The second I board the Bruise Cruise, I’m ready to indulge—top-shelf liquor, five-star meals, and maybe a little pain to round out the night.
What I don’t expect? Falling for the one woman guaranteed to ruin everything.
A federal agent.
She’s here to sink us, and I’m stuck sharing a suite—and a bed—with the enemy.
Frankie
Get in. Take down Jim and his crew. Get out. That’s the mission.
But nothing about the Bruise Cruise goes according to plan.
Especially not Maverick—handsome, odd, aggravating . . . and weirdly charming.
Which is a problem.
And then he tells me his secrets, leaving me with two options: jump ship or go down with him.
Ship Happens is book three in the dark romantic comedy series rocking the TikTok charts—and this time, all aboard means no one is safe. Expect savage banter, killer humor, and a romance that’s anything but smooth sailing.
Pack your bags, grab your life vest, and book your ticket—Ship Happens is your next slaycation! One click today!
Tropes:
Reverse age-gap
Serial unaliver x detective
Enemies-to-lovers
Forced proximity
One bed
Banter
Dark humor
Although this dark rom-com is “DIET” Lauren Biel, it still has adult themes. Full list of content warnings on my website. Please read responsibly!
Lauren Biel is an Amazon Best Selling dark romance author who loves to write angsty emotional romances, Traumances if you will. When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but normal.
A complete dark, fantasy romance series from Amazon.com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
What do a heartless Dragon Shifter, a cold-blooded Basilisk, an arrogant Lion Shifter and a brooding, tattooed Harpy have in common…?
Me.
Elise Callisto. Vampire. Angel of vengeance. And a girl on a mission to destroy one of them for murdering my brother. I just don’t know which one did it yet.
When I interrogated/accidentally killed a Werewolf who was high on a new and dangerous drug called Killblaze, his final words painted a dark reality for me. The King of Aurora Academy killed my brother. The trouble is, there’s four kings at the academy and each of them have motive and bloodthirsty natures.
Aurora Academy isn’t a place for the faint of heart. To put it lightly, my town is the cesspit of Solaria where the most cutthroat Fae in the kingdom reside. The school itself is divided by the two gangs who run this city. The Lunar Brotherhood and the Oscura Clan. And guess what? Two of the kings run the gangs at the academy, their hatred for each other so fierce I hear a day doesn’t go by without blood being spilled in the halls.
I might be a petite, lilac-haired girl who looks like I couldn’t hurt a fly, but they haven’t been introduced to my fangs yet. And they don’t know why I’m really here. Or that I’ll do whatever it takes to bring down the Fae who took my flesh and blood from me.
I don’t believe in fate, but I do know this… the King who killed my brother is a dead man walking. And I’m prepared to sacrifice my heart, body and soul to ensure I get my revenge.
This is a gritty, college age, steamy series set in a world where Fae fight to take whatever they want. The heroin will end up with multiple love interests so you never have to pick a favourite alphahole. You can expect dark and hot romance, and a twisted murder mystery which will leave your head spinning and your heart racing. – this series is set in the same world as Zodiac Academy but is its own story and can be read independently.
I can’t begin to tell you when I was this obsessed with a series. I started reading the Zodiac Academy and ended up finding a reading order online. It’s a giant world, so I wanted to make sure I was reading all of it. If that makes sense at all. So there are three series within this world and they intertwine in a way. I read the first 3 books along with 2 novellas for ZA and then started Ruthless Boys because you see these characters in ZA. Which makes sense, since we already see Gabriel in ZA. And let me tell you, I was NOT expecting him to be the way he was in Ruthless Boys.
So Ruthless Boys takes place 5 years before Zodiac Academy does and it’s at a different school. We meet Elise who is trying to find her brother’s killer. She then meets the four kings of the school. And of course, two of the Kings are part of rival gangs where they will one day be the leaders. While they’re not like our favourite boys from ZA, they are similar. But I think Ryder is the scariest. Gabriel can be mean but things happen between he and Elise that makes me question on who she actually ends up with. I can’t tell you how hard it is not to read spoilers. These books have been out for a while but now that I’m reading, it’s like they’re popping up everywhere and the universe is wanting me to get spoiled.
This book is the first of the series, so obviously we’re learning about each character. There’s not a lot of world building like ZA has but this one does have a darker feel to it. But in ZA I find that the guys are meaner. I don’t know. I love them both.
I can’t wait to get deeper into this series to find out what actually happened to Elise’s brother. I have theories but I’m probably wrong. I usually am anyway.
I was barely holding myself together after my brother’s death, but grief turned to shock when I learned the terms of his will. To claim my inheritance, I’ll have to marry.
And not just any man, either. I’ve been promised to Dimitri Dragunov.
