Book #Review: Seized by Seduction (The Protectors 2) by Brenda Jackson

Book Title: Seized By Seduction ( The Protectors 2)
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher: HQN Books

Genre: Romantic Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, mass market

Cost: $5.99

Pages: 400

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: April 25th, 2017
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Synopsis:

One glance is all it takes

From the moment his eyes meet hers across the crime-scene tape, ex-con turned bodyguard Quasar Patterson knows he has to see the mysterious Dr. Randi Fuller again. She's a renowned psychic investigator who can foresee danger for others, but not for herself. That makes Quasar doubly determined to watch over her—the closer, the better—as she's drawn into a dangerous gang rivalry.

Both her psychic gift and their blinding chemistry tell Randi that she and Quasar are fated to be entwined. Even as they surrender to the heat between them, there's no guarantee of a happily-ever-after now that an enemy has her in his sights. And claiming a future will take more than Quasar's strength and skill. If he can't risk the heart he's always held in check, they'll both lose for good…

I actually listened to the audio of this book and anything Ron reads I'm going to be listening to, my gawd that man's voice is everything. Just amazing.

I absolutely loved this one. Quasar was one of my favorite guys from the trio once we were introduced to them. He's funny and hell bent on making a life for himself that doesn't diminish his past but also isn't built around it either.  Having made changes while in prison and having created the beginnings of a new family for himself he isn't afraid of love so much as not willing to give his heart again after his last betrayal.  Randi herself has dealt with people doubting her abilities for as long as she has had them, she herself hadn't wanted the gift she was being given but when she's made to take the time to learn more about her gift and herself she comes out of the crisis a better woman, a woman who knows who she is and what she wants from her life.

These two met because of Randi's involvement with the case in Forged in Desire.  Her skills helped to save the life of a few people and helped bring the case to somewhat of a close. Having had a vision that she and the two other women she met on the case would one day be close she's not surprised when she realizes that will happen because of Quaser. Unlike him she's aware that they are fated to be together but she must allow Quasar the time he needs to come to the same conclusion and she must let the path they are on play out on it's own, she can't influence him or they won't end up together. (Talk about pressure) They have instant chemistry and Randi knows she has to deal with this the right way for her to end up with the love of a lifetime, but Quasar has to want it too, and for now he's only seeking to find out how deep this attraction goes.  Unlike most people she meets Randi can't read Quasar and this means he's a mystery to her.

I loved the way this unfolded. I loved that she was psychic because we don't often see black psychics in romantic thrillers/ suspense. I was so excited to read this story and loved it all the way to the end. I yelled at the book, talk back to the book, and had to fan myself a few times. This was one hell of a roller coaster of a ride. Every time I thought "nah, it really can't be that bad, maybe he misconstrued...oh.. wait .. nah he right they trash"  I was so addicted to seeing he common threads which tied back to the Granger series as well.  The criminals in this were savvy and went even deeper than anyone believed. Cases from years before became even more interconnected and we learned just how far some will go to line their pockets.

Randi is also a behavioral psychologist so she's not just relying on her gift to help her solve the crimes and this makes her even more dangerous to some. Called out to help with a potential gang war, Randi walks into the middle of a conspiracy with deeper ties than anyone is aware of.  Quasar follows Randi out there under the guise of seeing his family because his dad is insisting that they all need to come together around his brother who is announcing his candidacy for office.  Quasar would rather eat rusty nails but he goes because he's not willing to leave Randi unprotected, something in him tells him she's going to need him.  While there and getting to know her he's realizing this woman is even more different than he previously realized and this doesn't just intrigue him it makes him want to unravel the puzzle that is her.  There is so much that happens to make this one hell of a story, from the past unraveling for Quasar, to Randi understanding the depth of her talents. I just couldn't believe how much happened.

While working the case and getting to know each other they take on their pasts, challenge each other and of course rock each other's worlds. I loved every second of it.  I found myself hooked to the very last page, just dying to know and then very satisfied with the ending.  I highly recommend my loves, especially if you love a little paranormal in your mystery thriller.

