Eve Moore: Of Venom & Vengeance

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245717752-of-venom-vengeance

Book Blurb: 

Elijah Washington may look like cold calculated murder but, that's only until the dimples come out. His smile could melt even the coldest of hearts. It has to be said however...don't touch that which belongs to Eli. People aren't always what they seem. Eli doesn't share and he believes second chances are for the afterlife.

In this second installment of the City of Legends series, Elijah Washington grapples with a devastating loss. He struggles to reconcile the future he had planned....the future they had planned together, with the grimness of his current reality. When he stumbles into a gorgeous, tattooed, motorcycle riding bartender right here in Austin he starts to think there may be a path he hasn't considered. Can he take it? Will he be able to leave his old life behind and forge a new ending? Or will he only end up taking the feisty high heeled bartender down with him?

Of Venom & Vengeance is the second book in the City of Legends series comprised of interconnected stand-alone dark spicy romances. Every book in this series is dual POV and ends in an HEA.

Of Venom & Vengeance is a spicy dark romance intended for a mature audience. This book features explicit sexual content and graphic violence.

*High Gravity ALC 2026  *Dark Romance  *Rom-Com  *touch her and 💀 *Protective/Possessive MMC 

*Fierce FMC  *Special Forces MMC  *Spice  *Banter  *Action *Strangers --> More *Broody MMC  

*Teddy bear for her  *Bikers (both leads) *State Challenge Texas (Repeat) 

Thoughts:

Our story starts with Eli Washington (MMC) in the middle of a mission that goes sideways and now he is beating himself up for the outcome.  Several months after the incident while he is out drinking at a local bar he finds himself entranced by the beautiful bartender Vaughn.  

Vaughn (FMC) is fierce she doesn't take crap from anyone... she is guarded due to her past history and doesn't know what to think about Eli who kind of barges into her life like a wrecking ball... but in all the best ways.  Vaughn feels like she can't trust herself to make wise decisions after some recent choices didn't go well and what if Eli is another bad decision.  

Eli is a man of honor and he goes after what he wants and Vaughn was meant to be his... only their initial encounter doesn't turn out as planned... thankfully they both are willing to give each other a do-over no rush on his side he is willing to take his time good things are worth the wait.

I laughed throughout this book and Eli reminded me a bit of Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool with his humor, Vaughn's friends at the bar are quirky and fun and I really loved how supportive they were.  

I did wonder where the story was going for a bit while I wasn't disliking the story at least half of it was just 2 hot people hanging out with not much back story for either of our lead characters (maybe I would have known more already if I had read the first book).  

This story was spicy, action packed and funny the narrators did a great job bringing these characters to life.  Vaughn and Eli are couples goals!  

This is a dark romance so please check your trigger warnings prior to reading.  I got an ALC from High Gravity and I almost passed on it because I'm usually not a darker reader but I'm so glad I gave this a chance I plan to go back to read the first one at some point.  Thank you to High Gravity & the author for this early listen copy!  

Have you read this one?  What did you think?  

Emma Slate: Huckleberry Hill

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235731168-huckleberry-hill

Book Blurb:

When my fiancé leaves me because I can’t have children, I do the only thing I can think of . . .

I run away to my family’s ranch in Idaho to hide from my feelings and nurse my wounded heart.

I expect the comforts of home, the solitude of the mountains, and long horseback rides through the forest.

What I don’t expect is my father’s new ranch hand.

Declan Brewer.

Tall. Dark. Rugged.

And he looks just as delicious on a horse as he does a Harley.

He’s got a wicked smile full of promises . . .

Our chemistry is undeniable, and in one forbidden moment, we combust. But instead of burning out, our energy rages into a passionate inferno.

Between bouts of pleasure in Declan’s arms and the laughter we share in his bed, he chips away at the armor I’ve erected around my heart.

Declan is everything I’ve ever wanted, but I’m scared he won’t stay when he finds out the truth . . .

I’m broken, and I don’t know if love will be enough.

