Audiobook #Review: An Honorable Seduction (Westmoreland Legacies Book 3) by Brenda Jackson

Book Title: An Honorable Seduction (Westmoreland Legacies # 3)
Author:  Brenda Jackson |Website| Twitter| Facebook|
Publisher: Harlequin Desire

Genre: Romance, Interracial Romance, Military Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3
Format: Audiobook, Mass Market Paperback
Narrator: Brian Hutchison 

Audio Service: Scribd
Hours in Book: 4 hours 50 mins

Cost: $20.00

Pages: 224

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: May 08, 2018
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Synopsis:

This Navy SEAL is on a top-secret mission of seduction ...David Holloway is used to hard assignments. Now he faces his most difficult yet: cozying up to the soft curves of Swan Jamison. He wants to know the island beauty ... in every way. But romancing Swan as part of his SEAL team's mission tests his honor, even as his feelings become increasingly real. Soon he must make a choice: duty ... or desire? (

Overall:
A military romance with mystery, intrigue, international espionage and sexy times. Where do I sign up?? Plus it's linked to the Westmoreland family sagas?? Yes, please.

Narrator:
Brian Hutchison. This is the first time I've listened to anything read by him and I enjoyed his narration. The story flowed and he was able to make each character unique enough for a distinction between them and I was hooked because of how he read the story as well. Well done!!

Story:
I grabbed this recently after being at home due to recovering after emergency surgery.  I didn't feel the urge to read but wanted something to keep me occupied while I was stuck in the bed. I decided I didn't want anything with crazy plot lines I wanted some good loving and great family dynamics and I was so glad I snagged this one.

Told using dual perspectives, we have the story of Swan & David. David known as Flipper to his friends is a Navy SEAL who is due for a vacation and is instead given the option for a top-secret mission., this mission is being asked of him by the top brass who he really respects and he decides to take the mission.  Swan owns a boutique in her mother's hometown, where she not only sells unique designs she makes herself but also rents out part of her shop to a successful tattoo parlor. Unbeknownst to Swan, she's being investigated for her part in the selling of US intelligence secrets to the Chinese.

David gets to the island to investigate and is surprised that when he meets Swan in the flesh he's beyond attracted to her. He has to keep this professional not just because her Uncles are his Superior officers, but because he can't afford to be distracted on the mission.

As with all Brenda's books, the chemistry was off the charts and the couple were hilarious together. Both were being cautious, Swan because she had learned the harsh lessons of the past from her parents' marriage and how they were treated by their families. While her parents had a happy marriage after what happens to them Swan has made the choice to never date military and to be extremely cautious about interracial dating.  David is trying to stay focused, finish the mission prove that Swan is innocent and get out of this mission without compromising his honor.

I really loved the story and it kept me intrigued, because not only did we have the mystery of who was selling the secrets if it wasn't Swan. I loved how they talked about what dating would look like and how they went slowly because David recognized that Swan needed the time and space to re-evaluate what was once on her never list. They are so many characters who could have been the ones responsible and some I didn't expect. Once we began to unravel the mystery and more information began to come out I was deeply hooked.

I enjoyed the mystery the romance and the final chapters. I loved how Swan reacted because honestly #Same, and I loved how Flipper got around her fears.

I skipped reading in order like I have been for the rest of the Westmoreland series, so I could read this. I didn't know all the characters David was connected to so I missed that "ahh" aspect when you read a series to the current books. However I still enjoyed the book, it wasn't necessary to know all the background of the characters as there was a brief description when needed. I loved this one especially because Flipper has such good friends. Now I'm going backward to go read those books.

 ★★★★☆

RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Westmoreland series by Brenda Jackson
• The Protector Series by Brenda Jackson

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: Blame It on The Billionaire (Blackout Billionaires Book 3) by Naima Simone .@Naima_Simone #blackoutbillionaires

Book Title: Blame It On The Billionaire (Blackout Billionaires Book 3)
Author:  Naima Simone |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Genre: Romance, Interracial Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3
Format: Mass Market Paperback

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 224

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: Feb 04, 2020
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Synopsis:

A dramatic chemistry-filled contemporary romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Naima Simone.

She fell into his arms... now she’s falling for his trap.
Will a blackout change everything for these unlikely lovers?

It was a night filled with secrets, lies…and soul-stealing passion. And now the blackout that turned lowly executive assistant Nadia Jordan and start-up billionaire Grayson Chandler into insatiable lovers leads to a proposal Nadia can’t refuse. As she steps into Grayson’s privileged Chicago world, will his matchmaking mother and vengeful ex destroy her dreams? Or will her fake fiancé make those dreams a reality?

What happens in the dark never stays in the dark... Don’t miss the family drama, secrets and passion in the Blackout Billionaires series:
The Billionaire’s Bargain
Black Tie Billionaire
Blame It on the Billionaire

I was super excited to get this one. It's the final installment in the series and I wanted to know how Grayson's story would shake out.  I was so hooked to this story that I was almost late to an appointment and when I left the appointment I sat in the parking lot and read until I finished the book.  I was just so invested it was awesome.

