2019 Book Reviews

An exceptional novel, which commanded attention and moved us to the core, The Kingmaker went beyond our expectations! Kennedy Ryan pens an insatiable second chance love story, which battles with deception and forgiveness, as well as brings attention to major real life issues. A poignant, page-turning masterpiece, with a conclusion that left us in suspense!

"This is not about blaming the past. It's about us all being responsible for the future."

Two people from vastly dissimilar worlds, Lennix and Maxim, first find each other under memorable circumstances. As fate forges their paths, they share a scorching and wildly passionate week, forever uniting their souls. However, as their time together draws near, an unforgiving truth is exposed, once again throwing their lives into disarray.

Like magnets, inevitably drawn together, destiny once again merges their lives, possibly giving Lennix and Maxim a second chance at love. However, an impending life threatening storm is brewing, which left us cling to the edge of our seats!

Instantaneously drawn to this heroine and hero, we immediately became invested in these characters. Kennedy Ryan's impeccable writing not only compelled us to fall in love with these characters, but shed much needed light on critical issues. A compelling read that should not be missed!

- MarvelUsReads

Posted: November 23, 2019

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PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION

Raised to rule, bred to lead and weaned on a diet of ruthless ambition. In a world of haves and have nots, my family has it all, and I want nothing to do with it.

My path takes me far from home and paints me as the black sheep. At odds with my father, I’m determined to build my own empire. I have rules, but Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of them. From the moment we meet, something sparks between us. But my family stole from hers and my father is the man she hates most. I lied to have her, and would do anything to keep her. Though she tries to hate me, too, the inexorable pull between us will not be denied.

And neither will I.

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Author:  Kennedy Ryan

Published:  October 28, 2019 

Book Info:  Book 1 of 2

eBook Length: 344 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

An alluring read, Laurelin Paige's Rivalry, left us captivated and longing for more. Two characters scarred by their past, are both determined to exert power, and maintain control in their relationships. But, what happens when similar personalities attract?

"It wasn't supposed to be like this. You weren't supposed to be like this."

Emotionally drowning by former wounds, Celia an independent business woman, seeks pleasure from manipulating others. However, when she meets Edward, a powerful business mogul, he offers her a tempting proposition, enabling Celia to mastermind her biggest game yet! Or...so she thinks!

Cold hearted by betrayal, Edward is now driven by power. Sights set on a rival's company, what better way to acquire control than by marry into it, and wedding Celia!

The first book of the Slay series, Rivalry abruptly ends, leaving us eagerly awaiting the fate of these characters and desperate to have answers!

- MarvelUsReads

Posted: November 17, 2019

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PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION

Edward Fasbender is a devil.

He's my father's business rival, a powerful, vicious man who takes what he wants and bows to no one. I only took the meeting because I was curious. I thought he was going to offer me a job.

But that's not what he's after at all. His proposal is much more intriguing, and I see an opportunity. An opportunity to turn the tables and bring down the devil.

I've gotten in trouble playing these games before. I know when the risk is too great, when the stakes are too high. I know how to be cold and strong-willed and destructive. I know how to withstand dominant men with arrogant charm and rugged features.

Yet I can't resist taking on Edward.

And I can't resist the pull he has on me.

Soon I'm not so sure which side of the battle I'm standing on--if I'm the warrior meant to slay,

Or the one who will be slain.

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Author:  Laurelin Paige

Published:  June 4, 2019 

Book Info:  Book 1 of 4

eBook Length: 298 pages

Genre: Dark,Contemporary Romance

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Absorbed every word, felt every sentiment, and embraced every moment. Brittainy C. Cherry's, Landon & Shay, is an impactful enemies to lovers story that imprinted on our hearts!

Rivals at war for each other's affection, Landon and Shay agree to a harmless challenge, to capture the other's heart. However, what began as a game quickly exposes scars, unlocks tender feelings, and spirals into a passionate love affair. Abandoning their misguided despair for each other, together they share an inseparable bond that helps to mend deep wounds.

A moving novel that shines light on the internal struggles many face. Landon & Shay is a story of hope, reminder of peace, and embodiment of strength. A book not to be missed. We are staying tuned for the next chapter in their journey.

- MarvelUsReads

Posted: November 10, 2019

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PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION

Shay Gable hated my guts, and I hated hers, too.

We went out of our way to avoid one another at all times. When she came my direction, I went the other. When we locked eyes, she’d turn and walk away.

