Tag Archives: book-reviews

Review: DETONATE: A Dark Mafia Romance by Luna Mason

DETONATE: A Dark Mafia Romance (Beneath the Mask Book 2) by Luna Mason 

Paperback Release Date: May 27, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Mafia Romance

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Under the bright lights of New York City, a dark romance simmers between a boxing trainer-turned-mafia hitman and the seemingly innocent young woman he can’t stay away from.

Grayson

Seven years ago, I left the special forces and my home after a tragic betrayal. I carefully constructed a new life in New York. A boxing trainer by day. A Mafia hitman by night. Free to live in the darkness to do what I was trained to do—to kill. But one kiss was all it took to bring it all down. The one woman who hated my guts scaled the walls I built around my black heart. I know how far I’m willing to go to fight for her. But can she truly love someone who could never give her the fairytale she deserves

Maddie

I was sick of being the family disappointment—the one who could never get a man to stick around. So, I kissed a lot of frogs to try and find my Prince. Instead, I fell for the villain. The last man on earth I thought I could ever love. He might call me sunshine, but I crave his darkness. I wasn’t meant for his world, but he took me anyway, and I never want to leave. Sometimes life doesn’t give you a choice. Even if loving me puts us both in danger.

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Cori 4 Stars

This was a hot enemies to lovers that kept me up all night. I love a good villain MMC and I fell in love with Grayson. I really enjoyed Maddie’s character as well. DETONATE had a good plot with several subplots going on. It had some action with lots of steamy romance. If you like a good mafia romance this is the book and series to pick up. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book.

*Review  copy provided by Kensington in exchange for an honest review. 

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Kindle | Paperback

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Luna Mason is an Amazon top #20 bestselling dark romance author. If she isn’t writing, you’ll find her with her head in a spicy book.

Review: REBEL IN THE DEEP by Katee Robert

REBEL IN THE DEEP (Crimson Sails Book 3) by Katee Robert

Publication Date: May 20, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

The rebellion’s fight turns into a battle of the heart in this pulse-pounding conclusion to the Crimson Sails trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert.

Nox has been steadfastly working for the rebellion for years. They don’t ask for much in return, except for one crucial condition: their ex, the noble Bastian, stays as far away from them as possible. To say things ended poorly between them is an understatement . . . and it’s the only relationship Nox has never quite recovered from.

But now the rules have changed. Siobhan, the rebel leader, has emerged from hiding to tell Nox that Bastian’s been taken captive and the secrets he holds tight are in danger of being revealed. The fate of the entire rebellion now rests on Nox and Siobhan’s ability to rescue Bastian from a Cŵn Annwn ship.

Saving Bastian is only the start of their hardships, as the trio is tracked by ferocious pirates across Threshold. And Nox’s complicated relationships and entanglements with Bastian and Siobhan put not only their life at risk but their heart on the line.

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I love Katee Robert’s books because she always delivers a great HEA and the final book in The Crimson Series Trilogy delivered. It had all the spice, chemistry, great characters and a great plot. It’s set on the high seas with monsters so there is lots of action and adventure as well. Ultimately it was a great love story between three people. I loved the writing and the story and highly recommend the trilogy for paranormal romance lovers. I devoured it.

*Review copy provided by Berkley Romance in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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Katee Robert (she/they) is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls their writing “unspeakably hot.” Their books have sold over two million copies. They live in the Pacific Northwest with their husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: CROSSING PATHS by Katie Ruggle


CROSSING PATHS (Beneath the Wild Sky Book 2) by Katie Ruggle

Publication Date: May 13, 2025

Genre: Romantic Comedy

WHY DATE A MOUNTAIN MAN? Because he can bring you to your peak.

Norah Pax loves working for her family’s Rocky Mountain bounty-hunting business. But unlike her adrenaline-junkie sisters, she only enjoys chasing skips from the safety of her laptop. She has all the computer skills she could want, but her fighting technique is lacking—so when all hands are needed, she dredges up her courage to ask surly MMA expert Dashiell Porter to teach her everything she needs to know. Dash may be terrifying to most, but his unexpected gentleness makes her feel safe, and it isn’t long before things begin heating up.

Dash is used to people slowly backing away when he enters a room, but a certain beautiful bounty hunter’s earnest trust throws him off guard…and catches his attention. Yet as the two exchange punches and endearingly awkward flirtations, vultures circle. Every criminal in town has turned against the Pax girls, and they’re willing to hit them where they’re (supposedly) weakest: Norah. To keep herself and her family safe, Norah will need every new skill that Dash can teach her.

