Lege et Lacrima

 

Title: Lege at Lacrima
Author: Alina Comsa
Publisher: Malum Canticus Books

Rating: 5*s

Description: My entire life I’ve been dismissed, cast aside, thrown away, whenever something better appeared on the horizon.

Finding my boyfriend in bed with another woman obliterates the last of my confidence, hopes, and dreams.

It’s only fitting I end up in Lost Hope, a small town in the heart of snowy mountains and lush green forests.

My roots spring to life here, the first ones in years. They’re as fragile as I am, anchoring deeper and deeper with every unexpected connection I forge, withering under the unknown threats looming over me.

I’m as hopeless as the town’s name, until a snowstorm brings HIM to my doorstep.

Tall, dark, and impossibly protective, he’s determined to be my knight in shining... tattoos.

My darkness doesn’t deter him, and all my efforts to keep my distance are thwarted by his secret weapons of ice destruction: his ridiculously cute stepsisters.

Between a preteen with a wit so sharp it slices clean through my steel walls and a toddler determined to melt the ice caps around my heart-one snuggle at a time, there’s no escape.

My instincts to run away fade into nothingness with every stolen kiss and possessive touch.

He may have traded the Marines for a guardianship, but his predatory instincts are alive and well.

And his ultimate mission is to slay my demons and make me his.

Lege et Lacrima is the first book in the Lost Hope series of interconnected standalone novels. It’s a strangers-to-lovers romance with a pinch of suspense, complete with HEA, and the tiniest of cliffhangers. This book is intended for readers 18+, with explicit scenes, mature language, touching on sensitive topics, and more.

My Review: Lege et Lacrima is such a beautifully woven story of heartbreak, love, and healing. Lalah comes home to find her boyfriend in bed with another woman and it destroys her confidence, hopes, and dreams. She packs up her life and finds herself in Lost Hope. Could her new life begin here?

In the middle of a snowstorm comes Cole to her doorstep. He's the last person she expects to see let alone sneak his way into her heart. Can she let her walls down and let the possibility of love and family enter into her life?

Lege Et Lacrima is truly one of a kind. Comsa weaves a wonderful story of healing and it drew me in from the first few pages. I found myself engulfed in needing to know what happens next. I am so eager to read the next story in the Lost Hope series! Lege Et Lacrima will definitely be one of my top reads this year!

Return on Love

Title: Return on Love
Author: Elena Laurent
Publisher: Self-Published
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: 4 *s

Description:Working with your nemesis isn’t easy, as Eva Jones realises when she’s given a new deal by her boss in this gripping contemporary enemies-to-lovers workplace rom-com.

I wonder if I should resign from the associate position from my PE firm instead of working on this deal because right there, staring at my face, is the name I’d hoped I would never again see in my life—Ryan Moore. The man I hate with an intensity that would put Princess Leia’s hatred for the Empire to shame.

But with my career on the precipice, I need to nail this deal to get my sweet promotion and to see a look of respect in Dad’s eyes, for once – the look I’ve been craving since childhood but which seems reserved only for my brother.
But are these reasons big enough to deal with Ryan Moore? I don’t know.

I mean, sure, Ryan has this insane charm, brains to boot and brawny arms that’ll make your heart do a happy dance. And sure, he caught me from falling in those same arms like a hero right out of a romance novel. But I’m no damsel in distress and Ryan, well, he’s made his feelings for me pretty clear by ignoring me and my opinions, the opinions for which mind you, his company has hired my firm.

But when I discover that there’s something shady going on in my firm, bigger than this deal, and which can take down a mentor both Ryan and I respect and love, there’s nothing to do but join forces and find out the truth, whatever it takes. All I need is to focus, and not on those beautiful blue eyes and edible lips… if I can.

Review: This was such a cute, fun read! Who wouldn't love a book sprinkled with Star Wars quotes, a Gamer Girl, and sizzling tension between our two main characters?

This made for a nice palette cleanser as an easy to read story. I love how the relationship evolved between Eva and Ryan as they worked together to uncover the truth of what was happening behind the scenes. I truly enjoyed this and quickly realized I was going to devour this in one setting! I can't wait to see what else Laurent has in store for us!

Razor Thin

TItle: Razor Thin
Author: Amy Frances
Publisher: Self-Published
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: 3 *s

Description: A twin’s devotion is unending.