My first instinct is defiance, but disobeying a powerful Russian mafia boss has consequences.
Like being bent bare-assed over his desk and spanked until I promise to say my vows like a good girl, then screaming my soon-to-be-husband’s name as he rides me brutally hard with my hair gripped tight in his fist.
But he doesn’t just expect my obedience. He demands my full surrender.
Defiled Innocents, A dark mafia romance by Measha Stone I was given this book by the author for an honest review. GAH!! This book was everything you want and expect from a Measha book. I will say I have listened to books 1-4 on audio but missed book 5 so jumping into 6 didn’t leave me confused at all. However, I would suggest reading the other books. Not because you will be confused but because they are that freaking delicious. I 1,000,000% love Measha’s alphas. They are so ALPHA. Dimitri is no different. He is arrogant, confident, and so not going to fall in love with his wife..eye roll…his cousins are just ridiculous with how they follow their wives all around by their dicks….LOL Another think I love about Measha’s books is that her females are not women who tower from the alpha men they deal with. Amelia is no different. She is a woman who runs her business and will not be pushed around by anyone. She also goes and yells at a powerful mafia man who things she will marry him. The love story between these two is amazing. It is all so dang spicy….like SPICY!!! Which is the next reason why I love Measha’s stories. I mean the chemistry is always off the chain hot. Amelia and Dimitri are no different. As with all her books you get great banter, lots of love and respect, family togetherness, and twists and turns that leave you guessing. If you want a great series, then this is one to start with or continue with if you enjoy the series already.
Every Single Wildflower is a small town, ex boyfriend’s older brother, cowboy romance.
Returning home to Mayson Ridge was the last thing I had planned. But after receiving unexpected text reading you need to come home and with no other reasonable excuse besides my own guilt, I had no other choice. I knew at some point I’d have to face my family, and being back in Mayson Ridge meant I’d unfortunately end up facing the man who shattered my heart before I left for good. I thought I’d see him in passing, a simple glance from across a crowded room. What I didn’t expect was to find Maddox Sheppard working on my family ranch. Just like I didn’t expect to be forced into teaming up with him to save what’s left of the Mayson Ranch legacy. But old feelings still linger, the heartbreak fresh, and so many unspoken words between me and the rugged cowboy who secretly owns my heart. I’d have given it to him years ago…but he, along with the rest of this town thought it belonged to someone else. To his brother.
Every Single Wildflower is book one of the Every Single Series. It can be read as a standalone. No cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
My Review – Every Single Wildflower by S.J. Chaynie I was given this book by the author for an honest review. The one-time tiktok didn’t do be dirty was when I approached this author for an ARC of her book a long time ago. I have become obsessed with her work ever since. Can I tell you that she can write anything, and I will read it. She jumps genre without any issues, and I jump with her. Seriously give her book a try if you haven’t. MC/Small town/Contemporary/Paranormal she has it all and now cowboy romance. Ok enough of my blubbering about the author who is the bees knees if you didn’t now by now BUT this book…Siblings ex-girlfriend/close proximity/small town/the one who got away….GAH so many tag lines for this book. Chemistry topping is another one I will need to add. Maddox and Ivy have it in spades and I was here for it!! The story is told in flashbacks of “the night” and we have no clue in the beginning and then it comes clear, and all the fall out happens. WOOF tough stuff. Maddox and Ivy have loved each other for years and unable to admit to it because …well…awkward …..Ivy’s ex is Maddox’s baby brother..the one who doesn’t really care for him much. This story is so good. They both have to deal with so much. 4 years have gone by and they both haven’t moved on from the past. Maddon wont lose her again but he is scared to death of her. Ivy doesn’t want to walk away but she doesn’t think Maddox wants her. Maddox had my heart so many times but the box scene…yup I was about to push Ivy outta the way to jump into that book for that man. Now on top of dealing with feelings, there is the issue of what happened to the family ranch?? Can they fix it? Can they save it? Plus we also have some Copper and Kota issues that has me going GIRL OPEN YOUR EYES TO THAT MAN!!! But also I wanna know about Ryder. That man needs some love in his life after what the other chick did to him. There are so many great story starters for the series and I am ready to turn those pages and devour those books.
**Each book in this series follows a different couple**
Love can be a mood killer
Kindra When I’m invited to the coveted Sinners Retreat, I want just one man on the attendee my brother’s killer, the Abattoir Adonis.
On the flight over, my hot, nerdy seatmate gives layover a whole new meaning. But when he turns up at boarding the next day, I’m left breathless. This means he’s a killer too.
And our one-night stand just turned into a multi-day affair.
Ezra Never meet your hero—you might realize you killed her brother.
On the plane to the island, I discover that I and the woman I slept with last night share some macabre hobbies. I’m ecstatic—until she explains why she’s attending the to find me.
