Book Review: The Duchess Takes it All

Title - The Duchess Takes it All 

Author - Michelle McLean 

Genre -  Historical Romance 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: Nov 26th 2024

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Synopsis

A widowed duchess in possession of a fortune must be in want of a husband...or is she? It's a battle of wills in this delightfully clever, enemies-to-lovers romance that's perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Beverly Watts

Tamsin Palmer—the recently widowed Duchess of Clevesly—has almost anything a woman of common birth could want: wealth, title, estate, and even her adored toddler son. But it's not exactly easy. She's been ostracized by the ton due to her decidedly unblue blood. And worse still, her dearly departed duke has assigned a co-guardian of their son: the handsome (if insufferable) Count of Rauchberg, who seems most insistent on dictating the terms of Tamsin's duchy. But not if she has anything to say about it...

Christian August has never been so vexed in his life. He's come to help raise the duchess's son, and in return, she's doing everything she can to destroy his peace of mind. Unleashing goats, secretly shortening the cuffs of his shirts, and—damn the infernal woman—driving him to distraction with her flashing eyes and soft, kissable lips. It's enough to make a man forget his duty...

With every argument, the longing grows stronger. With every diabolical prank, the temptation becomes greater. And they'll risk everything to win...even if it means surrendering to a passion that will destroy them both.

The Duchess Takes It All takes place in the same world as Four Weddings and a Duke.

Review

I received The Duchess Takes it All in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by TLC book Tours. 

Tamsin didn't marry for love but she did for duty and when she ends up a young widow with her son she has no plans to get married again. She has her own plans and agenda's to earn her place in society and raise her son. However fate it not on her side, Christian is duty bound to take care of his cousins young wife and son as well as get his estates in order. Little did he know that Tamsin was going to challenge him every step of the way. 

I just love Tamsin she's such a wonderful character and she instantly has me cheering her on in her adventures. I loved that she tormented Christian while they were in the country. They have this sweet snarky connection that I just loved and he's perfect for her even if it wasn't obvious to them right from the start. 

I ended up devouring this one almost in one sitting as I started it in the evening and ended up having to stop for bed but I finished it first thing in the morning. I loved the characters they were easy to connect with and it makes it hard to put down. The author has done a beautiful job creating a captivating story. This is my first book by the author but I'm hooked and need to read her backlist. I'm a huge historical romance fan and this one checked all the boxes it even had me giggling out loud which I loved. 

 

Book Review: Don't Touch

Title - Don't Touch 

Author - Letty Frame 

Genre -  Paranormal Why Choose 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: Oct 3rd 2024

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Synopsis

Filthy, ruined, and left for dead. What a perfect birthday gift.

Four powerful, mythical men want to claim me as a sweet but possessive light pegasus, a reclusive and scarred bear shifter, a deadly, twisted dark pegasus, and an unhinged imp shifter with a soul as fractured as mine.

They’re everywhere I turn—wanting me, loving me, protecting me—no matter how hard I push them away.

But they don’t understand that I can never be theirs. That I can’t accept our bond, that I can’t accept them.

The night my father orchestrated my so-called “initiation,” something inside me broke. A part of me that can never be mended, no matter how much they try.

I can’t acknowledge our mate bond because I can’t bear to be touched. My choice was taken from me, leaving me broken and shattered, a shell of who I once was. And in my struggle to reclaim my life, the only way I know to protect myself is to retreat.

But when a stalker starts leaving a trail of blood in my name, I’m forced out of hiding and into their arms. My mates want me whole. They can’t accept the pieces I offer—not forever.

It feels easier just to let the darkness consume me.

Don’t Touch is the first book in the Not All Men trilogy. It’s a glacial-burn paranormal why choose romance, that contains possessive men, a snarky, coming into herself heroine, and a familiar world full of shifters, danger and excitement.

Please read the author’s note within for content disclosure—or you can find it on my website.

Review

I received Don't Touch in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by Chaotic Creatives. 

I ended up devouring this one it was impossible to put down and even when I had to it was constantly on my mind. I just loved Maeve she's got some issues but I think that's what her so relatable because she wasn't perfect. Her men are perfect they complement her in their own unique ways and together it just works. I think Lucifer might be my favorite as he's a little twisted and dark. However, they all bring something to the group. 

I found the characters easy to connect with and the story captivating. I enjoyed the story it was beautifully written with engaging characters that you can't help falling in love with. I ended up finishing in less then 24 hours after staying up late to finish. I just couldn't put it down and now I have a bit of book hangover. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm obsessed I love a paranormal why choose with broken characters it's my favorite. I'm hooked and can't wait to get my hands on the next one because the cliffhanger was well done and left me dying for more. In the meantime I plan to read her back list because I enjoyed this one so much. Highly recommend for fans of why choose romance this one might be my favorite of this year. I just loved it so much it was just what I've been needing. 