*Cowboy romance  *Small town  *strangers --> more  *banter  *Rom-com *forced proximity

*Infertility *insta lust/love  *surprise pregnancy  *state challenge Idaho *close family

*Dark Star Romance ALC 2026 *forbidden romance *boss's daughter *whirlwind relationship 

*Cinnamon Roll MMC  *Cozy read *green flag book boyfriend *Sassy Grandma

*small town gossip *Age Gap 

Thoughts:

Hadley (FMC) returns home to her family ranch after her engagment breaks off suddenly first night at home she runs into the new ranch hand Declan who is super hot and shirtless... well now this return visit just got interesting.

Not wanting to jump into anything after just getting out of a long term relationship Hadley struggles with her growing attraction towards Declan and also knows that her dad wouldn't like her snuggling up with his new employee... in fact it's something her father would fire him over, but her dad just might be keeping his own secrets.

Hadley has a strong group of friends including her twin sister and other two room mates that were all living together in New York City (until recently when she returned home to have some time for self reflection).  She is dealing with another big blow not just the loss of her relationship but also the news that she recently learned of her infertility.

Declan is handsome, charming and caring he's hardworking and pretty much the best book boyfriend ever it's easy to see how Hadley was drawn to him to the point of not being able to resist any longer.  After some discussions with her friend group who are all for her getting over her last guy by getting under a new one she decides to throw caution to the wind... all caution and goes for it where our couple ends up sneaking around (but not as well as they thought since it's a small town and word travels fast... lets just hope for Hadley's sake no one tells her dad before she can.

Hadley has some decisions to make too is she returning to the big city or staying home?  What will happen when she tells her dad about the relationship with Declan, is it a situationship?  or more because she certainly wasn't planning on starting anything new while coming home to get over her ex.

This was a cute cozy read, I loved Hadley's relationship with her family and her girlfriends and that coming home was a real eye opener to finding out who she was as a person now without her friend group and her ex fiance in the mix she's always been a people pleaser and maybe it's time for her to do something she wants to do... as soon as she figures out what that is!  Declan was a strong steady support system for Hadley and was there when she needed him... even saving her from a bear.  

I loved Hadley's grandma she was sweet and sassy!  I'm also hoping that the rest of the series is about Hadley's friend group also finding their own sweet cowboy... even her twin who is reluctant to ever leave the big city and return home.  

I did think that this was more of an insta love and everything moved pretty fast without them really knowing much about each other… but I guess sometimes love happens fast.  

This was a multicast audio book and everyone did a great job bringing these sweet characters to life thank you to the author and Dark Star Romance for this ALC

Alexandra Shaw: The Quarterback

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239150816-the-quarterback

book blurb:

Zoey:

My life is anything but perfect—but I’ve gotten really good at pretending it is.

My ballet career busted before it even began, all because my body changed. And my love life? That’s been doomed from the start, too. Why? Because I’ve been in love with one guy since I was a kid. And that’s exactly how he sees me.

Gary Robinson, quarterback of the Seattle (NFL team), I’ve known him since I was twelve and in love with him since I was thirteen!

He’s never said anything, thank God. I don’t even think he’s realized it. Maybe when I was little, but now he definitely has no clue. But regardless, he’s been a constant in my life—those piercing blue eyes, that easy charm. His goofy sense of humor!

He’s everything I want but can’t have… Loving him isn’t the hard part—hiding it is.

But then he walks in on me while I’m FaceTiming with my sister, being completely ridiculous while sunbathing by the pool—instead of laughing it off, he gets…angry.

And suddenly, pretending gets a whole lot harder.

Gary:

Being a professional quarterback for the Seattle Steelheads? That was always the dream.

But Zoey? I never saw her coming.

Not only is she the coach’s daughter, but he’s also my friend. His wife is my cousin!
She’s always been there—cute, talented, sweet as hell. She’s never been anything more than the cute kid that had a crush on me once.

When did she grow up?

I’ve never been in a serious relationship before, even a not serious relationship. But now, after seeing her at the pool…I can’t unsee what I saw. And—well, I don’t want to.

*High Gravity ALC  *Age Gap *Sports Romance (Football) *Best friends Daughter  

*Coach's daughter *Dancer FMC  *MH Body image struggles  *Rom-Com *Spice

*Found family  *Protective MMC  *novella  *Reformed Playboy MMC  *Banter

*State Challenge: Washington  *long time crush (FMC to MMC) *Cinnamon Roll MMC

Thoughts:

I had seen this authors books around and had a few on my TBR so when this one came available as an ALC through High Gravity I had to grab it to check it out!  