Keeping Kindra at arm’s length proves harder than I expected, especially when I catch feelings, but lying to her might be even worse than telling the truth.
The dark romantic comedy taking TikTok by storm! Sinners Retreat is packed with killer banter, wicked humor, and dangerously irresistible romance.
Ready for a vacation like no other? Grab your copy of Sinners Retreat today!
Black Cat x Cinnamon RollThey’re both serial unaliversNerdy but murdery MMCPlus-sized, tough FMCOne-night stand gone wrong (or right?)Forced proximityDark humorAlthough this dark rom-com is “DIET” Lauren Biel, it still has adult themes. Full list of content warnings on my website. Please read responsibly!
Welcome to the Luxe Escape where pleasure is the goal, release follows restraint, and the power of surrender can change your life.
I’m Sophie Lane—wallflower extraordinaire. When my best friend drags me to the grand opening of an exclusive hotel, she promises me good times and fancy hors d’oeuvres. How could I refuse?
But behind the beautiful masks and glittering gowns of a masquerade ball hides a mystery far more enticing. After meeting several captivating strangers, I’m given an exclusive invitation.
With a special keycard, I’m about to discover the hotel’s hidden a secret Training Center. They promise I’ll uncover sides of myself I never knew existed and challenged more than I ever thought possible.
My review – I was given this book by the author for an honest review. I am so excited to see Red has written another Training Center book. I am even more excited to see a NEW Cast of characters while also briefly seeing our old favorites to open the center. This story is about a recruit, Soph, who was brought as a Plus 1 to a fancy party by her bestie Gwen. They are thick as thieves and are having a great time. Soph who is the normal wallflower found so confidence with her sexy appearance and having a few hotties flirting helped her out. When she makes some changes in her life, she meets a man from the party who gives her a card to call Todd Wallace…..ya know the WOLF from the old series!!! Any who, she decided she was making new changes and embraced this chance to learn about submission from Dominants. Of Course, she got a boast of support from BRIE but we learn the new training center is going to be the same BUT EVEN MORE EXCITING!!! WHAT!! I KNOW!! Soph meets a few friends in the new class. She also makes an enemy…darn jerks. But she starts to learn that submission is a calling she never knew was in her heart. I am so excited because I see so many different scenes with so many different Doms soon and I am buzzing with anticipation!!! This book was the PERECT kick off to the new series. We are left hanging on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens right before the first auction!! GASP!
It’s the start of nothing good. I fired off a storm of raunchy text messages…to the wrong number. And he replied. Him: Show me a picture. Him: Tell me your name. Why does the lure of anonymity have me craving to indulge a stranger?
It’s the start of everything right. I received a slew of text messages…when everything in my life was wrong. And she made me laugh again. Her: You’re probably a creeper. Her: Possibly a stalker. Why do I have the overwhelming need to find this stranger who saved me and make her mine?
Him: Take a chance with me. Her: This is crazy. Him: I need to see you. Her: What are we doing? Him: We’re about to find out.
I met JD Hollyfield at a book event and thought she was adorable. I knew she has sudio books and I had credits so here we are!! I grabbed this book based solely on the premise of texting the wrong number. I mean brilliant is todays society who hasnt texted the wrong person once or twice.
Ram is a hilarious stalker….LOL I mean he is pretty in to Dani from jump and when they actually see face to face he was 100 in all the way. Dani texted Ram accidently when she was drunk texting her ex boyfriend. The two start to daily chat but Dani gets in her head about the WHAT IF. Ram is not going to stop from meeting this girl who has become his everything.
I loved the story and how they met was amazing. The chemistry between the two was great but Andi and Roman have them beat hands down. LOL I was so captivated by the story I couldn’t stop and was super sad when it ended until that prologue dropped and I was in a fit of giggles. Another credit gone to see what happens with Andi and Roman.
Amazon.com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling dark fantasy romance series from authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti – a Booktok sensation!
I’m a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I’m Fae.
But of course there’s a catch – all I have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I’m the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that’s true as I’m the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn’t put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could.
The school they’ve sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don’t even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people’s emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy.
Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I’m going to beat down my classmates – which is actively encouraged by the way.
My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell.
All I’ve got to do is survive. But fate might have other ideas.
Dammit, why couldn’t I have gotten a letter to Hogwarts?
