Book #Review: Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh #ResonanceSurge #NetGalley

Book Title: Resonance Surge Psy-Changeling Trinity Series Book 7

Author: Nalini Singh |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram| Bookbub | Goodreads

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series/Standalone: Psy-Changeling Trinity Series Book 7

Format: Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover

Cost: $28.00

Pages: 432

How I got it: Advanced copy via Netgalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible Audiobook} Author Links

Publication Date:  July 18, 2023

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Synopsis:

Where are the broken? That is the propulsive question that unleashes a world of secrets in New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s Resonance Surge . . .

StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.

This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.

A low-Gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation Center established by their grandfather.

Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov, who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares

Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . . .

I mentioned in my Sunday post that I returned to school and literally have only been re-reading this series. I have favorite characters and so many side characters that I can’t wait until she writes their stories. I have loved this series from the beginning and this installation is no different. The world we are now in, is the post-Council world and the different races are working to save not just themselves but to come back from the brink the Psy have brought their people to. Once again the horrors of what was done to keep the few alive is finally being shared with the world. And it's a horror show.

Theo has spent her life fighting to survive the family she was brought up into, had she not been linked to her twin brother Pax the more powerful Psy she wouldn’t be here. Pavel a Stonewater Bear has some of the Psy talent he's inherited from his Grandfather which has given him dreams since his childhood and they all star Theo. Theo has come to Russia to find out just how far and deep into the Council structure did her Grandfather go, and how much is her family truly liable for what happened to the broken Psy who didn't meet the exacting standards of the Council & why was her name on partially deleted files?

The dance, the way the story is woven together, I was absorbed from the start, I loved seeing Arwen and the glimpses of the family including Silver and Valentin, There is so much in the story and so much more we need. I absolutely loved the little sprinkling of intrigue we got at the club, I can’t wait to see more. I loved how they talked about the unique earthquakes (IYKYK) in the area.

These stories have been my comfort zone in the crazy world we live in currently and I can’t stop reading. There are a few moments where I had to stop and breathe because if I could jump into the book to go after some people, baby gear up. I would definably bring tissues, and be prepared as there are some triggering subject matter in the form of flashbacks. The fact that these people think they are the best of the best and not realizing that the very definition of a perfect Psy was a psychopath. So many people hurt because the Council lied and so many more in danger because the Scarab Queen would rather seize power than save their race. I can’t wait to see how this all comes out.

The way she ended the story I’m going to be annoyed for a whole year until we get the next installation because why??!!!!! I need it now!!! There were so many beautiful moments that made the book amazing to read, and I can’t wait to get my physical copy to display on my shelves. I will also be listening to the audiobook version because Angela Dawe has a way of narrating the story that is just so amazing, they bring the story to life. 

Have you read this series yet my loves?? I picked it up because every time without fail whenever Sylvia Day is asked what books she recommends she always says Nalini, and I can say I have never enjoyed a recommendation more.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Series In Order

Series in Order (While you can read the books as standalones, the story is vastly enriched by reading in order, as there are subplots and nuances you may not get without the full backstory)   

Psy Changeling Series 

1. Slave to Sensation 
2. Visions of Heat 
3. Caressed by Ice 
4. Mine to Possess 
5. Hostage to Pleasure 
6. Branded by Fire 
7. Blaze of Memory 
8. Bonds of Justice 
9. Play of Passion 
10. Kiss of snow 
11. Tangle of Need 
12. Heart of Obsidian 
13. Shield of Winter 
14. Shards of Hope 
15. Allegiance of Honor 

Trinity Series: 

1. Silver Silence 
2. Ocean Light 
3. Wolf Rain 
4. Alpha Night 
5. Last Guard 
6. Storm Echo 
7. Resonance Surge 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Nalini Singh’s  Guild Hunter Series 

• Lora Leigh’s Breeds Series 

If you can't tell I highly recommend, this book, the series and most of Nalini's work (the one's I've read so far are good) Have you read the series?? Let me know what  you thing, and of course if you have other recommendations, don't forget to drop them in the comments.

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: Temporary Wife Temptation (Heirs of Hansol Book 1) by Jayci Lee #TemporaryWifeTemptation #NetGalley

Book Title: Temporary Wife Temptation (Heirs of Hansol 1)
Author: Jayci Lee |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $5.25

Pages: 224

How I got it: ARC via NetGalley

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

Harlequin Desire: Be transported to the worlds of oil barons, family dynasties, moguls and celebrities. Get ready for juicy plot twists, delicious sensuality and intriguing scandal.

Much more than he bargained for…

“You want me to find you a wife?”

“No. I want you to be my wife.”

Garrett Song is this close to taking the reins of his family’s LA fashion empire…until the Song matriarch insists he marry her handpicked bride first. To block her matchmaking, he recruits Natalie Sobol to pose as his wife. She needs a fake spouse as badly as he does. But when passion burns down their chaste agreement, the flames could destroy them all…

This is one of my favorite tropes " the fake fiance/spouse" trope and Jayci executed this one well. For a debut author, the chemistry and the push/pull of the relationship is extremely well done.  The chemistry between Natalie and Garrett was off the charts.   Natalie is in a power struggle with an older couple to adopt her niece but being a single woman is working against her. Garrett's Grandmother won't turn over the reins of the family business until he marries the woman she's picked out for him. Garrett doesn't believe in marriage and happily ever after, so he makes a bid to outmatch his Grandmother by saying he already has a fiance.  Natalie works as the HR rep for the LA office of the business Garrett's family runs and when she messes up the chance to have a promotion that would have increased her earning potential as well as allowing her to give the courts a better chance for her to adopt her niece she is willing to take Garrett's proposal. Except she has a crush on him and he finds her irresistible. They make a bargain to keep this platonic except they can't seem to keep their hands off each other.

There are so many good moments within the story, from the moment when Garrett tries to rescue Natalie from his Grandmother and instead interrupts teatime?? I was cracking up. I loved that the fact that they were Korean played a big part in their romance and how their relationship along with the fake relationship was being shaped and shared. I loved that Natalie had a friend that had her back and was willing to teach her what she didn't know as well as help her out when she was feeling overwhelmed.  I enjoyed the way the two interacted and how they worked their way from being wary platonic compatriots to lovers to are we or are we not in a relationship??

After getting married to help accomplish their goals Garrett distances himself and Natalie works on getting her niece since that was her reason for being in this relationship. While they fake it for the cameras and family, the chemistry builds for them and they eventually work to a personal relationship. I really enjoyed Garrett's family as well, his sister seems like an interesting woman and I  can't wait for the developing stories in the series. Garrett has *as all the reluctant protags in these romances do* a few moments where he does the stupidest thing ever that risks the relationship and family. Natalie doesn't make it easy for him and I loved the grand gesture.

This is one of the first times I can personally remember reading a romance featuring two Korean characters and I loved it. I will definitely be adding Jayci into the rotation of must follow authors.

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• Temporary Wife Temptation (Heir of Hansol 1) 

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
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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
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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, 

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
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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

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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,