find the brother she only recently learned even existed. When the results of the DNA test she ran mysteriously disappear from her portal before she can read them, she realizes someone must not want her to know the truth. A break-in at her new apartment is alarming, but she tries to pass it off as someone trying to scare her away. She refuses to turn tail and run when she is desperate for answers.

For Blake, the only solid ground is his relationship with Paradise, and he longs to propose--but how can they even think about starting a life together with so many forces working against them?

Colleen Coble's Prowl combines gripping suspense with closed-door romance and includes intriguing mysteries from both the past and present, sabotage and danger, second-chance romance, found family, and themes of overcoming pain and how the past doesn't have to define you.

---

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9780840714374
PRICE	$18.99 (USD)
PAGES	336

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (PDF)

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)

Send to Kindle (PDF)   

Download (PDF) 

 

MY REVIEW NOTES- This is a good Christian story

 

I got thrown in at the deep end because I haven't read book number 1. Paradise and  Blake have been apart for 15 years and they still love each other.  But things are getting rougher for them.  I loved Blake's nickname, "Simba" for Paradise. He did that because of her long, lion- like mane. His brothers started calling it too and she loves it !Phantom of the Opera has been a long time favorite of hers but it's starting to get sinister when someone calls her with the ringtone of music from it. Is she being stalked? If so, who is doing it to her.  There's plenty of people threatening the people that Paradise  loves. Starting with her now finance Blake and his mother Jenna and Blake's two much younger brothers (aged 5 and 7). Paradise's whole life is there with them and she'll do everything that she can not to lose any of them. Not only is there a bunch of greedy, bad people after them; they are also trying to drive them off their land and take The Sanctuary. There is also attacks against Paradise herself, tormenting her and warning her to get out of town and stay out. Someone is messing with her search for her long-lost brother. Even friends are warning that it's too dangerous and to let it drop ! What?  Paradise confronts one of her bullies and starts to get the upper hand. I liked that a lot. 

One of the totally useless authorities in the story is, Detective Creed Green. He does get called on it during one "informal" interrogation of Paradise. He likes to throw his weight around, especially around Paradise. Police Chief Jane Dixon, tells him that he is being hostile to Paradise and that it's uncalled for. Paradise calls him on some of his harassment during that interview and makes so demands of her own. Sgt. Rod McShea is her cousin and he has her back as much as he can.  Enemies come streaming out after them but they also have some friends wanting to help. There is a few unexpected ones, who are limited in how they can help. This story had a large cast of character and would make for a really good story.  

It's a long story with plenty of twists, turns and some surprises ! Some things do get resolved but there is more to do. I enjoyed the animal information and interactions,  especially with the giraffes. 

I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley and really enjoyed it ! 

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BKFUNNEL/Mafia Devil’s Secret Baby: A Mafia Romance (Vegas Vows + Vendettas Book 3) Willa Wilde

 Kept me Involved. The story starts out with Nina running from danger in the restaurant in the casino in Vegas where she works. She recognizes danger when it walks in the door and she knows it's looking for her. Years in foster care made her hyper alert to the dangers ! Alessio spots her running through the casino and decides to help her when she gets trapped in the alley behind that building. He WAS going to just help her and let her go but when he finds out her troubles, he surprises them both with the outrageous offer of one night in his bed ! He's hot, sexy and she finds herself attracted so she goes with this stranger; something she's never done before ! Nina's ex-husband Eric Newell, is vicious, a wife beater and his trouble just keeps following her. She hopes this is the end of it ! Then 7 years later, we see Nina with her son, Austin a cute six year old who all of a sudden collapses while playing soccer. He's adorable, smart, funny and she will do anything for him !!! So when her best friend Keisha, reluctantly offers a job idea, Nina follows up on working at a strip club...stripping ! She needs the money for her son. Wouldn't you just know it? Alessio no longer works the casino but now it's the very strip club that she is working at now. Things get extremely tense as she learns her "craft" and tries to hide Austin from Alessio. Alessio has his standards for the strip club but so does Nina. They also can't keep their hands off each other either; although they do try ! She's tough and I really liked how she expressed herself. She was gentle with her friend Keisha and Austin but tough with Alessio because heck, she survived foster care. She might get scared but she's been alone for a very long time, she can handle just about anything ! It will be danger when the Russians make their moves against the mafia but Alessio ISN'T alone. He's got friends ! Intensity ramps up even more towards the end, there will be some Mafia murders. Great Epilogue ! Some dangers remain because of the Russian Bratva but that's for another day.