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• Forged By Desire
• Seized By Seduction
• Locked in Temptation 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Maggie Shayne Brown & Deluca Series 

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
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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, 

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
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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, 

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, 

ARC Book #Review $ #GIVEAWAY: Finding Home Again (Catalina Cove # 3) by Brenda Jackson .@AuthorBJackson .@HarlequinBooks .@Netgalley #FindingHomeAgain #NetGalley

Book Title: Finding Home Again ( Catalina Cove 3)
Author:  Brenda Jackson |Website| Twitter| Facebook| 

Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3
Format: ebook, Mass Market
Cost: $5.99

Pages: 384

How I got it: NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

First love. Second chances. In Catalina Cove, anything can happen…
Bryce Witherspoon’s heart races every time she sees Kaegan Chambray. Everyone in town knows they can’t stand each other, but the truth is, even though the man broke her heart ten years ago, she still feels that irresistible, oh-so-familiar jolt of desire.

When Kaegan returned to Catalina Cove to run the family business, he knew there’d be no avoiding Bryce. The woman he thought he’d one day marry was instead the biggest heartbreak of his life. But when Bryce lets slip a devastating secret, he discovers just how wrong he was to let her go all those years ago.

He knows they both still feel the spark between them, but it’ll take more than attraction to convince her. Kaegan will pull out all the stops to show Bryce he’s the man who can give her the future they once dreamed of—if only they give love a second chance.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ahhhhh I'm so excited this is the third book ( and hopefully not the final) in the Catalina Cove series and we are going to finally learn just why these two have been angry with each other for ten years.  And what a story it was. A second chance romance with a bit of a mystery that makes the couple face their issues and finally admit what they truly feel for each other.

Kaegan, Bryce & Vashit have been best friends since childhood. Kaegan's father didn't believe in education and had kept his son from school, once Bryce's mom found out she pushed the community to get him to go to school and realizing he couldn't hold out against them the old man grudgingly sent his son to school but in doing so Kaegan was two years behind. From the first KGee, nicknamed that because Bryce couldn't say his name, was friends with the girls as the older kids ignored him and the others didn't engage. He's been their protector and friend for as long as they all can remember.

While Vashti was sent away during her pregnancy, Kaegan and Bryce leaned on each other and their friendship bloomed into love. And as with all young lovers untested by life believed that their high school romance would go smoothly into an adult romance. But life and some of the towns' people couldn't leave well enough alone and the young lovers split based on a misunderstanding that bloomed into a bitter fight.

And that fight and bitterness have defined their relationship for the past ten years. After drifting apart Kaegan moved away & Bryce moved on and became a successful business owner. Still angry with each other they have taken every opportunity to swipe at each other since KGee moved back home to Catalina Cove. Their bitter battle has placed Vashti in an awkward position because she knows more about the story from each of them than they know and she keeps trying to get them in the same area so they can air it all out.  This tragedy finally comes to a head and they both hurt each other again before separating, finally, Bryce breaks and tells her truth to Kaegan and he's left realizing his actions were based on lies.  He's devasted but determined to make it up to her and win her back. Also, I could understand his POV especially with all the misinformation he had been receiving, and the events of that night; Bryce acting as if she can't understand why he was angry doesn't fly. Girl reverse it, you would have lost it and wouldn't have believed him either.

This is a sweet second chance romance, where the couple now have to not only learn about each other as adults but learn to forgive each other for the mistakes they made as their younger selves.  It's hard to fight through the past while trying to hang onto the good memories; they both help and hinder them. Kaegan starts a campaign to gain her forgiveness and Bryce is afraid to trust again. Add to this he decided to win her back when she's decided to move on completely, she's trying to find someone who can replace the way Kaegan made her feel and she starts dating. As they try to move on, they just keep hurting each other and I wanted them to just get therapy cause y'all need to work through everything.

I really loved the strength of the friendships in this one, as they were the best sounding boards for both of them as they tried to find their ways back home to each other. Bryce has to learn to trust again and since this man has shown that he can break her heart this is a little harder to do than one would think. I loved that it wasn't an easy journey back to each other, as this means they will appreciate the love more.

However, while they are trying to make their way back to each other, someone has decided to wage a campaign against Kaegan, there are several incidents with each escalating in severity and then the ending happened.  Listen ok, I was yelling at the book no no no no don't go, call someone, send a text something anything. it was like watching a horror flick and commenting the whole time. I loved it.

