In the Unlikely Event - L. J. Shen

" Find what you love and let it kill you." 

Pages: 338

Published: November 12th, 2019

Kindle: 4,46 €

Paperback: 14,27 €

Available on KU and Audible

Plot

Sometimes you meet people who are out of this world, so you make them a part of yours.

A one-night stand born from vengeance in a foreign land.
An explosive chemistry neither of us could deny.
We signed a contract on the back of a Boar’s Head Pub napkin that said if we ever met again, we would drop everything and be together.
Eight years and thousands of miles later, he’s here.
In New York.
And he’s America’s music obsession.
The intangible Irish poet who brings record executives to their knees.
The blizzard in my perfect, unshaken snow globe.
Last time we spoke, he was a beggar with no intention of becoming a king.
But a king he became, and now I’m his servant.
I’m not the same broken princess Malachy Doherty put back together with his callused hands.
I have a career I love.
A boyfriend I adore.
An apartment, a roommate, a life.
I changed. He changed, too.
But Mal kept the napkin.
Question is, will I keep my word?

Conclusion

'In the Unlikely Event' was a fantastic book. The story of Mal and Rory was heartwarming and funny and it tookme on a rollercoaster of emotions.

 The characters had chemistry and it really did feel like they were destined to be together. 

This book did not only feel like a simple story. I thought about it even weeks after because it wasn't just about love. I think it was also about fate, destiny and also about how the choices we make have an impact on our lives. 

If you are into second chance romances with loveable characters then you should read 'In the Unlikely Event. I highly recommend it.

5 out of 5 stars

Manik - Amo Jones

           

"Maybe the most beautiful faces hide the darkest souls."

Pages: 307

Published: October 1st, 2018

Kindle: 3,44€

Paperback: 15,38 €

PIot

I’m Beatrice Kennedy, but everyone calls me Beat. I live a low-key life, fresh out of college and drifting from town to town until I find my home.

I love music, and how it stirs even the deepest and untouched parts of your soul. Depending on what you choose to listen to, would depend on what it touches. It’s the drug we all damper in, only different strains. My strain is Jazz. The smooth instrumental strums that take over me. The sound of cigar smoke, bourbon and an old dusty fedora hat. My strain wasn’t rap, and it sure wasn’t laced with some A-class shit like murky blue eyes casted down from the Lord and the Devil’s handcrafted smile. I knew who he was—the whole world did. One fateful night set off a chain of events, events that no one was coming back from. You can’t save people who don’t want to be saved. You can’t pull them up from the ocean when they’ve latched themselves to an anchor. Love was my anchor, destruction was the water that was drowning me, and the rope that was so tightly clamped around my ankles, was woven with the lyrics of Aeron Romanov-Reed, also known as, 'Manik. He steals hearts from all around the world, but one night, he stole something that wasn’t his to steal.

Me.

Conclusion

'Manik' was so good it gave me a huge book hangover. Chapter One got me hooked immediately and I just couldn't put it down anymore. 

The twists and turns were really unexpected.

Sometimes Manik could be extremly cruel I think. He's very intimidating and dominant. He's in the Brava (Russian mafia) which first of all was a big part of the book and also a change from only reading about the Italian mafia.

The chemistry between him and Beat blew my mind. They were great together but I wish that they had more 'couples scenes (?)'.

Amo Jones is one of the authors I just trust to release a great book.

If you are a fan of dark romance books and books that are able to push your boundaries to a whole another level then I would highly recommend 'Manik' to you.

Dirty Headlines - L. J. Shen

 

" If there was one thing I'd realized this year, it's that sometimes we belong in the last place we thought we'd ever be."

Pages: 328        
Published: September 4th, 2018
Kindle: 4,47 €
Paperback:13,50 €
Available on KU and Kindle 

Plot

Célian Laurent.
Manhattan royalty.
Notorious playboy.
Heir to a media empire.
...And my new boss.

I could have impressed him, if not for last month's unforgettable one-night stand.
I left it with more than orgasms and a pleasant memory--namely, his wallet.
Now he's staring me down like I'm the dirt under his Italian loafers, and I'm supposed to take it.
But the thing about being Judith "Jude" Humphry is I have nothing to lose.
Brooklyn girl.
Infamously quirky.
Heir to a stack of medical bills and a tattered couch.
When he looks at me from across the room, I see the glint in his eyes, and that makes us rivals.
He knows it.
So do I. 
Every day in the newsroom is a battle.
Every night in his bed, war.
But it's my heart at stake, and I fear I'll be raising the white flag.

Conclusion

' Dirty Headlines ' is an enemies-to-lovers office romance that I just could not stop reading. I was glued to it. Well, at least my eyes were. 

