Book #Review: Archangel's Eternity (Guild Hunter #18) by Nalini Singh #ArchangelsEternity #NetGalley.#GuildHunter

Elena and Raphael return for the hauntingly poignant conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s genre-defining Guild Hunter series A thousand years.

It’s been a millennium since Elena’s fateful first meeting with Archangel Raphael. She has survived war and loss, experienced beauty and cruelty. But no matter what, she has always held on to her mortal heart, as she and Raphael have held on to each other. Passionate and vibrant, they’ve built a life that has stood the test of time, growing ever stronger with each turn of the sun.

But change is coming—of a magnitude they could have never imagined—and it will forever alter the trajectory of their existence.

Even as they grapple with the cataclysmic shift in their personal lives, the Cadre of Ten, which has maintained a hard-won peace for centuries, begins to simmer with dangerous fault lines. The specter of madness looms in one archangel, the promise of war burns between two others, and in darkness far from mortal and immortal eyes stirs an ancient, slumbering power.

Suddenly, the future is terrifyingly uncertain . . . at the very moment that Elena and her archangel need to protect a treasure infinitely more precious than eternity.

Book Title: Archangel's Eternity (Guild hunter #18)

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

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy, Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Finale Book 18
Format: eBook, Audiobook, 

Cost: $9.99

Pages:  448

How I got it: ARC & Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.Org Mahogany Books (Complete Your Series)
Publication Date: May 05, 2026
Add To Goodreads, Add to Storygraph

Trigger/ Content Warnings: Discussion of immortality and Death

Excerpt (on author site) 

Okay my loves I'm going to start this off by being so honest with you. I have been deep into school for the past two years and the only reason I stayed sane as a reader was re-reading this and her other series and anything new Nalini wrote. I have re-listened to the series like a million times. (If you haven't heard the audiobooks and you like audio I HIGHLY recommend it).  And to read this one you need to bring tissues.  If you have read this series at all then you know Nalini writes so much emotion into her books and this finale ain't no different. In fact I think it was even more emotional (at least for me) than all the others and some of the others definitely made me cry or tear up. 

I absolutely ugly cried reading this book. Knowing it was the last in this iteration of the series made me sob. I'm also an older sister, so even writing this thinking about living a thousand years without my sisters by my side would absolutely do me in. But ohhh the adventures Elena has had.  I have read this series so many times and each time I re read I find another thing to love about the series, but the discussion about family and what makes family really made me love this even more.  Getting to see some of the characters as they developed and grew, even some surprises from the the other books, oh how I loved each page. 

It being the end of an era, she had so many threads to wrap up. I cried for the characters we got and for the ones we didn't. I cried when Elena and Raphael had their discussion on what they would do should the worst happen. It took me four days to read this because I wasn't ready to let them go or to have anything happen to my favorite characters. So much change has already happened in the world and the new adventures these two go on is so worth reading and being apart of. 

It definitely made me wonder what the world would look like in 400 years and then I thought of the part of Coco where the dead talk about the part that you fade when the last person who remembers you dies. And I just balled my heart out.  

"When there is no one left in the living world who remembers you, you disappear from this world. We call it the final death"   COCO (the movie)

We are here because Raphael made the right choice on that roof top, I just think of what would have happened had he not chosen correctly how differently this world would be. We wouldn't have had the parings (my favorite being Naasir and his Mate in Archangel's Enigma) and adventures we did, new powers wouldn't have risen, and should they not have then the Mantle would have fallen, and so too would it all.  I do hope we see more from the world because there are so many other stories, we could have like what happens to the Healer, do anymore sleepers awaken, can we get the stories from the new batch of warriors of course it wouldn't be from Elena's and Raphael's POV but that's fine. I just want more. 

Even if we never see this world again this was a fantastic conclusion to the Guild Hunter Series and if you haven't read the series I highly recommend.  For now, I will say Goodbye for now Habibti, Goodbye for now Archangel

 ★★★★★

Did I add the book to my personal library??