This story flew and I loved that there was tension not only within the relationship but without as well, this kept me engaged and the story flowing well. Giving the characters time to develop and share with us their true motivations. I loved that we had several small stories within as well. We get to see Vashti and Sawyer's family and their progression. We learn what happened to the budding romance between the girl's grandparents while catching up on Ray & Ashley and their growing relationship.

I loved visiting this town again and hope it grows. I would love to see what happens to Jade in a few years.

 ★★★☆☆

Series In Order

• Love In Catalina Cove
• Forget Me Not

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Robyn Carr (pick any of her series LOL) 

Happy Reading my loves, 

Audiobook #Review: Love in Catalina Cove (Catalina Cove #1) by Brenda Jackson .@AuthorBJackson .@HarlequinBooks .@Scribd

Book Title: Love In Catalina Cove (Catalina Cove 1)
Author:  Brenda Jackson| Website| Twitter| Facebook
Publisher: Harlequin Audio

Genre: Romance, African America Romance, Contemporary
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: Audiobook, ebook, Mass Market
Narrator: Ron Butler

Audio Service: Scribd
Hours in Book: 13 hours 7mins
Cost: $5.99

Pages: 459

How I got it: Scribd Subscription 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: Jan 22, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

In her brand-new series, Brenda Jackson welcomes you to Catalina Cove, where even the biggest heartbreaks can be healed...

In the wake of a devastating teen pregnancy that left her childless and heartbroken, Vashti Alcindor left Catalina Cove, Louisiana, with no plans to return. Now, over a decade later, Vashti reluctantly finds herself back in her hometown after inheriting her aunt's B and B. Her homecoming gets off to a rocky start when the new sheriff, Sawyer Grisham, pulls her over for speeding, and things go downhill from there.

The B and B, a place she'd always found refuge in when it seemed like the whole world was against her, has fallen into disrepair. When a surprising benefactor encourages Vashti to reopen the B and B, Vashti embraces a fresh start, and soon old hurts begin to fade as she makes new memories with the town and its handsome sheriff. But some pasts are too big to escape, and when a bombshell of a secret changes everything she thought was true, Vashti is left reeling. With Sawyer and his teenage daughter determined to see her through the storm, though, she's learning family isn't always a matter of blood sometimes it's a matter of heart.

Overall
I hadn't tried to read a romance novel as an audiobook before. I decided to give it one chapter and if I couldn't do it then I could go back to reading the book in physical form. I'm so glad I gave it a chance.

My reason for hesitating has nothing to do with being a snob about reading in different formats. I have no problem using the format for non-fiction titles.  I've mentioned before that I have a disease which means eventually I will go blind and then audiobooks will be my only choice; for me I have been holding off on adopting the format because starting to use it felt like giving in. Yeah Yeah Yeah I know it's stupid don't give me those looks, I'm well aware that I'm coping poorly, just give me the time I'm working on it.

Narrator
Anywhoo, back to the review, I got so sucked into this one that the 13 hours flew by. I also listened to this at 1.5X speed and that cut the reading time down from the full 13 hours. I started this on a Saturday while cleaning and I can tell where previously I couldn't get into the story (any fiction story on audiobook) this one, I was drawn right in and got lost in the story, I believe a good chunk of that had to do with the narrator's voice. While it's a man reading the story after a while I couldn't even tell that, Ron was able to bring tone, bass, and accent to each character in a way that separated them and made them unique.  I got lost in his voice and I certainly don't want to come out. Ron's voice was melodic and great for the characters, he was able to convey some really good emotions.  And he certainly caught me by surprise several times when the story called for it.

Story:

I legit wrote in my notes "wild as F*ck" and honestly that still stands. I wanted to not believe people could do this; then I remember where I volunteer and remember that truth is always stranger than fiction even though it's the first decade into the 2000s people still do the wildest shyt in the name of 'respectability'.  Especially if you add in religion to it.

This story starts off as a chance for this young woman to get a leg up after it appears her marriage has come apart. If she can sell the resort her Aunt left her then she would be able to live her dream life of traveling the world and seeing the places her Aunt had never been able to see. There's just one hitch, she has to return to the town that treated her like a pariah when she needed their support the most and convince them to allow the new changes the prospective buyers are offering the Cove.