We meet Grayson Chandler, the second son of the great Chandler family in Chicago, who with his best friend Gideon created a company that is making strides in the Tech world is at the same ball with Gideon and is currently trying to outrun his mother's matchmaking and his ex's machinations when he runs into Nadia Jordan, small-town transplant who happens to work for his company; she's at the ball on her day off because her boss an executive in Grayson's company needed a shirt to replace the one he spilled on. While trying to run the errand she runs in the CEO of the company and just when she didn't things could go more awry the lights go down and they are stuck together.  When the lights are out it gives them a chance to drop their masks and not hide. They share details they wouldn't share with others and spend a night of passion they normally wouldn't indulge in.

The characters are well done and even the side characters are as well. I loved that even though the story really focuses on the growing relationship between Nadia and Grayson that their friends and family are seen a bit. I loved the sibling relationships that were shared and that they were loving and even when strained still filled with love.   Both Grayson and Nadia where characters you could root for because they felt so real. When they faced issues they dealt with them realistically, even when it would hurt. I loved that. I loved the chemistry between them, and how even in the moments of passion neither took the other's consent for granted, but in fact enthusiastically sought and given.  Even though both of them bore the scars of betrayal they still without really meaning to seek it in the other, even after they warned each other that this wasn't real. Ugh, that is my jam!! I loved the way the POV went back and forth between them allowing us to see the motivations that they each had and of course progressed the story as some scenes only included one of the characters.

I absolutely love how Naima writes her stories, her characters are well thought out, charismatic and they just flow so well. The chemistry, the realness of the conversations they should be having?!!! Just *chefs kiss* beautiful. I love how strong and yet vulnerable they both are. When Grayson finds himself in a tough spot he backs them into a bit of a corner and even though Nadia knows she's not from the same social stratosphere as the people in her new social circle she refuses to be cowed by it. She doesn't need to be rescued, she's got her own escape plan, but a partner in crime would be nice.

This is a modern romance, with a strong but vulnerable alpha who knows his privilege and power and doesn't abuse it. He, in fact, makes sure those within his employ never take advantage they shouldn't. A strong, vulnerable woman who knows her worth and isn't willing to settle for anything less than what she fully deserves. I loved how the story circled back to sacrifice and how no matter the social status some families require it. And what should sacrifice and happiness look like?? I cracked up because when I was reading I kept saying the "effing patriarchy" because the solution was RIGHT THERE and then, of course, our good guy figured it out!!

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• The Billionaire's Bargain
• Blacktie Billionaire
• Blame It On The Billionaire

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Tempted by the Temporary Wife by Jayci Lee

Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review: Grand Theft N.Y.E (Heist Holidays 1) by Katrina Jackson .@katrinajax

Book Title: Grand Theft N.Y. E ( Heist Holidays Book 1)
Author:  Katrina Jackson |Website| Twitter| 

Publisher: Katrina Jackson
Genre: Romance, Interracial Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook

Cost: $0.99

Pages: 161

How I got it: ARC from Author 

Purchase: Amazon |
Publication Date: December 31st, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Cleo Wright is just a happy scammer on a mission to rob a rich man before his ex-wife or the federal government seize all of his money and possessions. She's not expecting to meet another rich man who makes her want to use her nimble fingers for other, not thieving, things. But Robert Shimizu is just that man.

The two share a night of fast cars, expensive champagne and the best sex of her life. But Cleo is who she is and when Robert wakes up the next morning, she's long gone... with his car and a few other very expensive possessions.

It takes him months to track down the woman who stole his favorite watch and his heart, but when he does, there's fireworks.

Content Warnings: Mentions of parental illness and death

Y'all already know that I go into books blind. I absolutely love following Katrina on twitter, so when she put out the call for reviewers I ran so fast to join the line. I have already purchased Neighborly from her and plan to read that next and I'm going back into Pink Slip series by her to get some more info about the trio in the end but I'm getting ahead of myself.  First, I want to thank Katrina for having a content warning at the beginning because it gives you time to prep for what is coming, it doesn't spoil anything but it does make sure your shields are up and in force for when it happens.

Cleo is running a successful con when she meets a distraction she can't afford. However, once she realizes that the chemistry is mutual she decides to take a bit of time for some fun for herself.  From the beginning, this night is like nothing she's ever done before and it just keeps getting better. Robert has also never been so attracted to a woman and when he gets Cleo alone it's mindblowing and he starts planning how to get more time with Cleo. When he wakes up, Cleo is gone, so is his watch and his favorite jag, now he's on a mission to find her. Cleo ran when she woke up because Robert wasn't apart of her plans and he wasn't a mark, so she needed to leave. Once gone that night affects them both until they meet again in Miami. Whew that moment?!!! Get you a fan.