NETGALLEY READ NOW/BERKLEY BOOKS/ Date Aug 27 2024 | Archive Date Jul 04 2025/ Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

 

Berkley Publishing Group | Ace

Sci Fi & Fantasy  

 

Talking about this book? Use #DungeonCrawlerCarl #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!

---

Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The apocalypse will be televised! Welcome to the first book in the wildly popular and addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series—now with bonus material exclusive to this print edition.

You know what’s worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what’s worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction of all man-made structures on Earth, and the systematic exploitation of all the survivors for a sadistic intergalactic game show. That’s what.

Join Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world—or just get to the next level—in a video game–like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon. A dungeon that’s actually the set of a reality television show with countless viewers across the galaxy. Exploding goblins. Magical potions. Deadly, drug-dealing llamas. This ain’t your ordinary game show.

Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the Dungeon. Survival is optional. Keeping the viewers entertained is not.


Includes part one of the exclusive bonus story “Backstage at the Pineapple Cabaret.”

---

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9780593820247
PRICE	$30.00 (USD)
PAGES	464

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)

Send to Kindle (EPUB)

 

-------------------

My 5 Star Review- TITLED: Wildest "Game" Ever !

 

I didn't know that this book was part of a series but it was GOOD !. The unusual eBook cover first got my attention. Then, the information about this unusual plot came next.  Here are some of my final thoughts on this book:

It was so creative. And a bit scary at times.  I found it so creative, odd, unusual and  it kept me going.  The opening was a doozy and I didn't see it coming ! Of course, neither did Carl ! His ex-girlfriend Beatrice (Bea) stuck him with her cat. Who is a Tortoiseshell Persian, spitting cat.  But Bea's  probably dead now. Carl is a 27 year old somewhat naive, caring man who could have just leave the cat but he didn't. Being a former U.S. Coast man, he is responsible. It also looks like as things go on in the "game" that there are times that Carl saves the day and sometimes  Princess Donut does.  He's often advised that he'd be better off if he just left the cat !

 Carl is the physical part of the team and Donut uses charm; something that Carl didn't know that she had !! Made for some funny times !

Mordecai,their  personal alien guide, gives them limited help. But every bit helps in this alien game of life and death.  And there are wacky rules to this game and even stranger, wacky creatures to overcome ! There are "glitches at times" and an overhead text would, say, "oops, sorry about that. Some of you have died but it won't happen again."  There is a time limit to live and they steadily told to  kill, kill, kill ! And loot as much as possible. At first Carl doesn't do it very much but after awhile he just has too.  They even end up with their own PR "person." They are told that there is A syndicate (with a standard voice being used) and that it's all about profit for  entertainment ! There are other companies on board competing for the rights and there is surprise after surprise! There are a couple of interviews that Carl and Donut MUST give and the host's are something else. My favorite has to be the one with a snarky host who has his pre-teen/teen audience, who are vicious!  The host has his favorite phrase to excite his in house audience, "Glurp, glurp, glurp !" Carl tells Charming Donut to sit back that he has it. And boy, does he. He knows how to get to a bully !

 I loved the unique acknowledgments in the back of the book. Especially when it's said by the author that they didn't want to get sappy. But it was basically,  a joy to sit back and write a story about a guy running around in his underwear !A story about hope.  