Absolutely!!! A Must Have

Series In Order

Guild Hunter:

• Angels' Blood
• ArchAngel's Kiss
• ArchAngel's Consort
• ArchAngel's Blade
• ArchAngel's Storm
• ArchAngel's Legion
• ArchAngel's Shadows
• ArchAngel's Enigma
• ArchAngel's Heart
• ArchAngel's Viper
• ArchAngel's Prophecy
• ArchAngel's War
• ArchAngel's Sun
• ArchAngel's Light
• ArchAngel's Resurrection
• ArchAngel's Lineage
• ArchAngel's Ascension
• ArchAngel's Eternity 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Psy-Changling Series by Nalini Singh

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
Add To Goodreads
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, 

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: The Girl in 6E (Deanna Madden # 1) by A. R Torre'

Book Title: The Girl In 6E (Deanna Madden # 1)
Author:  A.R. Torre' |Website| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Orion
Genre: Horror/ Thriller/ Mystery
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: Trade Paperback 

Cost: $9.99

Pages: 352

How I got it: ARC from BEA 2013

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

I haven't touched a human in three years. That seems like it would be a difficult task, but it's not. Not anymore, thanks to the internet.

I am, quite possibly, the most popular recluse ever. Not many shut-ins have a 200-member fan club, a bank account in the seven-figure range, and hundreds of men lining up to pay for undivided attention.

They get satisfaction, I get a distraction. Their secret desires are nothing compared to why I hide... my lust for blood, my love of death.

Taking their money is easy. Keeping all these secrets... one is bound to escape.

What if you hid yourself away because all you could think of was killing? And what if one girl's life was depending on you venturing into society?

Enter a world of lies, thrills, fears, and all desires, in this original thriller from A. R. Torre.

This one took me a while to read because I wasn't originally int he mood for a thriller, I put it down then eventually picked it up and dived right back in. I know I love Alexandra's writing so I knew once I was ready I would be able to dive in and enjoy it. I will say that at the beginning while the story is being set up Deanna repeated a lot of her ideas about herself and this bogged the story a little. 

This story is being marketed * at least by those who loved it and recommend it* as for fans of Dexter and since I've never seen that show I wasn't sure how I would handle it I enjoyed it. I didn't understand why she believed what she did when she only thought about it. The way she was hyping it up you would have thought she's been out her slaying all day but nope. Having survived a nightmare from her childhood and believing herself to be like the killer due to her fascination with it she's locked herself away and even seeks therapy but doesn't share all the information she really needs to so she can get all the help she really needs.  

As the story progresses we learn more about Deanna who had put herself in self-imposed exile and then began working as a cam girl in hopes of earning an income. She wanted to occupy herself away from society and yet she didn't move into the middle of nowhere she lived in a building with people and paid others through their vices to help control herself. She's got a bit of a crush on the UPS man but she knows nothing can come of it.  She begins to get uneasy about a client (rightfully so) and what they had as their fantasy and when she found out a child is missing she decides to leave the apartment for the first time in years. It doesn't go as planned as she hasn't counted that she's stronger in her mind than in real life and when she challenges a the UPS guy for his truck he's able to subdue her fairly quickly.   *I cackled so hard, cause not so big and bad now huh??* Deanna is a pretty likable character once you begin to really get to know her. I understood her reasoning for not going to the cops right away and even when she does they don't take her seriously  *because duh* so she decides to take matters into her own hands. 

I absolutely loved what happened when she went to 'rescue' that little girl. Fantasy and reality are two different things and just because you believe something about yourself doesn't make it real.  I think she needs a few good hours with a therapist and to be genuine with them and cut the shyt.   I understand her belief that her ideation could be considered odd and concerning from a law enforcement perspective if she had an actual target in mind, which she doesn't.  Deanna is made to face some home truths about herself and her situation. While the mystery timeline is going on, we also have the UPS driver who actually has a fascination with her because he's been delivering for years and never gets to see her and when he does he realizes she's an even bigger mystery than he thought.  He's fascinated and his family is intrigued by his obsession with the mystery woman.  I thought they were pretty interesting together. Deanna is an intriguing character and I just know there are going to be repercussions from her actions in this book and I can't wait to see it all shakedown. 

