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, 

Audiobook #Review: Tangled Threat by Heather Graham #TangledThreat #NetGalley

Book Title: Tangled Threat
Author:  Heather Graham |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Format: Audiobook/ Mass Market
Narrator: Eva Kaminsky 

Audio Service: Hoopla (Library App)
Hours in Book: 5 Hours

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 256

How I got it: ARC From NetGalley & Pre-order from Amazon 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: August 20, 2019
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Synopsis:

Some things you can’t forget.

A body hanging from the infamous History Tree unraveled their teenage love. Now Maura Antrim is again tangled up with Brock McGovern. Twelve years later, they’re back where that murder occurred—where Brock had been arrested and then released, where Maura had run, too scared to stand by his side. But with two women missing, and Brock now an FBI agent, Maura is determined to help. Together, they’ll have to confront a threat that never died and see if their passion has withstood the test of time.

Overall:
As much as I love Heather, this was a very "meh" story. It just wasn't for me. I tried reading it as an ARC and wasn't hooked, then snagged a copy of the audio to listen to. While it flowed well, the story had too much history and not enough time spent on creating the tension in plot. There were supposed to be on the hunt for missing women and yet despite saying they were worried almost everyone seemed to just be blase' about it. Even a woman who would fit the description was a total idiot when being told to be careful.  The characters were supposed to be hot and heavy teens with their who lives figured out and when they deal with a tragedy it changes them and yet when they meet up again there is this absolutely no tension about how things were left, no resentment, no anger about how they were treated no hurt, just a easy acceptance without there being any tension one would expect, it just falls in so easy ( like way too easy).

Narrator: Eva Kaminsky

This is my first time with this narrator and she certainly tried to make the story flow well. Her inflections and narration helped to make the story much more interesting. When I expected something explosive it was truly based on the way she was reading the material, but when scenes fell flat it was because of the material.

Story:

For the first time in a long time with a Heather Graham book I was looking forward to the end and not because I wanted to get to the whole story, nope I just wanted it to end.  This is a second chance romance and I didn't feel like the characters were interesting, and with all the potential the story was boring.  There wasn't much chemistry, they barely talked and I don't know there wasn't any real tension about what her mother had done or how things were handled.  The build up of the locations and the way the history was being talked about I expected way more than we got.

I learned more about Florida's history and frankly very little of what we learned aided in the story. It wasn't until the last ten pages that the tension of the book even manifested. The villains and their motivation were very weak and I honestly just didn't care at the end. Someone can only be so dumb before you want them to be one of the people who goes missing.   The red herring we were giving would have been a better solution than the answer we were given.

When i started following along in the physical book and realized we were over half way through without the two star crossed lovers even really getting anytime alone I knew I was done.  Everyone was acting like him spending one night in jail was supposed to derail his life ( considering he never even saw the judge and no charges were pressed against him, and his family money and influence made sure he never faced any consequences, not sure how that was supposed to happen).  The idea that you loved someone so much that one night makes you turn away from them and neither of you show up to demand answers?? You followed your parents directive and made no attempt to reach out to the other person and then wondered why they didn't follow up???

For a couple that was supposed to be getting back together from a 12 year separation I didn't feel the heat of their relationship. they didn't really have any depth of feeling and While it only took 3 hours to listen to the story I wasn't hooked. When it ended I was like wait what that's it?? Where is the rest?? It felt unfinished.

 ★★★☆☆

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Heather Graham Krewe of Hunters series
• Sizzle Julie Garwood

Happy Reading my loves, 

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

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

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

Cost: $0.99

Pages: 161

How I got it: ARC from Author 

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

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

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

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

Content Warnings: Mentions of parental illness and death

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

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

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

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

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

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

 ★★★★☆

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

Series In Order

• Grand Theft N.Y.E

RECOMMENDATIONS

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

Enjoy and Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review: Seducing Janey ( Liberty Crossroads # 1) by Sherri Hayes .@Sherri_Hayes

Book Title: Seducing Janey ( Liberty Crossroads Book 1)
Author:  Sherri Hayes |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Pinterest

Publisher: Sherri Hayes
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: ebook

Cost: $4.99

Pages: 263

How I got it: Author 

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publication Date: December 10, 2019
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Synopsis:

Can he keep his hands off her long enough to catch a killer?

