Peak into book/ bkfunnel/ "Sweet Carnage" by Madison Juno

   madison@madisonjunoromance.com

He didn’t need love, only leverage. Until she ran, pregnant and broken

 

Five years ago, I made a deal with the devil.

Bratva heir Artyom Petrov.

Ruthless. Filthy rich. Fourteen years older.

 

“Everything has a price, little thief,” he whispered in that dim room. “This is what my mercy costs.”

His powerful touch made my breath hitch, raw and irreversible.

But when those two pink lines showed up, I ran — driven away by the hissing nest of vipers that surrounds him.

 

Now I’m back in the city and I thought he’d forgotten me.

Oh how wrong I was — he might have ruined me, but I consumed him.

He spent five years protecting me in the dark shadows of obsession.

 

And as the bullets fly around us, he puts a ring on my finger.

Shattering my doubts with his rough hands and possessive words.

I’m his.

 

Which means there’s a blood-soaked target on my back. But his twisted plan will protect us.

It has to.

Because our daughter’s life is at stake if he can’t win this battle…

-My Review Notes:

This was just a quick Prequel/sneak peak but it was a good one.   He was a handsome blonde dangerous man with one hazel eye and one blue one . Heterochromia,  which she quickly recognized and was fascinated by ! She's been working at his nightclub, The Demon and yes stealing from it for med school. Now she's well and truly  caught in HIS dangerous web !

Now I want to read the full book !!! 

done/ARC/Bkfunnel/December 18ARC/ My Off Limits Bodyguard by Roxy Pratt

   amazon

Fresh out of prison.
A brooding bad boy Ethan Donnelly wants nothing but
peace and invisibility.
His old friend asks him to protect his ambitious daughter.
Ethan is thrust into close quarters, who both incites his temper
and ignites his desire.
Charlene Monroe, a smart, stubborn city therapist with dreams of
healing her hometown.
The past collides as a storm traps them together, walls crumble,
and forbidden sparks turn into a blaze that neither is prepared to face.
When scandal rocks the town and danger draws near, Ethan and
Charlene must decide: risk their hearts, or lose their happily ever after
forever.

My 5 Star Review Notes Titled: Tough Love

It starts out with Ethan's release from prison with the warning from the guard,  don't return ! The whole town hates him and don't want him there and aren't shy about letting him know. So hurtful ! His old friend, Harold  makes me wonder just what kind of man is he?  He doesn't even meet him at the prison gates to pick him up in the rain ! Yikes ! Made me hate him right off the bat ! I'm not even sure he deserves him daughter Charlene. He's bossy, manipulative like a bully and bails on her when things get tough!  And things do go from bad to worse for both Ethan and Charlene. She's a lot tougher than anyone ever gave her credit for.  Even her her father; he's desperate to keep her safe. Often making things worse. But even afraid she will still stand by her man when things hit the fan.  

I adored this emotional romance and both the main characters giving their own ways of trying to protect each other.

I got this story because of an ARC from the author and will be reading it again ! 

ARC/ DEC 13, 2025/ "Twisted Justice With A Billionaire Don" by Helen Blume

   amazon Goodreads review

I come to Boston to bring down the mafia, not to fall into a stranger’s bed.

But on my first night in the city, a man with a dangerous smile pulls me into heat and darkness—
kisses that strip away sense,
hands that ruin every line I swore not to cross,
a night that leaves me breathless and nameless.

I tell myself it’s nothing.
Until I walk into court the next morning…
and he turns.

Nico Castellano.
Boston’s new don.
The kind of man my father died fighting against.

I should run.
But when danger closes in, he steps between me and the bullets like breathing.
When his guard slips, I see the man he never shows the world—
and somewhere in that unguarded moment, I fall.

Then the Irish mob takes me.
A grip too tight to fight.
My scream trapped in my throat.
Darkness closing fast.

And fear finally takes shape—

They know I’m carrying his child… and killing us is how they’ll break him.

MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED:  Intense Plots and Romance

This brother Nico is based now in Boston although he came from Chicago. He has his own ways and thoughts on how to run things here.  But so do others and they don't like what he is trying to do and will do everything that they can to stop his "progress."   

It seems like everyone is trying to get into Erin Callahan's "business".  And her one-night stand with a stranger explodes when she facing him as prosecutor in court ! Then more and more threats and more people know about her and Nico.   The story does have additional times of intimacy between Nico and Erin because they just can't stop !  Even though they both know how dangerous that can be ! Her deceased father's old partner Sean Gallagher is making me suspicious of his motives but things get clearer towards the end.  Other suspicions rise, are they traitors in their midst feeding info to their enemies?  Marco?  Aiden? Trusted men in Nico's  organization?

Things wind UP as the dangers do too ending with a smashing finish and a great epilogue ! I got an ARC of this book from the author and this are my thoughts about it.  

 

Dec 10/ARC/Bkfunnel/ Meatless Monday's by Elsie Grey

  amazon  Goodreads

But when a local butcher is found dead and a hidden room full of illicit mushrooms is uncovered, Lily is pulled back into a world she hoped she’d left behind.

As old family secrets surface and danger creeps closer to her own doorstep, Lily’s fears sharpen: someone knows where she lives, who she loves, and how to scare her. With Violet’s safety on the line and Lance doing everything he can to keep them both protected, Lily must confront a truth she’s been avoiding — solving mysteries is part of who she is… and it always comes with a cost.

But in a town she loves, surrounded by the people who believe in her, Lily leans into her courage, her instincts, and the comfort of a kitchen that has always grounded her. What she uncovers will test her heart, her resilience, and the thin line between protecting the people you love and losing them.

An intimate, heartfelt cozy mystery about family, fear, and the strength it takes to keep going — even when the next threat lands on your doorstep.

 

From the Author

Just popping in with a quick reminder— If you haven’t downloaded your ARC copy of Meatless Mondays yet, it’s ready and waiting for you! 

This is the fourth book in The Good Chef Mysteries, and I’m so excited for you to dive into Lily Good’s story of second chances, small-town secrets… and a mystery that’s about to boil over. 

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

-----My 4 STAR Review Notes:   TITLED: A Good Mystery

Lily Jane Good is a former smart detective who now owns a  great restaurant. She is also called up on as a civilian consultant and she's a good one too !  She's dating Detective Lance Phillips and make for a cute couple ! I liked the both of them !The police department was relieved when they saw the both of them; especially Lily! They need help to solve the unusual murder of the butcher, Michael Dirk. And surprise after surprise turns up in their searches ! Nikki is also a detective who is a BIG help to Lily and Lance. Even her mother Millie Good, jumps in to help in the investigation and to make sure Violet is okay.

I liked that both Lily and Lance do their best to protect Violet. And that there are a couple of recipes at the back of the book.

The story ends for now..with the hunt for SOLAC that WILL have to continue. An interesting concept. 

I got a ARC of this book and enjoyed it.  

 

Dec 6- Bkfunnel/ Mafia Don's Convenient Vows by Vira Black

  

 

Six months pregnant with the Don’s baby…and my uncle wants us dead before it’s born.

Luca Romano is six-four of trouble in suits.

Icy blue eyes. A voice that could make a nun renounce her vows.