From the beginning, this story flowed well and I loved the personalities we got to meet and hope we get more from them in future books. Both Robert and Cleo were strong characters that I loved. Cleo knew she was bomb and acknowledged she needed more. When I was reading I kept hearing Trina's song with Lady Saw ('cause I'm Jamaican it had to be with Lady Saw & of course Trina reps Miami which is a location in the story as well). Robert POV is also shared in the book and I love that

Can I say that I was reading this while on vacation in Florida with family for the holidays and I kept finding places to hide and read? First of all, Robert can totally get it because OMG fine, I can totally feel the heat and steam coming off the pages while they were together. Chemistry on 10. Cleo was such a fun character to read, her reactions were so me, I loved her. I almost lost it when the fire alarm went off like DAMN IT!! This was gearing up to be a sweat your perm out romp. It totally kept me glued.

I absolutely loved this story. I loved how the timeline worked out so that it played into the story as well. With it all coming to a head-on NYE. Those final pages I wanted to savor and at the same time rush thru so I could find out what happened  I'm not sure how to explain that while I love the historical romances and the contemporary sprawling cowboy saga ('cause who don't love hot Black men in cowboy hats??) there is something about reading books about millennial women living with social media and using so much of today's lingo (like when her team overheard her conversation & said her "p*ssy be yanking". It grounds it in the here and now and just makes you feel like you would know the characters or have met them before. While I might not have Cleo's experiences that led to her lifestyle, the sister bond and the use of colloquialisms make her more like a girl I would have met and hung with.

I really enjoyed the story and wish we could have it in a physical form as well so I can have her work on my shelves. I loved the ups and downs (and not just the bedroom ones, which were A.M.A.Z.I.N.G) of the story and since it's the beginning of the series I can't wait to see who else gets a story. And how the other series will tie into this one. Now excuse me while I go look up the other books Katrina has that I don't already own, I see a binge in my future.

 ★★★★☆

Erotic Rating
 ★★★★★
5 ~ Extra Steamy: great story excellent plot, amazing sex scenes

Series In Order

• Grand Theft N.Y.E

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Beverly Jenkins Sexy/Dangerous  (for another thicc woman with hella confidence) 

Enjoy and Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review: Forged in Desire (The Protectors Series by Brenda Jackson #netgalley

Book Title: Forged In Desire (The Protectors # 1)
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher:  HQN Books

Genre: Romantic Thriller/ Mystery Suspense/ African American Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $5.99

Pages: 416

How I got it: ARC from NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: February 01, 2017
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Strong enough to protect her. Bold enough to love her.

When good girl Margo Connelly becomes Lamar "Striker" Jennings's latest assignment, she knows she's in trouble. And not just because he's been hired to protect her from an underworld criminal. The reformed bad boy's appeal is breaching all her defenses, and as the threats against her increase, Margo isn't sure which is more dangerous: the gangster targeting her, or the far too alluring protector tempting her to let loose.

Though Striker's now living on the right side of the law, he's convinced his troubled past keeps Margo out of his league. But physical chemistry explodes into full-blown passion when they go on the run together. Surrendering to desire could be a deadly distraction—or finally prove that he's the only man qualified to keep her safe, and win her love.

This is a spin off of the Granger series which featured the family of a man accused of murdering his wife and he was incarcirated wrongly. These men are some of the men he "adopted" while incarcerated and made a difference in their lives; with his help they fought for a change to their convictions or accepted their charges and improved their circumstances while in jail.  I absolutely loved that Brenda gave these men who aided the Grangers in their hour of need their own stories. In Captivated by Love we were left on a bit of a cliffhanger and I couldn't wait to see what happened.

This is the story of Striker who as a teen had his dream life in the palm of his hand and then a decision to put his little brother in a place he should have been safe comes back to haunt him. With the need to avenge his brother riding him he makes a decision that will impact his life and ends his dreams. Left with the guilt of failing his family Striker is in jail hellbent on making everyone feel his pain until Shep steps in to help him deal with his issues, he's not here for it though and it takes a while for Shep's influence to really make a difference but once it does, life changes for Striker. Fast forward a few years and he's here as a protector working with the men he met in jail and formed a bond with. and have built a business with. He's given a case to protect the niece of his best friend, except she's unaware they are related and he has to keep that under wraps as well.  He thought this would be a pretty easy gig, until the door opens and he's faced with a woman who hits all the right buttons for him and he's wondering if he'll be able to actually do his job and keep his attraction in check.

Margo comes from tragedy but has managed to live a great life, even if her Uncle is a little too over protective. She had done her civic duty and helped put away a man who was a career criminal with seriously bad ties to all kinds of bad people. When found guilty he puts a hit out on everyone in the court room, no one takes him seriously until bodies start hitting the floor and now everyone is scrambling to get into protective custody or hire bodyguards. Margo doesn't think she's going to be that high up the list of people killed so she's not as worried as her Uncle is and isn't very happy when he goes over her head and hires someone to protect her, but the alternative of living with him and his new girlfriend gives her nightmare so she'll suck it up and deal.  When the man meant to protect her walks in she's floored by her attraction to him and how good he looks.