Good thing that Dash is ready to do whatever it takes to protect the gentle yet fierce bounty hunter who stole his heart.

The Rocky Mountains get unBEARably hot in Katie Ruggle’s brand-new series packed with adventure, action, tall dark & scruffy heroes, and a sense of quirky humor that will be your next perfect escape.

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I love the Pax sisters and wondered how Norah’s book would go. I need not have worried, I loved it. Norah is a bit socially awkward and shy, so she has taken care of all the computer work and research. Now that she wants to get herself out there and suitably prepared, she hires Dash for self-defense lessons. The story is written in her POV which was perfect for his character and their relationship. She is the perfect counter point to Dash’s fierce, quiet countenance. I loved watching her bring out his soft side and humor as they worked through their romance. The romance was a slow burn, but perfect for them both.

The storyline was fun and exciting. So much going on from different directions – some old and some new. Through it all, I can only say that the sisters are a hoot! Their lively banter and camaraderie make me wish I lived there too. I can’t wait for more.

*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

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About the Author
imageWhen she’s not writing, Katie Ruggle rides horses, shoots guns, and travels to warm places where she can SCUBA dive. Graduating from the Police Academy, Katie received her ice-rescue certification and can attest that the reservoirs in the Colorado mountains really are that cold. While she still misses her off-grid, solar- and wind-powered house in the Rocky Mountains, she now lives in Rochester, Minnesota near her family.

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Review: THUNDER GAME by Christine Feehan


THUNDER GAME (A Ghostwalker Novel, Book 20) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: May 6, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Two broken souls find a love worth fighting for in this captivating GhostWalker novel from #1 New York Timesbestselling author Christine Feehan.

Diego Campos has come home to die. The GhostWalker is tired of walking a dark path shaped by countless losses. There has never been a moment of good in his life that wasn’t followed by something bad. But as he makes his way to his family’s homestead in the Appalachian Mountains, his plans are interrupted by a violent ambush that sets his life on a new course.

In between fighting off a small army of assailants, Diego is struck by a beautiful, brutal warrior woman unlike anyone he’s encountered before. Compelled to rescue her, Diego uses his psychic gifts to make Leila’s broken body whole again and save her from certain death. With each new breath she regains her strength, showcasing her humor, intelligence and courage as she reveals the truths of her past and inspires feelings Diego never thought his heart could experience.

After a lifetime alone, in the middle of firefight, Diego has finally found a light to guide him through the darkness—and one brief touch is enough to set them both aflame.

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One thing you can always count on in the Ghostwalker series is uniqueness. All the enhanced characters have their own powers, quirks, and limitations. That makes each book interesting to the overall storyline flowing through all the books.

This book started out quickly with danger and battle, enabling warriors, Diego and Leila to meet. Quite a bit of time was spent developing their relationship and enhancing their mutual respect. I liked how they slowly helped to heal each other. Not just in body, but mentally as well. Their banter and rapport was fun and added a bit of lightness to the situation.

My problem with this installment is that the healing and downtime drug out too long.  Granted it helped to cement their relationship, but as a book, it slowed it down repeatedly. The ending was a bit anticlimactic as well. ( I’m not sure why it was written like that.)  I did love when the rest of the Ghostwalkers showed up with their teasing and camaraderie. I enjoy a group dynamic like that.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

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image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

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Review: THE HIGHLANDER’S FALLEN ANGEL by Heather McCollum

THE HIGHLANDER’S FALLEN ANGEL (Brotherhood of Solway Moss Book 2) by Heather McCollum

Publication Date: April 29, 2025

Genre: Historical Romance

imageHe may be heaven-sent…but she might be an irresistible hellion-in-disguise in this deliciously compelling Highlander romance from USA Today bestselling author Heather McCollum.

Three months after escaping an English prison, Kenan Macdonald’s been taken captive. Again. Only this time, he’s been taken by a green-eyed slip of a lass. The crafty maiden snuck him a sleeping draught in hopes of convincing the Highland chief to help save her clan. This lovely creature could certainly be the devil…and oh, he is tempted.

Tierney MacNicol is desperate. She’s on the verge of being forced into marriage to a vicious brute who’s determined to take over the MacNicol clan. Her only hope of escape is to find another man to marry her— and fast. But convincing the brawny, towering chief of Clan Macdonald isn’t going to be easy. And her last, most desperate plan requires a near-unthinkable approach that sends her pulse skittering: seducing Kenan.