 

Book Review: Hooked on You

Title - Hooked on You

Author - Nikki Ash

Genre -  Billionaire Romance Nanny Single dad, Single mom

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: September 12th 2024

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Synopsis

Kira

Raising my daughter as a single mom wasn’t the life I dreamed of, and neither was being homeless. But thanks to my abusive ex and a broken system, that’s our reality.

Until Ryder Du Ponte finds us sleeping in our SUV in the company parking garage and brings us home with him.

The handsome single dad convinces me to work for him as a live-in nanny. And against my better judgment, I accept.

With each passing day, Ryder becomes more than my boss. My heart is invested, but falling for him means risking everything.

The problem is, I can’t ignore how safe I feel in his arms, and that’s what scares me the most.

Ryder

Money can buy a lot of things, but it can’t buy love. A valuable lesson I learned the hard way—first with my parents and then when my ex chose to take a payoff and walk away.

One day, I’m a single dad, doing my thing, and the next, I have a beautiful nanny and her adorable daughter living under my roof.

Kira Adams is everything I never thought I’d find. She’s not only sweet and selfless, but she’s also a damn good mom to her daughter … and mine.

The longer she’s in our lives, the harder it’ll be to let her go. What started out as friendship has grown into something neither of us expected.

I know I should cut her loose before this thing goes any further, but I can’t. I’m already hooked on her.

*Hooked on You is book two in the Love & Whiskey series but can be read as a standalone*

Review

I received Hooked on You in return for an honest review from the PR firm Enticing Journey Book Promotions. 

I love Kira so sweet and just doing everything she can to keep her daughter safe and happy. Ryder is perfect for her as he also has a young daughter that he's willing to do anything to protect. Together they have this sweet yet undeniable chemistry that just works so well. I loved that they complement each other and the girls get along so well. Ryder is just so swoon worthy the way he reads to Kira I just loved it. 

I ended up devouring Hooked on you in just one afternoon as I was hooked on Kira and Ryder's story. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help falling in love with them and I was able to connect with all of them. It's a fast paced steamy romance that captured my heart as well as my imagination. I just had to see how it would all play out and couldn't stop till the end. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm obsessed she's done such a beautiful job creating a story and characters that I fell in love with. I plan on reading all of her backlist as she's a very talented storyteller. I admit that I haven't read a lot of nanny romance but I'm clearly missing out because this one was adorable. Highly recommend taking the chance you'll be hooked too. 

 

Book Review: Forged by Shadows

Title - Forged by Shadows

Author - Maddison Cole 

Genre -  Dark Contemporary Romance 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: August 22nd 2024

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Synopsis

Avery thought her suffering had ended.

She thought wrong.

After a traumatic start to life, being adopted was Avery‘s saving grace. She finally had parents who loved her and an entire mansion to call home. Her days were spent reading in the library and exploring her passion for ballet. Until a fateful accident changed everything, and left her at the mercy of her step-brother.

Transferred to his boarding school, Avery’s solace comes to an abrupt end. Especially as the moment she stepped through the gates, her stepbrother and his gang of tormented souls branded her as fresh meat. He hates her, they want her. Whoever prevails, Avery refuses to surrender her mind or body without a fight.

Review

I received Forged by Shadows in return for an honest review from Chaotic Influencers. 

I love Avery she's such a great character even after everything she's had to endure she's come out stronger. I love the men in her life they are broken but together it just works. I'm a huge fan of broken people finding each other and healing each other. All of the characters are perfect they complement each other and together it just works. 

I ended up devouring this one over a couple of days because it's a chunky book but it was hard to put down. I loved the characters all of them even Wyatt who's got his own issues. I'm not sure which of Avery's men is my favorite because they are all unique and offer something different. I just loved them all. 

Forged by Shadows is a dark captivating story that stole a little place in my heart it was hard to put down. I can not wait for the next one to come out because I can't stop thinking about it Avery and her men. This is my first book by the author but she nailed it and blew all my expectations out of the water. I'm hooked and obsessed with her story telling style and I'm already reading her other books while I wait for the next one. Highly recommend if you love a dark romance this is a must read. Forged by Shadows may be my favorite read for 2024 it's just that good. 

 

Book Review: My Pucking Mate

Title - My Pucking Mate 

Author - Izzy Elliott 

Genre -  Romance Hockey Shifter 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: August 19th 2024

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Synopsis

When Leera Adams loses her parents months before starting college, the excitement of beginning the next chapter of her life is now shadowed with grief. Having grown up traveling the world with her photographer & journalist parents homeschooling her, she's a little awkward and anxious to settle down in one place but vows to do her best to have a normal college experience. She never planned for him.

Roman Razboinic has lived through his father's darkness, rebuilding the king's werewolf army, and learning to play professional hockey. When in reality he feels like he died the day he lost his mate and their unborn pup. Every day, he's just going through the mundane motions of taking care of his pack, his closest men, and playing hockey, until the time comes for him to fulfill his duty to his people. That is until an incredibly short and spunky woman throws his entire world off its axis.

Review

I received My Pucking Mate in return for an honest review from the author. 