 

Thank you Netgalley and Matt Dinniman  for an out of this world story !

Review by Nov 04, 2025/BKSPROUT/ Broken: A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance Book 1 of House of the Mafia by Ivy Davis

  BOOKSPROUT LINK

 When you're ready to write your review, you'll find it in My Review Copies!

It was either me or my family.

I had no choice but to marry the devil himself.

 

“In darkness, you shall become mine.”

Those were the words Dimitri Ivanov said to me when he became my husband.

Dark, stern, and handsome, Dimitri is a man of nightmares.

When I’m forced to marry him because of my father, I enter into a world of pure darkness.

Dimitri wants to break me.

Mold me into the perfect wife for him.

I hate him for it.

And yet… my body responds to his dominance.

I don’t know how to love my husband and protect myself at the same time.

All I know is that Dimitri will force me into darkness, whether I like it or not.

He has my body and mind.

But can I ever give the devil my heart?

I’m afraid of the answer… because the answer is yes. 

Explicit

Novel

Romance mafia romance mafia arranged marriage arranged marriage romance dark mafia romance dark romance age gap romance billionaire mafia romance age gap mafia romance contemporary romance romance suspense mafia

Hosted by Ivy Davis's review team

Note from the Author

Thank you for taking the time to review my book. This book can be read as a standalone.

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______________MY  3 Star REVIEW NOTES.  TITLED: Well written but  too much darkness for me

The story starts out with shy Sofiya being basically sold into marriage by her father, Ivan Smirnov.  I really liked Sofiya a lot and was afraid for her.  I was hoping for a good outcome for her. Ivan wants more power, money and increased status in the mafia. He does love his daughter but keeps telling her to endure. Her mother, Polina is against it but there is little she can do to stop it.  Sofiya has been raised to be a good, obedient daughter. Raised to be a good obedient little mafia wife. Oh, boy ! Her fear and innocence is clear from the start. And so is, Dimitri Ivanov who is a handsome man, 10 years older than her.  But is there more to HIS story.  It only took Dimitri to see a photo for Sofiya to make him want her. And he'll do anything to get her. Anything !!! 

He's protective of his much younger sister, Katya. But is that protectiveness really helping her?  Turns out Dimitri is VERY abusive to gentle, Sofiya, in so many ways !  And he's NOT gentle with her at all!!! And I really didn't like that part, at all !  There's a lot of physical scenes between the two of them. I knew that this story was going to be explicit but it was a bit too much darkness for me. 

It does have some surprise twists at the end with hope for the future.  A good ending, which I did like!

 

 I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Hudson & Rex Season 8 Trailer | John Is BACK After Cancer, Fans in SHOCK!

 YOUTUBE

HOOPLA/OCT 20/First Lie Wins A Novel by Ashley Elston

 

About  AMAZON

Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn't exist.

The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she's given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job.

Evie isn't privy to Mr. Smith's real identity, but she knows this job will be different. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she's starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can't make any mistakes-especially after what happened last time.

Because the one thing she's worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to, her real identity, just walked right into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there's still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn't be higher, but then, Evie has always liked a challenge...

 

MY 5 STAR REVIEW- Odd but great story

I thought at the beginning what an odd story. But I quickly got drawn in as I kept reading.  Who is Lucca Marino? And what's her part in this story, was my  next thought. And when it all comes out, there is quite the doozy of an answer to that question. It was well worth it all !

George is the guy who shows up as often in the story. He's the guy who is the delivery man of instructions from Mr. Smith. Tessa likes him and flirts with him, knowing neither one of the will follow up .  

Devon was a tech friend to Evie and I really liked him. He hated being an up in front guy, so he's very comfortable being on the computer and things like that. He's helped save Evie's butt time and again. She can rely on him and she doesn't trust many people !

There are story flash backs but they run smoothly once I got into the flow of things.  Evie's latest job is Ryan Sumner and she's supposed to get the dirt on him. Things don't seem to be adding up to Evie though.  She gets Devon working on that with her. 