He’s been trying to destroy my family for years.

When I ran from my wedding, he caught me.

His solution? A strategic marriage to stop a war.

Forget the bouquet—I threw myself at the don, and he devoured my body all night.

Now I’m trapped underground with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Deadly.

He’s ruthless to the world, gentle with me.

Weeks blurred the lines. Coffee at dawn. 

Every glance made me forget we were enemies. 

When he touched my stomach, he looked like I’d given him the world.

Between his growls and caresses, I fell for him.

But my uncle knows the truth.

This child could unite our families and steal his power.

He vowed to cut the baby out of me.

But Luca Romano doesn’t just protect what’s his—he kills for it.

------My 5 STAR Review Notes Titled:  Intense Story, even better Romance

Luca Romano served two years in prison having been betrayed by his so-called family. All for their desire for power. In the opening of the story, he catches Sienna Moretti in his carefully planned trap ! It was so smooth and she is SO furious. But she's caught and she just has to protect her 17 year old sister Isabella from being sold off into a marriage against HER will!  She runs from her wedding only to run into another one.  They get marriage with hatred burning in her eyes. That was so well written ! Luca sees her as brave and reckless but not stupid. He plans on using her to protect his empire and prevent a war.  I loved how he called her, "Principessa."  And the battles that they had as a couple, wow!

I liked BOTH of the main characters. It became pretty clear that her Uncle Giuseppe Mortetti had plans for her too. To use her for his good and not hers. 

Luca has several trusted men in his employ.  Marco his 2nd in command and Angelo. But there is a traitor in their midst ! Oops !

Dangers increase and dangerous choices will have to be made.  It gets even more intense as the mafia forces collide.  Luca is a fair but deadly man and no one is taking his wife and child or their future on his watch!

Great ending, Epilogue and hope for the future. 

 

 -----------------Spoiler_

Not included in review posted : Her father and Luca were in on the plan all along to have her escape the marriage and run to Luca. Sienna is now head of the Moretti family; a strong leader and she shares power with Luca on his mafia family. They now lead/rule together. And she is tougher and stronger than anyone else thought she could be. But Luca had suspected all along.   A daughter !  

Kindle ARC/NOV 30/You Only Live Nine Times (Homer Whodunit: Bk #1) by Gwen Cooper

  

Author Prefers A Review On

Goodreads, Amazon, or BookBub

Sun-splashed Coacoochee, Florida—just ten minutes up the road from South Beach—is coming into its own in 1998. It’s the new favorite playground of models, millionaires, and workaday transplants like thirty-year-old Rachel Baum, who’s starting over with her three cats and a job at the town bookstore following a recent heartbreak. When Coacoochee’s beautiful people start turning up murdered, Homer and his feline friends sniff out clues the cops have missed. Meanwhile, Rachel’s following her own leads, unaware her cats are one step ahead. If only they could tell her what they know, they might be able to keep Rachel from becoming the killer’s next target.

---

From the New York Times bestselling author of Homer’s Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale comes a charming, sun-kissed mystery where the best sleuths have paws. The perfect treat for longtime Homer fans and cozy mystery lovers alike, You Only Live Nine Times is sharp as a claw, twisty as the classic whodunits, and even more mischievous than a basket of kittens.

My review Notes- 5 Stars Titled: will Homer be able to save the day?

I loved the author's introduction to this book. This is my first time reading and I liked the way she introduced the story saying that the cats are the same as her other stories, Scarlett, Vashti and Homer.   I loved how those cats communicated with each other and they adored and helped Rachel as much as they could ! After all she saved their lives, literally !! 

Rachael is 30 years old and she's getting things ready to host a book signing. She had been in a relationship with Cuban, Henry for three years.  Only to find proof that he was cheating. That proof came by the help of her cat friends. 

Rachel Baum is the manager of the only Bookstore, Title Wave Books and she has a one an adorable year old bind, black cat named Homer. And Vashti a two year old white clever cat. Also Scarlett her three year old gray tabby. Rachel's story shows a cat calendar that said Friday October 2, 1998.

There is a also a great list of the other "characters" in the story with their own bios. Very enjoyable ! Hot Mike, the failed police German Shepherd had to be one of my all time favorites in this book ! Everyone loves Sweet Rachel. But she does have an enemy or two. Brock Winfield, the egomaniac tops the known list- he wants her and her cats GONE !

I really liked the possibility of romance between Rachael and Evan Kirschner .  He's attracted to her and she sparkles when she spends any time around him. Even the cats notice but they just can't seem to catch a break !

On a side note some of the names of the people, wow so different ! And tuxedo cat Kotik and the street cat, Samkhat?  Such difficult names to type in a review, lol ! Unique, though. 

This was a great, intense story with surprise after surprise. More than one person dies but I never saw the the real killer coming ! Loved that and how the whole thing ended. 

I also liked that the next book coming out June 2026 is called "The Cat Wore Black". I'll be looking for that one ! 

 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

BKFUNNEL/ The Pelican Hotel BY JACEY BICI

  

Jacey Bici EMAIL: <authorontheloose@jaceybici.com> via n.convertkit.com 

 

In the luxurious Pelican Hotel, Dr. Nassrin Fahadi finds herself at a crossroads. Once a dedicated physician, she dreams of a simpler life with the charming bartender, Tallahassee. But as she prepares to resign, a lavish dinner hosted by her formidable boss threatens to change everything. When the opportunity to become the medical director arises, tensions flare among her ambitious colleagues. As secrets unravel and ambitions collide, Nassrin faces a pivotal choice. Will she choose the safety of her career, or will love guide her towards a future she never dared to envision? In a world where every decision counts, Nassrin learns that sometimes, the bravest choice is simply to embrace who you really are.

 ---My 5 Review TITLED: Careers and Love Clash 

She is a doctor at Ocean Hospital and she's a blend of Palestinian and Puerto Rico heritage. I loved how the author wrote that she was a "blend". What a great way to put it ! She desperately loves Tallahassee, her blonde, boyfriend who is a bartender. He's working to become a lawyer but seems to run into problems about that goal! 

This is such a well written story. So I'm going to put some people in categorizes. Here are the Hated Ones: 

-Dr. Aberdeen, the man who was previously a surgeon but is now the Big Boss at the hospital. He was arrogant and blustery.  He makes people skidattle to do whatever he wants !

 - His wife Isabelle, is manipulative and power hungry to get her way at all costs. 

- Now we get to the one that should be #1 on this list: Karen. She's a lazy Diva who has schmoozed her way into trying to be director of the hospital. Everyone HATES her..

Now my Love List: 

 -Nassrin- she's caught straddling between two worlds and having a hard time trying to do that. 

- Tallahassee- great guy who deserves better than what he's getting. 

- Let's not forget Opal either. She is a Native American woman with grit trying to keep many plates in the air spinning. She even admits she's not doing that great of a job. I really liked her a lot and she's getting her own store in,  "That Kind of Girl"  on Amazon

I loved how the story ended with a HEA for now.  

BKSPROUT ARC DEC 12/The Billionaire’s Bride On The Run by Nora Daniels

   Booksprout

She’s sunshine in stilettos. I’m the storm she ran into.
Now she’s in my bed, wearing my last name…and nothing else.