After losing her sister, Kate Vanguard struggles with reality. Weeks before graduating top of her class and securing her dream job, an innocent party ends in murder, leaving the college student unable to focus on even the simplest of tasks. But when a striking businessman visits the breezy lakefront town, visions of blood splattered Nikes, ribbons of yellow, and an eerie murmur, “Sheepish,” haunt her into action.

Desperate with urgency, Kate vows to uncover the truth about that night. The insomniac begins questioning everyone she loves. Even her enemies. And resolves they’re all lying to her.

Will investigating the murder give Kate everything she’s ever wanted, or will her meddling curiosity destroy friendships, love, and her sanity?

Razor Thin is the heart-pounding first book in the Razor Thin psychological thriller series. If you liked Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, you’ll love Amy Frances’ twisty, roller-coaster read.

My Review: I was intrigued just from the description alone. At first, it was hard to get into but eventually Razor Thin did suck me in. It felt wordy in places but overall it was good read. The plot twist was unexpected and Frances did a great job weaving through mystery and the need to know who did it. Razor Thin is a solid read and I look forward to the next book.

Make Me Yours

Title: Make Me Yours
Author: Elanore Bailey
Publisher: Self-Published
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: 5 *s

Description: Caught in a whirlwind of emotions since a surprise New Year's Eve kiss, Emma and Lukas navigate a pact that blurs the lines between friendship and something far more intense. Their agreement for a month of no-strings-attached fun spirals into a deep, uncharted connection, challenging everything they thought they knew about themselves and each other.

As each day draws them deeper into uncharted territories of desire and intimacy, Emma and Lukas face the ultimate test: revert to friends or risk it all for a chance at a lasting love. Set against the backdrop of winter's embrace and the promise of new beginnings that come with the new year, "Make Me Yours" is a steamy romance that will leave you wanting more.

My Review: I love short romances because it always interesting to see the way an author can articulate a story in a small amount pages. Bailey did just that! Emma and Luka have known each other for ten years. They've been the best of friends and have never crossed the line into something more.

One shared New Years Eve kiss changes that.

A Pact. A month of no strings attached fun. 

Bailey gave us the perfect recipe for success. Backstory, the right amount of steam, and the blurred lines that begin to form in the struggle to keep the pact in tact. I loved this quick read and finished it in one sitting. I definitely can't wait to read from Bailey!

Snowed In With The Silver Fox

Title: Snowed In With The Silver Fox

Author: Iris West

Publisher: Self-Published

Purchase:

Rating: 4 *s

Description: Lucy

Verlin O’Connor hurt me at the most vulnerable moment of my life.

When we’re forced to seek refuge together in a remote cabin during a brutal storm, I brace myself for conflict.

Yet, as the winds howl outside, a tender side of the sexy silver fox emerges, unraveling the threads of animosity and igniting an unexpected storm of longing and desire.

Snowed In With The Silver Fox is a short sweet and steamy, forced proximity, enemies to lovers instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in The O'Connors of Blossom Ford Series. It's set in the same universe as the Curvy Brides Of Blossom Ford Series.

Review: Snowed in with the Silver Fox is the perfect description of short, sweet, straight to the point story wrapped in a cute bow! It dives right into Lucy's story and her past. We find out her past ties to Verlin. When they get forced to stay in a remote cabin together when a storm blows in, they are forced to look at the past and navigate the future.

I really enjoyed West's story telling. It made for a quick, steamy read. I look forward to reading more of the Curvy Brides of Blossom Ford Series.

Frozen Hearts and Hidden Desires

Title: Frozen Hearts and Hidden Desires
Author: Stephanie Swann
Publisher: Self- Published
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: 5 *s

Description: Megan is trapped in a snowstorm after a wonderful week skiing. She stumbles upon a cabin where two handsome men are staying. Oliver is excited at her arrival, while Ellis wants her to leave. Her desires spill over as they're forced to navigate being so close together while the blizzard rages outside. After the storm subsides, she is forced to face a decision that will change her life. Will she stay? Or will she go?

A snowed-in, forced proximity, why choose novel.

My Review: *Fans Self* Whew! Oh my! Swann is a first time author for me and after devouring this I will definitely be reading more from her. I really enjoyed her story building and spicy scenes. It was a nice balance and made for a definite page turner.