This isn't a romance and beyond her job as a cam girl there isn't any sex, and yet it kept me intrigued. The slow revelations of who Deanna is and what shaped her to be this woman and wondering how it's all going to come out. Especially now that she has this attraction to the UPS guy, how will she handle her obsession?? 

I'm definitely going to be reading the rest of the series.
Happy Reading my loves,

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• The Girl In 6E
• Do Not Disturb # 2
• If You Dare # 3

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Blindfolded Innocence

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: The Melendez Forgotten Marriage by Melanie Milburne

Book Title: The Melendez Forgotten Marriage (Bride On Approval)
Author:  Melanie Milburne |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Pinterest

Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Standalone 
Format: Mass Market 

Cost: $4.75

Pages: 186

How I got it: Purchased

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

When fragile Emelia awoke from her coma she had no recollection of the strikingly handsome man before her, whose eyes glittered like fine-cut gems--hard and impenetrable. But he aroused "something" within her....Javier Meléndez had wed Emelia for convenience and bedded her for pleasure. The rules in place during their marriage had suited him perfectly, and he'd ensured his trophy wife adhered to them.... But as Emelia's memory slowly returned, she seemed to be laboring under a misapprehension...that their marriage was based on love! 

This story begins with Emelia waking up in the hospital not knowing where she was or what happened to her. She had been in an accident and when they make her aware of the date and that her husband was outside waiting she begins to panic because it appears she's forgotten the past two years of her life. How could she have forgotten the smoking hot and intense man standing by her bed???

Javier was furious with his wife but he couldn't let her know that he has to play it cool and give her time. It wouldn't do for him to be angry with a woman who states she can't remember him or their entire relationship.  When Emelia gets to their home she's shocked to discover the woman she has become. Perhaps that's why she's forgotten her life?? She's become a woman she doesn't recognize and the house she lives in is clearly not her home because there are no signs of her in it. What had happened to her??

I ended up giving this one a solid three, it's ok. I felt it could have been better if it had had the time to challenge the issues they had. Emelia was a woman who had made herself into the woman she believed Javier wanted instead of being herself and when she finally couldn't deal anymore she cracked and their marriage became rocky.  Having a major blowout with Javier about what she really wanted and having him shut her down was the final straw for her.  Throughout this novel, I just couldn't see why she felt she was somehow the victim. You went into this relationship with your eyes wide open and denied who you were and what you really wanted but were angry with your partner for not knowing that the person you presented yourself isn't the real you. How he supposed to know girl?? You don't even know what you want.

Both Javier and Emelia went into the relationship with hidden agendas beyond what was stated and they agreed upon. Javier clearly stated he didn't want children and she figured he would change his mind. Errm not how that works, if it's a maybe then yeah but a solid No?? You just asking for hurt.  They kept circling around the same issues with little advancement then by the end it's all solved. I do like that they have a few big discussions about why their relationship wasn't working as they originally wanted. Both of them were honest and worked towards the goal of staying married but for a good chunk of the book, they kept having the same issues and couldn't see each other's side.  I loved how much she really embraced herself and refused to continue like she had before. Not with his staff and certainly not with his sister.  While her memory loss complicated some things little things were retained like her ability to speak and understand his native language, even if she couldn't remember him or any of the other things about them.

I know it doesn't sound like I enjoyed myself but I actually did. In the parts that the story worked, it worked well and the characters flowed. I personally know no one was going to talk to me like the two women did and keep their lips attached to their faces but that's just me. I did like how it was all resolved and did enjoy the romance of it all. I loved how Emelia was trying to find out who she had become and decided what parts of that woman she wanted to keep and what she would leave behind.  She certainly gained a backbone due to the accident.