Tierney has a reputation for being rash, almost foolhardy. But with her clan on the brink of destruction, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect those she loves—and the secret she’s been hiding from Kenan. Even if it means an all-out war among the clans…

Each book in the Brotherhood of Solway Moss series is STANDALONE:
* The Highlander’s Wild Flame
* The Highlander’s Fallen Angel

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This was a really fun highlander romance. I really enjoyed the characters and I loved the plot. It had toe curling romance, some suspense and a great HEA. THE HIGHLANDER’S FALLEN ANGEL is the second book in the Brotherhood of Solway Moss series but you don’t have to read them in order. I’m going to go back and read the first book because I enjoyed this one. I’m adding Heather McCollum to my favorite historical romance writers list. Sometimes I just like a really good historical romance to curl up with and she delivered.

*Review  copy provided by Entangled in exchange for an honest review.

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Heather McCollum is an USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author of 16th and 17th century Scottish romances. Brawny Highlanders and fiery heroines are her favorites!

The rugged beauty and rich history of Great Britain captivates Ms. McCollum each time she visits. The country’s history and landscape have been a backdrop for her stories since her very first book.

When she is not dreaming up adventures and conflict for brawny Highlanders and feisty heroines, she spends her time educating women on the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. She is a survivor and resides with her very own Highland hero and three spirited children in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast.

More information about Ms. McCollum and her books can be found at http://www.HeatherMcCollum.com.

Review: CRAVING MY RIVAL by P. Rayne

CRAVING MY RIVAL: A Novel (The Mafia Academy Series Book 4) by P. Rayne

Publication Date: April 15, 2025

Genre: Dark Mafia Contemporary Romance

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The final installment of The Mafia Academy Series—a dark enemies-to-lovers arranged marriage romance set at a mafia boarding school for the sons and daughters of the most powerful mafia lords… now with exclusive bonus content! 

Polina Aminoff

At the Sicuro Academy, the Russians and the Italians give each other a wide berth. We’re bitter enemies after all. So imagine my disbelief when my brother announces that I’m to wed Dante Accardi, next in line to run the Accardi Italian crime family. After the shock subsides, I’m determined to save myself. It’s not until my plan is in full swing that I realize there might be more to Dante than I thought. But those closest to me, those who were supposed to protect me have always hurt me. Now I must decide whether to trust him with my heart or if he’ll just be another person in my life who brings me to my knees.

Dante Accardi

Polina Aminoff is a Bratva brat and an ice princess that I don’t think even an easygoing guy like me can thaw. And I’ve never had an issue melting the panties off a woman before. I’m just as unhappy about our engagement as she is, but my father made it clear—it is my duty to the family. Once we’re forced together, another side of Polina shines and I start to think we could have a future together that doesn’t involve being bitter rivals. But she’s hiding something, I just don’t know what. Which leaves me wondering, can I ever really trust my enemy?

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Cori 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this one. I love a bad boy that falls hard and Dante falls. CRAVING MY RIVAL is part of a series but you don’t have to read the previous books. I’m going to go back and read them because I enjoyed this one though. CRAVING MY RIVAL is an enemies to lovers/ mafia romance with lots of chemistry and spice. I really liked the characters and the push and pull between them.  This is my first book by P. Rayne and I’ll be reading more. I recommend this book for mafia academy romance lovers. I want more!

*Review  copy provided by Avon Books in exchange for an honest review. 

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Kindle | Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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P. Rayne is the pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author duo, Piper Rayne. Under P. Rayne they write dark, dangerous and forbidden romance for Kindle Unlimited.

ROMANCE NEW RELEASES 02/23-03/01/2025, Giveaways, Pre-Orders, Freebies & Deals

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Click on the link to take you to the new Amazon Reading in Pajamas storefront. It will have all the ebooks laid out to click through with prices. There’s also a freebies link below.

I figured out how to make lists and this is going to be so much easier. I’ll make some fun favorite genres and category lists for y’all that we have in the blog.

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Link to Previous Weekly Release Lists: http://bit.ly/1jz5V8S

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Giveaways

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ROMANCE NEW RELEASES 02/16-02/22/2025, Giveaways, Pre-Orders, Freebies & Deals

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ROMANCE NEW RELEASES 02/16-02/22/2025 https://amzn.to/4hGylj8

Click on the link to take you to the new Amazon Reading in Pajamas storefront. It will have all the ebooks laid out to click through with prices. There’s also a freebies link below.

I figured out how to make lists and this is going to be so much easier. I’ll make some fun favorite genres and category lists for y’all that we have in the blog.

