Book Review- Married By Magic: A Grumpy Billionaire Boss Romance (Magical Love Book 2) by Karine Saint Jacques

 

A movie star and his former maid get magically married to each other in a parallel universe.

Jordana

Armand Beauregard is a grumpy asshole of a movie star. I was his maid until he fired me.
A year and a half later, I am doing great, getting engaged to my lovely boyfriend and falling asleep in his arms.
But the next morning, I wake up in the bed of Armand Beauregard and find out we are married to each other.
Everyone around us acts as if we are happy together. Guess what? Armand Beauregard is the last man on Earth I would ever wed. He may be one of the sexiest men alive, but he’s also a jerk.
Until we figure out how to escape this curse, we are stuck together.
I just don’t understand why I start getting butterflies in my belly whenever he’s around.

Armand

A year and a half ago, I fired Jordana Rosales, my maid at the time. She shouldn’t have disrespected me.
I thought my former employee would remain in my past until this morning, when out of the blue, she pops up in my bed and, I’m ashamed to admit it, I got chills. It turns out we are magically hitched.
There’s certainly a way to get rid of Jordana, right? Not only is being married to her bad for my image, but she also infuriates me.
If only I could have fun with other women while I search for a way to set free of the curse and Jordana. But the women I approach are not keen to get involved now that I am tied up.
I only date actresses; I don’t fall in love with maids. Then why does my heart palpitate every time Jordana enters a room?

  AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

This was different and unique when it came to a story.  Unique almost like a fairy tale being told.

I liked that both Armand and Jordana got to tell their part of the story.  Arrogant Armand, that would have been a good title to give him because that is who he was for quite a while.   I loved that Jordana didn't care that he was a great looking actor.  She wasn't going to take any guff off of him.  Not now not ever. 

The thing about the dogs actually had me throwing my hands up in the air.   It had me saying at the same time, "are you kidding me?"

I did like how the story ended though. So a fair amount of mixed feelings here. So I will be giving it 3.5 Stars on Amazon. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Book Review- First you Dream (Family Forever Book 3) by Aliyah Burke

   

 Reader advisory: This book contains a brief mention of violence/murder.

A rash decision can become the best ever.

Race car driver Cody Gamino has come from Europe to the United States for one thing—to race with the incredible Xin. Their one night together meant more to him than he expected and suddenly, it’s not just about racing together but being together. Forever.

Racer N’Jelle ‘Xin’ Marx turns to a handsome man she met outside a bar, just to forget for a night. Six weeks and two pink lines later, she is questioning the decision she made that night. When he shows up at her job, revealing to her who he truly is, and snatches her position out from under her, she doesn’t have the fight in her any longer. And Cody isn’t one to give up—when he learns of his unborn child, he digs in even more. Will these two, used to life in the fast lane, learn to slow down and see what’s before them? Will they recognize what they have to lose?  AMAZON LINK

4.5 STARS

First of all, I liked that the title was a good fit for this book. I didn't find out until so much later in the book but that's okay.  It does explain the unusual title which was one of the things that first caught my attention. 

 Xin and Cody definitely keep the story interesting.   Another interesting thing that happened was when Xin went from having no family to all of sudden being faced with so many more.  I really felt for her because the new women in her life had almost no boundaries.  It was almost like an invasion.  

Another surprise happens towards the end of the story.  I never saw it coming which is something I always enjoy.   It's also kind of sweet and leads into an even better Epilogue.  H.E.A. here we come.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Book Review- The Best Kept Secret by Tawna Fenske

   

Description

Nurse Nyla Franklin knows three things to be true. Taking care of others brings more joy than a basket full of kittens. A triple-fudge sundae can cure just about anything. And no good ever comes from keeping a secret… So when her best friend spills his biggest one ever, Nyla knows she’s not just holding a secret. She’s holding a ticking time bomb.