I didn't read the blurb beforehand but I checked it out after I started listening to it and I wasn't sure if I would like it or not I'm not opposed to age gap but I was concerned that the fact that Gary (MMC) is friends with Zoey's (FMC) dad and had met her when she was younger I wasn't sure how this was going to play out... turned out to be not as big of an issue as I thought it would be.

Gary (who knew someone named Gary could be so hot) is a player on and off of the field on the field though he's the star quarterback... he doesn't have girlfriends he's more of a one night stand kind of guy.  Zoey has had a crush on Gary since she was a young teenager but knows it will go nowhere he doesn't see her as a woman... moving on from her crush she starts dating her current boyfriend... now ex after she caught him in a compromising situation but he apparently hasn't received the hint that they are done.

Gary and Zoey grew closer as friends since Zoey started going to college he just likes hanging around her she's easy to talk to and fun... he knows it's wrong but very recently he's started feeling differently towards Zoey and doesn't know what to think about it... he can't act on these feelings obviously.

Zoey is home from college when Gary catches her in a compromising situation then one thing leads to another and it is fireworks!  Zoey is dealing with a lot of shame about her body since gaining some weight (it doesn't help that her ex-boyfriend and dance instructors were always commenting about her weight gain).  I loved how sweet and thoughtful Gary is towards her in helping her see she is beautiful just the way she is no changes needed.  

I appreciate how the author acknowledges the age gap but put them in a situation where the feelings they had were growing over time after she was an adult so them ending up together didn't feel forced or wrong, it felt inevitable it was meant to be. 

I also enjoyed that they were not hiding their relationship Gary once given the chance went above and beyond to be the perfect out in the open boyfriend even fessing up to his friend (knowing his friend might be livid).  

The narrators did a great job bringing these characters to life.  This story had me laughing throughout, I loved cinnamon roll Gary and how thoughtful and caring he was.  Even though it's a shorter book it doesn't really feel "insta love" there is enough build up of their relationship prior to the book starting that you can see how both leads would be having feelings for each other.  I loved watching Gary go from playboy to all in for the right woman and Zoey come to learn that she doesn't need to change who she is to please others. 

This was a spicy fun quick read and I enjoyed it!  

Have you read this one yet?  what did you think?  

Ruby Tosemito: Numb

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251403604-numb

Book Blurb: 

This novel is heartbreak wrapped in luxury, tension, and unresolved love.
**
After a horrific car accident, Ethan Forbes becomes paralyzed from the waist down. As he struggles to navigate his new situation, Ethan becomes bitter, cold and pushes everyone he loves away. He not only has lost the ability to walk, but feels that he is losing his identity.
As time goes by, he begins to resent the whole world around him.
Then one day, out of the blue, the one he hates and loves the most, comes back into his life, claiming that she wants to help him walk again.
Will Aurora Davis be able to help him walk again?
As Aurora helps him with rehabilitation, he’s determined to find out why she left him 6 years ago. Will he find out?
Will she explain everything? But most importantly, will Ethan & Aurora be able to face and overcome the approaching threat called 'El Diablo'?

~ So if you like emotional romance, wounded characters, tension, longing, second-chance energy, suspense and stories where love still lingers even when people try to bury it, Numb looks like the kind of book that is going to wreck you in the best way.

This one feels like aching, intimate, and full of that quiet kind of pain that stays with you.

*2nd chance romance  *ARC read 2026  *family secrets  *Family drama *villains 

*betrayal  *Twists *Dark themes  *protective MMC  *Physical Therapist FMC x patient

*danger *Age Gap *Wealthy MMC  *State Challenge Oregon/New York  (both repeat)

*MMC with disability  *Suspense  *multiple POV  *spice  *Indie Author

Thoughts:

Aurora meets the love of her life while in college... oddly enough she was at a party at his house but she was using her time to study.  Ethan is handsome, wealthy and charming he's used to having women approach him so when he meets Aurora in the restricted part of his home at a party his sister is throwing he can't wait to talk to her again... only she doesn't call him right away!  What?  He can't let her slip away and uses their mutual aquaintance (his sister) to take his chance which leads to so much more. 