As the circumstances heat up and more people are being killed Striker makes her aware that they are going to have to make changes to how she does things.  As a dress designer with a new bride who needs her dress by the end of the year, Margo can't give up her life because of a mad man, she'll make on the changes she needs to keep herself alive but she's not giving up her whole life.  As people who should have been well hidden begin to turn up dead they realize this is even bigger than a mad man who is flexing his power. This means there is some deep corruption within the ranks of the FBI and the local police and to help combat that they bring in a known behavioral scientist who also happens to be psychic to aide in the capture of this killer and those aiding him.

I loved how the mystery began to unfold and how we learned just what was happening why everyone seemed to be in danger. It appeared for a while that the criminal was going to win as so many were dying and the cops couldn't seem to get a bead on who was doing the work. I loved the relationship that developed between Striker and Margo. They had so much chemistry and tried their best to keep it professional but once they fell?? Girl get you a fan because my man Striker loves nothing more than working his woman from top to bottom ok?? Margo has never had this good. She is coming from a recent break up with a man who thought he was god's gift to women and treated her as less than, now back home she's surprised by the strength of her attraction to Striker and how well he treats her and makes her want.  With everything in her life in upheaval with this murderer on the loose she's finding that Striker is one of the few steady things she can rely on.

I loved how this all played together. I loved the romance between them was so hot and wild. They were brought together because of the circumstances but found they actually like each other. There are so many different little plot points that are coming together and I loved it all.  Margo led a more exciting life than she truly knew and I loved how it all was resolved.  Striker was an amazing character and the reason he was in jail sucked so bad. It impacted his life and how he viewed relationships and yet when given a chance to make a change he embraces it. I love their friendships and how close they were to their families (found family or otherwise) Striker and the men were hilarious and their witty comebacks aided in making this a great story. And that ending??? Girl!! Loved it.

I loved the mystery here and how it pulled on strings from the previous stories and how it laid the ground work for the rest of the series. I'm looking forward to more from the Protectors and can't wait for each of the stories. I highly recommend my loves, get you some.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Series In Order

• Forged In Desire ( The Protectors 1) 
• Seized By Seduction ( The Protectors 2)
• Locked In Temptation ( The Protectors 3) 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Granger Series by Brenda Jackson 
• Heather Graham Krewe of Hunters Series

Happy Reading my loves, 

Blog Tour & #Giveaway: The Rebel King ( All The King's Men Duet) by Kennedy Ryan .@Kennedyrwrites .@jennw23

Hello my loves, today is a blog tour post for Kennedy Ryan, last month I shared about the first book in the duet coming out and being free on kindle unlimited, well guess what?? The second THE REBEL KING is out now and you can read this one as well, cause it's finally here!!! I'm so excited, there are all kinds of links and info in the post so make sure to scroll and take a looksie.  There is even a giveaway for one lucky winner, make sure to enter. I can't wait to finish this baby and share my thoughts!!

“Every time I think Kennedy Ryan can’t possibly raise the bar any further, she proves me wrong in the most delightful way possible. Lennix left me breathless. Maxim stole my heart.” — Katee Robert, New York Times Bestselling Author

The Rebel King, the stunning, beautiful conclusion to the All The King’s Men Duet, from USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan, is available now! Get ready for a binge read!

Ambition. Revenge. Love.

RITA® Award-winning author Kennedy Ryan delivers the gripping conclusion to the All the King’s Men Duet.

Raised to resist. Bred to fight. Survival is in my blood and surrender is never an option.

Though surrender is what Maxim Cade demanded of my body and heart, I had other plans. We were fast-burning fascination and combustible chemistry, but the man I trusted with everything was a trickster. A thief who stole my love. If what we had was a lie, why did it feel so real? The man I swore to hate will have it all, and wants me at his side. But power is a game, and we’re the pawns and players.

Facing insurmountable odds, will we win the world, or will we lose it all?

Download your copy of THE REBEL KING today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2W630xF

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheRebelKing

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2W69Umr

Start the duet with THE KINGMAKER today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NeWRLx

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/KingmakerKR

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2o7sNbZ

Add the All The King’s Men Duet to your Goodreads Shelf: http://bit.ly/2OxStYL

THE KINGMAKER is available on audio!

Amazon Audible: https://amzn.to/2JGHUki

Listen to an audio sample from The Kingmaker: http://bit.ly/2K10MdX

Receive an email as soon as THE REBEL KING is available on audio!

subscribepage.com/audiolisteners

Enter Kennedy’s giveaway for a chance to win a $100 gift card: http://bit.ly/2XtW3ak

About Kennedy

USA Today bestseller, RITA® Award Winner and Top 25 Amazon Bestseller, Kennedy Ryan writes about women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son. She has always leveraged her journalism background to write for charity and non-profit organizations, but enjoys writing to raise Autism awareness most. A contributor for Modern Mom Magazine and Frolic, Kennedy’s writings have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today and many others. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Atlanta Autism families, she has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for families living with autism.

