All posts by Angie J

Horror, Mystery, Thriller

#mystery #thriller #family #horror – Home is Where the Bodies are by Jeneva Rose

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From New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage and You Shouldn’t Have Come Here comes a chilling family thriller about the (sometimes literal) skeletons in the closet.

After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to sort out her estate. Beth, the oldest, never left home. She stayed with her mom, caring for her until the very end. Nicole, the middle child, has been kept at arm’s length due to her ongoing battle with a serious drug addiction. Michael, the youngest, lives out of state and hasn’t been back to their small Wisconsin town since their father ran out on them seven years before.

While going through their parent’s belongings, the siblings stumble upon a collection of home videos and decide to revisit those happier memories. However, the nostalgia is cut short when one of the VHS tapes reveals a night back in 1999 that none of them have any recollection of. On screen, their father appears covered in blood. What follows is a dead body and a pact between their parents to get rid of it, before the video abruptly ends.

Beth, Nicole, and Michael must now decide whether to leave the past in the past or uncover the dark secret their mother took to her grave.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

Home is Where the Bodies are by Jeneva Rose

I purchased this audio book.

I was scrolling on TikTok when I saw a post about this book.  The cover was amazing, but ya’ll did me dirty with this recommendation.  I read the blurb, and I was sold.  I mean it sounded like a book I would devour.  I knew there would be some thriller/mystery aspects and they aren’t usually my favorite, but I was all in because a friend keeps telling me I need to give mystery/thrillers another shot.  I was ready to love this book but that is not what happened.

When I started this book, I knew there would be world build and character building, so I settled in.  However, I felt there were so many spots where it was just 10 minutes of describing things…things I really didn’t care about or need to know.  I got bogged down with allllllllll the descriptions/details.  I honestly felt like 10 chapters could have been cut because it was almost a filler of sorts with all the descriptions.

The beginning story line was great.  I mean who killed Emma and where did Brian go plus why???  I was really wanting to get to the bottom of this especially after what mom spills in the first chapter. Again, I feel like it took forever to get to the bottom of the plot/story.  I feel like there was so much stuff and nothing really happened until chapter 40 of 48.  Then the story flew by and was over

I do think marketing the book as horror is completely not true. Seeing horror is what made me jump but there wasn’t anything really that was horror except a little girl is missing and presumed dead.  But that isn’t really “horror.”

I did like the book at the end when everything started to shake out but it took me 2 weeks to read this book because I kept putting it down and would read something else.  Would I reread?  No.  Might I try another book by this author as it was my first?  Maybe.

eneva Rose is the New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage, One of Us is Dead, The Girl I Was, You Shouldn’t Have Come Here & Home is Where the Bodies Are. Her work has been translated into more than two dozen languages and optioned for film/tv. Originally from Wisconsin, she currently lives in Chicago with her husband, Drew, and her English bulldog, Winston.
Want to be a part of Jeneva Rose’s exclusive reader group on Facebook? You can join here – https://www.facebook.com/groups/jenev…

Pirates

#WOTR24 #pirates #mystery – Scallywag by Sophie Stern

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You won’t catch him spending the night.The Dread Pirate Stone takes no survivors. He’s ruthless. Fearless.He’s unstoppable, especially now that he’s so close to finding the Cat’s Eye – an emerald so big it will buy him a thousand ships. Or, in his case, pay off his debt to the man who’s been holding his sister hostage. Stone will do anything to get that damn rock. He’ll fight. He’ll pillage. He’ll even kill if he has to.Nothing can stand in his way, but then he finds a stowaway on his ship.Eleanor knows she’s nobody to write home about. She’s plain. Homely. A little boring. There’s nothing very special about her. She was training to be a teacher before she witnessed the murder of the town mayor. Now she’s on the run and the only person who can keep her safe is one the entire world has labeled a villain.Oh yes, she’s heard all about the Dread Pirate Stone, but the stories have missed a couple of important details. The legends don’t talk about how stunning his deep green eyes are. They don’t talk about his long, wavy locks. The stories all missed the part about his steely abs or the fact that just one look from him is enough to make her knees quiver.Nobody warned her about that.Nobody would warn her that she might start to care about the man who could throw her out to sea – but doesn’t.Soon their worlds are colliding in ways Eleanor never thought possible…And she doesn’t know if she’s going to make it out alive.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this book.