Detective Janey Davis is trying to find a killer. When another body turns up outside the small town of Liberty, Indiana, she’s sent to investigate. Nothing prepares her for what she finds there...and it has nothing to do with the case she’s working on. It’s the deputy who’s been assigned to tag along on her investigation.

Kyle Reed has been a sheriff’s deputy since returning from the Army ten years ago. He loves his job and the small town of Liberty, which is why he’s determined to help Detective Davis find out who murdered a man and dumped his body on the side of a country road. What he wasn’t prepared for was the undeniable chemistry between them.

After convincing her to attend a get-together with him at a friend’s farm, Kyle and Janey give in to their passion. The problem is, he doesn’t want just one night. Can he convince her to give a relationship between them a chance?

When I got the email from Sherri asking if I wanted to read this I literally sat there staring for a while before I reminded myself I have to give an answer to be able to get the book. As much as sitting in the seat nodding my head made me feel good, Sherri wouldn't be able to see that and know I wanted it. Then when the book came through?? I danced a little because clearly, she meant to actually send little ole me a review request. It wasn't an accident. (Now that the dramatics are out of the way let's talk about the book).

Once I got the book I went right into it. It took me way too long to realize that the Paul mentioned in the book was actually Paul Daniels from the Daniel Brothers series and that's not Sherri's fault I just didn't connect it for whatever reason and when it finally did I laughed and loved this even more. Janey gets sent to a small town a few hours outside of her jurisdiction in hopes of finding out if the recently discovered body had anything to do with their most recent case.  When she gets there her liaison is Kyle and my gawd is the man fine, he creates a buzz for her and she's hoping she's not giving it all away because she doesn't want to appear unprofessional.  The second Kyle is introduced to the officer from Indy he's attracted but he's here to do a job and he's going to keep it together damn it.

This was a great blend of romance and romantic suspense. There are moments that the investigation isn't going anywhere while they wait on the results from others that the investigation kind of gets pushed to the back and the romance comes forward, but they keep moving each other forward.  With the recent discovery of the bodies, and the lack of evidence they are working with very little in an attempt to discover who killed these men, who they were and why they had been dumped the way they were.  It takes a while but Kyle and Janey hit it off and when she's in his small town Kyle makes his move and suddenly they are working on the chemistry between them.  Once they realize they have nothing else to go on Janey heads home; not long after she's there another body is discovered in another town. Then a small clue gives them a chance to begin unraveling the mystery, meanwhile, the two cops have to figure out if they want more as well.

I loved  Janey as she felt so real, being nervous and yet excited when she made the leap. Kyle was pretty good as well, being vulnerable and yet being the one to take the bulls by the horns when he needed to, he knew from the start Janey was going to be more and he wasn't afraid to pursue it. They had some serious chemistry and yet that didn't stop them from having serious conversations as well, they talked and that was awesome to see characters work at it and acknowledge the difficulties they might have to face if they pursued this, especially with one of them being gun shy.

The mystery of the dead bodies did take a bit to solve, but that time gave Janey and Kyle plenty of time to work together. When it all starts to unravel?? Well until the end I was like ok maybe ok nope didn't see that one coming, ohhhhh girl what??? How did y'all think that would work out?? Yes, I talk to my books while reading.  It was a good ending, even if I thought the perpetrator clearly didn't think things all the way through.  Those moments with Janey & Kyle facing them?? Yeah, I felt the adrenaline with Janey. Yikes.

I enjoyed myself and especially loved the relationship that Janey and Paul had, he was a great partner and because he was he treated her like family.   Janey's life was full she had great friends, a job she loved and a place she totally enjoyed living in, so Kyle didn't rescue her, but he helped to give her life a little more.  Kyle also had a pretty good network of friends and family, having moved back to his small hometown. I loved his relationship with his sister even if he's trying to be willfully blind.  His relationship with his nephew is so sweet.