Vashti hasn't been home since moving away for college and now she needs to return, sell this property and get out before the memories can get to her. On her way there she gets pulled over for speeding by the new sheriff Sawyer. It appears that even if to her the town hasn't changed at all, it has changed somewhat to have hired a good looking sheriff. And as the story developed we go from Vashti having a plan and a way to execute it, to the hands of fate stepping in and finding a way for her to confront the past, while giving her a chance at future happiness. After the sale falls through Vashti decides to still sell the property, runs back to NYC only for her life there to fully fall apart, then comes a visit from someone she would have never expected from and she's given a new lease on life if only she's willing to return to the Cove.

I absolutely loved the development of the story, and even though I didn't expect some of the turns it was going to when we got to certain parts and we began seeing the reactions of people I started to get hella suspicious.  Whew chile, some people are truly trash and I don't care what anyone says you don't have to forgive anyone, The story was shared partially from the POV of Vashti who has several reasons to despise the town and it's treatment of her; she also has some serious heartbreak to deal with before she can give Sawyer the fair chance he deserves.

Sawyer for his part has convinced himself that since his wife has passed away, he's going to invest in his daughter and raise her, then he'll think about having a life.  I absolutely loved that his daughter wasn't here for that. She was hilarious and a fun character to listen to as she challenged him and pushed him towards happiness. I loved their relationship and that she knew she was loved unconditionally and this allowed her to view the world differently than most.

Once the characters were established the story moved extremely quickly and I loved it. The characters were well developed and I fell in love with them. I needed this story and the love was so good.  I loved that the landscape played such a large part in this story, the town was as much a part of the story as the human characters. And with all Brenda's work, she peppers in some history the enriches the story.  As the story was shared, a few other POVs in the book add depth to the story. I can't wait to see what happened to the two best friends and what their deal is. I also can't wait to read Ray's story.

I loved that the story had amazing friendships and familial relationships, including the found families that the characters created. Vashti's friends are truly some of the best. They gave great support and love even when those who should have didn't. I'm glad I didn't read the synopsis and just went into it. I loved everything about this one.

I highly recommend it, especially in the audiobook format.

 ★★★★★

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Deadly Sexy (Detroit NIA) by Beverly Jenkins

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: Seducing The Jackal (Sons of Anubis 1) by Seressia Glass .@seressia

Book Title: Seducing The Jackal (Sons of Anubis 1)
Author: Seressia Glass |Website| Twitter| Facebook|
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne Cravings

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance, Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook

Cost: $0.99

Pages: 65

How I got it: Purchased 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: April 01, 2013
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Synopsis:

Centuries ago, tragedy severed the alliance between the jackal shifters and powerful Egyptian priestesses. But when four of his brothers succumb to a deadly curse, clan commander Markus kidnaps one of the witches and insists she undo the evil magic.

Although Tia can undo the curse, she insists her coven is not behind it-and she is shaken to her core by her intense attraction to her captor. The sparks between them quickly ignite, filling them both with passion and power unlike anything they've ever known. Will it be enough to heal the rift between their peoples?

For a story that is only 65 pages this packs in a whole lot. This is the story of a shifter who was gifted the ability by the God Anubis, it's their job to keep the souls who try to escape their fate int eh Halls of judgement from coming back and harming the human world. This was a sacred duty they had with the Daughters of Isis, Priestesses blessed by the Goddess. Over a thousand a years ago the alliance broke and they have been battling each other and the Lost Ones.

When a Son of Anubis falls beneath a curse their leader determines that a Daughter of Isis will help save them and a plan is hatched. This story flew by so quickly and at the same time I couldn't wait to find out what was happening. Markus is bent of saving his people from this curse and determines that Tia is going to help. Tia wants to help but she's living apart from her family and coven for a reason, he's picked the weakest among the Coven and she can't help him.

I absolutely loved that this was an erotic story. Short, to the point with a great paranormal twist to it and of course again in the world of the Egyptian Pantheon. I loved Tia who wanted to help and wanted to protect her people while realizing there was more going on than they all realized.  When the curse begins to unravel, enemies unknown come forward and Tia & Markus are forced to work together. I love the 'enemies to lovers' trope and it's done so well in this one.

I highly recommend this one. Very erotic, quick read with a great plot with a wonderful new world to explore.