Marin Hartley is my best friend’s little sister.
Off-limits. Untouchable. Until she runs out on her high-society wedding and right into my world—still in white, desperate to escape. Her family needed that marriage to save their empire.
I should’ve sent her back. Instead, I offered her a fake marriage.

She moves into my penthouse to protect her name.
And ends up wrecking my self-control.

She says it’s pretend. Teases like it's a game.

But the way she moans when I pin her to the elevator wall…
The way her nails rake down my back like she’s starving for what only I can give…
There’s nothing fake about that.

I swore I’d never fall again.
Now I’m falling for the one woman I was never meant to touch.

But her brother wants her gone—back in the arms of the man she left at the altar.

If she walks away, they get their empire back...and I lose the only thing I never knew I needed.

Thank you so much for reading this ARC! I’m thrilled to share this story with you, and I genuinely appreciate your time. Please keep reviews honest and spoiler-free so other readers can enjoy the twists. Thank you again for supporting my books — it means the world! ❤️

Review on at least 1:

Amazon

File(s) available:

EPUB (Send via email & download) 

---My 5 STAR REVIEW -TITLED:  Adorable Marin Hartley

 In the opening Marin Hartley runs from her fiance, Andrew right at the altar!

 Great start ! Her brother Aiden loves her but demands that she return and marry Andrew. For supposedly not only her sake but for their family and to not destroy the business that he runs for the family.  Even after she runs and Dorian Ellison "saves" her, she refuses to bow to pressure to do what everyone else wants. She's tired of being the good girl living for everyone but her self ! Dorian is happy in his cold, emotionless life but still offers her refuge in his home and then in a fake marriage ! 

I absolutely adored Marin. She was fierce, kind and also hilarious in her free spirit kind of way ! She is especially hilarious when she pulls at Dorian to lighten up and live !  To be fair, he never stood a chance against her charm and grit.   I loved when she admitted to herself when snooping at Dorian's that her middle name was "nosy."  She made me grin from ear to ear and cause me to want to win against all odds !

I also loved everything in the story and the ending of the story too ! 

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

ARC-Dec 11 Review/ BILLIONAIRE'S BAD BARGAIN by Remy Vail

  Goodreads   

I escaped from the man who made me—and ended up with the one who could unmake me in every way that matters.

He’s the last man I should want—cold, ruthless, and skilled at staring straight through me.

But every time Matías Goldberg says my name, my pulse forgets to whom it belongs.

Then one reckless night, one kiss I should’ve walked away from becomes the mistake I can’t stop replaying.

I’m stuck in his worn family estate. We pretend to be business partners, but unspoken tension fills every room.

He cooks for me at midnight like he isn’t furious. He teaches me how to ride a horse like my touch doesn’t unravel him. He looks at me like he’s starving—and I’m the only thing he wants.

Somewhere between the windmills and the calm, he shows me the man beneath his armor. I fall. Hard. Fast. Completely.

But then the truth hits—my father is trying to destroy his entire legacy.

If Matías learns how deep the betrayal is, I lose the man I’ve always loved. This time, I could be the one to hurt him.

---My review notes Titled: Cat & Mouse Romance

Matías is there to TRY to meet with a big wig Robert Vanderlyn and that doesn't work out for him. But he does spot his daughter Cassandra. His friend  Ethan who is there at this big event warns his against approaching the beautiful woman known as the Ice Queen. But does he listen? That would be a Big Fat, No ! And when he manages to talk to her, she's icy but also a bit intrigued. Now, the chase is on ! He's not used to losing and she's not used to letting others win either. Matias is a successful, rich man from Argentina but educated in some ivy league colleges that poor parents helped him get into.   I liked him a lot !  I was also beginning to warm to Cassandra as the story went on.  There does seem to be a human woman under all that ice ! Although, they do have challenges because of their businesses and She wants to be seen as a valuable woman. Someone not always taking second place in men's push for more.  Her father is a prime example of using any and every person to get ahead; even his daughter.  I warmed up to her pretty quickly as i began to see who she really was and what she needed !  

I liked the dance of cool and hot between them although for me it felt like it went a bit longer than I would have liked ! But I took heart because then it really took off in the story.  Cassandra is going to have to stand up to her father and Matias is going to have to put his priorities in the right order. Even his father on their home farm tells him that when he visits.

On a last note I really enjoyed when Cassandra and Matias go down  to Matias home,  Argentinian farm.  He visits his family and Cassandra seems to fit right in.

I loved how the story ended and was grateful that I got an ARC from the author.  

FREE BKFUNNEL/ THE DON'S FORBIDDEN DESIRE BY K L CHARLES

   For any other questions, please contact:
K L Charles <hello@klcharlesauthor.com>

amazon

I faked my identity to infiltrate his underworld empire.
Now I’m trapped by the Italian Mafia boss I swore I’d bring down.

Luca Moretti is cold, calculating, and runs a billionaire crime syndicate.
He’s the ruthless Mafia Don who murdered my family.

I’ve spent years planning how to ruin him.
To hack into his secrets and get revenge.

Until he catches me where I shouldn’t be.
And gives me a choice—disappear or obey his every demand.

Then I’m kidnapped by a rival mafia faction.
And Luca obliterates everything in his path to rescue me.

He protects me without hesitation.
Lets me in, even when he shouldn’t.
Trusts me with secrets I shouldn't know.

I swear to myself I still loathe him.
But somewhere between hate and desire...
I fall for this forbidden Silver Fox I vowed to destroy.

Then the truth surfaces—he didn’t kill my family.
But someone he never suspected did.

But if I want justice...
I may still have to risk losing the only man who’s ever kept me safe.

--My Review Notes titled: Seductive Enemy 

 

Elena get ready to infiltrate the enemy camp of the Moretti family.  She presents herself now as Elena Moreno. The company CEO Luca is suspicious  and grills her almost immediately. Her file information is WAY too thin ! He orders Antonio his consigliere to do a DEEP dig into her.  Matteo is his muscles.  But she's one tough but likeable character. His cruel father, Alberto wants her gone; dead.  Elena and Luca have plenty of heated scenes together even when they don't trust each other.

It all ends with  a really good epilogue. 

 

Not included- Spoiler- Alberto killed Luca's mother and his REAL father, a Bravata man.  His fake father is on the run but he won't escape while in Italy, he's cheated them too ! 

 

Booksprout/December 11ARC/"Protected by the Imposter" by Kayla Martyn (Novella)

 Booksprout link

Booksprout review link 

I’d love to have you on my ARC team for Protected by the Imposter — and Julian wants you, too.

From Julian:
I never planned on protecting her.
And I sure as hell never planned on falling for her.

Aria thinks I’m the man assigned to keep her safe.
She doesn’t know I stepped into someone else’s place…
or that getting close to her could blow everything apart.

We’re trapped together, hunted, fighting shadows in every room.
And every time she looks at me, it gets harder to remember the rules.
Harder to keep my hands off her.
Harder to walk away.

If you enjoy obsessive protectors, dangerous secrets, and heat that doesn’t let up, I’d be grateful to have you read early and give this story your honest thoughts.