I'm looking forward to reading the other romances in this small town as it's shaping up to be awesome. We got glimpses of what I believe are at least two more?? Not sure we'll stalk Sherri's website and see over the next few weeks.  I liked that it didn't all neatly wrap up, she left a few threads to be tugged into the other stories and gave us glimpses of some of the town as well. I'm looking forward to the journey back.  I was in a bit of a slump before reading this and it helped to pull me out; now I'm addicted to reading all the romantic suspense on my shelves. 

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• Seducing Janey 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Daniel Brothers Series by Sherri Hayes
• Brenda Jackson Catalina Cove Series

Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review: The Bear's Fated Mate (Borealis Bears 2) by Vivian Arend .@VivianArend

Book Title: The Bear's Fated Mate (Borealis Bears 2)
Author:  |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Arend Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, Paperback

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 168

How I got it: Author Street Team Group

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

He’s going to pick someone perfectly wrong for him—because fate isn’t in charge of his world!

A stand alone title in a brand-new shifter trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Vivian Arend.

As head of security for the family company, polar bear shifter Alex Borealis has intel warning something big is about to happen. His prime suspect? Tantalizing, infuriating Lara Lazuli, youngest daughter of Borealis Gems’ main competitor. But when mating fever hits, he decides she’s the perfect one to turn to. They’ve got chemistry hot enough to melt the polar ice caps, but he doesn’t trust her enough for a permanent connection to form.

Being with Alex is one step shy of torture for Lara. As a wolf shifter, she scented the truth the instant she met him months ago—he’s her mate. But she’s not about to trap anyone into being with her, especially not a man who thinks she’s up to no good. Add in her own suspicions of wrong-doing in her pack and Lara’s caught between heaven and hell.

But tangled sheets lead to real communication, and a bond of friendship forms that neither expected. When Lara asks for help, Alex finds himself living in the pack house, scaring off random Alpha wolves and fighting at her side.

Because the mating fever knows a thing or two about fate and forever.

Like most of the books I read, I went into this one blind, I love Vivian's work and have been apart of her street team for a while. When the link came for this one based on the cover I asked to be apart of the reviews. I'm so glad I did, this was so funny and sweet and I totally want to read the rest of the trilogy now. Basically, these three polar bear brothers make a pact not to be influenced by their busybody Grandfather during their mating fever, except you don't live this long and remain as Patriarch for as long as their Grandfather if you aren't a wily bear.  He's got a few plans in place to help his grandsons realize their potential mates and he's not afraid to meddle when he needs to. I loved it.

Lara is the sister to the Alpha of the local wolf pack, having gone away for college and lived her life away from the pack, she returns home to help with the security for the pack. When she returns she notices there appear to be things the leaders of the pack won't share with her and she's suspicious of what that could mean for their people. She's also discovered who her mate is and the infuriating man doesn't even recognize her. Alex the security expert for the local bear pack is suspicious of the little wolf Lara and her interest in being friends with his newest sister in law and he's beyond attracted to her but can't fathom why her.  When his Grandfather begins to drop hints he's suspicious the wolf pack may be making moves he decides to look into it. 

Alex's brother has recently discovered his mate and he's broken the vow the brothers have made and now it's up to Alex to hold out. He's going to find out what the wolves are up to and if he can get close to the wolf his bear likes who is he to complain?? Lara wants to find out what her family is up to and she wants her mate, but she's not willing to put herself out there to be hurt, as the first to recognize the mating bond she's feeling the full effects and he's unaware of it. 

These two were a riot to read, their animals were separate personalities and would inject their ideas on how to handle the other often. Alex's bear certainly had his mind made up his human just had to catch up. This was a great romantic story that focused on the two getting to know each other as friends first then as mates. Neither were aware of just how much they were being pushed together not just by their animals but their family as well.  I certainly didn't expect what was happening in Lara's pack to happen. And I loved how great their familial relationships were.  The Grandfather was hilarious and the way he went about getting them together was too funny. His voice is what kick starts the story and I was hooked from reading his journal entry.

These two were so good together and I loved how even as they tried to navigate being friends then becoming more all while trying to figure out just what is happening with the leadership of the pack. I loved the bit of tension that brought to the story and even how it was all resolved.  The ending had me cracking up when all the answers came out and I now need to read the third book because it's going to be interesting to see how she gets this one hooked to his mate. I absolutely loved that despite Alex being described as a 'bear' of a man Lara was still able to handle him because she was so kick ass. Just so awesome!!! And of course, the sexual chemistry was off the charts. There are so many cute moments in the book that I just ugh couldn't stop smiling while reading. Lara's sister?? I love her and I sure would love a story about her and her mate (which we learn about in this one but still). Highly recommend for those seeking a good romantic comedy with a kick-ass female and a polar bear that loves to play.