Evie long ago got rid of Mitch, the screw up min-boss over her. He would have messed up an important job. So Devon and Evie work out something better. Mitch is out of there because bold Evie, said I'm only working with Mr. Smith from now on ! And just who is Mr. Smith? Really ! He knows Evie is the best, as she often reminds him, so he puts up with a lot from her.  He does tell her that he has limits with her boldness, reckless ways ! He just doesn't know that there is a storm coming his way when Evie figures out that he kills team members that he no longer needs. He's ruthless ! And who he is, is a big surprise !!!

I liked Ryan right from the start even though he begins to look kind of shady. Is he working WITH Mr. Smith?  Ryan does treat Evie well, but a job is a job.  Until suddenly it isn't quite that simple. Hey, if Ryan is shady, why couldn't two shady people work together? I liked that idea a lot!

I read this book through the Hoopla Library app and loved it !

 

ANATOMY OF AN ALIBI BY ASHLEY ELSTON is available January 13, 2026 on Amazon or you can pre-order. It looks interesting. 

OCT 20 ARC/Bound by the Heir BY Sienna Blacke

  

I went viral with my father’s enemy—And woke up bound to the mafia heir who saved me.

One night of rebellion was supposed to be my escape.
A rooftop party, and a breath of freedom before my father’s world caged me again.

Then the gunfire.
And the man who saved me from chaos—the son of the don my father built his career destroying.

Dante Romano is danger in a tailored suit.
I was bound to be his leverage, not his addiction.

Now the city believes the lie—Dante and I, engaged in a deadly masquerade.
His touch burns hotter than vengeance.
Slowly my walls crumble.
And one reckless night, we cross the line we can’t undo.

When his mask slips, I see the broken boy behind the ruthless heir.
But love doesn’t save us—it consumes us.

His father will never let us go.
Betrayal brews on every side.
And now, carrying his child, I can’t escape the fire.

Love and legacy will collide.
But only one can survive when the House of Romano falls.

--------

5 STAR /MY REVIEW-  TITLED: Who are the real enemies?

Tessa just wants to be free of her tightly controlling,  DA father, Aaron Marlowe. Can't she just be free for one night?  Her friend, Camila has invited her to a roof top party and she's going to go !!! She knows she'll have to pay for it but she just has to have one night of fun and freedom.  She didn't realize at the time what a mistake that would turn out to be. And that the price that she would pay would be much higher!

Dante, just doesn't want to watch her die, so he moves in quickly and recuses her. He rushes them both down to his car and his driver, Luca drives them out of there.  Tessa is not sure that Dante is her savior or not. They just can't keep away from each other although that is danger right there. And his family isn't happy about him bringing Tessa, a huge danger to their door. His father Carlo is furious and wants her dead, with it being a clean death. Meaning nothing pointing the finger back to him for her death. Sofia, seems to be an ally to Dante. She's going to be a big help, I think. She's clever with computers and she's tough. I began to really like her. 

 Enzo? He seems to have plans of his own. Ones not good for Tessa and Dante. 

And Tessa?  A lot of people grossly underestimated her. She's stronger than anyone gave her credit for. She earned her toughness under a father who always acted more like a DA than a father. She thinks he never really loved her just using her for his political gains. And Dante? The same toughness is there ready to protect Tessa and the people he loves.  I really liked him as well as Tessa, she's definitely FIRE! 

Would I read this story again ! Yes, it had depth, suspense, great characters, love and a great ending!

 I received a complimentary advance copy; this is my honest review.”

 ----------------

my personal note: When it came to Dante's thoughts about his feeling for Tessa. "This isn't violence, it's voltage". "And I'm the idiot holding the wire". That made me smile & laugh. 