Ethan thinks that Aurora will be with him forever he knows she's it for him he got the ring now he just needs the perfect night to ask.  Only instead of the life time of happiness with her he's expecting leads to depression, bitterness and feelings of betrayal she left him without even looking back moved almost 3,000 miles away from him and won't return his calls he wants answers from her but he'll probably never get them.

Six years later Aurora is a well respected Physical Therapist known for doing the impossible and when Jasper (Ethan's older brother) Contacts her for her help after Ethan got into a MVA leading to loss of mobility in lower extremities against her better judgement she gets on the next plane to Oregon... only to be met with Ethan not wanting her help... well she knew it wouldn't be easy.

Ethan and Aurora seeing each other again brings old feelings to the surface... lets be real those feelings are not old they never left.  Aurora is set on keeping Ethan on a strict recovery schedule she wants to help him walk again but he needs to put in the work.  

Aurora has a lot to make up for even though her reasons for leaving were valid and she may be putting herself in danger again by even being back in proximity to Ethan... will he be willing to let his guard down again to let her help him regain mobility?  Will she ever be able fully tell him what happened all those years ago that led to their break up?  

This story is full of twists and turns.  Family secrets come out to the open, there is a lot of family drama and when everyone Aurora loves could potentially be in danger will she have the courage to step up and do what needs to be done?  Aurora has been running away for years with this terrible secret, once the truth comes out will anything be the same again?  

If you enjoy a combination of Thriller with sweet second chance romance that will put you on a bit of an emotional roller coaster check this one out.  

Faridah Abike-Iyimide: The Heirs

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237615201-the-heirs

Book Blurb:

A mystery about five teen geniuses, their billionaire father, and the investigation into his murder.
Five prodigies, one dead father, a mansion full of suspects…

Octavius the Maestro.
Fola the Brain.
Bilal the Olympian.
Perdita the Artist.
Romeo the Failure.

These are the five heirs of the illustrious billionaire Leontes Button. Adopted and viciously trained with their father’s infamous “Button Method” to prove his hypothesis for creating prodigies—child geniuses—the Button siblings have had no choice but to be brilliant according to their father's impossibly high standards.

Until he is murdered at his annual Prodigy Ball.

Now, all who attended the ball are required to stay in the Button Manor while the police investigate. But the officers have their work cut out for them—each of the Button siblings has something to hide, but The Heirs aren't the only ones with secrets. After all, Leontes Button was especially good at making enemies. . .

*💀 mystery  *Netgalley ALC 8/12  *crime fiction  *Thriller  *close proximity (yacht) *family drama  *Lots of secrets  *back and forth time line between events *young adult *life of privilege *locked room mystery  *sapphic representation & M/M representation *no spice  *State Challenge New York (Repeat)

Thoughts:

I requested this ALC from Netgalley based on the description I occasionally leave romance for a mystery/thriller and I wasn't disappointed.  This was a situation where we have Billionaire Leontes Button he has made many headlines over the years with one of the top stories being how he decided to adopt 5 children putting them all through grueling training schedules over many years so they would be the best of the best of the best (prodigies) naturally he named this method after himself "The Button Method."

While he was very tough on all of his children no one makes it to the top without making at least a few enemies.  This years annual Prodigy Ball starts off and ends with some fireworks an unapproved member of the press gets into the conference and asks accusatory questions to Leontes... this being the last question prior to the ball itself which is to take place on a yacht.

The story itself reminded me of a Murder on the Orient Express or a Knives Out situation where there are multiple people who could potentially be the actual suspect, when there is a lot of money involved claws come out and the story was told in a non-linear fashion going from the past to the present to weave together what led up to the crime along with what is happening in the present.

The main characters (3 brothers and 2 sisters) are all still teenagers but read more like they are in their 40s they have had enough of everything, don't want to be in the lime light anymore and they are tired of all the pressure that's been put on them for years.    The book spends a lot of time providing a character study on the brothers and sisters so long that it takes a bit to get to the actual meat of the story... who unalived their father?  

While I didn't dislike the story it took me awhile to get into it, there were so many characters introduced it was at times hard to remember who was who (especially with all the nicknames the kids were given) and the POV kept switching as well to include one of the staff members daughters who was conducting her own investigation during the police investigation and Henry their father's right hand man (secretary) and longest standing employee (essentially the kids second father).  I think the story would have benefitted from less POV's and subplots to sift through so more attention could be given to building up the mystery.  