I have to admit I love a good Sophie book.  I love the worlds and the characters.  When I grabbed this book, it was to read on vacation.  I needed a shorter read for the drive.  It was the perfect book!

The book starts right away with major drama.  The dream pirate Smith is attaching her family boat.  Eleanor escaped with the cook.  He saved her and took her home to raise as his own with his wife.  They loved Eleanor with all they had.  When things go bad, Eleanor is on the run.  She joins a pirate ship to escape and hide.

Pirate Stone is taken by the beautiful and PURE woman.  He can’t say no to her and makes a very nice bargain for himself.  Eleanor agrees as she has zero other opportunities.  The first night with the two was a nice and delicious treat for more night ahead.

Stone is looking for his sister who was kidnapped by Pirate Smith.  When he finds a witch to help him, parts of Eleanor’s past sneak up on her and I was like WHOOOOO!  The twist of the book had my mouth wide open because you think you have part of it figured out and then NOPE you don’t!!

The story was a great read, and I would totally read more from them or even the crew members.

Sophie Stern writes contemporary and paranormal romance <3 Visit her on Facebook for frequent updates!

Dark, Horror

#Horror #dark – Nemesis by Mary Martel

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Opal is a very talented artist. She paints the most lovely images of horror that her fans find absolutely grotesque and fascinating.

Because they don’t know where these images come from and think it’s simply her disturbed imagination put to paint on canvas.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Mary said she was tipping her toes into horror, and I was like “Cool Boo I got you.”  Then I finally was able to read it and am like “Boo you ok??”

So by that you should be ready for some stuff.  This book was almost like the movie American Psycho in parts. Pearl is a psycho.  LOL  Wait who is Pearl you ask?  Well, that is one of the many personalities that live in Opal…sweet, kind, boring Opal.

This book was pretty dark in spots and a little bit confusing initially until you understood the swapping of personalities in Opal’s mind.  I would have loved the backstory on WHY Opal is so messed up.  I mean we know a smidge but nothing that would make her this messed up.

The story was a quick but wild ride for me.

Mary Martel was born in West Michigan and spent the majority of her life there. She currently resides in North Dakota with her husband, and her two beautiful daughters. She’s an avid reader, and when not writing she can be found with her nose stuck in a book.

Audio Book, Dystopian, Paranormal, Vampire

#Paranormal #Novella #Vampires #Zombies #Virus #Dystopian #audiobook – Resonant book 0.5 of Reign of Blood, The Vampires of Vegas by Alexia Purdy, narration by Anne Marie Susan Silvey

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Resonant: Reign of Blood Prequel

Surviving is worse than death… As the first days of the end of humanity tumble across the city of Las Vegas in the form of an overwhelming viral infection, turning almost everyone into vampire-like creatures, April Tate will find out what it really means to survive. What does it take to make it out alive in a place where everything is but a withered echo of its former self, and death does not come willingly?

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audio book.

This is my first audiobook having Anna Marie Susan Silvey narrate. I enjoyed listening to her bringing the character of April to life for me.

This is a very fast audiobook…it was 90 minutes, but it starts to set up for the series.  I grabbed it and listened before I started book 1.  I originally purchased book 1 but saw the prequal and had to start at “Ground Zero” so to speak.

I enjoyed the short story.  We learn A LOT about April’s family, the zombie/vampires, how it started and what is happening around the south.  I enjoyed learning how you can destroy the “ferals” as April calls them.

It definitely peeked my interested and I am jumping into book 1 as soon as I am done with this.

Alexia currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada–Sin City! She loves to spend every free moment writing or playing with her four rambunctious kids. Writing has always been her dream and she has been writing ever since she can remember. She loves writing paranormal fantasy and poetry and devours books daily. Alexia also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food.

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Audio Book, Hockey Player

#WOTR24 #Audiobook #SeriesStarter – Ryker, San Francisco Shockwave Book 1 by Samantha Lind, Narration by James Cavenaugh and Aria Holland

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After years of trying to get back home to be closer to my daughter, I finally secured a spot on the newly expanded San Francisco Shockwaves.

Juggling being the newly appointed Captain of the team and taking on full-time fatherhood to a teenager sends my life into chaos.

I quickly find myself needing someone who can pick up the pieces and keep my life in order as I certainly can’t do it alone.

I just never thought my savior would be the sexy woman next door- the one I can’t keep my mind or eyes off every chance I get.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audiobook.