 

 

ARC November 6, 2025/MAFIA DON'S SCORNED VOWS BY PIPPER RAVEN

Thanks again for joining my ARC Team - please remember to leave your review on Amazon on Thursday the 6th of November 2025. NOTE: The manuscript you receive may contain unedited sections.

I was never supposed to marry Sebastian Rossi. I was supposed to marry his twin brother—until he "died" and I was blamed. Now I’m forced into an arranged marriage with a man who wants me as punishment, not as a bride. To him, I’m nothing but a traitor. A killer. But once the vows are spoken, I become something far worse: His possession. His prisoner. His obsession. Trapped in his crumbling New Orleans estate, I’m surrounded by secrets and watched by shadows. And the man I’m bound to? He’s colder than the grave I’m meant to end up in. But when he touches me, the heat threatens to burn us both. Our hate ignites into lust. Our lies become confessions. And just when I start to believe his touch might be the safest place I’ve ever known... I find out I’m pregnant. With the heir to the Rossi empire. That’s when everything explodes. The wedding was a setup. The funeral was staged. And the man I thought was dead? He’s coming back to kill us both. ---------------------------  my review of 5 STARS TITLED: Everyone wants her dead This was a wonderful, intriguing story with complex people in it.  I loved that I got both Daisy and Sebastian's points of views.  Sebastian Rossi has a five year old daughter named,  Elena.  She is the sweetest, charming, innocent little girl. But as much as Sebastian tries to protect her and her innocence from their way of life, she still has nightmares.  Sebastien grew on me and he really was a complex man, forged by pain, loss and betrayals.  Daisy Caruso, is the next innocent in the story and I'm wasn't so sure about her sister, Geraldine being an innocent in this story.    Sebastian believes she killed  his twin Mario and she's gonna pay married to him.  She's trapped in a House of Grief and Lies. And that comes through loud and clear. New Orleans was a great setting for this drama. Daisy has a soft heart and is going to have to toughen up real quick if she's going to survive this family. Something that Ava points out to Daisy right from the start.  Ava is keeping a close eye on Daisy, not sure if she's a thereat or not. Ava is Sebastian's sister, and she's one tough gal.   As I read more of the book, I began to think- what's her own person story?  Mario, Mario, Mario what have you been up to? Sounds like nothing good !   There are surprises, twists, and a tense but great ending and Epilogue.  I  received a copy of this book from the author and I loved it

10-20-25ARC/BKSPROUT/ The Mafia Don's Surprise Heir by Erin Rae

  BOOKSPROUT

 Kindle link  AMAZON

I went undercover to destroy the Wolf of Gevaudan—

Billionaire. Mafia heir. Ruthless protector.

Now I’m his wife… and carrying the child I never meant to conceive.

The assignment was simple:

Seduce Carlo Magnotti. Infiltrate his empire. Expose his crimes.

But the ruthless mafia boss saw through my lies—

and forced me into a marriage I can’t escape.

To protect my cover, I became the wife he demanded—

sharing his home, his secrets… and his bed.

I swore it was only a mission—

seduce the monster, betray the man.

But every touch blurs the lines.

Each act of protection cracks my resolve…

until I’m falling for the enemy I swore to destroy.

Now secrets fracture our marriage.

Rival gangs are circling.

Threats closing in.

And when his men uncover who I truly am,

the Wolf must choose between his blood oath…

and the woman carrying his heir.

One truth could burn his empire to the ground—

and take me with it.

But a forbidden love this…might be worth the ruin.

Explicit

Novel

Romance mafia enemies to lovers opposites attract surprise pregnancy second chance forced proximity forbidden love Forced marriage Protector Obsessive

Hosted by Erin Rae

Note from the Author

Enjoy! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one :)

Must review on:

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File(s) available:

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_____________________My 4 Star Review TITLED:  Will the fear ever end?