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• The Bear's Chosen Mate (Book 1) ** haven't read yet**
• The Bear's Fated mate (Book 2) 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Christine Feehan Carpathian Series
• Lora Leigh Breed Series

Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review: Secret Prince's Christmas Seduction by Carol Marinelli #SecretPrincesChristmasSeduction #NetGalley

Book Title:  Secret Prince's Christmas Seduction
Author:  Carol Marinelli | Twitter|  

Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, Mass Market 

Cost: $5.25

Pages: 256

How I got it: Publisher via NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Publication Date: November 19th, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Claimed by the prince

For Christmas or forever?

Sicilian chambermaid Antonietta prides herself on her discretion, so she’s mortified by her inappropriate reaction to her hotel’s newest guest! Antonietta has no idea Rafael is the notorious prince of Tulano. All she knows is that his touch lights her up more brightly than a Christmas tree.

Their unexpected connection floors cynical Rafe. All he can offer is a temporary festive seduction before resuming his royal duties. But unwrapping the precious gift of Antonietta’s virginity changes everything. Rafe must choose—his crown, or Antonietta…

Antonietta returns home to Sicily after fleeing on her wedding day 5 years ago. Her family hadn't listened when she starting raising objections and went ahead with the arranged marriage and because she fled they have been holding a grudge ever since. She's home hoping her time away gave them a chance to forgive her and will welcome her home for the holidays.  To help her out her best friend has gotten her hired at her husband's newest hotel in their home town, there she will work part time as a chambermaid in the luxury suites and train the rest of the time as a massage therapist.

Not one for gossip she's unaware of the significance of the hotel's newest guest, when she's assigned to his room. Rafe is there to recover from a recent skiing accident that he can't allow the people of his country to learn about. Tired of being regulated to the life of a playboy he's been pushing for more responsibility from his father as Prince of his people, however his father has one stipulation and Rafe cannot abide by it. One of Rafe's best friend has given him a place to recuperate and rethink things. While there he finds himself drawn to Antonietta who meets none of the standards his family requires for a future queen but he himself can't get her out of his mind.

As time goes by and he heals and gets to know the woman who is  here to make his stay more comfortable he is forced to re-evaluate what he expects for his future. I really enjoyed how slowly they built this relationship. Even with their attraction they took the time to get to be friends first, Rafe especially was uncertain with how this friendship could develop and where it would lead. As the pressure mounts for him to make a choice Rafe realizes he doesn't want to be like his father. When given a choice he makes the best for himself. To be honest I was prepared for that, I kind of expected the story to be just a fling I should have remembered I'm reading a romance novel and HEA are guaranteed.

The friendships are what really help this story along. I loved that her best friend tries to help her and make her confront what is happening with her family and see it realistically. I loved that she's a safe haven for Antonietta and is a great sounding board as well.  I am enjoying how much these new romances challenge our beliefs about what a heroine can be and how they can fall in love. It's a sweet Christmas romance that makes Antonietta face what makes a 'family" especially because her own isn't the best.

I loved how sweet they were together and how Antonietta embraced her new life and the changes she wanted for herself.

 ★★★☆☆

Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review: Boy In Luv (In Luv Duet # 2) by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

Book Title: Boy In Luv ( In Luv Duet)
Author:  Jay Crownover |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram
Author: Rebecca Yarros |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram
Publisher: Jay Crownover LLC

Genre: New Adult Romance

Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, Trade paperback

Cost: $Free w/ Kindle Unlimited. 

Pages: 195

How I got it: ARC From Author

Purchase: Amazon |
Publication Date: October 21, 2019
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:

Distance sure as hell made his heart grow fonder… But it shattered hers into a million pieces.

Langley Vaughn knows she's never going to make the same mistake again.