All of that changed the day I was presented with a challenge. It started out as a stupid bet: make Shay fall in love with me before I fell in love with her first.

That was an easy bet for me to win.
I didn’t love, I hardly liked.

Yet slowly the game started to shift. Shay made me crave things I never knew I wanted.
Love.
Happiness.
Her.

The closer we grew, the more she challenged my darkness, and the parts I kept locked away.
The hurts.
The pains.
The truth.

The game between us became too real, our feelings intermixed, and the risks of hurting one another grew higher.

But you know what they say...
All’s fair in the game of love and war—especially the heartbreaks.

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Author:  Brittainy C. Cherry

Published:  October 30, 2019 

Book Info:  Book 1 of 2

eBook Length: 363 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Completely hooked! Natasha Knight does not disappointment in the all consuming Mafia romance, Collateral. A quaking read that rocks with betrayal, vengeance, and death. We are starving to digest the subsequent novel in this intoxicating duet!

"I'll be back to take something precious too."

A shuddering promise to extract vengeance, uttered two years ago, becomes Gabriela's chilling reality, as a ruthless enemy, Stefan returns to claim her as his bride. Resistant under his possession, the two's fiery exchanges begins to stir shivering desire and surprising tenderness.

As feelings grow, lines become blurred and Gabriela can no longer decipher between her allies, and adversaries. Betrayal, destruction, and death lie in wake, and the punishing question that will rattle her world: who can she trust?

The heart stopping ending to Collateral, left us clinging to the edge of our seats!

- MarvelUsReads

Posted: November 2, 2019

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PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION

Gabriela

Stefan Sabbioni showed up in my bedroom on my sixteenth birthday. Uninvited, he stood in the shadows smelling of whiskey and death and wrapped a broken, blood-crusted necklace around my neck.

I thought he’d strangle me with it.

That night, he left a message for my father. He said he’d be back to take something precious.

I never delivered that message, though. I wonder if things would be different if I had because now, two years later, he’s back. And he’s not hiding in any shadows.

He’s come to make good on his promise.
He’s back to take that something precious.
Me.

Stefan

Marchese is the manipulator of my family’s tragedy. I won’t just bring him to his knees. I’ll bury him for what he did.

Taking his daughter is only the beginning. I’ll do it knowing I’m starting a war. I’ll do it knowing my enemies will become his allies. They’ll stop at nothing to destroy me and he’ll stop at nothing to get her back.

I’ve never shied away from war, though. I’m not one to play nice and I don’t share my toys. I’ll demolish you if you touch what’s mine.

And she is most definitely mine.

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Author:  Natasha Knight

Published:  September 23, 2019 

Book Info:  Book 1 of 2

eBook Length: 265 pages

Genre: Dark, Contemporary Romance

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Blown away! Prescott Lane's latest book is a compelling quintessential epitome of love. A striking turn of events, which quaked us to the core, rendering us completely fixated and drowning in tears. Just Love shook with emotion. A grippingly realistic reflection of the earth shattering aftermath of a life altering tragedy.

"If you truly love someone, you should never lie in the name of love. Never lie to spare them pain. Love them enough to tell the truth. Then love them enough to sit in the pain with them. That's what love truly is."

An electrifying chemistry and an unwavering desire, Rhett struggles to resist his compelling need to pursue the forbidden: falling for his best friend's  sister, Ainsley. Despite his attempts to avoid her, the inevitable occurs and the two share an intensely addictive kiss, that ignites an all consuming love.

Rhett and Ainsley's deeply anchored relationship is a perfect blend of passion, possession, and fun, leaving them dreamy and hopeful about the future. However, one night will uproot their dreams and permanently alter their future.

A hero and heroine deeply embedded in our hearts. Just Love is a forbidden, tear-jerking romance that will definitely move readers, by its profoundly touching real life challenges.

- MarvelUsReads

Posted: October 27, 2019

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PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION

There’s two sides to every love story. The how you fell in love, and the how you fell apart.

This is ours.

The cardinal rule of friendship is you don’t mess with your friend’s sister.
That goes double when she’s his little sister.

It was just supposed to be fun.

She wasn’t supposed to end up being the love of my life.
And I definitely wasn’t supposed to break her heart.

Ainsley is a wedding dress designer. That should’ve been a warning that she’s a hopeless romantic. That should’ve clued me in that she believes love conquers all.

But there are some things that love can’t fix. I’m one of them.

She thinks love is the answer.