Connect with Kennedy

Never Miss A Release! Follow Kennedy on BookBub:

 New Release Txt:

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Good Luck my loves & always

Happy Reading

Book #Review: A Princess In Theory (Reluctant Royals 1) by Alyssa Cole .@alyssacolelit

Book Title: A Princess In Theory ( Reluctant Royals 1)
Author: Alyssa Cole |Website| Twitter| Instagram
Publisher: AVON

Genre: Romance, Black Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $7.99

Pages: 389

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?

This is the beginning of a wonderful series. Ledi gets the kind of email she normally marks as spam. She's not sure why she hasn't blocked the emails that claims she's promised to the future King of Thesolo, but the emails have become more persistent in the past few weeks. Ledi is a stubborn young woman who grew up in the system and she's managed to make it into a tough graduate program where she puts up with a lazy TA who passes all his work off to her and claims the credit. She can't afford to make waves so she deals. One night while working her second job her trainee arrives late and then is a disaster, there is no way he's the man who he says he is on paper.  After she has to fire him she sees him staying in her apartment building and before she knows it she's helping him and slowly falling for him.

Thabiso is on a mission to find his missing intended. They were betrothed as children and it's now time for them to reconnect and fulfill their contract. What he didn't expect was this young woman who clearly doesn't remember her home country, the language or the culture. He had been under the impression her family ran away to live high on the hog in the US instead he finds Ledi alone. He wasn't prepared for the woman he found, and not just that she's not at all interested in him for his crown because she doesn't know who he is, this is a novelty for him, having someone share their unbiased unfiltered opinion and he's addicted.  Even though his adviser Likotsi keeps warning him about his subterfuge he doesn't care, he's getting to know Ledi and she has no barriers up and he finds himself falling for her. Until one night when Ledi shows up where he didn't expect her and his secret is exposed.

This had one of my favorite tropes, and I loved how their meet cute happened.  That moment was so hilarious ( as a former server I can tell you it was legit). I loved the development of the story and how much the two characters struggled to determine if their feelings were legit. This is the first time I'm reading Alyssa's writing and I have to say she does a fantastic job of making the characters real and relatable. Ledi could have been any of the girls in my group chat. She was so relatable in her drive to succeed and her desire to create a better life for herself. I loved the way she loved her friends and didn't judge even though she was worried about Portia. While her family life was non existent she had begun to create her own kind of family with her friends. I loved found family stories.

When given the opportunity to explore and go for her dream she takes the opportunity even if it means leaving everything she knew behind. I am in love with the country of Thesolo, where their religion is based on a Goddess and she influences every aspect of their lives. This book had smoldering sexy times and great commentary on relationships. Thabiso is everything I would look for in a partner and I loved that even with everything he had to offer he wasn't arrogant when it came to Ledi, because he realized with her nothing was guaranteed and he actually had to work for it. For Ledi she was trying to understand what her parents would have been thinking in leaving a community they clearly were deeply ingrained in. She also has to decide if she's capable of doing all that would be required of her as a princess and if that would go with what she has determined her purpose in life to be.  As she begins to explore and learn about her place in Thesolo it appears that a new epidemic is taking hold, people are getting sick in a way she's never seen before and this is something she can handle. While she may know nothing about being a Princess or talking with royalty she's comfortable in the lab and she can do what she can to help her newly discovered country.

I loved that not only was this a romance that required the couple to learn more about each other and overcome their preconceived notions of the other. It also had some tension due to the circumstances surrounding Ledi's family mystery;  the new disease that seems to be spreading in their country and of course Ledi's welcome or not so welcome presence in the country.  Her return has upset the plans of a few people determined to have access to power and they aren't above getting what they want by any means necessary.

I loved how clear the consent was and just how freaking modern everything was. I've read a ton of romance books and reading Alyssa's writing made me fall in love with the genre all over again.  The characters were so well written and made you want to protect them, yell at them when they did something stupid and root for them when they finally figured it all out.

I think I'm in love with Alyssa's writing and I can't wait to see what the other stories have in store for me.

 ★★★★★

Series In Order

• A Princess In Theory
• A Duke By Default
• Once Ghosted, Twice Shy
• Can't Escape Love
• A Prince on Paper 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Alisha Rai
• Rebekah Weatherspoon

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: A Duke By Default (Reluctant Royals 2) by Alyssa Cole .@AlyssaColeLit

Book Title: A Duke By Default (Reluctant Royals 2)
Author:  Alyssa Cole |Website| Twitter|  Instagram
Publisher: AVON

Genre: Romance, Interracial Romance, Contemporary
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, Mass Market 

Cost: $4.99

Pages: 384

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 31, 2018
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Award-winning author Alyssa Cole’s Reluctant Royals series continues with a woman on a quest to be the heroine of her own story and the duke in shining armor she rescues along the way…

New York City socialite and perpetual hot mess Portia Hobbs is tired of disappointing her family, friends, and—most importantly—herself. An apprenticeship with a struggling swordmaker in Scotland is a chance to use her expertise and discover what she’s capable of. Turns out she excels at aggravating her gruff silver fox boss…when she’s not having inappropriate fantasies about his sexy Scottish burr.