Come join my ARC team—I can’t wait to share Julian and Aria’s story with you. 💋

 

Note from the Author

Julian Cross is posing as an architect to infiltrate my family—the Santarini mafia. He used my firm to get inside, wrecked my biggest contract, and now we’re forced to work together while he hides who he really is. Danger closes in. Secrets tighten. And the chemistry between us becomes the most dangerous part of all. Perfect for fans of undercover protectors and enemies-to-lovers heat.

Review on at least 1:

Amazon

File(s) available:

EPUB (Send via email & download) 

--MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED:   Explosive Romance

 CIA Agent Julian North's world suddenly explodes ! Right at the start of the book !! His mentor and friend along with others suffer. Then the story goes into him knowing that Damien Santorelle is the mastermind.  One evil guy that they discover, when people cross him they tend to disappear.  His daughter Aria doesn't believe any of the rumors about her father and chalks it all up to lies and jealousy.  Julian makes sure he meets her; giving her a false name. His mission is pump her for information, to use her to get information. Of course, they meet and they sleep together. The agency isn't happy when they find out !Does she know what her father really is? Does she know what her father really is? That's his question.  She keeps getting unsolicited texts and then a voicemail asking her is she knows why people just keep disappearing around her father?  That voice mail scares her. It also made me wonder if her father caused her mother to "disappear". 

But what she doesn't know is that Agent Zero is also trailing her and he's Mega Dangerous. The kind of man who kills first without asking questions. He seems to like the killing part. Now another man that Julian knew of was CIA Agent Kane Bergoff.   Kane works in the shadows and is great with tech. He asks him for information and that turns out to be helpful. The more I read, it made the CIA filled with not only a few good people but also quite a few corrupt ones too !

 

I really enjoyed the double points of view.  This book had a great intense plot, emotional romance and an explosive great ending as well! I loved it !!!

I read this story through Booksprout and was glad that I did because it was awesome ! 

 

bkfunnel/ Forbidden Fiance by Mia Amour

  For any other questions, please contact:
Mia Amour <hello@miaamourromance.com>

I had a one-night stand with my dad’s best friend.
Now he’s my bodyguard—and fake fiancé.

As a global rockstar, my life is scrutinized—every move dissected, every whisper magnified.
But tonight, the threats turned deadly. My ex-boyfriend tried to kill me.

I had no choice but to hire protection. Not just anyone. Elias Sinclair:
The silver fox widower with piercing eyes and a body carved from sin.

He’s also my dad’s best friend.
The man I gave myself to one forbidden night before he disappeared.

We agreed to a fake engagement to save my career and pacify my fans.
But pretending isn’t a game anymore, it’s torture.

His every touch brands me. His every glance sets me on fire.
I’m falling for him, faster and harder than I ever imagined.

But our secret must stay buried. If it comes out, the man hunting me won’t have to kill me…
My father will beat him to the punch.

My 4 Star Review- Titled: The Vultures are circling 

Redheaded, Talia Hart is singing in the opening chapter. She's in all her glory, enjoying her moment! Her father Marcus would have been so proud of her. He loved to sing to but chose to be a well thought of doctor.  During her time singing, her ex , Liam Carter goes after her like a lunatic. Elias steps in to save her.  The attraction is still simmering between them.  Liam is a music executive who loves trying to control her and he's desperate to get her back. He's dangerous!

Violet Monroe is Talia's publicist and swings into to action to try to hush up any media frenzy.  Elias has Grant in his corner and he's smart and working hard to protect both of them. Elias has an enemy named Julian Graves and Lena Phillips is a reporter who will step  on anyone to get bigger stories and she's not afraid to twist things. 

The story is fast but kind of shorter feeling, like it's missing something,  that's why I gave it a 4 star rating.  

Things get even more messed up but Talia and Elias do get their HEA. At least for now ! 

Free Bkfunnel/ Stolen Vows by Clara Dunn- sampler?

  For any other questions, please contact:
Clara Dunn <clara@claradunnromance.com>

He’s the enemy of my family—
And the first man to ever touch me.

One second, I’m walking down the aisle.
The next, I’m in a cabin with a mafia enforcer who looks at me like I’m already his.

Max Mastroni is cold. Brutal. Covered in scars.
He says I’m just leverage—bait for my father.
But his hands say something else.
So do the things he makes me feel.

I try to run.
I scream, I fight, I curse his name.
But he doesn’t care that I’m untouched.
He just says he’ll ruin me gently.

I thought I knew what hate was.
Turns out it looks a lot like obsession.
And sounds a lot like his voice in my ear, promising I’ll beg for more.

I was supposed to be a pawn in his war.
Now I’m the girl he’d kill to keep.

 

Book 1 in a series of STANDALONE forbidden romances within an interconnected mafia world.

------My unrated review- Titled: It only has 1 Chapter

Ten year old Cara is caught terrified by her father eavesdropping one night. She was supposed to be in bed but wakes up to voices and a woman fleeing for her life.  She never saw her father like that ever before !

Then it's Present time and she's preparing to get married to Mario Manicotti, an older man her father chose and she finds repulsive !  Then a man, surprises her through a open window before she can head downstairs! 

Continue to read the best. In other words buy the book at Amazon 

November 28th, 2025(ARC)for... Cat-astrophe on the Coffee Express By Iris Thorn

  

All aboard for murder, mocha, and mayhem.

The Coffee Express promises scenic views, artisan brews, and a relaxing day away from my barista gig with my best friends. Blink, my one-eyed, telepathic cat (who communicates exclusively in sarcasm) is along for the ride too. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything, apparently.

When Bradford Sterling, a snobby celebrity coffee critic, drops dead mid-sip, the train goes into lockdown. Awesome. We have a killer on board.

Bored and curious, we dive into sleuth mode armed with caffeine and zero qualifications. Blink silently judges our every move and reminds me that he could solve this faster.

Blink says every mystery starts with a list of “likely humans.” He’s not wrong.The suspects include a twitchy tabloid reporter, a frosty socialite with a secret, a latte-obsessed influencer livestreaming the chaos, and a conductor who’s one tantrum away from derailment.

This isn’t just a whodunit.
It’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
If we don’t catch the killer soon,
Someone’s next coffee order might be their last.

A clever and cozy whodunit full of quirky suspects, snappy banter, and one telepathic cat with a taste for biscotti and trouble. Perfect for fans of lighthearted crime, small-town secrets, and feline sidekicks.

--My 4 Star Review TITLED: A cat who thinks he's Sherlock Holmes 

This charming story starts at the Oak Ridge train station with Blink in the mc's tote. 

With her on this train extravaganza is Piper, a well meaning disaster, Miles, who likes to joke and do card tricks and Aunt Rhoda.  Her group all working together along with of course Blink !  This story starts out a bit slow but that's because the dramatic train ride is so well described even before more "fun" begins". 

 There were several people who seemed worthy to be the murder target but i didn't like the coffee mogul, Bradford Sterling right from the start. Nasty man. It There are a number of suspicious people with reasons for dislike to the person murdered. But grumpy Walter, or Leo, even a couple of women look good for the murder.  And those poor servers and conductor, they have their hands full. It all comes to a good conclusion. 