I did feel everything wrapped up well and I appreciated the siblings coming together to rebuild their relationship, they needed to rely on each other for support after losing their father in such a terrible way. 

Thank you netgalley and the author for allowing me an early listen copy!  

Have you read this one?  What did you think?  

Sabrina Jeffries: Nearly a Bride

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239433326-nearly-a-bride

book blurb:

In this captivating new historical romance brimming with seductive twists and irresistible wit, an English nobleman is finally free from exile—but can his heart still be captured?

After more than a decade separated from his home and family, the Earl of Heathbrook returns to his London townhouse to face a new test: reclaiming guardianship of his younger brothers. His reputation as a rakehell, it seems, has followed him from detention inside Napoleon’s France and caused his own father to block Heathbrook’s rightful custody in his will. However, the clever rogue concocts a plan to restore respectability and rescue his siblings . . . by finding a “fiancée” with no strings attached.

Giselle Bernard is not looking to wed an earl with a wild past. All she seeks is a connected nobleman who can legally secure her new life in England and head off a mysterious stranger’s threats. Posing as Heathbrook’s bride-to-be would surely benefit them both. But as revelations come to light—the ill-fated young affair that left Heathbrook embittered, and the mademoiselle’s own guarded secrets—their engagement charade may unexpectedly blossom into a promise to love, honor, and cherish . . .

Tropes:  *Historical Romance *Fake engagement/fiance  *Rake  *spice  *Virgin FMC  

*opposites attract  *HEA  

*netgalley ALC 7/12  *family drama *family secrets

Thoughts:

The Earl of Heathbrook returns to London after a lengthy time abroad (Prisoner of war) after being held in France with his father during the war (Napolean) during that time he met Giselle Bernard and they developed a friendship that at one point both sides hoped could be more but their relationship was halted before it even began.  Coming home his father had passed away and his mother is gone too now his byounger brothers are in the custody of his mother's cousin.  

Now both older and not otherwise engaged Giselle (FMC) finds herself in need of help from her friend the Earl, her mother and herself are in the country without valid papers and someone is snooping around trying to out them for being in the country illegally and she goes to the Earl for help gaining legitimate paperwork to stay in England.  The Earl uses this as the moment to ask for a favor of his own he is in a court battle with his mother's cousin over who can be the guardian to his three younger brothers their father in his will did not give him custody and while he doesn't fully understand why he's going to do everything he can so they can come live with him... even if that means coming up wtih a skeme that involves a fake fiance.

The Earl has a known history of being a Rake and even though that was ancient history many still believe the stories and he knows that the courts won't look kindly on him if he is living a bachelor's lifestyle parading different women into his bedroom... he needs Giselle as much as she needs him at this point.  

What starts off as a friends with benefits (the benefits being what they can help each other obtain) leads to more since they have been attracted to each other but holding back for years... and when they finally come together it's fireworks.  

I obtained this ALC from Netgalley and I requested it not realizing it was the second in the series, while I think that it may have been intended to be a stand alone I would recommend reading this series in order if you are interested in this series so you don't run itno the same problems I came across. I feel that the narrator did a lovely job and I appreciated that she was able to do so many accents along with both male and female parts.

I struggled to get into this book to be honest, it was kind of boring at times with all the discussions about past events which I hadn't read about previously and it felt like maybe a lot of their previous relationship had taken place "off the pages" since I didn't know how much of their relationship was shared in the first book, the story frequently brings up the past and was somewhat repetitive at times with having the characters think something then discuss it with someone moments later.

The story discusses frequently our Earl's tendency to be a Rake but from evidence this was all in the past prior to him being a prisoner of war not current behaviors. The reasons why his father didn't want him to have custody of the younger brothers becomes more clear over the course of the book but is really based on the fact that a 16 year old boy is irresponsible... who knew that 16 year olds wouldn't be mature enough to be in charge of younger children full time?

There is a secret that comes out towards the end of the book that doesn't really add anything to the story and would only for the time period cause issues for those involved so I was confused as to why it was resolved the way it was.