Tavish McKenzie doesn’t need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armory…even if she is infuriatingly good at it. Tav tries to rebuff his apprentice—and his attraction to her—but when Portia accidentally discovers that he’s the secret son of a duke, rough-around-the-edges Tav becomes her newest makeover project.

Forging metal into weapons and armor is one thing, but when desire burns out of control and the media spotlight gets too hot to bear, can a commoner turned duke and his posh apprentice find lasting love?

Ohhh my loves this is a friends to lovers romance that takes time. Listen I've mentioned before that slow burns are not my thing, but the way this one was done??!! I was all for it. I loved this progress of this story which started with Portia basically running from her life to take this apprenticeship in Scotland. She feels like she's a disappointment to her family and they don't help matters by insisting that the unconventional life she wants to live isn't a good one. They are business people and they only believe their way is the best. Ahh they must be Caribbean parents because they love to determine what you should do with your life and if you stray from that they let you know how they feel and how you're disappointing them, all. the.time. (Ok getting out of my feelings right now) Taking this apprenticeship should help her get a chance to figure out where she is going and what she wants from her life. Tavish is a grumpy silver fox who has not time for a socialite who he assumes doesn't know anything about swords. He likes his life the way it is, even if he feels like he could be doing more, how does he do that without disturbing those who rely on him??

I loved how the story came together, Portia is the best friend to Ledi and sister to Reggie. She's struggling to keep it all together and find what she wants despite what everyone things she should want. She decides to write about her adventure in Scotland for her sister's blog while she works this apprenticeship. While she's trying to get it all together, he sister sends her a few links that make her feel seen and understood and once she really begins to embrace the information in the videos her perspective changes.  She embraces the new life she's creating for herself and while doing so incidentally discovers that her reluctant boss is actually the son of a dukedom that is up for grabs at the moment. And then she kicks off a social media trend with #swordbae and life is just on a roller coaster after that.

Tavish isn't happy this woman is turning his life upside down, she's helping to create a social media presence for him, a man who can't even remember that he has a phone. He's fine with his life the way it is, even if he is struggling a bit to get it all together as well. Together they create a new social media trend and everyone is starting to go to his new and improved website, and now the orders are flowing and maybe she's not as incompetent as he believed before.  She's also disturbing him personally which he knows he can't act on as he refuses to be that guy.

I can't even begin to explain how much I loved this story. The slow progression of the relationship was done so well, there were sparks from the beginning but both determined they couldn't do this for their own reasons. As they got settled into their friendship and realized that this person helped them navigate life with a little more ease then they gave in, but only because they wanted to. I loved and kept saying to my sister how good it felt to read characters that didn't have it all together and even when they had some parts of their lives figured out they didn't have it all perfectly together. It felt good to read from the perspective of a black woman who had so many of the same issues we have and it was so good. I loved her relationship with her friends and how she relied on them to help her when she stumbled. I couldn't get enough of her and her sister figuring it all out and man oh man when they had their come to Jesus moment?? Bawled like a baby. Her moments of fantasy and self talk?? So real. Loved it!!! The moments when we get their group chat?? Made me laugh cause yeah some of my group chats look like that.

This story pulled it all together, it wasn't just a love story (although that part was awesome), it wasn't just a her finding herself story, even though that was shared and the journey was so worth it. It had everything good relationships for both of them to fall back on, amazing sibling relationships, people struggling to find their place in the world and let's face it some sweet and raunchy sexy times. I loved that they felt human and like people I would know (ok maybe not the prince or duke but the rest yeah). I enjoyed that even though this was a slightly different world it still was in ours (kind of a different one in the multiverse, because she gave him the Ducal title that currently belongs to the Queens husband so yeah a slightly different world than our current one) & they had their brands of social media as well, which made this feel even more rooted inour world.

Of course the back and forth between Tav and Portia really made this story go from sweet to raunchy fast. I loved how they both tried not to just fall into bed with each other from the start. The attraction was off the way and Tav's internal monologue had me cracking up so many times. As the story unfolded and we learned about his family history and him having to decide if he wanted to repeat the mistakes of the past or embrace hsi own path.

Those moments when it all seems like it's starting to unravel for them. I was so heartbroken, then angry because I couldn't understand why someone would gaslight and harm someone so badly just to hang on to something that was never theirs. UGHHHHHHH. I became so invested in this story I shared about it ont he group chat so we could read it and discuss because my gosh I loved it.