Mr. Always Does the Right Thing Leo Sayre knows three things to be true. Piloting smokejumpers over burning forests is the best job in the world. His best friend Nyla is the smartest, funniest, and okay, sexiest woman ever. And pain meds are apparently his truth serum. Now his post-surgery confession has everything flipped upside down and turned inside out… including his relationship with Nyla.

Secrets have a way of piling up, and it’s just a matter of time before someone lights a match. Because while the truth can set you free, it can also burn completely out of control…

Each book in the Where There’s Smoke series is STANDALONE:
* The Two-Date Rule
* Just a Little Bet

  *The Best Kept Secret  AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

What a great story this turned out to be.  Nyla turned out to be a hoot !  She was also such a caring person who worried about everyone being happy and safe.  Not only do the people in this story have depth but there was also a lot of humor too.  

The secret that got blabbed?  It wasn't even close to anything that I had imagined.  It was quite the twist.  I think my jaw might have dropped when it was revealed. 

 What a great guy Leo was.  He was dependable, honest, loving, hardworking and even doing his best to co-parent with his ex, Mandi. It made things even more interesting because Mandi and Nyla are sisters.  Sisters who are so tight and have been for many years.  And it begins to look like they will have to continue to be there for each other in the future.

I have to admit I smiled a lot at  the situations that Nyla ended up in.  And not all of them were because of her "can't keep a secret" ways.  I agreed with Leo that she was adorable and she tried so hard to do the right thing.

I was very happy with how things turned out and the Epilogue was sweet.  

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And this is my honest opinions about it.”

Book Review- Treating the Tyrant by Julie Scarlet

  

 

She’s a compassionate doctor. He’s a ruthless gangster. Do they stand a chance of falling in love with each other?

Doctor Isabella Romano hates violence. When a smoking hot Mafia boss faints in her clinic, she treats his bleeding wounds... repressing her desire to feel his touch.

Marco "The Grim Reaper" Vaeletti had no time for women. The mob is everything he has ever known. While escaping an ambush, he stumbles upon a stunning doctor and is instantly drawn to her. The moment he finds out she hates his kind, he is determined to change her opinion.

Isabella has trouble controlling her feelings toward the handsome high-flyer. Marco would do anything to make her his.

Will their growing feelings ignite between the sheets?

AMAZON LINK 

2 STARS

This was an insta-lust kind of story that I had a hard time with. It was more like  erotica and I skipped quite a few pages because of it.  It also felt kind of shallow most of the time.  Others probably don't agree with me but that's my take on it. 

If you make it all the way through it does come with a finishing up Epilogue.   That ends up with a H.E.A.

 

*** Book Review- Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean

   

Romance

Description

Bookish Arabella Bromley never gave a fig for society’s rules—until her sister ran off with a man below her station. Now Arabella is desperate to restore her family’s ruined reputation to favor amongst the ton. She’ll have to marry quickly and well. But in order to carry off her plan, Arabella needs a duke… and she has just the rakish fellow in mind.

The Duke of Whittsley has an ungentlemanly tendency to disregard the rules. Unfortunately, a sense of mischief doesn’t excuse a high-ranking noble from family duty—especially where it concerns producing a son. And that’s where he can’t quite resist Arabella’s distinctly outrageous plan: if he saves her family, she’ll give him an heir.

Now the deal’s been struck. They have one year to achieve their goals and ten iron-clad rules to keep them on track. Like long, scorching kisses and ensuring they’re both exquisitely satisfied. And the only thing that could ruin their plan is the one thing they never planned on: love.

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS 

How did I feel about this book in one word?  Delightful. I grinned right along with Silas, the duke at their outrageously funny first meeting and  bargaining session.  I found the whole book delightful especially Silas and Arabella's non-courting courtship.  Over time Silas observed that Ari as he called her might be shy but she had a backbone of steel.  She also was able to make him laugh which was something he hadn't been doing a whole lot of. In fact dealing with Ari was the most fun he'd had in a long time. The ten rules also made things interesting.