 

Carlo Magnotti really is as ruthless as advertised! His temper is legendary and fully deserved! His brother,Matteo is the calmer of the two and often can talk him down from that rage ledge.  He still has to be careful how he talks about Carlo's wife, even though he has serious doubts about Carlo's American wife ! Carlo loves her and is seriously obsessed with  her and being physically intimate with her. There will be quite a bit of that even though he feels like she's hiding something from him. 

Carlo's wife,  Luna has plenty of reasons to fear in this set up and one of them is her unexpected pleasure with her husband.  And they had a lot ! I think it would have been 

nice to have a bit less of that. Even though he's a murderous monster! I liked her and Carlo and I could feel their struggles being able to read both of their points of views in the story.

 Things come steaming at both of them to hurt them both but it all comes to a stunning, satisfying, surprising end.

 I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

 

 _________________

P.S. There is a LOT of sex in this book, I wasn't happy with how much and skimmed most of it. 

Oct 29,2025Amazon/ARC/BKFUNNEL/Summer Stock—3 (The Good Chef Mysteries) BY ELSIE GREY

 

AMAZON   Goodreads

 elsie@goodchefmysteries.com

 

And just a quick note: if you catch any typos or formatting issues while reading, or if this book is just not for you, please feel free to email my VA, Ramie, at ramiekerschenpa@gmail.com, and she will get you taken care of! 

Thank you again for being part of the ARC Team! Your support, reviews, and feedback mean the world to me—and help cozy readers everywhere find their next favorite mystery.

Happy sleuthing, Elsie Grey Author of The Good Chef Mysteries

Book Info:

When chef and former detective Lily Good signs on to cater the reopening of Pine Grove’s historic seaside theater, she’s ready for a summer filled with food, friends, and community spirit. But when an actor disappears and mysterious “accidents” threaten opening night, Lily finds herself investigating more than menus.

As whispers of jealousy, betrayal, and hidden motives swirl through the cast, Lily must team up with Detective Lance Phillips to uncover the truth before the final curtain falls. From the scent of ocean air to the comforting clatter of her coastal kitchen, every clue draws her deeper into a case where nothing—and no one—is quite what it seems.

Summer Stock is a heartwarming and suspenseful cozy culinary mystery set on the Oregon Coast—perfect for fans of small-town whodunits, slow-burn romance, seaside settings, and foodie sleuths who never back down from a challenge.

--------------My 5 Star Review TITLED: It all starts here. 

Lily Jane Good, is a former Detective from New York City. In this story she ends up meeting with her former partner, Detective Dalton. She left the force and the city after the death of her husband, John. Do I smell that he might have been murdered?   She is a widow though with a 9 year old daughter, Violet and a golden retriever named, Sunny. I loved how her current boyfriend, Detective Lance Philipps and Lily work so well together. The love is definitely there!  I had my suspicions on who the killer was by Chapter 9, but that didn't kill my interest in the story. It's a shorter story but to my way of thinking, it was well worth reading and getting the beginning of Lily, Lance and Violet's beginnings.  I also loved how the author had me feeling like I WAS right in the middle of the investigations WITH them ! 

Great ending  with recipes at the back of the book, intertwined with Lily 's comments. Clever.  So is the title on each one of the Chapters.  There are several recipes but of special interest to me was, Iced Caramel Cold Brew and The Lemon Thyme Roast Chicken with Summer Vegetables. We eat a lot of chicken and this one sounded good !

I received an ARC from the author and was glad that I did. There are other  next books in the series:  

Operation Double Eye, 

I need a Hero (which I did read, reviewed and loved)

A Christmas Murder.  

There are 3 more stories that are upcoming as well !

ARC/oct15/BKFUNNEL/ Mafia Devil's Secret Baby BY WILLA WILDE

 

I made a pact with the devil. Now I’m carrying his heir.

One night at the casino, my luck ran out.
My ex-husband’s debts became my nightmare, and the loan sharks were closing in.

Then he appeared.
Alessio DeLuca.
A man with a face like sin and a voice that made promises I knew better than to believe.