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

RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Shadowchaser series
• LA Banks Vampire Huntress series 

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: Shadow Fall (Shadowchaser 3) bv Seressia Glass .@seressia

Book Title: Shadow Fall ( Shadowchasers 3)
Author: Seressia Glass |Website| Twitter| Facebook|
Publisher: Pocketbooks

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Series/Standalone: Book 3
Format: Trade paperback

Cost: $15.99

Pages: 369

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
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Synopsis:

Truth is the most dangerous weapon of all . . .

Kira Solomon’s life has never been simple. Battling against the Fallen, serving the Egyptian goddess Ma’at, becoming romantically involved with a 4,000-year-old Nubian warrior—these are now everyday realities. But something is changing. Kira’s magic is becoming dangerously unpredictable, tainted by the Shadow she has been trained to destroy.

Matters grow worse when an Atlanta museum exhibit based on the Egyptian Book of the Dead turns out to have truly sinister properties. As the body count rises, even long-trusted allies start to turn against Kira. She can hardly blame them—not when the God of Chaos is stalking her dreams and the shocking truth about her origins is finally coming to light. As one of the good guys, Kira was a force to be reckoned with. But if the only way to stop a terrifying adversary is to fight Shadow with Shadow, then she’s ready to find out just how very bad she can be. . . .

Once again we are back in the world of Kira and the Shadowchasers. Book three is a rollercoaster of a ride, we start with Kira returning to Atlanta after the events of book two and needing to catch up on her 'real world life' she promised to work on a new exhibit which featured the Egyptian Book of the Dead (Or the book of Coming Forth by Dawn which is the real name ) which would be on display in Atlanta's museum. Once she started working it helped her place what was happening in the shadowchaser world in the background for her for a bit. However, not long after the exhibit opens people start getting sick and ending up in the hospital. Now she has to figure out what about the exhibit is hurting people.

I absolutely loved this story, we get a  lot about Kria's journey to learning more about herself and her personal history; & this time she's got to deal with this while it appears the bad boy of the Pantheon is awakening and putting his two cents into the battles being waged.  I loved that Atlanta's landscape plays a part in the story as this helps to ground the story in our world and makes it a bit more relatable.  As with the first two books we are seeing the same well-written side characters, and this time they are being fleshed out, even more, having survived the events of book two a few of the team members are realizing it's not all fun and games like they thought before and it's putting a strain on their relationship with Kira.

We got dual POV, with Kira and Khefar sharing their parts of the journey. With the world-building taking place in the museum and centered on the re-enactment of the scenes from Coming Forth By Dawn it's so good that you feel pulled into the story and feel like you are there.

This time the story has come full circle for Kira, the biggest of the big bad has taken notice of her and has decided that she will be their newest vessel. Kira has a few things to say about that. Once the Gods decide to intervene in her life Kira's world goes off the rails, & secrets from the past are being exposed. With the new knowledge, new experiences and all her allies being stripped from her Kira has to learn to rely on herself and all of her talents and battle shadow on their plane without losing herself.  I noticed that her story mirrored that of the Goddess Isis who was stripped of her status, her gifts while trying to get to Osiris and help bring him back. When the dust settles will the Nubian have to fulfill the pledge they made in the battle of book one?? Or will he find a way to help Kira keep her soul??

I absolutely loved that I learned about Candace/Kandake Amanirenas and her battle acumen and how she helped to shape Khefar and give him hope.  For me the ending wasn't predictable, while the case has been solved, there are still questions that need to be answered in the next book.  For me, this series isn't similar to other novels in the genre, because it relies heavily on Egyptian lore/myths and the Pantheon for the battle of "good/bad".

I have some seriously favorite parts especially when Kira makes the battle plans and the leader of the organization finally backs her instead of asking for written forms in triplicate.  I didn't like when Kira was being stripped of her allies/powers and touchstones a friends' pain is placed wrongly at her feet and draws a deeper wound and Kira can barely hang on as it is. I found myself feeling all the emotions when reading this story; I especially felt frustration on Kira's behalf. Everybody claims they down for the cause until the battle comes along and then they have issues with being there. This was very engaging and I absolutely loved it. This story took me through it y'all so many emotions, so many adventures. And I can't wait until we get the next story in the series, it's a novella coming out in November and I for one cannot wait.