I want to start by saying that the narration was great.  I enjoyed both James and Aria’s Voiced during the story.  They both did a great job voicing the characters for the story.

I am a huge fan of Samantha’s stories.  She does a great job writing characters that are relatable to me.  This story is another one that I enjoyed as well.

Ryker and his daughter are looking for a place after she decided to live with him when he meets his super kind neighbor Avery.  Avery is excited to meet the new neighbor and shocked at how sexy he is.

Fast forward to Ryker and Avery spending time together regarding his daughter and Avery helping him with her.  I enjoyed Rykers daughter Ellie trying to push her dad and Avery together. She seemed a little more mature than a 15-year-old but still I loved her persistence.

Avery and Ryker have normal relationship issues and thankfully there wasn’t any OWD because I can’t stand that.  LOL  I loved the story and how Avery and Ryker were so supportive of each other.  They are what an older couple in life would be concerned with….finances, kids, and time.

I enjoyed the start of the series and look forward to another story from the characters and the new players from the expansion team.

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Samantha Lind is a USA TODAY Bestselling contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls the mid-West home, where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music. You can connect with Samantha on her website, www.samanthalind.com.

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True Crime

#TrueCrime #KU – The Dark Side of Humanity:True Crime Stories to Curl up With by Ravyn Salvador

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Enter the gripping world of true crime with a collection of stories to curl up with. Delve deep into the minds of violent offenders, explore cases that have kept us guessing for ages, and uncover the chilling secrets that lurk in the shadows of society.

Discover the darkest corners of the human psyche and examine the psychology of those driven to commit unspeakable acts of violence. From notorious serial killers to enigmatic cold cases, tantalizing mysteries to unsettling history, each story offers a glimpse into the twisted minds of those who walk the line between sanity and madness while delving into the reasons we can’t seem to look away from tales of murder and mayhem.

So, curl up and prepare to be captivated, disturbed, and utterly enthralled by the chilling stories that await within these pages. Because, sometimes, the truth is stranger—and more terrifying—than fiction.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this book.

I was pretty excited about this book when I saw it somewhere…..tiktok???  Anyway, I jumped and preordered.  When the book downloaded I jumped in.  I am a huge true crimer.  I love to listen to podcasts, read books based on true crimes, and or things published by researchers/police/FBI/etc about crime.  Needless to say, SOLD!!!

I will say the way the story is told seemed like a bunch of term papers published together.  It was a different way to weave a story.  When we get to the chapters about serial killers, I was disappointed that each person was well know to people like me…crazy crimers.  I would have loved to see a new name being discussed with people.  Who doesn’t already know Bundy, Dahmer, BTK…etc.

There is a chapter about true crime podcasts and again the podcasts mentioned were ones that are already popular and one even very controversial given the multiple plagiarism claims against them.  Again I would have loved a new podcast or one that is not already established.  I have so many that I follow.

The book is a great start for someone who is just entering the world of true crime. But for me, it was a little bit of a letdown.  The writing is great but the content for me fell flat given my status of crazy true crimer follower.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rayvn Salvador is a lifelong bibliophile who left her eighteen-year IT career over a decade ago to read and make stuff up for a living. She lives in Florida with her feline familiars and incredibly supportive beau—who hopes nobody ever needs to check her search history. They love to attend sporting events and concerts, but if she’s not doing that and isn’t on deadline, you’ll likely find her taking long walks through the woods, sweating while working out in virtual reality, investigating haunted locales, or contemplating the recesses of people’s minds in documentaries. She pens the Haunted New Orleans (paranormal romantic thriller), Willow Falls (small-town romantic suspense) and Fourth and Goal (football romance) series, and is hard at work on the next book to make your pulse race.

New Release

#WOTR24 #NewRelease #LittleShepherds – Divine Embrace: Preacher’s Kid by Michel Prince

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When Divinity ‘Vin’ Anderson first responded to her pen pal Peter Young, she had no way of knowing that a temporary class assignment would turn into a very real crush. Separated by thousands of miles, since he lives in Georgia, the reality of ever meeting in person allowed him to be an unfulfilled fantasy.Living in Eastpointe, Michigan she’d heard about the Little Shepard’s Camp where Peter is going her senior summer, but never had she imagined her childish fairytale dreams would change from theory to reality when she meets him. One night in the woods has her flying hard only to crash back to earth when she returns home. Reality had harsh edges hard enough to leave scars.Over a decade has passed when Vin is sent by Elrod Motors to Georgia. When she has to pass by a town with a familiar name. Descriptions from the past, now vibrant and real, emerge after speaking with recruited employees from his hometown. A picture is being painted of the saintly man who had abandoned her all those years ago. An apology and kind words have her falling all over even though she knows she needs to guard her heart. Only she can’t help sensing Peter is holding back a secret, one that could destroy her belief in love altogether or teach her how happily ever after can come when you step behind the curtain.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

I love when Michel messages me and asked if I am free to read her books.  My reply to her is always “DUH!!”  I love the stories she can weave.