***This is a enemies to lovers romantasy – don’t go expecting a sweet school for magic with friends around every corner. Fae fight for everything they own and Zodiac Academy is a cutthroat school for students aged 18+ where only the strongest prevail. There’s no Dumbledore here to save anyone’s ass and Lionel Acrux will give Voldemort a run for his money in the evil dictator category. So hold onto your stardust (broomsticks not required) and get ready for a bumpy ride***
Oh boy where do I even begin? So first off, if bullying isn’t your jam, you will wanna skip this series. I know it’s a bit older but if you’re like me and just checking it out for the first time, please be warned that the bullying isn’t subtle. Now I’m not usually one for the bully trope but I kept seeing this series every where. After reading Rebecca Yarros’s fantasy world, I needed more. So I decided to check this out and I devoured book 1. Like absolutely devoured. It’s an easy read and I really enjoyed the world building. I even downloaded a horoscope app because of this series. lol
So we meet Darcy and Tory, who are twins and are super down on their luck. After turning 18, they find out that they’re actually Fae and from another world. No more cold windy Chicago for these girls.
The girls find out that they’re heiresses to the throne but 4 other heirs will have none of that.
The stuff these poor girls go through is unreal. I had issues in highschool but man, I am so glad I am not these girls.
Most of the characters I absolutely loathe but the one guy, Orion, is actually coming around. I can’t wait to see his relationship with Darcy grow. If they even end up together. I have no idea and I’m trying not to read spoilers but it’s killing me. This is why I tend to stay away from the slow burn enemies to lovers thing because I want the spice right away.
Anyway, if you want a fun ride with 4 beyond grumpy guys who would stop at nothing to claim their throne and two girls who refuse to back down, this is for you.
From the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the genre-breaking international TikTok sensation Butcher & Blackbird and Leather & Lark comes the final book in the Ruinous Love Trilogy—a friends-with-benefits dark romantic comedy packed with murder, mayhem, and spice.
Doctor Fionn Kane is running from a broken heart, one he hopes to mend in small-town Nebraska, far away from his almost-fiancé and his derailed surgical career. It’s a simpler life: head down, hard work, and absolutely no romantic relationships. He wants none of the circus he left behind in Boston.
But then the real circus finds him.
Motorcycle performer Rose Evans has spent a decade on the road with the Silveria Circus, and it suits her just fine, especially when she has the urge to indulge in a little murder when she’s not in the spotlight. But when a kill goes awry and she ends up with an injured leg, Rose finds herself stuck in Nebraska, at the home of the adorably nerdy town doctor.
The problem is, not every broken heart can be sewn back together.
. . . And the longer you stay in one place, the more likely your ghosts are to catch up.
I loved Sloan and Rowen’s book. I enjoyed Lark and Lachlain’s book. Rose and Fionn I was so looking forward to reading. We have seen these 2 dance around each other in the last 2 books . When we hear Rose declare she loves Fionn in book 2 before saving Lark….I was a gasp!! I needed to know what happened.
This book takes us back to when Rose and Fionn meet and how they fall. The story and the slow burn to their love store is soooo freaking good. I think they are right up there with Sloan and Rowen for my favorite story line.
Fionn has always wanted to be the “good” brother and not like his siblings. But he isn’t happy until some Mayhem AKA Rose enters his life and asks for help. These 2 are perfectly imperfect for each other. They are both so scared but want so much more…MY GOD did I scream so many times at them to just tell the other the truth.
This book was soooo good. Barbara was a great serious break when needed. I mean a rabid raccoon is a great way to break the serious right? Matt coming for Rose and Fionn making sure his girl is safe is what makes us love the hero right??
I just cannot say enough about this book. The slow burn is what made it. The suture sisters made me laugh and what they helped Rose and Fionn build is classic!!
But I am so excited for what seems to be coming per the epilogues!!!
Brynne is a fan of velociraptors, the Alien movies (well, most of them), red wine, and wild adventures. She can relate nearly anything you say to a line from the movie Hot Fuzz. She has been trying unsuccessfully for years to convince her husband that they should acquire a pet mink to add to their menagerie of animals (what could possibly go wrong with that plan?!). When not busy writing, Brynne can be found with her husband and son on their family farm in NS, Canada, or enjoying her other passions which include riding horses, reading, motorcycling, and spending time with family and friends around a raclette and a bottle of wine.
That thought pops into my head whenever I pull up my favorite social media app, but alas, every time I scroll, I learn something new about myself, and another one is born. And yes, I know I’m responsible for what the algorithm shows me, but I’m trying to ignore that fact.
Lately, my feed has been dominated by masked men. I’ve favorited videos with them dressed in full cosplay, decked out in futuristic military apparel, and wrapped up like ghouls.
But more than anything else, my FYP is filled with shirtless men wearing ghost masks. Bonus points if they’re heavily tattooed, wielding a knife, or covered in fake blood. At night, I dream about being chased by them, of them catching me and doing deliciously dark things to my more than willing body.
I never could have guessed that by sending one drunken text, those dreams would become my new reality.
Lights Out is a fast-paced dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.