But love is the reason I let her go.

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Author:  Prescott Lane

Published:  July 9, 2019

Book Info:  Standalone 

eBook Length: 246 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Feverish by the scorching heat that poured off each page, A Really Bad Idea, is a delectable read! An alluringly sweet novel that radiates with pleasure, compassion, and love, it is sure to grasp your attention!

"I don't just love you. I live for you."

Thirty-three, divorced, with no promising love interests, Meadow decides it's no better time than the present to freeze her eggs. But when she shares her latest plans with her best friend, Dr. Christian Gallagher, he staggers her with an outrageous proposal: "Have a baby with me." She couldn't ask for a better suitor: good looking, highly successful, and most of all the most compassionate friend. It's a perfect plan. However, during their intimate journey to becoming parents, lines become blurred, forcing Meadow and Christian to embrace undeniable attraction and emotions that awaken.

A delightfully charming friends to lovers tale, that pulsates with sizzling chemistry!

- MarvelUsReads

Posted: October 20, 2019

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PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION

Everyone has a best friend. Mine just happens to be Dr. Christian Gallagher— the gorgeous, green-eyed heart surgeon who wants to have a baby with me.

Yes, you read that correctly.

When my mother approached me on my thirty-third birthday with a brochure for egg freezing, it was a glaring reminder that my biological clock is ticking toward its expiration date. I’ve always dreamed of being a mom and had a plan — one that was destroyed when I caught my professional hockey player husband in bed with another woman.

Despite my broken heart I still believe in love. I want the happily ever after, but I also want a child desperately and won't settle in order to make it happen.

That’s why when I decided to take my mother’s advice, Christian came up with his own plan: Let’s have a baby together.

It’s a bad idea. A really, really bad idea. And yet...I can’t stop thinking about how great it could be.

There’s just one condition. Before we have sex (oh, yes, we’re doing this the old fashioned way!) Christian is adamant we go on three dates.

Sounds easy, but it's not.I thought sex would be the hard part, but the dates are only making me fall for the man I’ve known almost my entire life.

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Published:  May 14, 2019

Book Info:  Standalone 

eBook Length:  327 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Emotions spark in P. Dangelico's latest novel, You Can Have Manhattan. A devastatingly delicious and messy love story worth feasting on, thoroughly baked with hostility, chemistry, humour, and secrets.

"One of the most important aspects of the art of negotiating a deal is something which...can't be taught...and that's timing...when to chase after something you want with abandon, and when to retreat. When not to let it slip through your fingers because you hesitated."

One outlandish request, that will erupt and shatter her world: marry my son. Sydney's mentor and boss, proposes a heartfelt and ambitious deal, that she unenthusiastically yet willing accepts. How hard can it be staying married to the spoiled, egotistical, womanizer, Scott, for three years? However, her husband to be, must first be artfully persuaded to marry her. So what could possibly go wrong with a little blackmail?

Unbeknownst to Sydney, Scott isn't as she remembers, and she soon finds herself fighting an undeniable combustible attraction, that will ultimately lead to a chaotic imperfect love.

An entertaining emotional roller coster, that will both touch and crush your heart!

- MarvelUsReads

Posted: October 13, 2019

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PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION

You are cordially invited to the worst wedding of the century.

Sydney Evans is no stranger to hard work. It’s the one constant in her life. And with no family or friends to speak of it’s been easy to pour everything she has into her career as general counsel for Blackstone Holdings.

She wants for nothing. Until her boss offers her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. All she has to do in return is marry his good-for-nothing son.

Scott Blackstone used be a party whore. Pardon, party animal. He hasn’t been that guy in a long time though. Not since he moved to Wyoming, bought a failing cattle ranch, and turned it into a profitable business.

All is good. Until a phone call from his father threatens the quiet, simple life he’s built. Marry or lose everything. And to a woman who can’t stand him, no less. Well, Scott is not going down without a fight. He’s never going back to Manhattan. Not if he can help it.

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Published:  September 7, 2019

Book Info:  Standalone 

eBook Length:  271 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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We were drawn in by every word, as it quickly took hold of us, leaving us utterly connected. Connected with the memorable characters, and touching moments. Rustic Hearts just felt like home! Without a doubt, Amber Kelly took our breath away and stole our hearts in this enemies to lover, small town love story, about secrets, forgiveness, and finding peace.

"Time is the most valuable thing any of us owns...Yet time is the one thing we waste more of than anything else, and we never even notice. We always think we have more until we don't."