P.S. I adored the cover of this eBook !

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

ARC/Bkfunnel/ 100 Days to Claim Me ( Mark by Malikov Book 2)" by Mya Grey

   Amazon

Some women find their strength in yoga and self-help books. I found mine in the penthouse of a Russian mobster who could kill me with his pinky but chooses to rearrange my entire life instead.

I was never supposed to fall for a killer.
Now I’m carrying his child—and his enemies know it.

Anton Malikov built his empire on control.
Rules. Silence. Blood.
But when he found out I was pregnant, the man who never begged… started to break his own laws.

He swore he’d protect me.
That no one would ever touch me again.
What he didn’t say—
was that protection comes with a price.

I’m locked inside his world
armed guards in the hall, poker-night psychopaths who’ve decided I’m family,
and a husband who worships and terrifies me in equal measure.

I should run.
Instead, I’m learning to shoot, curse in Russian, and out-bluff killers at the breakfast table.
Because danger doesn’t end when the bullets stop.
It ends when Anton finally decides who he is—
the Pakhan’s loyal enforcer… or the man willing to burn the Bratva down to keep what’s his.

And when they come for us,
I’ll prove one
you can’t ruin a woman who’s already claimed by the devil himself.


100 Days to Claim Me is Book 2 in the Mark by Malikov Duet. Mary and Anton’s story begins in Book 1, 100 Days to Ruin Me.    

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My Review Notes- TITLED: Reaper, Printsessa & Gang

  Such a beautiful eBook cover. It stopped me in my tracks! And I adored the dual Points of Views. 

Anton Malikov,  The Reaper, has her melting right away, calling her, "Printsessa".   It must be that accent ! Mary likes the edge of danger that he brings even as she tries to resist it and him ! It's not working ! Things get VERY personal and detailed between them.  Often. 

 Anton has his say in the next chapter.  He's not sure if he wants to kill her or keep her ! He's torn.  Lev, is so often grinning and the only one in the group cracking a joke. Lev, one of his closest friends likes her and wants them to keep her !!! That group of men made me smile, often ! They are- Dima the destroyer/fighter the fighter, Lev the grinning Chaos gremlin as she called them  and Boris the tech /gadget genius.  

Anton's papa was a tough mafia guy who was always The Family before his own family. He said, his mama, was dead long ago. His father used up until he was no longer useful.

The Pakhan Igor Vetrov was paranoid and feared Anton but he will use him up just like he always did And then when he doesn't need him anymore Anton will be in the ground ! Anton just knows that but stays loyal for a very long time until he has an "aha" moment guided by a few other people's wisdom.  Igor's nephew, Timofey is the real enemy to that Mafia group and he's insanely clever. 

It cracked me up when she thought, don't get attached, they're criminals not soulmates There's quite a few moments like that. Funny! They LOVE her food and that she cooks for them. Anton doesn't.   I loved how Mary went from timid, undervalued and went to so much stronger with the help of Anton and his friends. Her self esteem and skills grows and grows.

 He thinks, what's the matter with me I don't laugh but he just did because Mary said something funny in the shower with him.  She always keeps him off balance.  I enjoyed that so much !

What can I say about Jasper, her gay LONG time friend from their youngest days in school. He is HILARIOUS , seriously talented in his fashion salon and helped Mary get out of jams for as long as they have known each other. HIS love life is a mess ! Her grandmother was the best and was shocked when she first encountered Anton and his group !  

I enjoyed Gordo, the fat-cat who is the neighbor's cat but has basically adopted her ! I loved how she communicated with him often. Something that Anton found odd but later made him smile. 

The battles are epic and I loved the ending with the great Epilogue !

I got an ARC from the author and now I want to read more of her books like this.  

Booksprout/When I Touch You/ Book 2 of ALL FOR YOU by Tmonique Stephens

  Novel amazon

 Book 2 of 2: ALL FOR YOU 

 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DJYJQQXJ

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2025

328 Pages 

Goodreads 

Megan the Mattress.That’s what they call her. It’s well deserved, but also, it’s no one’s damn business how many men
she's screwed, even if it was half of Sessory Corners. That was then. After three years of celibacy, Megan has her Real
Estate license and her priorities are in order. All she needs is a sponsor willing to teach her and no distractions.
Enter Tobias Price. The definition of a bad boy, he strolls into her life with his big D swagger she couldn't ignore. Talk about a distraction! Her libido revs every time he’s nearby.
She won’t give in, can’t give in. She’s come too far to backtrack into her wonton, self-destructive ways.

All Tobias needs is a little peace to figure out the phase of his life. Sessory Corners, with its small-town lifestyle, is the perfect place for the Navy Seal to chill until his life collides with Meghan.
She’s a time bomb, a walking disaster, and so fucking sexy he can’t think straight. She is a no-go zone. A taboo. Has an invisible ‘Do Not Touch’ sign plastered to her chest. She's the last thing he needs.

None of that is enough to keep her out of his mind and out of his bed.

Spicy Contemporary Small Town Romance. Explicit

 Must review on: Amazon

Optional- Goodreads, Bookbub,  

---MY 5 STAR REVIEW- TITLED: This girl causes pure chaos & I loved her

6'5" Tobias (Gator) Price starts out this story just minding his own business...until her ! Mattress Meghan. She's spunk and takes no guff of of him. She's so done with men. 3 years celibate and even though her body wants more, her mind is saying, "No way!" And what a mouth she has on her !

Tobias is on his way to visit his former military friend, because he is on temporary leave but doesn't plan on re-enlisting. Noah and his wife Kensley and their son Kevin. Sweet  kid, his wife not so much. She hates Meghan is always in her face when she sees her; calling her "Mattress Meghan".  The first time Tobias visits, Kensley sets him up with a blonde blind date. She's Tobias's usual type but he's not biting. She sure does everything she can to seduce him !Meghan admits there is some reason for the hostility from Kensley.  Although she's not the same person, people just won't let it go. It puts in some dangerous situations and it also draws Tobias in too ! He's lethal to other but so tender to her and will stand up for her EVERY TIME ! I loved that he gave her a New Nickname, "Meg'! Noah agrees with his wife that he doesn't rush Meghan but he's keeping an eye on her. He doesn't want Tobias dating her but not much he can do about that ! Tobias is all in before he even can figure out why he's SO drawn to her. 

This is such a GREAT, beautiful, emotional  story. There are surprising twists and challenges for both of them because of maddening injustices and small town minds. The things that Tobias went through in that town was horrid ! The story does end with a HEA, Meghan and Tobias Style !  I  loved when Tobias has a vision of a look-alike baby girl being held by Meghan. He wonders if it's a premonition?

 I read this book through Booksprout and I'm so grateful that I did !

 

It looks like Meghan is going to have a baby girl! The Epilogue shows more about that and I loved it ! 

Netgalley/Kill Creatures by Rory Power

   274 Pages

Netgalley link

 amazon 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Delacorte Press

 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DHVQLJ5J

Pub Date Jun 03 2025 | Archive Date Jun 03 2025

Random House Children's | Delacorte Press

Mystery & Thrillers | Teens & YA

 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Last year, Nan’s three best friends ventured into the canyons near their small town and never returned. Now one of them is back, and Nan can’t believe it…because she’s the one who killed them. From the New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls comes another dark thriller about friendship, jealousy, desire, and revenge, with a twist ending that needs to be talked about.