When I saw this book on TikTok I ran to download especially after I heard a few of the audio clips. It was a dark romance with humor. Consider me sold. I will say the audio was *Chefs kiss* divine. I absolutely loved how each narrator brought the characters to life for me.
Now the story, I admit I was wanting a little bit “more” dark but it was a good starter dark for new readers. With that said, for sure check trigger warnings because the knife scene was WOWZERS!!!
Aly, she was an ok heroine. I liked her well enough but cant say I loved her character. She seems all over the place at times. Josh/Ghostface I liked well enough but some of the dialogue he said was a bit cheesy …Hello Boobs?
I enjoyed the story and how they met and I kinda saw the connection to them before it was outted . I felt like the story kinda drug on at times. It felt like here is some drama and its resolved now here is more drama and its resolved and here is more drama……
All in all will I read book 2, more then likely no. I felt I had trouble staying invested in this story and kept putting it down to read something else before I went back to it.
Navessa Allen lives on a 200-year-old farm in rural New England with her husband, their cats, and an assorted collection of farm animals.
Amelia Moreau is barely holding herself together in the wake of her brother’s death. Lukas had been her guardian, her rock—and now, his loss has left her adrift. But when she learns the terms of her inheritance, her grief turns to shock: to claim the fortune Lukas left behind, she must marry. Not just anyone, but Dimitri Dragunov, a commanding Russian mob boss whose reputation is as dark as the secrets he keeps.
Her first instinct is defiance. She doesn’t need her brother’s money; she’s managed without it and can continue to do so. But rejecting Dimitri isn’t without consequences. Too many lives depend on her decisions, and walking away would leave the people she’s vowed to protect vulnerable. She has no choice but to agree.
Determined to endure the arrangement, Amelia steels herself for a cold, transactional union devoid of intimacy or emotion. But Dimitri has no intention of allowing her to fade into the background as his wife. With a dominance that leaves her breathless, he demands not just her compliance but her surrender—mind, body, and soul.
As she navigates her enigmatic husband’s world of control and obsession,
unsettling truths about her family begin to unravel. The brother she idolized wasn’t the man she thought he was, and the path Amelia is now on is darker—and far more dangerous—than she ever imagined.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
GAH!! This book was everything you want and expect from a Measha book. I will say I have listened to books 1-4 on audio but missed book 5 so jumping into 6 didn’t leave me confused at all. However, I would suggest reading the other books. Not because you will be confused but because they are that freaking delicious.
I 1,000,000% love Measha’s alphas. They are so ALPHA. Dimitri is no different. He is arrogant, confident, and so not going to fall in love with his wife..eye roll…his cousins are just ridiculous with how they follow their wives all around by their dicks….LOL
Another think I love about Measha’s books is that her females are not women who tower from the alpha men they deal with. Amelia is no different. She is a woman who runs her business and will not be pushed around by anyone. She also goes and yells at a powerful mafia man who things she will marry him.
The love story between these two is amazing. It is all so dang spicy….like SPICY!!! Which is the next reason why I love Measha’s stories. I mean the chemistry is always off the chain hot. Amelia and Dimitri are no different.
As with all her books you get great banter, lots of love and respect, family togetherness, and twists and turns that leave you guessing. If you want a great series, then this is one to start with or continue with if you enjoy the series already.
Measha Stone is a USA Today bestselling romance author with a deep love for romantic stories, specifically those involving the darker side of romance, all the possessive dominant heroes, and their feisty heroines. If you love a well deserved happily ever after, you will enjoy her books.
Not only am I a woman fresh out of the police academy, but because of my father’s reputation, I have to prove I’m worthy of my badge.
And then an opportunity arose, one I couldn’t pass up. Men and women are being abducted from another country to be trafficked for horrific purposes. I have every intention of going undercover to bring down the entire operation.
I just hadn’t expected to get in so deep. I hadn’t expected to be targeted because of my body. It had become idolized and monetized by those in the shadowed, dark web and those with deep pockets and malicious secrets.
I certainly hadn’t expected to fall for one particular deep, dark secret, coiled so tightly in the stunning Nix Blaylock. But he’s the key, he’s my way in to the top, and in the end? I just might have to take him down too.
This book is heavy on explicit content. Please check the author’s website.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest opinion.
When I saw the author looking for ARC readers for this book and saying how dark it was. She was saying her editor said people won’t be able to handle the content…I was INVESTED. I absolutely LOVE dark romance. Gimme the dark romance!! Give it to me. Give it all to me NOW! However, I will have to say IMO, and this is my review which is my opinion, this is not a dark romance. This book has very dark themes and a great anti-hero but not dark romance. The themes of trafficking and necrophilia are dark for sure, but we don’t actually see that stuff so IMO, it’s a running dark theme in the book. If the characters had been involved in that stuff, then YES dark romance. My rating for this book is based off this being presented as a dark romance.