Arabella really wasn't like the society desiring woman that most women were.  She really had more guts, heart and loved her peace and quiet.  Oh and books, plenty of books and time to read them.  She really had to push herself to meet the requirements that she helped draft. 

There is of course some emotional drama that stirs things way up.  However, the H.E.A. with a sweet Epilogue winds everything up.

 

 " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

Book Review- The Beast Prince (It's Raining Royals) by Alix Nichols

 

 Packed with steam, emotion and adventure, this romantic comedy is Book 3 in the series, It’s Raining Royals. Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and “Beauty and the Beast” style romances, THE BEAST PRINCE can be read as a standalone.

 Elise
I never had it easy despite my pretty face.
But at least I had options.
Now, I’m left with two: run or become a gangster’s pet.
As I brace myself for the worst, a brawny man named Theo shows up on my doorstep.
His left eye—blue and piercing—is the only intact spot on his disfigured face.
Theo says he’ll help me if I find an old key for him.
We strike a deal.
Beggars and choosers, you know. Real-life damsels in distress don't get to pick the cutest heroes.
The weird part? Theo turns me on more than any man ever has…

Theo
What good is it being a crown prince, when you’re cut off from your bodyguards and trapped in a cabin?
The situation is dire.
There’s no cell phone reception. My enemies are closing in. All hope to save my country is fading away.
To add insult to injury, I’m stranded here with a woman—a beauty, no doubt.
But she’s foreign, and her brother is a jailed lowlife. She’s too far beneath me for her charms to work.
Not that she’s trying, mind you.
And yet, I crave her touch so badly I’d trade the crown for it!

AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

There is quite a dramatic first meeting between Theo and Elise in the opening chapter.  To be honest I am kind of over the general Beast and the Beauty stories.  BUT, this one had a different kind of slant to it that I liked.  It also had plenty of emotions in it and both of the main characters P.O.V.'s.  But it's not only just emotional challenges but there is a villain that just seems to be a step ahead of the good guys a lot of the time.  And because of that he keeps things stirred up. 

An H.E.A. but there are quite a few keys to find until the final conclusion.  More keys means more adventures and romances right?

  "I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my thoughts about the book."

*** Book Review- The Damaged by Tijan

   

Description

The world knows about Kash.

Both Bailey and Kash were used to living in the shadows, but now they must live in the public eye.
Kash is figuring out his new found role against his grandfather, and Bailey is starting her graduate program late. At university, everyone is watching Bailey, and some are wondering if her legendary father, Peter Francis, bought her way into the elite program.

Meanwhile, Bailey’s former stepmother is in jail and at home, a mysterious aunt is living with them while Bailey’s mother and Peter are sleeping together. Again?!
But then, a new treasure trove of secrets is revealed and Bailey and Kash must decide if they will trust each other or take on the world alone.  

  AMAZON LINK

5+ STARS 

I liked how the book started out.  Why?  Because it's been awhile since I read a previous book and this was a good, quick refresher.  It also made for what I thought was a good introduction for a new reader.  Even though there was  a fair number of people to begin with.  

I forgot how much I liked Bailey before but it was pretty easy to get on her team again quickly. This woman has quite the big brilliant brain but she also has a giant heart to go with it.  And Bailey and Kash together?  Awesome.

Kash has quite a few plates that he is trying to balance.  His major focus is to keep Bailey safe and happy as he battles his evil grandfather,  Calhoun Bastian.  That man truly has no limits when it comes to winning.  If you look in the dictionary under evil, you'd find his name.  And he's like a chess player when it comes to making his moves.  

The story is intense, and emotional with well drawn people of depth. Easy to be drawn into their parts of the story.  

The story comes to a jaw-dropping ending for now.  My jaw did actually drop, I so was NOT expecting that.  The door is left open for another story to be told to complete some things.  More adventures ahead.  I have to say I want to keep reading this adventure.

 

   I received  an advanced reader copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.