Megan escapes away on a much needed ski trip but ends up getting caught in the beginning of a snow storm. She ends up snowed in with two handsome hunks and isn't prepared for what will happen next. The pull from her past is threatening to ruin the potential for her future.

I truly enjoyed reading Megan's adventure and the PLOT TWIST I definitely didn't see coming! Swann did a great job at keeping us guessing and wanting to protect Megan at all costs. If you're a fan of healing, forgiveness, taking risks, and steamy scenes this is the book for you!

A Slice of You

Title: A Slice of You
Author: Coral A. Ward
Publisher: Self-Published
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: 3 *s

Description: Naomi is an ambitious pizza cook accustomed to the Noosa restaurants’ fast-paced lifestyle. But her life in the sun-drenched holiday town is complicated by grief over the recent death of her father and her best friend’s descent into an alcohol-fuelled cycle of self-sabotage. Then there’s Seb. He’s good-looking, confident, and completely into her, so why can’t she convince herself that he’s the one for her?

Just when things seem to be falling apart, a wealthy and handsome Italian restaurateur invites her to work in his famous restaurant. A whole new world opens up, and Naomi feels like her life is finally getting back on track. But soon, she discovers she’s tossing more than just dough – as her attraction to her saucy yet dazzling boss could slice apart everything she’s worked hard for.

Review: A Slice of You is Ward's debut novel and overall I enjoyed it. Her adorable cover is what drew me in. I felt for Noami as she's navigating grief, life, and love. This is a sweet contemporary romance that handles some delicate subjects such as alcoholism and grief. I quickly gained a soft spot for Naomi and appreciated her selflessness as she gave out pieces of herself to everyone but let herself go by the wayside.

As everything seems to be falling apart an opportunity presents itself and opens a whole new world for Naomi. She finds herself attracted to someone that didn't expect to fall for. Will she allow love in or fight to make her current romance work?

Overall it was a good read. The first half was hard to get through and felt more like young adult versus contemporary romance but once you got into the second half you felt Ward's confidence in her book and the book took off. I felt like we could have used more detail in the second half and less detail in the first half. I commend Ward for putting herself out there and giving us a fun debut novel.

Masked: Only His

Title: Masked: Only His

Author: C.C. Lopez

Publisher: Enter Night Books

Order: Amazon

Rating: 5 *s

Description: A dark romance vigilante justice thriller.

In the haunting aftermath of a traumatic event, Lyric's life takes a dark turn when a video of her sexual assault goes viral, casting her into a relentless cycle of torment and humiliation. Living in the shadows, concealed beneath her hooded sweater, she seeks refuge from the cruel reality that surrounds her. Just when it seems like all hope is lost, an enigmatic figure emerges—a masked stranger on a mission to bring justice to those who have wronged her.

As the mysterious guardian vows to shield Lyric from her tormentors, Lyric finds strength in this mysterious man who proclaims himself as her protector. Caught in the web of uncertainty, Lyric grapples with the identity of her silent savior, while the community becomes a battleground of conflicting emotions. Is he a beacon of protection or a harbinger of a hidden desire to claim what is his?

My Review: Whew! Where to start this review?

C.C. Lopez is a new author to me and Masked has made me a forever fan. I try to keep a wide range when it comes to reading because I never know what will catch my attention. When I read the description I was drawn in. This didn't sound like your typical dark romance. I will preface the rest of my Review with read the trigger warnings. If you can be open minded, you should definitely try this out. I'm not squeamish but there were parts that made my stomach turn in the best way. I felt like a child peeking through my fingers eager to know what would happen next.

Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I finished it in one sitting and can't wait to find out what will happen next. Masked has definitely placed itself in my top reads of 2024. This book is dark, twisted, unhinged, and leaves nothing to the imagination. I loved how descriptive Lopez was and how she didn't hold back!

The Businesswoman and the Bartender

Title: The Businesswoman and the Bartender
Author: Brianna Bancroft
Publisher: Self-Published
Order: Amazon

Rating: 4 *s

Description: April Markham might be jet-lagged beyond belief, but at least the bartender at her hotel is easy on the eyes. After years of throwing herself into work to combat the pain of a failed relationship, a bit of innocent flirtation is exactly what she needs to get her groove back.

Nick is the full package—charming, handsome, age appropriate, single. Plus, he makes a fantastic gin gimlet. One night of conversation turns into two, and his company quickly becomes as irresistible as the cocktails he crafts. Although April never intended to mix business with pleasure while traveling for work, things are destined to move from the bar to the bedroom.