 ★★★☆☆

Favorite Harlequin Presents Authors:

• Charlotte Lamb
• Lynne Graham
• Sandra Marton
• Caitlin Crews
• Jacqueline Baird
• Sarah Morgan

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,

ARC Book #Review: The Billionaire Chef's Baby (McClellan Billionaires 2) by Leslie North .@leslienorthbook #TheBillionaireChefsBaby #NetGalley

Book Title: The Billionaire Chef's Baby ( McClellan Billionaires 2)
Author:  Leslie North |Website| Twitter| Facebook| 

Publisher: Relay Publishing
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook

Cost: $2.99
Free on Kindle Unlimited

Pages: 155

How I got it: Via NetGalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
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Synopsis:

Covered in tattoos, sarcasm, and muscles, Arthur McClellan is the best thing to come out of the kitchen since sliced bread. A billionaire from birth, his trust fund hasn’t stopped his drive to achieve his dreams of celebrity chef status. However, a dying wish from his mother has caused him to pivot his aspirations. Instead of being the “bad boy,” he now wants to join the ranks of the happy chefs of the Taste Network. It’s taken a lot of convincing, but he’s finally landed a show: a wedding special filming in the Bahamas. But the network doesn’t trust him alone. They want a romantic interest: a perfect, bubbly wedding planner to soften his edges. Arthur’s not mad when they pick a wedding planner he’d had a single, very passionate night with. In fact, she just might be the cherry on top of his food show cake.

Cassandra Kelly has been winning the wedding planner game for years, and she wants more: national coverage for her creative celebrations. So when the Taste Network offers her the position of wedding planner on their new pilot, Cassandra jumps at the chance. The only catch? She’s got to be the “girlfriend” of famous bad boy Arthur McClellan— a position not unappealing to her after a celebratory night of passion that left her with a continuous craving for the chef… and an unplanned bun in the oven.

Now, they’ve got to fake their relationship on screen while wading through their real relationship off. They both agree the baby should be kept secret until they’re ready to spill the beans. But when a careless conversation reveals all to the producer, who thinks a secret baby would make for a great reality TV series, they have to decide how real they’re willing to get and how much their romance can weather for their careers. For two people who want to live in the public eye, they must decide how much of their passion they want to keep private.

Cassandra has the perfect opportunity to create the reality show of her dreams, she's the wedding planner for the tv network's daughter and she needs this wedding to go off without a hitch. She's working with celebrity bad boy chef ( think Gordon Ramsey) Arthur, he's beyond creative in the kitchen but he's known for throwing tantrums and acting out. Arthur wants to move beyond his well-known image and this wedding is going to be his chance, even if the uptight wedding planner is on his case. He's not messing this up he wants his own show on Taste Network and he's going to prove that he's more than the bad-boy chef. After they pull off the wedding of the decade Arthur and Cassandra celebrate with a drink and a little more. Which of course leads to an unplanned pregnancy.

After a few weeks, these two find themselves being propositioned by the network but neither of them wants the offer they are being given, however, it's a foot in the door and they can't really turn it down. I loved the concept of the story and the flow of the story. Arthur wanted to be more than he was known for and when he gets the opportunity he's not going to lose it. Cassandra knows that unlike Arthur who has his family money to fall back on if all else fails she can't screw this up, and now that she's pregnant she needs to really get this nailed down. As the story develops and they both explore their chemistry while trying to keep it off the cameras how can you tell what is real and what's for the show??

Both had so many insecurities and hang-ups that they had to work through and neither knew how to do that and actually be vulnerable. Arthur was trying to be what everyone wanted and still change his image and he wasn't sure who he was supposed to be anymore, especially after making a deathbed promise to be better. Cassandra is so focused on her goals she's not looking to see all that Arthur is offering because she doesn't trust that anyone will give her what she needs. It's a lot of back and forth with steamy sexy moments, vulnerable awwww moments and then moments that are interrupted by the film crew demanding that they redo what should have been private moments. They are on the island with another couple who they are helping get ready for their wedding and while they keep the couple from tearing themselves apart for the love of the drama for the cameras they also have to figure out just what it is they want for themselves.

I felt that Cassandra never really gave Arthur the space to be vulnerable with her, when he was being genuine she kept accusing him of playing to the camera and when he explained what happens she doubts his words and actions all the time. While they had good chemistry I wasn't sure I wanted them to end up together, Cassandra didn't seem open to being in a real relationship, she had these ideas that she wanted and kept kicking Arthur for not knowing what she wanted even though she never verbalized it. Like he's not a mind reader dummy communicate.  They certainly had a few moments that made me chuckle and they were good together when they got out of their own way and were just them. It's a cute little romance especially when they figure it all out. They certainly had the swoon-worthy moments down, and I absolutely loved the moment when Arthur was going to cook for her, just so cute.