Last summer, Luce, Edie, Jane, and Nan took a boat out for one final swim in the river. It was a perfect summer night.

But the only one who returned that night was Nan. Edie, Jane, and Luce disappeared, and Nan’s story has always been the same: She has no idea what happened. The girls went ahead, and it was as though they vanished into thin air.

Now, one year later, all of Saltcedar has gathered at the river for a memorial. Nan even recreated the outfit she wore that fateful day last summer. And when Luce climbs out of the water, no one is more surprised than Nan.

Because Nan killed her. Right before she killed Edie and Jane.

---

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9780593302316
PRICE	$19.99 (USD)
PAGES	288

MY 3 STAR REVIEW- Titled:just okay in my opinion 

The cover is what drew me in, I loved it ! And the plot was a great idea !  It does have twists and turns.  However at the end, it left me feeling  very very disappointed  and unsatisfied. Sorry author. 

----------------------- 

Not included in review: I   really wasn’t expecting the ending, and I don’t know who’s more twisted, Nan or Luce.

Kindle/ How the Hitman Stole Christmas (Holiday With a Hitman # 1)BY Katie Reus

 amazon 

 Book 1 of 3: Holiday With a Hitman 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C9MZ1M1W

Publisher ‏ : ‎ KR Press, LLC

166 PAGES

Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 24, 2023

 

Tis the season for a grumpy-sunshine romance with a side of murder and mayhem!

She hates Christmas and everything that goes with it…

Explosives expert Elliana hates Christmas—and the only good thing about this holiday season is that her gorgeous neighbor seems allergic to shirts and clothes in general. She knows because she’s been watching him for months with her drone. She’s never stalked anyone before, but he not only doesn’t seem to mind, he puts on nightly strip shows just for her. When she finally works up the courage to talk to him, she stumbles right into a murder—that he’s committed.

But this holiday is one she’ll never forget…

According to Theo, the whole murder thing is no big deal—the dead guy needed killing. And while her hot neighbor wants her, protecting her is his main priority. So when she’s targeted, this cinnamon roll hitman kidnaps her for her own good. With a deadly threat hunting them and a hot hitman who keeps handcuffing her to him “for her own protection”, Elliana is starting to reconsider her grinchy stance on the holidays. And when everything finally comes to a head, the results are bound to be…explosive.

MY 5 STAR REVIEW- TITLED: Explosive and Hilarious

 Elliana Reed I loved you and your friends, Weston and Rebel ! Yes, she definitely HATED Christmas with a passion but her friends loved her anyway.  I liked how the story started out one week before Christmas with "E" a very skilled former marine is "stalking" her very hunky neighbor !  She had been an explosives expert and claims she still knows her stuff.  She gawks at him from her two story house and likes what she sees.  She's turned into a voyeur and shakes her head at herself but still keeps watching. The conversations with herself are hilarious ! And that's all before she even knew his name !!

Her friend and  business partner is the cautious one and warns her to be careful. Her friend Rebel Martinez is a global musical superstar. She's bold and eggs her on for awhile before telling her to set boundaries in place. Yeah, like that's gonna happen, lol ! To be fair, she does try just not real hard !

Now enter the Charming Killer. He's Theo Contos . He's beautiful, muscular, huge, funny and very effective at his "job".  Now he's out to charm her.  And he has a GREAT family and a great reason for sliding into this kind of work.  I loved how Theo is ALL in for anything Christmas and it's hilarious how mad she gets when he Christmas ups her house, Grinch and all. I laughed so hard through a lot of the book. And I loved the hilarious titles on each chapter and I will be re-reading this book over and over. 

By the way, The action, suspense and ending was spectacular and I want to read more about this family. Her family, not so much!  His family is now the one she wants !

NETGALLEY/ Pub Date Jul 29 2025 | Archive Date Aug 12 2025 / BOOK: Road Trip With a Rogue Her Majesty's Rebels #3 by Kate Bateman

               AMAZON LINK  

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DCTNTP9Y

Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Paperbacks (July 29, 2025)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 29, 2025

Description

Mistakenly holding up the coach of the man who broke her heart is bad enough, but having to endure his sinfully alluring company all the way to Scotland is Daisy Hamilton’s worst nightmare . . . and her most secret desire.

A midnight mishap.

Daisy Hamilton’s new mission for King & Co., London's premier private investigation firm, is simple: stop heiress Violetta Brand from eloping. But her case is derailed when she mistakenly holds up the carriage of Lucien Vaughan, Duke of Cranford—cynical war hero, infamous libertine, and the very man who broke her heart five years ago.

A reluctant road trip.

Lucien’s determined to see his lovestruck nephew married to Miss Brand, but the unexpected appearance of Daisy— the one woman he’s never been able to forget—could ruin his plans. As they follow the runaway couple together, Lucien decides that delaying the headstrong Daisy by any means possible—including seduction—will be his absolute pleasure . . . and hers.

A dangerous desire.

After Daisy’s reputation is threatened, Lucien makes a scandalous claim, but when an unexpected enemy threatens her life, he realizes she’s the only woman for him. Their past encounters have made Daisy almost as jaded about love as Lucien himself, and it’s going to take action, not words, to convince this knife-wielding hellion to risk her heart on him again...

My 4 STAR Review Notes- TITLED: Hulk & Fire 

 This is a delightful, spicy adventure with great chemistry and banter between Daisy and Lucien ! Daisy had great Fire ! Lucien is a hulking, brooding hero and  Daisy is that spirited, knife-wielding heroine, that I love too !

They go on quite the adventure  and it was fun watching that adventure unfold. I enjoyed getting to see them finally get their HEA!

Bkfunnel/ MOST WANTED by DARAH LACE

  For any other questions, please contact:
Darah Lace <darah@darahlace.com>

A bounty on the line, a hunter who bedded then betrayed her, and a strip club—she’ll bare it all to get her man 

 A Spicy Contemporary Short Story

This story contains graphic language and a sexual encounter that some readers might find fun and too difficult to pass up.

Mackenzie “Mac” Loveless is determined to make it as a recovery agent and works twice as hard as her male counterparts—one in particular, who pushes all the right buttons, including the one between her legs. But after sleeping with the enemy, only to have him betray her, she makes it her mission to take as many bounties from him as possible.

Former Navy SEAL turned bounty hunter, Asher Sloane is on the hunt for a drug dealer who skipped bail, but what he catches is trouble in stilettos—his competitor and the woman he can’t forget.

 MY 4 STARS REVIEW NOTES- TITLED: THEY really are competitive

The story opens with Asher going to a strip club looking for the girlfriend of Warren Elkins. He's the one who skipped court on a drug charge.  Women approached Asher but he wanted Mackenzie Loveless. I really enjoyed when he texted Mac to join him and she basically told him to get lost !   There's no way that's happening because he really deeply regrets betraying her . And so far she hasn't spoken to him, let alone forgiven him.  But he has hope although he's furious finding her in that strip club!

I liked how this quick story ended. It was fast & furious, sexy &  funny ! 