Ok so that is my take on the genre this book is being placed in. Now for the book itself, as a romance reader, we do put aside a lot because we are reading for enjoyment. Charlotte is sad her estranged husband has died leaving her penniless. She is working and is allowed to go undercover to bust a trafficking/porno ring. When she is there, she meets Nix who is stunned by the curvy woman of his dreams. He tries to push her away and not draw attention to his attraction to her or his “bosses” could use that as a weakness. They fumble through trying to figure out several things (who is the main boss and who killed Nix’s family member) when it all comes to a head at the end of the book.
I did have a few issues with a rookie cop sitting behind the desk being allowed to be thrown in to a pornography undercover ring. But ok no worries. I also had issues with the fact that Charlotte/Charlie knows how dangerous Andre (Nix’s partner) is and is still ignoring Nix at every damn turn. Like ma’am do you want to be unalived??
Was the book enjoyable? Sure. I did like a few of the twists she had in place. One I kinda picked up on and the other was a bombshell.
The heat and spice were at a nice level. Nix is a great anti-hero. I mean are you supposed to fall in love with a guy who runs a porno ring??? I think not and yet you do.
USA Today & International bestselling and two-time Iowa award-winning author DV Fischer is a mother of two very busy boys, a wife to wonderful husband, and an owner of three sock-loving German Shorthair Pointers. They also have one cat named Geralt.
Together, they live in Sheldon, Iowa.
When DV Fischer isn’t chasing after her children, she spends her time typing like a mad woman while consuming vast amounts of caffeine. Sometimes, if her husband can manage to remind her of the real world outside her office window, they hike!
You can follow DV Fischer on Amazon, Bookbub, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, or join her VIP Reader’s Group on Facebook.
Hey all thanks for stopping by to check out my tops reads for the last half of the year. The first half of the year books can be found HERE. The books included were – Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver, Devoted by AJ Renee, Shadows of Timber Creek by SJ Chaynie, Ryker by Samantha Lind, Scallywag by Sophie Stern, and Corrupted Innocents by Measha Stone
These books are in no order for this 6 months are the following….
Wreckage of Stone Creek by SJ Chaynie
One minute you’re one of LA’s top attorneys, then the next, you’re buying a bar in a small town in Colorado, finding out you’re a father, and realizing the woman that you could never get out of your head wants nothing to do with you. She’s independent. Sexy. The mother of my child, and now……my new employee. All I need is a chance to plead my case. Make her see that I’m all in. But when my past comes back to haunt me, it puts the two people who own my heart and soul in the line of fire. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe, and once we make it through the wreckage, and after all the closing arguments, there’s only one thing Whitley Harper will be. Mine. M This is the fourth and final book of the Timber Creek Series. Series contains interconnected standalones.
My review – Wreckage of Timber Creek, Book 4 of Timber Creek Series by S.J. Chaynie I received this book from the author for an honest review. To say I was excited for this book…well any in the series for that fact…would be a total an understatement. Each of the men has stolen my heart completely. I THINK Grey is still my favorite but dang it, Jordan is riiiiiight next to him tapping on Grey’s NFL Shoulders. Whit…oh Whit. She is so closed off after a bad relationship. She was all for a one-night stand with no strings, but she ended up with a lifelong parting gift by the name of Heidi. Whit runs home to the small town she grew up in and refused to admit anything about Heidi’s parentage. She was just home to raise her daughter. Jordan was a goner the second he saw Whitley. When he persuaded her to have the one night-stand, he was done. He was ready to convince this stubborn woman how perfect they would be, but she disappeared on him. When he finds her, and with his own drama happening, he changes everything to be with her. These two…OMG YES!! I freaking loved their story. My favorite lines is Jordan talking to Whitley I will never not want you Whitley Harper. You’re it for me. Now if you are done. I am going to fuck you on the desk! Oh Jordan!!! SWOON!! As with all the books from this amazing author, she gives us a couple of great twists and this one didn’t disappoint at all. I gotta say WTF with the 2nd epilogue!!! Ma’am you have some explaining to do!
A chance encounter. A blue-eyed Raven. A single curse. She’s not supposed to be mine. Not just because I’m her professor, or she’s my student, but because of what I am. A man with a mask. A shifter with a curse. But I can’t stay away. Not when I know the beauty of her heart, and not when her life is in danger. Truths are revealed, secrets unveiled, and when my wolf decides she’s ours, there’s no turning back. I’ve always protected Stone Crest, but now, I’ll spend the rest of my life protecting her.
Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven is a standalone professor/student shifter romance with no cheating and a HEA.