Who falls head over heels in love in a week? Langley did, and she's regretted it every day since she handed her heart to a boy with too many secrets and too much baggage. Iker doesn't fit into Langley's world, and he made it clear he doesn't want to. He left before she even got a chance to try and change his mind or to prove to him how good they could be together. Langley's spent the last nine months healing her heart and making big plans for the future. Plans that absolutely don't include Iker… even though he's back, looking better than ever, and saying all the right things.

Iker Alvarez knows he made the biggest mistake of his life.

At first, the pretty blonde in the red dress was nothing more than a means to an end. But, she quickly became so much more. As soon as Iker walked away from Langley, claiming it was for her own good, he knew he screwed up. He left her so she wouldn't worry about him when he deployed, so she wouldn't waste her time waiting around for a guy who was never going to be good enough for her. Only, nine months and a deployment later, Iker still can't get Langley out of his head… and he totally underestimated the hold she has on his hardened heart. He's a guy who's not sure how love should work, or how to go about winning his girl back…he's about to get a crash course in both.

This one picks up right where Girl In Luv left off. It's been a few months since Iker made his move and since that fateful weekend, now he's been rotated home from his assignment overseas and he had realized his mistake in making the choice for them but will Langley???

As this story picks up a few months after the events of Girl in Luv and is being told mainly from Iker's POV.   We learn that pushing people away is a special skill of his.  Learning to navigate this world with Langley in it but not really in it, is hard for him. He realized too late that he was being very much like the people in her life in making the decision for her instead of with her. When he gets back Langley has shown that she's moved on and the news devastates Iker. He's proud of all her recent accomplishments bit when he realizes one of the decisions she's made without him means leaving him behind he's willing to fight to get what he wants.  Hr's not sure how to do this as he's never been in love before and he wants to protect her as he plans to remain in the military and he's always believed it to be too much to ask someone to wait for you.

Langley was devastated the morning after the wedding and finding that letter. She's pushed her way through her studies and is graduating. She's found herself the perfect opportunity to use her degree and it takes her away from town and from all the memories, except now Iker is here and she doesn't know how to navigate this space. She's always been open and trusting and Iker's betrayal showed her she shouldn't trust as easily even if Iker is giving her everything she had wished for, it's too late or is it??

It's funny to see the roles reversed here, int he first one it was Iker with a secret and now it's Langley. I loved that even though she missed him, she moved on, she made some changes and focused in on school. While her time with Iker had been brief he had made some lasting impressions on her. I loved that Langley was such a badass like she didn't breakdown, she just kept going despite the blow he'd dealt her.  I loved that her life was just as full as before and she's made changes that enhance it even more. I enjoyed the back and forth between them and the way in which Iker tries to regain the ground he lost when he made his decision in book 1.

I loved seeing his family in here and learning more about him and the people he'd been willing to date a stranger for.  Due to his family history, Iker isn't used to relying on others, he's always been the one to step up and to be vulnerable with Langley lets him learn about the gaps he'd created with his family. I enjoyed seeing both sides of their families, especially Langley's. The changes form book 1 were pretty good and even if it for me it's eff them bitches for life, I'm glad that there was a good resolution to it.  I loved the tension and how it's eventually resolved because for me it was touch and go there for a few. I didn't know if Iker was going to make it.

There is so much I want to gush about but I don't want to spoil you. Definitely read it and come back my loves so we can talk about it. It's a fantastic romance that talks about so many real things without trying too hard and becoming bogged down. It's a well done interracial romance that doesn't *other* the person of color and finds ways to wind his culture in without it being a glaring 'see we have a person of color in here'.  I loved when they talked about the differences between them from culture to socio-economic classes and how it affected them personally and as a couple. I loved that Iker was career military so that would impact who they became and what they could do.  And that it was a part of the tension in the relationship. It was well done and I loved the discussions they had to have because of it. Of course, it's not a Jay Corwonover romance if the sexual tension doesn't leap off the page and singe you when they are together.  Smoking hot tatted man and just to die for sex scenes?? It's the Crownover brand and I loved every second of it.

 ★★★★☆ 

Series In Order

• Girl In Luv  # 1
• Boy In Luv # 2

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Monica Murphy's One Week Girlfriend
• Monica Murphy's Second Chance Boyfriend

Happy Reading my loves,