Bkfunnel/ Secrets in the Mist Book 5 by Cait Byrne

   amazon

 Book 5 of 5: The Lochraven Romantic Mystery Series 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FRPNGQMY

159 Pages

Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 2025

When Isla MacLeod opens a mysterious black box, she triggers a deadly curse—and now she has just ninety days to live.
As time runs out, Finlay Fraser digs into ancient magic, forgotten family secrets, and a past long buried. But some spells demand sacrifice. And saving Isla may cost them everything.A breathtaking finale full of romance, suspense, and the timeless pull of love against fate.

------------- 

My 5 STAR Review Notes- TITLED: Is this their final time together?

Isla, Finlay and Shakespeare are back at it again; continuing on their journey ! Isla makes a 90 day Bucket list to do before she dies. Isla finally gets to meet Finlay's mother Emmaline and they hit it off. So does her gran Moira. Finlay and Moira are terrified but try to keep everyone's hopes up ! Everyone is charmed by and loves Shakespeare and he once again helps find some clues. Unexpected help comes through Stevie, the nephew when they visit Finlay's mother. Seems he's not as childlike as Finlay thought. He's actually quite scholarly and has access to Ancient Texts !

It was nice to be reminded that Isla has synesthesia (that she tastes books).  But after opening that horrible box she now can feel emotions of books, documents and etc.  Clever. Most of the book was just that, clever !

If that's not problems enough, they still are looking for Finley's father who disappeared and most people don't remember much about him because of a forgetting spell that was cast.  

 There are great surprises after surprises with it all ending with the greatest surprises of all !

 I got to read this book in advance and thoroughly enjoyed it !

 

Review by Nov 24, 2025/Bksprout/ Claimed by the Bratva King BY ROXY VALE

 Booksprout 

She’s the fiery off-limits detective who put me in cuffs.

I’m the Bratva king she swore to destroy—and the reason she wakes wet and restless.

She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s already mine.

Eileen O’Rilley’s got that red hair and green eyes combo that gets under my skin.

That sharp, tempting mouth and curves that are built for sin.

She thinks she’s hunting me—but the closer she gets, the easier it is for me to catch her.

She cuffed me once. Now I’m the one who won’t let her go.

She interrogated me. I played.

She tried to break me. I teased.

She’s the one woman I should destroy—but I crave her instead.

And when danger comes for her, I shield her before I even think.

When she trembles in my arms, I feel her heart beat against mine.

She’s the only rule I was never meant to break.

​But now it’s too late to walk away.

And if I can’t have her—no one will. 

Hosted by Roxy Vale Romance

Note from the Author

Enjoy the book! And please leave your honest review when the book goes live on 24th of November 2025.

Must review on:

Amazon

File(s) available:

EPUB (Send via email & download) 

My 5 STAR REVIEW- What a Wild Ride !

Eileen O’Rilley what fierce, redheaded, take no prisoners kind of woman. I loved her ! And she's hot on the pursuit of the evil Bratva King, the Russian, Mikhail Gagarin. And she's never one to give up on getting him, it's her mission.  She's got quite the Irish mouth on her. And at times is pretty funny. Sullivan is the boss in her precinct who gives her nothing but trouble. He wants her gone and isn't shy about it.  Soon, just about everyone wants her gone or dead. 

 Mikhail has his men, with Yuri being his closest one. Sergi is another,  with Dimitri being a big pain always yelling for violence, retaliation even when it wasn't smart !I liked Mikhail's grandmother in the scenes that she shows up in and we get to hear some of her history of loving toughness as well.    Mikhail is torn between letting Eileen get killed but he keeps saving her ! He was a great character !
Katie Alverez is her partner who enjoys the wild chases with Eileen as much as at times it scares her.   She adds some funny moments as well. 

I liked Mikhail's grandmother in the scenes that she shows up in and we get to hear some of her history of loving toughness as well.  

I enjoyed being able to get both of their points of view. And yes, there will be a lot of HOT scenes between Mikhail and Eileen as much as they hate each other.  Violence and death does chase after them.  A Mexican cartel leader, El Lobo is a tough opponent, with the intent to wipe out anyone who stands against him. Especially the Bravta king and all of  people!  It has a spectacular final battle and a very satisfying ending.  I will be re-reading this book again !!

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

BKFUNNEL/Her Unexpected Cowboy BY DANAE LITTLE

 

She’s a goat rancher in desperate need of help. He’s the cowboy who lands on her doorstep with amnesia. Neither expects the dangers that will follow…

Sydney clings to her loneliness like a badge, refusing the help she desperately needs for her ranch. When a broken and bleeding (and handsome) cowboy winds up on her porch, she has to decide whether to help him or send him limping away.

Waking up on a deserted country road, Jameson is lost without memory or identity. A beautiful and intriguing woman offers him shelter, but a sense of peril grows as he recovers on her ranch.

The tension spikes when the local sheriff pays a visit. Something about the smooth-talking man unnerves Jameson, and it's more than just how he speaks to Sydney.

As the past catches them up in a web of danger, Jameson and Sydney realize there is more at stake than just their hearts—their lives hang on the thread of Jameson’s lost memory.

Read Her Unexpected Cowboy, book one of Unforgettable Cowboys, a clean and wholesome romance series with a touch of suspense, where the stories are stand-alone but the characters are tied together.

------ 

MY 5 STAR REVIEW TITLED: I loved it all 

28 year old Sydney drew me right in -right away. Her and her way to talking to her animals like people because she is SO Alone ! The cat, Mr. Paws as she calls him is a prime example of that and made me smile ! Guardian is the other animal that she's closest to. He's a beautiful, large, gentle white dog who adores her !  Sydney's Aunt Meg and Uncle Joe left her the ranch and she loves being thee far from the interference of others. She's had bad experiences and her former boyfriend, the sheriff is one of them. She dated him until she was humiliated by knowing he was a married man ! He still comes by trying to wangle his way back into her life. What a sleaze ! And Sydney's not having it !

When "the man" shows up at her door she greets him with a shotgun until she lets him sleep in the barn.  With the goats and other animals.  Home, who is the old man who  helps out on the ranch is stunned that she did that and continually warns her of the dangers ! Yes, she totally understands that though. Homer cares about her and the ranch. And this newbie doesn't have a clue to what he's doing but he wants to learn and soon shows a lot of interest in Sydney.  The trouble really takes off, after he remembers his first name and slowing starts to remember more. Then it really hits the fan.  

I loved both independent, skilled caring, isolated, Sydney and her mystery man who as he remembers seems to have some stealth skills as well.  It was a great story, charming romance with enough  sweet animals and thrilling dangers to keep things interesting ! I would really like to read more of her books. 

Tuesday, November 25ARC/ A Bride Till Christmas by Elizabeth Everly

   For any other questions, please contact:
Elizabeth Everly <elizabeth@elizabetheverly.com> 

“This Christmas is my last chance… I must find a bride, and I must find her now!”

When Beatrice Hamilton’s family faces financial ruin, she takes the boldest step of her life, calling upon the Earl of Athenwood with a shocking proposal. With her late father’s debts threatening her mother and sister, Beatrice sees only one solution: offer herself as the ideal bride for a desperate nobleman racing against time. Armed with determination, intelligence, and a talent for estate management, she breaks every rule of propriety to save the people she loves most.