Divinity/Vin and Peter….this is a cool concept.  Pen Pals from 4th grade through high school.  When they finally meet, it was FIRE and then dude disappears. Not cool Peter!!   Vin moved forward with her life but always feels like she is missing “More” with her partners.

Fast forward to 10 years later,  Vin is standing face to face with the man she loved with her entire heart.  Peter still looks delicious. Peter also makes it know that God brought her back for him to correct the past.

The story was initially a little slow in the beginning while it was all being set up but once it gets going it gets GOING!!  I loved the story and the big twist at the end was GOOD!!  I did not see it coming and was just as mad/confused at Vin when it was happening!!

I am looking forward to reading more stories from other authors in the world.

Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes young adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

Michel is a member of RWA Pro and Midwest Fiction Writers. In 2013 she was awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and cat.

Contemp. Romance, Part of a Series

#WOTR24 #SeriesStarter #Contemporary #ThrowbackReview – If I Loved You, Hollywood Hearts Book 1 by Jean C. Joachim

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Does love always mean total truth? Successfully shunning the limelight was one way for Megan Davis to keep her family secret. The press intruded on her life when her twin brother, Mark, became the star quarterback for the Delaware Demons. Disrespectful of tabloid superstars, financial advisor, Meg, was shocked when she was tapped to launch a celebrity division in the prestigious investment firm, Dillon & Weed. The biggest surprise: the charisma of her first client.
Gorgeous, magnetic movie star, Chaz Duncan, wary of women who wanted to bask in his fame or sell his secrets to the media, valued privacy above all else. Would attractive Megan Davis, his new financial advisor charm the truth from him or would he continue his high profile but lonely existence to keep his secret safe? Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten two careers and the quest for true love and trust in this roller-coaster-ride contemporary romance.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I actual rating is a 3.75 but I rounded up.

I met this wonderfully kind author while at a book convention. She is so warm and friendly that when she reached out to me after the convention, I had to read these books. The blurbs of the books seemed “up my alley”. Who DOESN’T follow the heart breaks and loves of celebrities.

Chaz is the celebrity that everyone wants and everyone assumes (ya know you should’nt do that right???) is a mega playboy. He meets Megan/Meg to talk to her about investing his money. He is totally taken with her and had to convince her to go out on dates. Meg has a famous brother and she wants NOOOOO part of a celebrity relationship.

Well the couple feel an attraction. Meg is so insecure that she cant believe this hottie really wants her. Chaz is sooo broken he cant believe someone as kind and caring actually likes him for him and not his money.

Well the two end up falling in L…..wait not the L word…friends with benefits. Neither will admit their love for the other out of fear. When they finally do, they are arguing and I had to laugh about it. The couple is happy and trying to figure out the logistics of how to make it work when…grrrr….the conflict of the story hits. a co-worker frames Meg and sets off a bunch of bad press for Chaz which is turns threatens his career. Poor Chaz has to decided love or a career. Poor Meg has to decide Love for me or let him go for his own career.

I enjoyed the story and the overall plot. I am very excited to meet and read about Quinn, Chaz’s best friend, in book 2.

I’ve been making up stories for as long as I can remember. When other kids wanted to be doctors, teachers or firemen, I wanted to be a writer.
As soon as I could read, I began devouring books. I’d read anything I could get my hands on, but Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” and Nancy Drew mysteries were early favorites.
In school, term papers were my favorite homework. While others bemoaned the amount of work involved, I jumped in, burying myself in research and writing the document with care.
Still fiction was my first love. After college and a degree in English, I fell into the world of advertising. After many years in corporate America, I went my own way. Working and raising two kids took all my energy and creativity. But when the youngest went off to school, all the stories ideas in my head came to life. Mac Caldwell and Callie Richards landed in my head and refused to leave. So I told their story. What started as one book has become six. Now I greet my characters every morning at six and jump back into their story, enjoying every minute. I’m blessed to be able to work at something I love. More than 70 books later, I’m still up at the crack of dawn, crafting the tales of the people who live in my head while nursing a cup of tea and a few pieces of black licorice.