My Review – Stone Crest, Rise of Raven book 1 by S.J. Chaynie I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. When I was told that the author was writing a paranormal story I was over the moon. Paranormal was mu jam. Knowing how great of a writer she is, I knew she would nail the story and boy was I right. Raven is being forced to go to an college by her overbearing, rich, “important” father. He doesn’t want her to ruin the good family name after what she recently did!! Raven meets her roomie Prestley (who I love so much and cannot wait for what is in store for her and Dec) that forces her to come out of her room to hang out. When she is hangin’ with her one night she runs into a tall drink of water. After a one night stand she strolls into her class to find he is her teacher!!! WHOOOOP. Locke is stunned stupid when he sees the woman he met on the side of the road who has captures his heart and mind is a STUDENT!! WOOF he broke meg rules. The story is amazing. Raven and Locke are fighting their attraction while we are also finding out all of their backstory which is amazing. Raven has secrets. Loche has secrets. Dec has something happening that I need to know forbook 2. The rest of Loche’s team are having issues as well. This story was not long enough. The story has so much happening that I couldn’t put the story down. I am also very excited the future stories in the series because its going to be
With each passing moment, the nightmares worsen. Tortured images of a past I cannot remember haunt me. I know I’m in danger… I just don’t know why.
Then he comes to my town.
I can feel him watching me, studying me, always from the shadows—like a hunter stalking its prey. The closer he circles, the more aware of him I become. His nearness is toxic, and yet…
There’s something about the darkness within him that calls to me, that speaks to the scars of my troubled past. Only a truly violent man could understand my demons. He will either be my salvation or lead me to my destruction.
My Review – Marked by Measha Stone I received this book from the author for an honest review. Oh man. I admit I took this ARC not really knowing much except for its dark romance. LOL I like Measha’s stories so I was ready. This book was EVERYTHING I could have wanted in a dark romance. I mean Zack was *Chef’s kiss* dark and delicious. He sees Harley while on a job but had to get to know her. Know her he does *snickers*. Harley’s life is awful. She has a sister who was murdered, and the town pretty much hates her for the loss of her sister and not her. Wild town but that is the small-town dynamic right? Everyone knows your business and has a say in it. Harley finally feels free but mostly SAFE in the arms of Zack. The two tumble down the story of her kidnapping and sister’s murder. It was WILD!!! I MEAN WILD!!!! I had no idea what was going to happen next, but each scene had me saying “WHUUUUUU!!!!!!” because Measha has the way of keeping you guessing while also busting your brain wide open with twists. I am so excited for this series. I cannot wait for book 2 based on the little bit we already know. Any dark romance lover and any Measha lover will need this book to complete their obsession with her writing.
Mated to Curves series by DV Fischer (I only included book 1 but the stories are all novellas so grab the whole series.)
Avani is okay with being alone. Even though all shifters are packless and the world looks vastly different now that the humans are suspicious they exist, she’s handling the solitary life quite well. However, she’s thrown a curve ball when she finds out that her mate owns a shifter underground club she frequents. Once he laid eyes on her, he was determined to keep her. But, even though he’s incredibly attractive, enticing, and she wants more than anything to give in to him, she isn’t stupid. Two alphas together would start a pack and that could be disastrous. With her demanding to remain mate-less for the good of their kind, how is he going to convince her to accept him?
This is a steamy curvy girl shifter romance with two strong alpha characters.
My Review – Mated to Curves, Book 1 by D.V. Fischer I purchased this book. I met this author at a book signing. When I saw I could get 5 novellas for a few bucks I jumped. I started this book when I was on the long drive home. The author has several novellas series (all on audio as well). I just grabbed this set and went. They are all standalones. The only issue I had was wondering why wolf packs dispersed. I am not sure if that is discussed in another book but otherwise, I just rolled with it. Packs can’t be packs. Got it! Cade is an alpha who finds happiness taking care of the submissive shifters in his fighting ring. He can’t be the alpha but he gives the packless a place to be. Avani is a scappy female alpha who is looking to make a big pay day fighting Kye in the underground club. All is good until she and Cade make eye contact then BOOM. There is a lot of hell no’s from Avani and Cade uses all his good moves to get her alone with him. I was loving this book and then we get to see the couple for book 2, Kye and Joyce. I was thrilled because Joyce was a riot!!! She is the best best friend anyone would want. If you love instalove, fated mates, shifters, and all that jazz then this series is a must for you!!
When Bailey’s new boss turns out to be his childhood bully, a.k.a. Jake the Jerk, it’s time to call in backup for the upcoming corporate retreat in Vegas. Too bad Bailey works too much to date. His best option is to ask his very straight roommate to play the part of temporary boyfriend, even if Gordo is better with pythons than he is with people.