I did end up appreciating how Heath and Giselle worked together and cared for each other and the brothers but I didn't ever feel the true build up of feelings it was kind of like they are friends pretending to be engaged to each other to more which led to more insta love. I do enjoy a happily ever after though.

I also felt that there were at times too many things going on with the plot that were weaving in and out of the story but the things that I thought would be the main plots were set aside to only be brought up sporadically a few times later in the story and then dropped or resolved in a few short paragraphs.

Overall this book was just ok for me, I might check out more of the series at some point to see if the other issues ever get resolved and to maybe have a better understanding of what happened in France.

J.L. Beck: Sinner & Saint

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228349717-sinner-saint

book blurb: 

I’ve always been the good girl. The preacher’s daughter. The town’s saint. The one who never strays from the rules.

Until one reckless night changes everything.

Calder Bishop is the monster I’ve been warned about my entire life. Heir to the most feared family in Black Hollow Creek. Rancher by day, enforcer by night. His touch carries ruin, his name carries blood, and his gaze makes my prayers falter.

When I stumble into Bishop business, Calder is left with a choice: end my life or claim it. Killing me would be mercy. Keeping me could start a war.

But Calder Bishop has never been a merciful man. And if there’s one thing he wants, it’s me—all to himself.

Now I’m trapped in his world of violence and vengeance, my innocence colliding with his sin. I search for a way out but there is none. Only Calder. It’s when he claims me—branding me with his soul—I learn the truth: the only thing more dangerous than a Bishop’s wrath . . . is his love.

**This is book one in the series and is a complete standalone with a happily ever after. Certain scenes within this book may be triggering to some readers. Please review the trigger list at the beginning of the book before reading.**

*Netgalley ALC 6/12  *Preacher's Daughter x bad boy  *dark romance *Small town romance 

*mafia style family *touch her and 💀 vibes  *enemies to more  *crush --> enemy --> more 

*Forced marriage  *forced proximity *trigger warnings --> check them before reading  

*State Challenge Montana  *dysfunctional family  *old time "family values"  --> like medieval times 

Thoughts:

Saint the preacher’s daughter has a crush on Calder Bishop he is older and part of the family that is feared in the community they own a lot of land and are basically like a cowboy/rancher type mafia mixed with a bit of cult like behaviors.

Saint late one night witnesses something she wasn’t supposed to see and in order to “take care of it” Calder decides that the best way to fix the issue is a forced marriage… and Saint’s father is going to be the one to marry them one way or another even if Calder has to force him to do it (which he doesn’t want to have to do)

Saint goes along with this plan because she is scared at this point no longer the naïve young girl with hearts in her eyes over this guy she sees him for who he is… his father’s enforcer if someone crosses their family he ends it… permanently

Saint is feisty she isn’t used to this kind of lifestyle and doesn’t adapt to it willingly she still has her spirit… one that Calder’s father won’t approve of to him women are property like his own wife (calder’s mom who is now an empty shell of whoever she used to be). 

Calder married Saint to save her from his father but he knows he can’t protect her from everything and he’s running out of time to figure out how to make things right for her again… he doesn’t want to break her spirit

With everyone asking too many questions about their union including Saint’s father and her best friend Calder’s poorly thought out plan to save Saint might just lead to the end for both of them…

Calder’s father is a cruel man… like almost to the extent where he seems like a cartoon villain… there were times in the book where I was feeling kind of squeamish and I think the book was supposed to be like Cowboy mafia but almost seemed like some kind of cult with how The father Roman has everyone under his thumb.

I liked Saint’s spirit even when all odds were against her she was still trying to be brave.  Calder felt like a door mat a lot of times just doing whatever his father wanted him to do while internally he didn’t like his father, his family “traditions” some of which were barbaric and who he was becoming. 

I think Calder would have been a much stronger MMC if he had started pushing back earlier on in the book especially since he was described as an enforcer… I really wanted the brothers to band together and give their evil dad the boot   

It was Duel Narration and I thought they both did a good job with the characters and the story kept me interested enough to read the next book. 

This is again darker than I normally read and a lot of stuff that happened in this book were way out of my comfort zone so I’m sure that others might feel the same way.  I’m sure that plenty of people will enjoy this book. 

Thank you negalley and the author for this early listen copy!