BDSM, Cartel/Mafia, Dark Romance

#WOTR24 #darkRomance #BDSM #Cartel – Surrendered Innocence, Innocent Brides book 4 by Measha Stone, narration by Jay Alder and Kylie Stewart

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He didn’t ask for my surrender. He took it.

Maybe I let myself get a little too tipsy this evening, but I didn’t expect to wake up next to a Russian mobster without my panties on. Fortunately, Maxim Volkov isn’t here to ravage me.

At least not tonight…

He’s made it his business to look out for me, and if that means taking me over his knee with my bottom bare for a spanking with my own hairbrush, then that’s exactly what he’s going to do.

I shouldn’t have surrendered so easily, but I was soaking wet even before he ordered me to spread my legs, and the moment I felt his touch where I needed it most, I knew I was his.

Forever.

Surrendered Innocence is a standalone novel in the Innocent Brides series. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audio book.

Again, I listened to an audio book so sorry if I get the names spelled wrong.  Anyway, I enjoyed the life that Jay and Kylie added to the characters.  They really do embrace the story when they tell it, and it makes it that much for enjoyable.

This story overlaps with book 2 and 3.  Maxin and Mandy. He is the babysitter bodyguard, and she is the new bestie at Anya’s work.  They are both interested in the other we find out in the story.  We SEE the attraction in book 2.

Maxim is 100% like his cousins…take charge is all things, Mandy.  Mandy is much like the other ladies…strong willed and always into trouble.  LOL  She is one brave girl bringing a gun to a Romanov’s house …smh…..GIRL WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!!!!????

What I have absolutely loved about this series are characters you think are just random names because a major part of the overall arching plot.  We meet Viper in another book, and I didn’t think anything of him and then BOOM Measha shocks us with the importance of this character to Mandy.

If you enjoy BDSM and have read the other books in the series, you will enjoy this story as well. Mandy and Maxin are fun to read.  She will not come to heal so quickly and that makes Maxim a wee bit upset.  He gets imaginative at times with her “punishments” which of course are delicious reads.  *Wink*

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.

Audio Book, BDSM, Cartel/Mafia

WOTR24 #BDSM #Mafia #dark #Audio – Ravaged Innocence, Innocent Brides book e by Measha Stone, narration by Jay Alder and Kylie Stewart

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He didn’t come for me just to make me scream his name. He came to make me his.

When Luka Romanov burst into the bar where I work to take care of some mafia business, I was still an innocent virgin. I woke up the next morning sore, spent, and feeling much less innocent.

He tracked me down to punish me for trying to run from him, but it wasn’t just his hard hand reddening my bare bottom that left me soaking wet and ready to be ruthlessly claimed. I was breathless and desperately in need the moment he pinned me to the wall and kissed me.

Then he carried me off to his penthouse to show me what it means to belong to a man like him.

Because he isn’t just going to ravage me. He’s going to keep me.

Publisher’s Note: Ravaged Innocence is a stand-alone novel which is the third book of the Innocent Brides series. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I bought this audiobook.

Now because I listened to the audio books, please forgive any misspelled names.  LOL I want to say I think Jay and Kylie did a great job with the narration in the story. I enjoyed the way they brought the characters to life.  I really loved the Russian accents they used for these characters.

Avery, we meet at the bar when Arman, in book 2, comes to get information from Mario.  We see Luka take interest in the feisty waitress trying to help her boss and bar patrons.  He takes her home and immediately needs more from this crazy woman.  She is on her own and independent.     Luka is the assassin for the family.  He is only here in the states for a job but the little waitress he can’t seem to get out of his head.

Their story seemed to have a lot more sex filler, which I know some people love, but I find to be a bit tiring.  I did enjoy their story and how they fell in love hard and fast for the other.  They both are so scared to admit things and so of course things happen.  Avery kept her fire and Luks did hide like a coward for a bit. But when he admits his fault, they have a great HFN.

I did like the story, but the sex filler left me bored at time.  I mean I love sexy times but I felt like every chapter was a sexy time.  27 chapters it gets as smidge redundant.  I am looking forward to starting book 4 with Mandy and Maxim.

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.