The world at her finger tips, Sophie couldn't ask for more. Her once small business has soared to unsurmountable heights, leaving her elated and humbled by her new found success. However, when she unexpectedly receives tragic news, Sophie must return home to Poplar Falls, to confront past demons, which are responsible for the armour that protects her heart.

Stricken by the past, Sophie finds herself suffocating in anger. An anger which subsequently emerges any time she is in close proximity to the ruggedly rude and handsome, Braxton. Quickly finding herself entangled in a complicated, yet impassioned love affair with Braxton, Sophie's heart begins to open to love, forgiveness, and most of all peace. But when a life altering secret is revealed, will it threaten to shatter her mending heart?

For fans of small town love stories, Rustic Hearts is a perfect getaway that is sure to warm your heart. A definite recommended read!

- MarvelUsReads

Posted: October 6, 2019

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PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION

The last place Sophia Lancaster wanted to return to was Poplar Falls. It’s the place that holds all the painful memories and unanswered questions she’s ever had. One phone call causes her life to take a turn, forcing her back to the town she hasn’t stepped foot in over twenty years.

And right into the path of Braxton Young.

His blue eyes, sinful smile, and rough exterior are no match for Sophia. She’s there for one reason, and it isn’t to fall in love. The sooner she can get out of this small town and back in New York City—the better.

However, fate doesn’t care for either of their desires. Instead, they’re forced to deal with each other, finding their differences aren’t as great as they thought. Each day brings them closer to friendship and the possibility of something more. The answers she seeks might not only break her and Braxton apart but also her heart.

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Published:  September 16, 2019

Book Info:  Poplar Falls #1

eBook Length:  268 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Penelope Douglas  undoubtedly managed to reel us in yet again, with Kill Switch the third instalment of the Devil's Night series. This book effortlessly pushed us forward on our journey down the dark path with the Four Horsemen. We were enthralled with the introduction of two characters whom both faced great adversity, but must find a way to overcome before they drown in the darkness of their past.

"Because pain in the body quiets the pain in the head. It feels good, like a kill switch for your brain."

Winter, from the moment they met she had felt drawn to him, but with this attraction came great loss. In the blink of an instant her whole world would change, and she would be forced to rediscover everything she once knew, including herself. He had hurt her one to many times, she was not going to let him win. The trick was to beat him at his own game, but the rules changed and even she was unclear of the end prize.

Damon, haunted by his childhood traumas, which have left  him angry, vengeful, hurt, and disconnected. He feels dead inside, or so he thought, until he met her. From young, everyone he loved has betrayed him, and she was no different. She had betrayed him, and made him look like a fool. She will pay, possessing her body will not be enough, he is intent on possessing her mind. Will he be able to remain focused on the goal?

Kill Switch is another masterfully written work by Penelope Douglas. You are sure to be easily entranced by each page filled with desire, revenge, mystery, and hidden truths. Indulge, you will not be disappointed.

- MarvelUsReads

Posted: September 29, 2019

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PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION

WINTER

Sending him to prison was the worst thing I could've done. It didn't matter that he did the crime or that I wished he was dead. Perhaps I thought I'd have time to disappear before he got out or he'd cool off in jail and be anything but the horror he was.

But I was wrong. Three years came and went too fast, and now he's anything but calm. Prison only gave him time to plan.

And while I anticipated his vengeance, I didn't expect this.

He doesn't want to make me hurt. He wants to make everything hurt.

DAMON

First thing's first. Get rid of her daddy. He told them I forced her. He told them his little girl was a victim, but I was a kid, too, and she wanted it just as much as I did.

Step two... Give her, her sister, and her mother nowhere to run and no fuel to escape. The Ashby women are alone now and desperate for a knight in shining armor.

But that's not what's coming.

No, it's time I listened to my father and took control of my future. It's time I showed them all--my family, her family, my friends--that I will never change and that I have no other ambition than to be the nightmare of their lives.

Starting with her.

She'll be so scared, she won't even be safe in her own head by the time I'm done with her. And the best part is I won't have to break into her home to do it.

As the new man of the house I have all the keys.

*Kill Switch is a romantic suspense suitable for readers 18+. It is advised to read Corrupt (Devil's Night #1) and Hideaway (Devil's Night #2) prior to reading this book.

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Published:  February 9, 2019

Book Info:  Devil's Night # 3

eBook Length:   522 pages

Genre: Dark,Contemporary Romance

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