Review: Kiss the Girl by Tara Sivec

Title: Kiss the Girl

Author: Tara Sivec

Publication date: September 4th, 2018

Series: The Naughty Princess Club (3 of 3)

Summary: A struggling antiques collector finds herself falling in love with a millionaire playboy; but can she ever be a part of his world?

Meet the Naughty Princess Club, a series from USA Today bestselling author Tara Sivec that brings readers to Fairytale Lane and the hilarity—and romance—that three women fall into once they decide to strut their stuff and bring on their own happily ever after.

While her friends have broken free of their insecurities, Ariel Waters is struggling to come out of her shell. Her ex-husband took away her voice and her self-confidence, and Ariel is drowning under a sea of debt to afford the alimony she has to pay him. She refuses to ever fall for a man’s charms again, and is determined to make her own way.

When her house and her beloved antiques are taken by the bank after too many missed payments, Ariel finds herself adrift until the infuriatingly charming Eric Sailor comes to her rescue. Although she can’t stand the millionaire playboy, Eric’s kindness and unconditional support reveal hidden depths and a love that Ariel never imagined she could find.

But there are outside influences who will stop at nothing to keep them apart; can Ariel and Eric weather the storm and find a way to be together?

Review: I tried to read this in 2018, here is take two on trying to read it. Oddly enough the first page reminded me why I stopped reading the book last time. I couldn't get over the fact that she literally used the Princess's names and their significant others as well for the whole series just throws me off. When I first asked to review this book I was excited because it was suggested that it was a retelling of the Disney stories. Unfortunately, Ariel is not actually a mermaid. I didn't read the first two in the series even though at the time I had wanted to. Ariel and her best friend's Cindy and Belle own a business called Naughty Princess Club. Cindy (Cinderella) is a house wife and Belle is a librarian. I probably would have been better off reading Belle's story. I was really excited for the mermaid factor. After I got over that though the book was truly fantastic. I need to read the first two in the series. Eric and Ariel have such amazing chemistry. I was always laughing at something in the book. Plus, it brought forward a lot of important topics without hitting them too hard. Like narcissistic husbands/boyfriends, changing who you are for a man. Hating your own body because of what someone else has said to you. Having to learn how to love yourself again. I absolutely loved this book. Tara Sivec you are an author I will be keeping my eye out for. WHY AM I ARIEL!!?? Every word that comes out of her mouth is hilarious and I always end up feeling like I've said something similar. Also, Ariel's dad is absolutely dad goals.

Review: Royally Arranged by Nora Flite

Title: Royally Arranged 

Author: Nora Flite

Publication date: August 28th, 2018

Series: Bad Boy Royals (3 of 3)

Summary: Royal rivals feel the heat in the latest Bad Boy Royals novel from USA Today bestselling author Nora Flite.

Hawthorne “Thorne” Badd has lived his life as a reckless playboy—not as a presumptive king. But after the death of his uncle, it can all be his: the power, the crown, and the wealth. All he has to do is govern a country he’s never set foot in…and marry the gorgeous daughter of his family’s greatest rival.

Nova Valentine is as smart as she is beautiful—and when she first met Thorne Badd, she fell hard. She’s never seen someone so comfortable in his own skin, and she’d like nothing more than to see all of it. Every bare inch. From his delicious tattoos to his bedroom eyes, Thorne is a dirty fantasy come true. But fantasy is one thing. An arranged marriage is another.

As they get acquainted, their chemistry is royally hot. But when surrounded by dark betrayal and devious schemes, can Thorne and Nova learn to trust each other…or will their families’ rivalry prove too great a hurdle?

Review: Since getting pregnant I've had a crazy need to read royal books. Turns out I'm having a little girl. Who knew being pregnant would influence my reading so much. I really enjoyed this book. One thing that drives me crazy is when romance authors skip over the good parts of the story and only focus on the sex. I'm one of those people who tends to skip over the sex scenes (with a few exceptions) so when there is a really good story line it makes the whole book. This one wasn't excessive in sex scenes but it did skipped a few parts of the story that could have made it much more compelling. I look forward to seeing what Nora comes out with next. But I love this hot tatted king with his innocent bride.