But as the red-hot flame of attraction burns bright, reality threatens to douse their heat. She’s a businesswoman from New York; he’s a bartender in Seattle. And as her flight home looms, April must decide whether to risk her heart on a cross-country affair or announce “last call” on what could be the romance of a lifetime.

My Review: April is away at a work conference in Seattle and stops in for a drink at the hotel bar. What she doesn't expect is Nick and the yummy gin gimlet he makes. She finds herself fantasizing about a short, steamy affair with him. Can she let her guard down to have a little fun?

Bancroft does an excellent job at giving us character development, suspense, and very steamy moments! This is a fast paced, short read. The beginning of this story is a little of a slow burn but after reading the entire story, the build up is half the fun!

Brianna Bancroft has gained a new fan and I cannot wait to dig into more of her work!

Watch Her Bleed

Title: Watch Her Bleed

Author: Emily Klepp

Publisher: Self-Published

Publication Date: February 23rd, 2024

Order: Amazon

Rating: 4 *s

Description: What do you do when your blood sugar crashes and you dump a bottle of wine on the most handsome man you’ve ever met? You panic. That’s how it all started... I panicked and felt up this mystery man while he smiled down at me, igniting something inside of my soul that I had never felt before. When he turns out to be my new boss, everything started to unravel one thread at a time. One minute I am convincing myself to keep going and the next I am facing my demons with the alluring Matt Russo by my side.

He’s protective…

He’s intense…

And he’s all mine…

When my living nightmare comes for me, God himself could not stop what happens to my attacker. Will I adapt to my new identity or will I succumb to the horrors of my past?

This is a dark romance novel with heavy triggers. Caution is highly advised. Triggers include sexual assault, domestic violence, mention of kidnapping of a child, kidnapping, mention of abuse to animals(not detailed and off page), serial predator, medical conditions, including hypoglycemia, Somno, consensual/nonconsent, etc. Please visit edknovels.com for a full list of triggers and tropes.

My Review:  This is my first time reading Emily Klepp's work. I was drawn in from the blurb. The trigger warnings are definitely something to read as this may be triggering for some. If you can get past the triggers you are definitely in for a treat. 

Aurora is focused on moving forward and ignoring anything that could cause her to back-step into her past. She escaped but it doesn't feel like she really escaped. She has a lot of trauma buried deep that she hasn't dared share with anyone. They wouldn't understand or they would judge her, wouldn't they?

Her best friend Kaia is always there for her. She looks out for and has become more family to her than her own flesh & blood. When Aurora has a meal at her parents, she isn't prepared for the series of events that unfolds. Kaia tells her, enough is enough and it's time to come clean and hold her family accountable.

Matt can't place his finger on what it is that is so different about Aurora but he knows he wants to know more about her. He can't help his intrigue with her but something is off. Is she hiding something or is her family? The more Matt gets involved, the more he just wants to protect Aurora and give her the best future imaginable.

Overall, this was a great story. I really enjoyed the way Klepp focused on her health concerns and her mental health. Klepp handles Aurora's past trauma in a delicate way. We feel for Aurora and find ourselces just wanting to hold and console her.  Matt stays at bay and lets Aurora lead the way into their relationship. He lets her call the shots and she gives into her feelings with him while also handling her past trauma. This won't be my last time reading Klepp's work. I really enjoyed her story building and how it gripped me from page one. I can't wait to read the next story in the Watch Her Series!

Haunt

Title: Haunt 
Author: Rachel H. Drake
Publisher: Arla James Publishing 
Publication Date: December 6, 2022
Order: Amazon

Rating: 5 *s

Description: "Imagine Casper all grown up and hotter than ever."

My ghost has been my protector and friend for as long as I can remember. But recently, our relationship has changed. He grows stronger each time he touches me and feeds off of our physical chemistry. I want him, but he is a ghost, and I am very much alive. How can this work?

Now I'm finding out there is more to our relationship. Something has connected him to me and my family in the afterlife. Can I use this connection to bring him back? Though he has never scared me, this does. I’m afraid of how I feel and even more fearful of what I’d do to keep him with me, forever.

WHAT READERS CAN EXPECT: Haunt is the first book in an interconnected standalone paranormal romance series. Books in this series can be read in any order, depending on your craving. Haunt is a ghost/invisible man romance, it is not a suspenseful read. You will enjoy this series if you like happily ever afters (HEA), breeder trope, pregnancy, paranormal spicy books, and possessive men.