“I can make your problems disappear,” he whispered.
The price: one night in his bed.
One night of filthy, toe-curling heat that branded me as his.

By morning, he was gone.
And I was carrying his child.

I thought I’d never see him again.
Now, years later, my son is sick. I need money fast.
So I take a job dancing at a club.

And that’s when I see him.
Alessio.
Richer. More powerful.
And now my boss.

And when he finds out the truth about our son?
He becomes even more dangerous.

The devil always gets what he wants.

And this time…
He wants everything.

-------------My Review 5 Stars TITLED:  Kept me Involved

 The story starts out with  Nina running from danger in the restaurant in the casino in Vegas where she works. She recognizes danger when it walks in the door and she knows it's looking for her. Years in foster care made her hyper alert to the dangers ! Alessio spots her running through the casino and decides to help her when she gets trapped in the alley behind that building. He WAS going to just help her and let her go but when he finds out her troubles, he surprises them both with the outrageous offer of one night in his bed ! He's hot, sexy and she finds herself attracted so she goes with this stranger; something she's never done before ! Nina's ex-husband Eric Newell, is vicious, a wife beater and his trouble just keeps following her.  She hopes this is the end of it !

 Then 7 years later, we see Nina with her son, Austin a cute six year old who all of a sudden collapses while playing soccer. He's adorable, smart, funny and she will do anything for him !!! So when her best friend Keisha, reluctantly offers a job idea, Nina follows up on working at a strip club...stripping !  She needs the money for her son. 

Wouldn't you just know it? Alessio no longer works the casino but now it's the very strip club that she is working at now.  Things get extremely tense as she learns her "craft" and tries to hide Austin from Alessio. Alessio has his standards for the strip club but so does Nina.   They also can't keep their hands off each other either; although they do try ! She's tough and I really liked how she expressed herself. She was gentle with her friend Keisha and Austin but tough with Alessio because heck, she survived foster care. She might get scared but she's been alone for a very long time, she can handle just about anything ! It will be danger when the Russians make their moves against the mafia but Alessio ISN'T alone. He's got friends !

 Intensity ramps up even more towards the end, there will be some Mafia murders. 
 Great Epilogue ! Some dangers remain because of the Russian Bratva but that's for another day. 

SEP30/BKFUNNEL/ I Need A Hero—Book 2(the good chef mysteries) by Elsie Grey

 AMAZON   

 

elsie@goodchefmysteries.com

When a close friend vanishes on the Oregon Coast, restaurateur and former detective Lily Good feels that familiar pull back into sleuthing. By day, Lily keeps The Good Chef humming—chopping, stirring, and serving comfort on a plate. By night, she follows a trail of half-truths, anonymous tips, and small-town whispers that all point to something much bigger than a simple disappearance.

As tides shift and loyalties waver, Lily teams up with her detective boyfriend, Lance Phillips, to sift fact from rumor. But the closer she gets, the more she realizes this case reaches into places powerful people would rather keep hidden—and that the next person to go missing could be someone she loves.

I Need A Hero is a warm, twisty culinary cozy mystery set on the misty Oregon Coast—perfect for fans of Ellie Alexander, Mia P. Manansala, and Joanne Fluke. Expect mouthwatering kitchen moments, community heart, and a satisfying, clue-driven reveal.

What you’ll find inside:

• Small-town secrets & a determined amateur sleuth
• Foodie vibes from a bustling coastal restaurant
• A slow-burn romance threaded through the mystery
• Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language

Dive into Pine Grove today—then try to solve the case before Lily does.

------------------------------------- 

4 STARS MY REVIEW- Good & Bad Surprises to eat to !

Lily Good really does deserve her last name of Good.   She was a former detective for many years.  And her boyfriend Detective Lance Phillips, is a great guy who is all in when it come to helping her.  She thinks and hopes that she's just overthinking danger when it comes to her best friend, Maggie Jones just vanishes.  But Lily's spot on when she keeps thinking that's something wrong when she can't get a hold of Maggie. Pete and Helena are kitchen helpers who are there for whatever she needs in the kitchen and elsewhere. Joseph Kennedy is the skilled chef who works in Lily's kitchen and she's thrilled to be able to get him ! 