Review: Savage by Anna Ray

Title: Savage

Author: Anna Ray
Publication date: July 7th, 2021

Summary: He scares the living daylights out of me. But not for the reasons he might think. And that scares me even more. Hazel He’s magnetic. Tall and commanding. Heartbreakingly gorgeous.
Borne of ice. Ruthless. Dangerous. And his dark, mesmerizing gaze is locked onto me. This man is fantasy in the flesh. Callum O’Daire.
Darling of Boston’s moneyed society and king of the underworld. And I’m here to ask a favor from this soulless creature. Beg, if I have to. I despise him. Body and soul. Callum Hazel Brentwood. Even from a distance, she’s striking. Stands out. Eyes like dark gold that glittered with fire and untapped passion. She needs my help.
But I hate the Brentwoods. All of them. Old money that covers sins and crimes that will never be answered to The very thing keeping Hazel so pampered and pretty. Blood money. If anyone’s going to tear her to shreds, to destroy her, it’s going to be me. My way. Sultry stares, passionate embraces, and suspense await you inside Savage.
This enemies-to-lovers mafia romance will have you flipping the pages, begging Callum or Hazel to make the first move!

Review: I really want to like this book. But it's super repetitive, on one page it will say something then repeat it on the next page like they forgot they wrote it or were trying to hit a word quota. I really don't see how this book qualifies to be in the Mafia sub-genre. The story itself is nice. The book took me a day to read, so it was nice and quick. I really like Callum, but both characters had their annoying qualities. I would have to give this book 3 stars. 

Review: Too Good to be Real by Melonie Johnson

Title: Too Good to be Real

Author: Melonie Johnson

Publication date: June 6th, 2021

Summary: She plans to prove there's a dozen reasons why life isn't like a romantic comedy, only to discover the one reason it is…

While her friends wish for meet cutes worthy of their favorite rom-coms, Julia is ready to give up on love. Swiping right has replaced getting swept off your feet and good old-fashioned romance has become, well, old-fashioned.

A writer for a popular website, love becomes the last thing on her mind when impending layoffs threaten her job. As Julia searches for the ultimate pitch to impress her boss, she stumbles upon a resort offering guests a chance to live out their romantic comedy dreams. Real life dating is so bleak, who wouldn't want to spend a week in a fantasy rom-com world with your best friends?

At the resort, Julia literally falls into a not-quite-meet-cute involving an aggressive seagull and an adorably awkward guy named Luke who is also participating in the rom-com experience. Julia hides the fact she is there to do a story, but Luke harbors a few secrets of his own. Among further encounters with thieving seagulls, a gaggle of corgis, kisses in the rain, and even a karaoke serenade, their feelings deepen quickly. But could their love be real when they haven't been honest about their true identities? Once the fantasy is over, can they have a relationship in the real world?

Review: Melonie Johnson has quickly become one of my favorite authors. With her debut last year with three amazing books back to back I was mildly hesitant to start this book. It is so cute it makes me want that resort to be real. I am from Wisconsin so it would be amazing. Also, side note anyone trying to swim in a lake in June in Wisconsin is absolutely CRAZY. Here's looking at you Kat. I can absolutely see myself in Kat, Andie and Julie but also Luke. They all have different parts of my personality. From Andie's competitiveness to Jules inability to be wrong. The feud Julie and Luke have with the seagulls is absolutely legendary. The length of time it took to get back to Chicago was a bit questionable. It takes 3 hours to get from Green Bay to Chicago. It takes about an hour and a half to get from Milwaukee to Chicago. So why if the resort was just over the Wisconsin border did it take over 3 hours for them to get to Chicago? I digress. Was the book absolutely amazing past those few questionable things? Yes! Makes me wish romance was more like rom-coms. I cannot wait to see what Melonie Johnson comes out with next. I highly recommend this book!

Review: Crazy in Love by S.L. Scott

Title: Crazy in Love 

Author: S.L. Scott 

Publication date: July 8th, 2021

Summary: One Night Will Never Be Enough

💜

We made a pact. One night.

No strings. 

No attachments. 