For a full list of potential triggers, visit the author's website - content in the Creature Cravings series is intended for mature audiences and reader discretion is advised.

My Review: The description alone sold me. It left me curious and ready to dive in. I found myself immersed in Emily's story and curious to see how the author would answer my questions and tie the story together. I loved that the concept was original and just zany enough that it could work.

This is a story of healing, past trauma, love, and most importantly faith. Emily knows her ghost is the one for her but can she get help in being with him in the physical world?

There isn't too much detail you can give about Haunt without spoiling it. I loved Drake's way of enveloping us into the world of Emily and her Ghost. I found myself rooting for Emily every step of the way and I loved the heavy spice involved. It doesn't take away from the story line but is a crucial piece to the puzzle. 

This is just the first installment in the Creature Cravings Series and I can't wait to read more!

Finding Her Sweet Spots

Title: Finding Her Sweet Spots
Author: Joya M. Lively
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: February 11, 2024
Order: Amazon

Rating: 4 *s

Description: The gorgeous Sweet brothers are New York City’s most eligible bachelors. They're anyone’s dream come true. But they can’t be mine.

I made a vow to myself to take control of my life and make all my dreams come true. And that was going pretty well… Until them.

A decade younger than me, I tell myself they’re nice to me because we work well together in our graduate program. Nothing else.

Until one night, I run into them at a very steamy club and normal rules don’t seem to apply.

Surrender tastes sweet, but it can't be anything other than one night. Until they offer me a deal I simply can't refuse...

FINDING HER SWEET SPOTS is an extra-extra-steamy reverse harem contemporary romance with lots of fun and light moments. HEA guaranteed! (While this book is part of a series, it also works as a standalone.) Happy reading!

Review: The author's note definitely sets the tone for the wild ride you're about to endure! Finding Her Sweet Spots is short, steamy, and to the point. Emily is focused on her goals and her future. She is determined not to let anything stand in her way. That is until the Sweets brothers have other intentions. Can Emily let down her walls and let the Sweets in?

I loved how even in a short novella Joya Lively gives us a story line sprinkled with tons of spice. Emily goes to a sex club for research and ends up diving into a new and fun adventure that she hopes will never end.

If you're looking for something short and fun to read then definitely give Finding Her Sweet Spots a try! I loved this and read it in one sitting. It isn't often that you find an older female character who is driven. I was rooting for Emily to let her walls down and the Sweets brothers in! Definitely a fun read!

Phoenix and Giovanni

 

Title: Phoenix and Giovanni

Author: Rayona Lovely Wilson

Publisher: Self-Published

Publication Date: February 29, 2024

Pre-Order: Amazon

Rating: 5 *s

Description:  The mirror has always been the enemy. The reflection a mockery of the person I want to be. Every day I battle with gender and body dysphoria—it colors every aspect of my world.

I struggled with my own existence—until I meet Giovanni—an unexpected solace amidst life's turmoil. A traumatic experience deepens our bond, birthing an unspoken trust between us.

Giovanni gives me the strength to embrace myself and to discover love and connection where chaos once reigned.
Now, I have to embark in a journey of self-discovery and learn to love myself and the person reflected in the mirror.

My Review: Let me preface this review by telling you to read the trigger warnings. Phoenix and Giovanni handles heavy subject matter and it may not be for everyone to read but I do hope you give it a chance because it is so worth the read. 

Blown Away. Sucked in. Couldn't put it down. Just a few short phrases to describe my feelings and I delved into Phoenix and Giovanni. 

Phoenix is the story of a non-binary who is discovering themselves.  It is a place we have all been in during our younger years and even in our adult lives. My heart ached for Phoenix as I read their journey. The journey of self-love, healing, and most importantly forgiveness. Rayona handles mental health awareness delicately and in a way that is relatable. It is something I wish more authors would write about and bring awareness to. Phoenix and Giovanni had me in tears, laughing, and feeling Phoenix's pain as they navigated through high school.  It is a beautiful coming of age story and I thank Rayona for having the courage to write such a tough but crucial story. It is one of those stories that as you're reading, you don't realize just how much you needed to read it.

 Rayona is a first time author for me but this will definitely be the first of many things I read from her.