It sounds like Violet, is Lily's daughter but I'm not sure because this being my first story in this series but she is someone that Lance will have to charm if he's going to finally get anywhere with Lily. That made me smile.  There were other times when I smiled in the story but there was also a surprising twist when it came to what was going on about, where is Maggie?  

On a final note, I was surprised and thrilled that recipes like, "Strawberry Salad Recipes'' 

were included with each chapter.  I never heard of, Kimchi Rice before but there is a recipe in the book about .  Now I just have to find that rice,  because I want to  try it !

Pub Date Oct 14 2025 | Archive Date Oct 25 2025/NETGALLEY READ NOW/ Female Fantasy A Novel by Iman Hariri-Kia

 

Cosmo Reads     

Humor & Satire | Romance | Women's Fiction  

talking about this book? Use #FemaleFantasy #NetGalley. 

Description  AMAZON

All's fair in love and lore.

Joonie is living in a fantasy—at least that's what people keep telling her.

A copywriter by day and fanfic auteur by night, Joonie continues to date and dump disappointing men in search of a happily ever after. But every potential suitor seems to have one flaw in common: They can't hold a candle to her book boyfriend, Ryke. The protagonist of her favorite fantasy romance series (and, notably, a sexy merman), Ryke is a symbol for the life Joonie craves and the kind of relationship she deserves. So with a book always in her back pocket, why would she ever settle for less?

But when Joonie learns that Ryke's character is based on someone the author knows in real life, she embarks on an epic quest to track him down, meet him in person, and determine once and for all if soulmates really do exist. Unfortunately, her brother's annoying best friend who doesn't believe in love or happy endings insists on hitching a ride. And like any great hero's journey, it doesn't take long for the trials and tribulations to begin. 

As Joonie fights her way toward her love interest, using the skills she acquired through reading, she'll learn an important lesson: You can pursue a fantasy, but you can't always write your own plot.

As unhinged as it is brilliant, Female Fantasy is both a self-aware dive into the concept of genre and a wild, steamy romp. Most of all, though, it's a heartfelt love letter to romance readers everywhere.

---

Available Editions

EDITION	Paperback
ISBN	9781728270647
PRICE	$18.99 (USD)
PAGES	416

Available on NetGalley

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NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)

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--------MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED:  A Story within a Story !  

Is Love really a fantasy? I loved the author's Information about finding and being true to yourself ! 

It sure doesn't totally seem to be a total fantasy to Joonie! That's Joonie Saboonchi and what a mouthful that name is too !But I adored her and her journey to find true love. Her brother, Tey (Teymoor) who is also Iranian is worried about her and keeps forcing her to go out on dates locally. He means well, but the latest loser is Job Pesue and she finally sends him on his way. Good for Joonie for sending him on his way, kind of brutally but she just doesn't have time for the big babies. She accurately predicts that he will cry and make a scene and right on cue, he does ! Although it could be seen as mean, it was downright hilarious !!! The Fantasy man that Joonie is seeking is someone like Rykee which she hasn't found yet ! I loved that this was an unusual story, "a story within a story, to my way of thinking !

Nico,is Tey's best friend and they are both often side by side in their ridicule of Jonnie's Quest.  Nico, doesn't believe in love. Period. He's all doom and gloom and she's all chipper and about romance. That does get her in trouble later in the book, just like her brother predicted. But oh how, much more the story gets even better for the reader ! Her brother and his lawyer boyfriend do figure in the story as everyone pulls together to try and help Jonie and Nico as real danger finds them both. 

Thank you Netgalley and Iman Hariri-Kia for this outstanding book !