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!