Leera's life is tossed upside down when her parents don't come home and she's forced to figure it out on her own. At least she had a plan in place to head to collage. Little did she know that she would meet the man who would change her life forever and suddenly the life she had growing up is changed forever. 

I love Leera so much she's an adorable character you can't help cheering her on as she learns to deal with everything. Roman is kind of perfect he's got some issues that he needs to deal with but he can't fight the connection anymore than she can. They have this sweet insta love connection that just works. I really felt that I was able to connect with Leera she's just a sweetheart. Roman is swoon worthy in every way. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm hooked on her writing style. I ended up devouring My Pucking Mate in just an afternoon it was impossible to put down till the very end. It's a cliffhanger and the author has me dying for the next one. The author has created a beautiful captivating sweet romance that captured my heart as well as imagination. I loved the concept for the supernatural playing sports it was such a unique idea. I loved every moment of My Pucking Mate can't wait for the next one. 

 

Happy Publication Day! + Book Review: Love and Other Conspiracies

Title - Love and Other Conspiracies 

Author - Mallory Marlowe  

Genre -  Romance  

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: August 20th 2024

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Synopsis

The hardest thing for a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer to believe in is finding love in this swoony debut romantic comedy.

Hallie Barrett's life has imploded after she's dumped by her hotshot ex, who also happens to be her coworker and the star of the online series she was producing. Without a new show to present for the company competition, she’ll be out of a job. But inspiration can come from the strangest places . . . like the most handsome guy she’s ever seen passionately discussing Bigfoot on a late-night docuseries.

Hayden Hargrove made a name for himself as a cryptid expert on his hit podcast, and is intrigued by the plucky, blue-haired producer who offers him the opportunity to lead his own web show. When the production team sees that Hayden’s solo on-screen presence is bad enough to make a ghost blanch, Hallie jumps on camera too, hitting him (and his cryptids) with a healthy dose of skepticism—and enough chemistry to electrify their show to the top of the competition.

As Hayden and Hallie investigate the unknown, they unearth feelings for each other that shake their beliefs to the core. In their search for Mothman, aliens, and the truth, the most elusive discovery might just be learning to love again.

Review

I received Love and Other Conspiracies in return for an honest review from NetGalley. 

I adore Hallie and Hayden they are such great characters and they have this sweet romance that blossoms as they work on creating this show. I think Hayden is perfect for Hallie they just complemented each other and when everything spirals he's still got her back. I loved the banter between them they just have this adorable spark. 

I picked this one up because it sounded cute and I'm so glad that I did because it's a adorable whirlwind romance. I'm a huge fan of paranormal conspiracies so this one was a must read and I'm so glad that I did because I just loved every moment of the story. The characters are fantastic I really felt like I could connect with Hallie and she holds a special place in my heart. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm obsessed. I was instantly hooked on Hallie's story and couldn't put it down till the very end. I actually finished it in just one afternoon because I had to know how it would all end. The author has done a beautiful job creating a captivating story with fantastic characters to fall in love with. I'm honestly obsessed with her storytelling and can't wait to see what comes next. Highly recommend!!! 

 

Book Review: Learning Curve

Title - Learning Curve 

Author - Max Monroe 

Genre - Sports Romance  

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Publication date: August 16th 2024 

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Synopsis

She’s the virginal cheerleader, and he’s the tortured bad boy. Their worlds are different, but college life at Dickson University brings them together in a passionate, angsty, fiery collision.

Finn Hayes is what girls my age would call “stupid hot.” He’s handsome, has brown eyes that remind me of warm chocolate chip cookies, and a tall, muscular build that makes marble sculptures jealous.

Green flag, right?

Wrong.

He’s also broody, closed off, and so complex that it feels like I need a decoder to crack him.

He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met and fights like he came out of the womb swinging, taking down both my ex-boyfriend and an ex-UFC fighter with ease.

But the underground society at our college known as Double C has nothing on him in the secrets department, and it’s that mysterious edge that keeps me coming back for more.

This is more than the story of how Finn and I fell in love.

This is proof that love has a learning curve. Sometimes you succeed, and sometimes…it destroys you.

Review

I received Learning Curve in return for an honest review from Hambright PR. 

I adore Finn and Scottie they complement each other so much even if they don't see it. They have this sweet yet very steamy chemistry that's undeniable. I loved that we got to know so many of the supporting characters like Ace and Julie and Blake. The characters are easy to connect with I couldn't help falling in love with them all and cheering them on through the book. 

I ended up staying up late to finish because I had to know how it would end after this whirlwind steamy adventure. This one had me in all the feelings and even had tears streaming down my face a few times. I finished it in one day she's a little chunky but worth every moment and my only complaint is now I have to wait for Blake and Lexi's story. 

This is my first book by this very talented writing duo and I can not believe I've waited so long. The Learning Curve is beautifully written and captured my heart right from the start keeping me hooked till the very last page. I loved every moment of the Learning Curve it's an emotional story that pulled at my heart strings and ends perfectly. I'm so glad that I jumped at this chance because I'm obsessed with Max Monroe and can't wait to read the backlist. I've already grabbed a few to start.