It just felt so fresh and modern, I don't know how else to explain how seen I felt reading it. I loved it and now I'm going to marathon the rest.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Series In Order

• A Princess In Theory
• A Duke By Default
• Once Ghosted, Twice Shy
• Can't Escape Love
• A Prince on Paper 

Happy Reading my loves, 

Snippet Book #Review: Once Ghosted, Twice Shy (Reluctant Royals 2.5) by Alyssa Cole .@AlyssaColeLit

Book Title: Once Ghosted, Twice Shy (Reluctant Royals 2.5)
Author: Alyssa Cole |Website| Twitter| Instagram
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Romance, LGBTQIA Romance,
Series/Standalone: Book 2.5
Format: ebook, Mass Market
Cost: $4.99 (MM) 1.99 ebook
Pages: 106
How I got it: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: January 08, 2019
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Synopsis:

Alyssa Cole returns with a fun, sexy romance novella in the Reluctant Royals series!

While her boss the prince was busy wooing his betrothed, Likotsi had her own love affair after swiping right on a dating app. But her romance had ended in heartbreak, and now, back in NYC again, she’s determined to rediscover her joy—so of course she runs into the woman who broke her heart.

When Likotsi and Fabiola meet again on a stalled subway train months later, Fab asks for just one cup of tea. Likotsi, hoping to know why she was unceremoniously dumped, agrees. Tea and food soon leads to them exploring the city together, and their past, with Fab slowly revealing why she let Likotsi go, and both of them wondering if they can turn this second chance into a happily ever after.

***Snippet Reviews: Called that because I don't want the review to be longer than the book***

This is the first novella in the series and it's awesome. This is the story of Likotsi and she's back in the US to help the future monarchs as Ledi finishes her degree and she herself has a chance to forget what happened the last time she was here. When she was here last and Thabiso was botching his way through falling in love, she was busy meeting the woman she was sure was the one and then at some point it all goes wrong.

I loved the way this novella was set up, it's told from both Fabiola and Likotsi's POV with Likotsi being the main voice and sharing her side of the events. As she goes about her mission to move on past Fab and see NYC the way she should she runs into the literal ghost from her broken heart and must confront her belief about what happened and either get past it all or fight for another chance.

Fabiola for her part did what she thought she had to do to help her family. You see she's an immigrant and her family is struggling with an aunt who is in the process right now and they are all on pins and needles waiting for it to go through (totally relatable). As the story progresses and you see the two young women fall in love and then Fabiola's choices come up and she has to break their hearts. I just wanted to hold her and fix it.

They were sexy, sweet and honestly Likotsi could totally get it. I loved how modern the women were and how much they knew about themselves and wanted for their partners. I really loved Likotsi's obsession with her outfits because she was serving looks ok?!!! *fans self* Did I mention that a well dressed stud is my jam??

Oh the love and friendships, and the family relationships that were described and how much support they had just made me love this even more. Family isn't always blood but when family works the way it's supposed to?? I love it, give me more!!! And that ending?!!! I can't wait !!

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• A Princess In Theory
• A Duke By Default
• Once Ghosted, Twice Shy
• Can't Escape Love
• A Prince on Paper

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Alisha Rai 
• Rebekah Weatherspoon 

Happy Reading my loves,

Snippet Book #Review: Can't Escape Love (Reluctant Royals 2.6) by Alyssa Cole .@AlyssaColeLit

Book Title: Can't Escape Love (Reluctant Royals 2.6)
Author:  Alyssa Cole |Website| Twitter|  Instagram
Publisher: Avon Impulse

Genre: Romance, Interracial Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 2.6
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $4.99

Pages: 192

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: March 19, 2019
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Synopsis:

Regina Hobbs is nerdy by nature, businesswoman by nurture. She's finally taking her pop culture-centered media enterprise, Girls with Glasses, to the next level, but the stress is forcing her to face a familiar supervillain: insomnia. The only thing that helps her sleep when things get this bad is the deep, soothing voice of puzzle-obsessed live streamer Gustave Nguyen. The problem? His archive has been deleted.

Gus has been tasked with creating an escape room themed around a romance anime…except he knows nothing about romance or anime. Then mega-nerd and anime expert Reggie comes calling, and they make a trade: his voice for her knowledge. But when their online friendship has IRL chemistry, will they be able to escape love?

***Snippet Reviews: Called that because I don't want the review to be longer than the book***

I highly recommend this one and also recommend that you go on Alyssa's website and view the concept art for the manga series the book is 'based on'.

Reggie is the sister of Portia and the 'successful' twin who seemed to have it all together with a popular blog that she uses to help women geek out (I love that there are actually black geek websites that this reminds me of) called Girl With Glasses. She's a having a difficult time right now and she has never relied on anyone for anything and now she has to ask a 'stranger' to help her out.  She used to be one of the only viewers of livestream and now the owner has taken the archives down and she needs his voice to fall asleep. Using her skills she sends him a persuasive email requesting his help. when they start talking they discover that he needs help with a project for work that has to deal wtih her favorite anime. Like she's the biggest fan and even has all the paraphernalia throughout her home.