Except Bailey and Gordo haven’t even checked into the hotel and Jake the Jerk is already everywhere. The pressure is on for Bailey to prove he deserves to climb the corporate ladder, but it’s hard to talk shop as Gordo goes from backup to an increasingly attractive distraction.
Bailey’s trying to keep his cool, schmooze the executives and stick to the plan, even though Gordo’s not playing by any of the rules. They’ve always been just friends, but maybe it’s time to be boyfriends…with full benefits.
Boyfriend with Benefits is a contemporary MM romance novella. It features fake boyfriends who might not be so fake, a hotel room with only one bed, and a James Bond moment in a tiny blue bathing suit. HEA guaranteed.
My Review – Boyfriend with Benefits by Allison Temple I purchased this audiobook. The narration was great. He did a great job varying the voices but I LOVED how he did Gordo. It definitely hit the peace love and happiness vibe Gordo puts off well I was looking for a quick novella and saw this book from and author who is attending a book event /I was going too. I love the whole Fake dating aspect so I was sold. When we meet Bailey he was a bit high strung being in the corporate world and climbing the ladder of success. He gets bad news that the man who made his life hell is now going to be his boss. Oh snap! Worse of all he lied and said bully that he has a great boyfriend and they can’t wait to hang out at the corporate retreat. Yeah uhm CRAP! Enter the amazing Gordo. Gordo is NOT in the corporate world. He is a peace love a happiness guy that loves to rescue any animal really from dogs to dragons to snaked and spiders. He said he would love to help his roomie out as long as they can see the fountains while in Vegas. This is when THINGS start to happen and make me look at Gordo a little more …like maybe he isn’t so peace love and happiness. Maybe is he …well, I won’t say my guesses but lets just say Gordo is the best fake boyfriend ever. I absolutely loved this story. Gordo knows Bailey very well and knows exactly what he needs when he needs it Bailey soon realizes a lot about his fake boyfriend like he wants Gordo to be his real boyfriend through this emotional roller coaster of a weekend. Jake, well lets say he has the nickname for a reason and he deserved it his entire life. LOL
THIS IS A EROTIC HORROR CIRCUS ROMANCE I don’t say DARK lightly for this one. This book will be HEAVY. Be sure to check the TW before reading. You’re mental health matters most.
Indie Conners, stared my demons in the eye and smiled. She fell for everything I hoped she’d fear, and now she’s making me feel things I don’t want to feel. Obsession, passion, hope and something new and even more dangerous- love.
Lux Julius is everything I shouldn’t want. Everyone warned me about him. But where others see a monster they condemn, I see a lost and misunderstood soul. The more he pushes me away, the harder I’ll fight. I won’t stop until his demons become mine.
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and prepare to be seduced by the darkness! Welcome to the Cirque du désir, where lust wears a twisted mask and desire dances with the devil. This is not your average love story; this is a dark circus romance that will leave you breathless, longing for more, and questioning the very nature of your own depraved heart.
But beware, dear reader, for love in the Cirque du désir comes at a cost. As you indulge in the intoxicating spectacle, you may find your own heart entangled in the web of obsession and intrigue. The line between pleasure and pain blurs, and the boundaries of morality fade away like a distant memory. The circus is not just a performance; it’s a seduction of the senses, a carnival of the macabre that will leave you haunted by the echoes of forbidden desires. Witness the contortion of emotions, the fire of passion, and the knife-edge balance between pure ecstasy and despair.
Buy your ticket now and enter a world where lust is a dangerous game, and the only way out is through the darkness. The Cirque du désir awaits, and once you’ve tasted the bitter-sweet nectar of its dark embrace, you’ll never see love the same way again. Step into the darkness, for here, the heart’s darkest desires come alive under the twisted, ominous glow of the big top lights.
Ok first off, like the author says, this book is DARK. So if you have trigger warnings or if you’re unsure if you do, stay clear of this one.
Second, I absolutely loved this one! It’s dark, beyond hot and downright filthy. I would just like to say right away that I’m glad this book isn’t a standalone. I want more of Lux and Indie.
Lux is broken and lost. He runs a circus where nothing is off limits, you don’t get judged and you can have all of your deepest darkest desires taken care of.
Indie and her friends head to this circus for a night of fun but Indie wasn’t expecting the untouchable man, Lux, to be interested in her.
Lux thinks Indie is pure and shouldn’t want him and definitely shouldn’t be in a place like Cirque du désir. But even Indie knows that there’s something about the circus, especially him, that pulls her in. She wants to explore that dark side of Lux more but he refuses.
When he finally gives in, things are explosive between them.
After Indie has to deal with a situation at home, the two meet up again but I have a feeling that all isn’t as cozy as they think it is.
I think more blood will be shed as the series goes on.