No numbers exchanged.

I caved and gave Harrison Decker my number anyway. He just chose not to use it.

Four years later, his job brings him back into my world looking more handsome than ever and now making an effort to befriend me. Is my heart willing to take another chance on that man?

Call me crazy or crazy in love. Either way, I’m not falling for him. Again.

Review: This may just be the first book by this author I've ever had difficulty starting. I'm not sure if it's the story itself or how much I've been pushing myself to read. I do love that she includes characters from some of her past books. Once I got past the difficult beginning I literally couldn't put the book down. Their chemistry is hot. Tatum's insecurities have been ones I've seen almost on repeat in this and my last book. At the halfway mark I simply don't want this book to end. Biggest pet peeve on this book is her pregnancy symptoms. She is one day late for her period and she takes a pregnancy test. She had the missed pill a week and a four days prior. She complains about nausea one day then the next day she is having cravings. As a currently pregnant woman I understand everyone has different symptoms but there is a general timeline too. Tatum's just doesn't line up. I absolutely love Harrison's relationship with his mother. Honestly it is so beautiful. I also adored the ending of this book. 

Review: The Family Cross by Gabrielle Ash

Title: The Family Cross 

Author: Gabrielle Ash

Publication date: July 6th, 2021

Series: Circle Seven (#1)

Summary: Matilda Ashby has a pair of Ivy League degrees and a dream of unseating her brother as their billionaire father’s favorite. But just as she inches close to her goal, Matilda’s world is rocked by monsters roaming the Manhattan streets, and the elusive enemy at her father’s corporation who hired them to kill her.

With assassins on the heels of her Manalos, and the family business’s reputation in danger of being destroyed, Matilda hires the mysterious Samson, a telepath with a shady past, to help her find out who wants her dead. 

But when the would-be assassins can take the form of anyone in her life, Matilda doesn’t know who she should fear most—the monsters hiding inside her family business or the ones coming for her head.

Review: Books beginning was a bit slow but I'm so happy I kept going. It was definitely worth the read. I love when people put different creatures into the story. There are a few variations of classic creatures. Like the fae smell horrible and they can shape shift. It makes the story that much more interesting. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens with the rest of the series. I highly recommend for all my paranormal lovers out there. This book is dangerous and the twists are so unexpected. 

Review: Beneath the Surface by Emily Macintyre

Title: Beneath the Surface 

Author: Emily Macintyre

Publication date: July 6th, 2021

Series: Sugarlake (#4)

Summary: Lily 

We all have scars.

Mine are hidden beneath ink and smiles,

hard to see and easy to feel.

But the most painful ones are deeper.

Branded on my soul, reminding me of what I've lost.

I'm broken.

Sick.

Disturbed.

Then he shows up, and loves my jagged pieces.

But monsters linger long after they're gone,

and sometimes you can't outrun their shadows.

No matter how much you ache to forget.

Mason 

We all have secrets.

Mine are hidden beneath ink and lies,

hard to find and easy to fake.

But the most painful ones are bigger.

Branded on my soul, reminding me of what I've lost.

I'm an enigma.

A mirage.

A liar.

Then I find her, and she loves my hidden pieces.

But history lingers long after you've gone,

and sometimes you can't outrun your past.

No matter how much you want to give her forever.

*Beneath the Surface is a full-length, interconnected standalone and book four in the Sugarlake Series. The series can be read in any order, however it is highly recommended to start with book one (Beneath the Stars) to enhance your reading experience.*

*Beneath the Surface features strong language, explicit sexual scenes, and mature/disturbing situations that are triggering for some. Reader discretion is advised.* 

Review: Honestly this is one of the last four books that I wish I had read the series because this book is amazing. I will have to go back through and read the first three. Seriously though absolutely amazing. This is a romance sub-genre that I just don't read very much but goodness this book alone is making me rethink that. I literally do not want to put the book down but I've had to a few times just to not finish it and want more. I can't tell if I cried towards the end because I'm pregnant or because the ending just hit me that hard. I love Mason/Alex he is a man I'd want in my corner. I can't wait to see what Emily Macintyre comes out with next!