As the story advances the two get to know each other as not just two geeks who are sharing the love. Well really it's Reggie who loves the show and Gus who is learning what a romantic anime is about. I loved them together. I loved the rep that's in the book. I loved how they were both so strong in their careers but struggled with interpersonal relationships because #Same. There are so many different things tackled in this small story and really wish we had gotten more from them because I could totally read more about them for a few hundred more pages. It's a cute sexy romance that challenges your beliefs on those that are 'different' .

Also on a totally different topic, I need more publishers to print the ebooks, I love looking at my shelves and seeing these up there next to the book instead of just in ebook form. I know I might be in the minority but that's fine. I love them.

I highly recommend this one, especially because it doesn't just tackle the romance but has a great relationship between the sisters and them working to get back to being happy without their terrible parents.

 ★★★★★

Series In Order

• A Princess In Theory
• A Duke by Default
• Once Ghosted, Twice Shy
• Can't Escape Love
• A Prince on Paper

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: A Prince On Paper (Reluctant Royals 3) by Alyssa Cole .@AlyssaColeLit

Book Title: A Prince On Paper (Reluctant Royals 3)
Author:  Alyssa Cole |Website| Twitter|  Instagram

Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $5.99

Pages: 381

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books
Publication Date: April 30, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

The Reluctant Royals series returns with a good girl searching for the life that’s not too big, and not too small, and the bad boy prince who might be just right for her…

Nya Jerami fled Thesolo for the glitz and glamour of NYC but discovered that her Prince Charming only exists in her virtual dating games. When Nya returns home for a royal wedding, she accidentally finds herself up close and personal—in bed—with the real-life celebrity prince who she loves to hate.

For Johan von Braustein, the red-headed step-prince of Liechtienbourg, acting as paparazzi bait is a ruse that protects his brother—the heir to the throne—and his own heart. When a royal referendum threatens his brother’s future, a fake engagement is the perfect way to keep the cameras on him.

Nya and Johan both have good reasons to avoid love, but as desires are laid bare behind palace doors, they must decide if their fake romance will lead to a happily-ever-after.

Oh my gosh, this was so awesome. I read this one a few months after reading the others and I'm so glad I finally got around to it. It was awesome. This is the story of Johan who is the stepson to the Prince of a small European principality, known as the playboy prince (even though he technically doesn't hold a title) he's in the paparazzi papers every single week for some wild exploit. We learned in A Duke by Default that Johan was more than he seemed to the average person because he was able to help  Portia when she needed a little help handling the press.

Nya's returning home after hoping that by leaving she would be bale to make the changes that prevented her from having that perfect life. However, once there NYC was a little too much, and going home isn't right either. When she returns for Theo's wedding she runs into Johan and has a few moments with him that make her look at things a little differently, especially when she starts to catch on that Johan might have a few hidden depths.

I loved the journey that both Johan and Nya go on. I loved that even though they didn't necessarily like each other they still helped the other out when given a chance. Nya's struggles were so relateable, wanting to be more but being imprisoned no longer by a physical person but by the words they have drilled down into you can be so daunting. It's a lot harder to break away from someone who is actively attempting to manipulate and keep you in line especially when you're vulnerable and seeking validation. I loved the lesson she learnt at the end of this especially about this particular person.   Johan has spent his whole life before the cameras once his mother fell in love with the Prince and went from an unknown to the Queen; and her death still hurts. He's spent the whole time doing what he can to make sure his brother doesn't have the same issues he has but doesn't realize that his actions form their own kind of prison.

I absolutely loved how Nya was when meeting his family and how accepting they were of her, especially his brother. Oh my gosh I hope we get the brother's story when it's time for that. I enjoyed how Nya shared how to make the connection without making them feel uncomfortable and it's certainly something I'm keeping in the tank for use. I loved that Johan casually thinks about his lovers without demeaning them to make Nya 'more' and at the same time owns his sexuality without it being a 'thing' and you know what I mean like how some authors write it in a way that totally others the character their trying to say they are being inclusive about?? Or being vague in the book and then saying it later that of course they were (I'm looking at you JK Rowling) I loved Johan's Grandmother, the way she called him to task, the easy way she shared her love.

 I really just fell in love with these characters and their journey. I found myself reacting the same way they were and LOVED that they became friends first then advanced their relationship. I loved how loving and slow and consent aware that Johan was and how he made sure that Nya knew whatever she wanted was fine with him.  I'm a huge fan of love stories and theirs was so awesome.  Listen, the girls that her friends?? Everything you could ever hope for in female friendships. Just everything. There were so many good moments and I just especially between Nya and Johan's brother, and the lessons she shared with Johan. Each of them had so much to learn about themselves and it didn't make their issues disappear but it certainly made them easier to bear. I loved that. Can't lie I also loved that this was a bit of a reunion book since everyone was together for the wedding. The wedding games had me cracking up.

I highly recommend my loves, especially if you haven't read the series, this one can be a bit of a standalone, the story will be great but the friends and the meaning they bring might be a little lost on you.

 ★★★★★

Series In Order

• A Princess in Theory
• A Duke By Default
• Once Ghosted, Twice Shy
• Can't Escape Love

Happy Reading my loves,