This is the second book in a series, however, I hadn't realized that when I requested it, so I don't know the history of the characters or the overall story if there is one. I did however like what I read.  It's a fast-paced read, and I certainly wanted to know what happened next *much like a reality tv show*

 ★★★☆☆

It's a fun fast read, I hope you enjoy
Happy Reading my loves, 

Audiobook #Review:Butterfly In Frost by Sylvia Day .@Scribd

Book Title: Butterfly in Frost
Author:  Sylvia Day |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Format: Audiobook, Physical
Narrator: Emma Wilder & Joe Arden 

Audio Service: Scribd
Hours in Book: 4 hours 48 mins

Cost: $7.99

Pages: 199

How I got it: Purchased/ Listened via Scribd

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 08/27/2019
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Synopsis:

From #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon Sylvia Day comes a hotly anticipated and passionate new love story.

Once, I would never have imagined myself here. But I’m settled now. In a place I love, in a home I renovated, spending time with new friends I adore, and working a job that fulfills me. I am reconciling the past and laying the groundwork for the future.

Then Garrett Frost moves in next door.

He’s obstinate and too bold, a raging force of nature that disrupts the careful order of my life. I recognize the ghosts that haunt him, the torment driving him. Garrett would be risky in any form, but wounded, he’s far more dangerous. I fear I’m too fragile for the storm raging inside him, too delicate to withstand the pain that buffets him. But he’s too determined…and too tempting.

And sometimes hope soars above even the iciest desolation.

Emotional and heartrending, Butterfly in Frost marks a brilliant return by global sensation Sylvia Day, the #1 international multimillion bestselling author of the Crossfire saga.

Overall:
Trigger Warning:
***Go in with knowledge that there is discussion of grief, loss of a child and depression. ***

I was anticipating this book and pre-ordered as soon as the link popped up on her website, I didn't need to know what it was about and went right into it once I saw the audiobook on Scribd. While I didn't know the synopsis I dived right into the story. I liked the story the narration, however, left much to be desired.  The story flew by but with the narration I kept going back wondering if I missed something. Nothing about the synopsis tells you what the true story is about and I kind of liked that.

Narrator:
For a majority of the story, it's told in Teagan's voice and therefore told from Emma Wilder which was fine. I really enjoyed her because she was good at doing Teagan's voice and Roxy's and later when we meet a few others. Her inflections totally made the characters come alive. However, the last few chapters are from Garrett and they have Joe Arden narrate that. Please explain to me if you're going to hire a male voice actor why the HELL was Emma deepening her voice to do his parts in the first half????? Did the budget not kick in until later?? It totally ruined the story because I'm like why didn't he just do the voice the whole time?? Cause now this is a whole new character since Emma's been doing the voice completely differently. UGHHHHH Y'all need to get it together.  Did Not Like

Story:

While reading this I kept wondering if I had somehow skipped pages or if the book was missing pages. I love a good insta love story but this was fast even for me. Then I determined they must have known each other because Garrett was way too familiar in his habits for this to be the first time they try some of these things.

I was very glad that we had a character dealing ( or not really dealing ) with depression and grief. They were two people broken and finding comfort in each other, at least that's how it read until we got to the end and we learn more from Garrett.

I really loved that we got to meet up with Ava from the Crossfire series and in the process got some information on all the other characters, as this is in the future ( I won't tell you how far in the future but it was pretty cool). This was a pretty fast story that feels like it could have been fleshed out more, we could have learned more from them. They were both trying to cope with major changes, Teagan with a divorce that devastated her,. and Garrett with the loss of a child.

At the end of the story so much of their conversation make more sense and it fills in the cracks and makes the story richer, but when I was reading the first time through I kept feeling like I was missing something, honestly, I felt like Roxy at the end.