~*~*~*~

Link to Previous Weekly Release Lists: http://bit.ly/1jz5V8S

~*~*~*~

Giveaways

★Feature/ Giveaway: Romance Heroes that would make the Perfect Valentine’s Day Date ➢ https://bit.ly/412tp0Y

★ Enter Giveaway Here ➢ https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/275e66a389/

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Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial

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Shop Amazon Gift Cards. Any Occasion. No Expiration.

Shop Amazon Devices – Save $10 off Best Selling Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote

Shop Amazon Devices – Trade-in Your Kindle, Get 25% Off a New Kindle + Gift CardI

Review: CHARMING DEVIL (A Dark & Spicy Modern Dorian Grey) by Rebecca Kenney

CHARMING DEVIL (A Dark & Spicy Modern Dorian Grey) by Rebecca Kenney

Publication Date: February 11, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

SynopsisHe’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen…and the most dangerous. Eternally young and full of a brilliant passion that may ultimately be the end of me: my perfect Dorian Gray.

The painting that’s kept Dorian Gray flawless for over a century is beginning to fall apart, rotted by his life of reckless decadence. Desperate, he seeks out the only person who might be able to save him: a talented young painter descended from Dorian’s first love.

Baz may have the same magical gift as her ancestor, but she’s vowed never to paint anyone’s likeness again. Haunted by the memory of the terrible price her talent can exact, she swears she will not be swayed—not even by the seductive words dripping like venom from the lips of the most beautiful man she’s ever met.

Yet as Dorian tries to persuade Baz by any means possible, they become aware of a darker, deadlier magic awakening around them. Dangerous forces, long dormant, have been stirred by Baz’s presence…and are determined to have her no matter the cost. As tensions rise and desire flares ever-hotter, Baz and Dorian become trapped in a complex web of conflicting motives, messy emotions, and a growing, desperate passion that may well consume them both.

An addictive and truly original spicy New Adult retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray with a magical twist.

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Cori 5 StarsI couldn’t put this book down. I got wrapped up in the story and loved the characters. If you’ve read Dorian Grey this is a retelling with spice. It’s the second book in the Gilded Monsters series but you don’t have to read the first book before picking up this one. I haven’t read the first book but plan on picking it up next. I have it and the next release on my TBR. I also recommend the paperback copy of this one because it’s so pretty. It has sprayed edges.  I thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca Kenney’s writing style and she’s going on my must buy list. This book is one of my favorites this year.

*Review copy provided by the Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

KINDLE | PAPERBACK

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Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and retellings, including the Gilded Monsters series from Sourcebooks Casablanca. “Beautiful Villain” (Gilded Monsters #1) is a spicy Southern gothic retelling of The Great Gatsby with vampires, set near Asheville, NC. “Charming Devil” (Gilded Monsters #2) is a retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, set in Charleston, SC. Books 3 and 4 of the series are Southern gothic retellings of Wuthering Heights and The Phantom of the Opera.

Rebecca’s most popular indie books include the Wicked Darlings series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the Merciless Dragons series (dragon shifters), the Dark Rulers series (standalone fantasy romance novels in a shared world), and the Beloved Villains series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy (The Vampires Will Save You), a demon romance duet, a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Review: FIRST-TIME CALLER by B.K. Borison


FIRST-TIME CALLER by B.K. Borison

Publication Date: February 11, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he’s fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, that’s a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life—or lack thereof—she begins to question if she’s as happy as she believed. Maybe a little more romance wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending…even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final decision between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

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Donna 4 stars

This was an enjoyable contemporary romance reminiscent of Sleepless in Seattle. Aiden is a radio romance talk show host. The problem is he doesn’t believe in romance. I liked him even though I occasionally became frustrated with his stand on relationships and inability to communicate at times. I loved Lucie. Quick witted and real. Nothing seemed forced in her personality, making her relatable and someone I wanted to find happiness.

For me the story was about their quick banter and flirting. It was enhanced by the fun friends and family around them. I’m a sucker for group camaraderie that makes me wish I was a part of it all. And this story did that. As for romance, it was a realistically paced slow-burn that became quite spicy.  I think the book could have been shorter, tightened up a bit more, so that is why it is scored a 4.

I’m still smiling and can’t wait for the next book.

*Review copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Paperback | Kindle

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About the Author

B.K. Borison is the author of cozy, contemporary romances featuring emotionally vulnerable characters and swoon-worthy settings. When she’s not daydreaming about fictional characters doing fictional things, she’s at home with her family, more than likely buying books she doesn’t have room for. Lovelight Farms was her debut novel.