James Alford, Earl of Athenwood, has just fifteen days until Christmas to marry, or lose the inheritance that could save his estate. Haunted by the tragic death of his first love, he has sworn never to risk his heart again. A practical marriage seems perfect… until Beatrice’s quiet strength, clever mind, and their shared love of poetry begin to thaw his grief-stricken soul.

With Christmas fast approaching, family schemes, jealous rivals, and hidden agendas close in, threatening everything they’ve built. Can two wounded hearts survive the season of uncertainty, and discover that even the most calculated marriage can blossom into love?

------------- 

MY 4 STAR REVIEW TITLED:  Love Challenges

Beatrice what a loving, sweet, gentle kind woman who while afraid takes that bold step to offer herself in a marriage of convenience.  She was so innocent and loves books and poetry and her sister and  mother so much ! Her younger sister Sophia is so sweet and lively and her mother the Honourable Mrs. Robert Hamilton, is frail and she is honorable ! They deserve so much better and Beatrice is going to get them there; well taken care of.  

James, is quiet, gentle man who doesn't smile much. He's kind of standoffish and afraid to love again. It was great that he WASN'T a snob.  Unlike his sudden unwelcome visitors, Aunt Juliana and his cousins, Millicent and nasty cousin Rayleigh. They were such downers that they could make a rainbow cry !!!  They are all disapproving to everything and often spoiling everything. Rayleigh seems to be up to something nasty ! On the other hand James's, Aunt Catherine was a ray of sunshine and her son,  David was also. He promptly was enthralled by Sophia and you could see that they deserved to fall in love ! They were well matched !

James had lost a woman he loved before so he was fighting his attraction to Beatrice. Beatrice is confused by his affection and then coolness but they also enjoy some good times together anyway. 

I liked the challenge that came at the end which resulted in a happy turnaround to their story. The Epilogue put the frosting on the cake !

 

Nov 21/HOOPLA/Indecent Exposure by TESSA BAILEY

   amazon

 Book 2 of 3: The Academy

Tessa Bailey Series: Academy

HOOPLA LINK  384 PAGES 2018 HarperCollins Publisher

Jack Garrett isn't a police officer yet, but there's already an emergency. His new firearms instructor-the one who just dropped every jaw in the academy gym-is the same sexy Irish stranger Jack locked lips with last night. The Olympic gold medalist and expert markswoman is now officially off-limits, but Jack's never cared much for rules . . .

Katie McCoy's been cooped up in a shooting range for too long. A wild love affair is just what she needs to let loose, though she never imagined it would be with her smokin' hot trainee. She cannot get involved with Jack-but a quick fling? Perfect. Falling hard for a charismatic recruit with an equal amount of sex appeal and secrets? Bloody stupid.

Jack's charmed the pants off plenty of women (literally), yet few have ever looked beyond his perfect surface. Until Katie. He'll do anything to keep her in his life . . . except tell her about his past. But a tiny lie of omission never hurt anyone, right?

----My 5 Star Review TITLED:  He's the Big Baad Wolf !

I loved when Irish Katie likened Jack to The Big Bad Wolf and herself as the unwitting Little Red Riding Hood.  Jack can't understand why he's so drawn to her; she's so different than his usual and he cant get her off his mind. That scares Jack. Katie is scared of her attraction to Jack too !  I also loved that Jack often called her, Snaps because of all her picture taking. So tourist but he finds he begins to adore that. That and her rambling and obsession with American mob murder stories.  Jack's friend Columbian friend & roommate, Danika Silva, I quickly fell in love with.  Charlie Burns is his other friend good friend, fellow team mate & roommate care deeply for him and don't want to see him self-destruct.  

This story was different. Yes, it was emotional but also funny, cute and sweet. In book 3 of the Series- Disturbing His Peace: The Academy, we get to read Danika's story about her  Lt. Greer Burns which I think I will be reading too. In this book it was clear there was a strong attraction between the two of them and then he went & put both feet in his mouth and she was FURIOUS !

I read this story through my HOOPLA App and want to read it again! 

HOOPLA/ Zeke (Alien Berserkers of Izaea Book 3)

  HOOPLA EBOOK LINK

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237 PAGES  2025/ email :news@minacarter.com

 Rescued by an alien berserker. One bed. Zero control. Michelle came to Parac'Norr for construction work, not to lose her mind over a handsome alien with yellow eyes that make her forget how to breathe. Zeke is unfairly gorgeous, all carved muscle and controlled power, and he watches her like she's the only thing worth looking at in the galaxy. But when ferals snatch her, the gentle medic transforms into death itself, tearing her captors apart with his bare hands. She should be terrified… instead, that just makes him more attractive. Trapped by a blizzard in a one-room cabin, there's just one bed… She is SO done for. Especially when he claims she's his. But something's been hunting them through the storm. The real danger isn't the monsters outside… it's that she's starting to need Zeke in ways that have nothing to do with protection. And on this frozen planet, giving him her heart might be the one risk she can't survive. 

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--My 5 STAR Review Notes- TITLED: Thrilling SciFi Romance 

Zeke is going to have to work to keep her.  Michelle Trevor is a tiny woman who is also a clever one; skilled in engineering. When she gets snatched,  by some gruesome, ugly ferals, her broken leg is going to get worse but so is her terror.  Because these were alien murderous berserkers. Zeke is joined in the hunt  to find her by Raaze; a feral excellent tracker who is new to the planet and new to being Izalean.  Zeke barely can tolerate him at first. But Zeke's garrison commander, Kraath, tells him to cool it, to stand down and let them get going to find Michelle. Things are about to get worse between the horrible incoming storm, the possibility to losing her blood trail and finding that there is another pack of ferals chasing after the first group. Zeke is furious and very afraid for her ! What an interesting character Zeke is. Talk about him having blood rage and then when something called his  legion. Turns out there is two in one  personality to him ... he has a symbiote! Ah, then I got it ! Things just kept getting more interesting from there. I already liked the both of them and was hoping for a good ending for them ! 

Mina Carter did an outstanding job when it came to building this foreign world, describing aliens, attacks, dealing with emotions  and the tremendous pull between Michelle and Zeke.  It kept me all in.  I loved the unexpected ending of the story. We get a quick look at sly Raaze and he's definitely plotting something and he's going to get his own book.

I read this book via my HOOPLA app and really enjoyed it ! 

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 AUTHOR INFORMATION: Mina Carter was born and raised in Middle Earth (otherwise known as the Midlands, England). After a slew of careers ranging from logistics to land-surveying she can now be found in the wilds of Leicestershire with her husband, daughter and a cat who moved in and never left. Suffering the curse of eternal curiosity, Mina never tires of learning new skills which has led to Aromatherapy, Corsetry, Chain-maille making, Welding, Canoeing, Shooting, and pole-dancing to name but a few. A full-time author and cover artist, Mina can usually be found hunched over a keyboard or graphics tablet, frantically trying to get the images and words in her head out and onto the screen before they drive her mad. She's addicted to coffee and Dairy-lea cheese triangles.