I did love it at the end, but man getting there was a little confusing. I ended up loving the story once it all unfolded. Especially after reading her notes on the book and the song choice for the theme of the book: Happier by Marshmello ft Bastille

 ★★★☆☆

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Finding Home Again (Catalina Cove 3) by Brenda Jackson
• Love In Catalina Cove by Brenda Jackson

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: Deadly Obsession (Brown & De Luca # 4) by Maggie Shayne .@maggieshayne .@HarlequinBooks

Book Title:  Deadly Obsession ( Brown & De Luca 4)
Author:  Maggie Shayne|Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA

Genre: Romantic Thriller, Romance, Paranormal
Series/Standalone: Book 4
Format: ebook, Mass Market

Cost: $4.99

Pages: 400

How I got it: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
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Synopsis:

A cold-blooded killer with a burning obsession…

Rachel de Luca has a bad feeling about the new woman in Detective Mason Brown's life, the nurse taking care of him after he's injured in the line of duty. She'd like to think it's just jealousy, but intuition tells her it's something more, maybe something dangerous.

Mason knows Rachel's wary of commitment, and asking her to stay when he's in this condition would be the worst thing for their relationship. Then they receive chilling news that drives everything else from their minds.

Mason's psychotic sister-in-law has escaped from custody, putting her sons — the nephews he's raising — in the crosshairs. When his house is burned to the ground, he and Rachel are relieved that there are no bodies in the smoldering rubble, but now his nephews are missing and the clock is ticking.

As Mason and Rachel try to find the boys, she senses a new and unexpected danger stalking them. Soon, everyone close to Mason is in deadly peril — Rachel more than anyone….

While going on a date with Rachel, Mason happens upon a home on fire, when the neighbors mention they didn't see the family leave and that children lived there he runs in to rescue them.  This is a clarifying moment for Rachel because it makes her realize that she could lose him to his long before she could lose him because they don't suit ( which isn't true since they are perfectly suited)  but relationship fears aren't rational they just are. His heroism is caught on camera and reported in a glowing news report, which incidentally the firebug who started the fire sees and decides that Mason is the one for them. They are tired of being put as second best when the person they chose as a partner returns to their partners ( because oyu know getting with a cheater is how you guarantee your relationship..what a dumbass).

Mason is slightly injured and the Dr wants him to have visiting nurse services, which gives the firebug an in. Delusion thy name is this dumbass. They haven't even met Mason yet and is already spinning fantasies about killing everyone in his life so he will fall for them. I just. Really??? Form the getgo we know who the crazy is and we get insight into their lives and why they are doing it, for me this ratcheted up the tension because I kept screaming at my book, How doesn't Mason see the crazy gleam in their eyes??  Every time the villain would have been in a room with Rachel they found a way out so that Rachel couldn't read them.

This was a fantastic read and I flew through this one as well. Told in alternating perspectives, we get the crazy insights, Rachel's insights as she tries to navigate the new knowledge she has of her full feelings for Mason, and Mason as he goes through the case of the arson. While this going on it's time for his oldest ne[hew to graduate high school, due to the case from the last book a family member is in an institution and when the incidents involving them escalate they believe it's the family member who has escaped.  The family member escaped because the arsonist wanted to be able to blame someone else when they committed their crimes and this would work perfectly. Except despite having a mental breakdown the family member is all about protecting the family and even if they can't express that to everyone they still do their best to protect everyone.

This is perhaps the most amount of characters POV we have gotten from these books and it all worked well. It flowed together well. The last book ended a case but left some overall questions especially with Mason's comments to Rachel, who of course is now running scared until that night and now she's trying to navigate it all.  I loved the young love we're getting from her niece and his nephew, and how practical this twin is. It's pretty good actually how refreshing the kids are in this story, especially after the events of the last book.

Of course, Rachel is full of snark and sass throughout the whole story and I love the way she and mason interact with each other. I love her sister and their relationship. I also love how her friendship with Abby, her assistant who is great at making her see reason. They are amazing together.  This one flew by really quickly and I enjoyed myself the entire time.

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• Sleep With The Lights On (Brown & De Luca 1) 
• Dream of Danger 1.5
• Wake To Darkness 2
• Innocent Prey 3

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Krewe of Hunters Heather Graham
• The Protectors Series Brenda Jackson 

Happy Reading my loves,