 ★★★★★

Series In Order 

• Shadow Blade (Shadowchaser #1 )
• Shadow Chase (Shadowchaser #2 )

Recommendations

• LA Banks Vampire Huntress Series
• Alex Archer (the first 7 books at least) 
• Seressia's Son of Anubis series 

I highly recommend the whole series my loves,
Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: Shadow Chase (Shadowchaser 2) by Seressia Glass .@seressia

Book Title: Shadow Chase (Shadowchaser 2)
Author: Seressia Glass |Website| Twitter| Facebook| 

Publisher: Pocket Book

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal,
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: Mass Market 

Cost: $7.99

Pages: 339

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 27, 2010
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Synopsis:

In a job like this, one mistake can cost you everything.

As a Shadowchaser, Kira Solomon has been trained to serve the Light, dispatch the Fallen, and prevent the spread of chaos. It’s a deadly job, and Kira knows the horror of spilling innocent blood. But now she has a new role, as the Hand of Ma’at, the Egyptian Goddess of Truth and Order, and an assignment that might just redeem her.

A fellow Shadowchaser has gone missing, and so has a unique artifact imbued with astonishing magic. Unless the Vessel of Nun is returned, it will cause destruction beyond anything the modern world has seen. Kira’s got a team at her back, including Khefar, a near-immortal Nubian warrior who’s already died for her once. But as complicated as her feelings for him are, they’re nothing compared to the difficulties of the task she faces.And the only way to defeat the enemy is to trust in a power she can barely control, and put her life—and her soul—on the line.

As with the first book we have well written, well rounded and relatable characters, who we are getting to know even better as the story progresses.  Kira in this one truly becomes my favorite character as she struggles with her desire for skin to skin contact; love/affection and yet not really knowing how to handle it when it appears she has it  This time though we don't really have a chance to express our emotions because we have so many things that need to be done, going back to London to handle the business of a mentor and making sure that the London office is ready to pick up and handle things without them. However, on the way there Kira learns that the London chaser and his handler are missing and so is a significant artifact.

I really loved that it picked up right after the events of the previous books and gave us a bit more about Kira while advancing her new relationship with her friends, her 'mother/mentor' and the Nubian.  Again we get Mr. Nancee who helps to make the story feel lighter than it is when the scenes get a little dark, all while imparting information that we need.  Kira finds herself having to set aside her grief to aide a chaser who is really too new to be out on his own and his missing handler, when she realizes just how badly the chaser and his handler have messed up she has to step in to stop the situation from going from a minor hiccup into a major disaster. Now that she's been named the Hand of Ma'at and her powers are growing, Kira has no choice to follow through on what the Goddess has shown her is her new path.

There are so many heart-wrenching moments within his one, as Kira learns more about her new talents, her history, her mentors and about the case she's working her entire idea of who and what she is, is being challenged. She's trying to solve the case, help the chaser, work with the Nubian and fight Shadow.  Shadow isn't held back by the qualms that hold Kira up so they decide to go full force at the team, and this is a battle that even though they have been ready for, they still couldn't predict how it would go.

I loved this one so much, while it advanced the overall story of Kira and the Shadow world we still got an awesome case to solve, a chaser to help and an artifact to rescue. I loved the balance that was given to each item, allowing the case to help the overall story while setting up more of the world and the magic system without seeming to dump the information in our hands. This case takes us all over the place with some serious adventures and battles thrown in. While we are advancing the story Kira is getting hit from all sides as they battle to flip her from Light to Shadow heats up.

I loved it so much and finished this one in a day because I needed to know what was happening, why it was happening and just everything I needed to know. This one didn't disappoint the pacing was wonderful, the blend of case and the building of a romance was fantastic and of course, we learned more about Khefar and his mission here. I know this sounds a little silly but I absolutely loved that in this book Kira talks about taking care of her braids, there is a scene with her and Khefar doing each other's hair and I just.... I can't even explain what it means to read that. Just hit me in the feels.

I loved the adventure and the romance, it was so good. Go read it for yourselves!!! Highly recommend.

 ★★★★★

Series in Order

• Shadow Blade (Shadowchase 1) 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• LA Banks Vampire Huntress Series
• LA Banks The Dark Series 

Happy Reading my loves,