I freaking loved Jude. She's smart, compassionate and driven. I also really enjoyed the parts with her dad.

Célian was a typical a-hole. Insensitive, cocky and INSANELY hot. 

I was amazed by Jude bringing out the goodness in Célian. They were a perfect match.

This was an intense read with a great plot twist and some really hot scenes.

5 out of 5 stars

The End Zone - L. J. Shen

 " No matter what happens in my life, you're the constant thing I can always count on. The shelter in the storm, the calm in my chaos. "

Pages: 86
Published: December 14th, 2017
Kindle: 2,99 €
Paperback: 8,52 €
Available on KU

Plot

Jolie Louis is a smart girl. She knows that her best friend, Sage Poirier, is a bad idea. He's a walking, talking cliché. The Adonis quarterback with the bulging biceps and harem of fangirls trailing behind him on campus like a stench you can't get rid of. Sadly, that's also the reason she can't stay away from him. Well, that and the fact that they're roommates. Jolie is already straddling the line between friendship and more when Sage comes to her with an offer she cannot refuse: Be his fake girlfriend and live for free for the rest of the semester. She tells herself that she can handle it. He's just the boy she saved 10 years ago, right? Wrong. So very wrong. He is a man now, and she is his captive, heart, body, and soul....

Conclusion

' The End Zone ' was a cute novella about two best friends in a fake relationship with a HEA (happy ever after).

I absolutely adored Jolie and Sage. The moment I read their first scene together I knew that they were meant for each other. Their chemistry was undeniable.

It was a fun and playful read with a couple of steamy scenes. I also loved the extended epilogue. 

If you like a good best friends-to-lovers and fake relationship story I highly recommend ' The End Zone ' to you. 

5 out of 5 stars

Tyed - L. J. Shen

 " I don't want someone to like me. I want someone who'll drag me out of my comfort zone and introduce me to new things. " 

Pages: 222

Published: July 1st, 2015

Kindle: 4,41  €

Paperback: 11,75 € 

Available on KU and Audible

Plot

Rock bottom has built way more champions than privilege ever has. Blaire, an underachieving college student with zero prospects and a ton of issues (hey, being the less-successful twin of a gorgeous supermodel would totally do that to you) needs something from Ty. Mixed Martial artist Ty, a soon-to-be Welterweight champion of the Xtreme Warrior League and the hottest guy in the Bay Area, wants something from Blaire. But Ty has a secret. And Blaire can barely even handle his truths. Life is about to throw a few knockout punches at both of them. Can they handle the pain?

Conclusion

' Tyed ' was an easy and funny read. Eventhough the hero Ty is a MMA fighter he's still kinda charming. And hella attractive too. 

I mostly kept reading because I loved Ty and to be quite honest with you I wasn't the biggest Blair fan because I just couldn't warm up to her. Ty and Blair did have chemistry and their banter was funny. There was also a  very good twist that I did not see coming. 

4,5 out of 5 stars

Midnight Blue - L. J. Shen

 " You look at me with dynamite in your eyes, waiting for me to light the match and finally set you on fire. "

Pages: 338
Published: February 25th, 2016
Kindle: 4,41 €
Paperback: 11,75 €
Available on KU and Audible

Plot

It should have been easy. I needed the money. He needed a babysitter to keep him from snorting himself to death. I was cherry-picked especially for him. Responsible. Optimistic. Warm. Innocent. The worst part is that I should have known better. Alex Winslow. British rock star. Serial heartbreaker. Casanova with whiskey eyes. “Don’t get near the devil in a leather jacket. He’ll chew you up and spit you out.” Guess what? I didn’t listen. I signed the contract. World tour. Three months. Four Continents. One hundred shows. My name is Indigo Bellamy, and I sold my soul to a tattooed god. Problem was, my soul wasn’t enough for Alex Winslow. He ended up taking my body, too. Then he took my heart. Then he took my all.

Conclusion

' Midnight Blue ' was a beautifully written and touching story. I pulled an all nighter for this and it was so worth it. 

The main charcters were beautifully written. Indie was amazing. Not only her name but also that she was grounded, smart and that she put the people she loved most before herself.

Alex deserved so much more. He deserved better. I esepcially  hated his family. He is the typical broken  and broody hero I love to read about.

The chemistry between Alex and Indie was undeniable. The same thing can be said about the sexual tension between them.

If you are in the mood for a very well written rockstar romance with a broken hero please read ' Midnight Blue'. You will not regret it. At least I hope you won't because I loved it so much.

5 out of 5 stars

Defy - L.J Shen

" You're my someone. Always and forever."

Pages: 165

Published: January 31st, 2017

Kindle: 2,45 €

Paperback: 9,04 €

Available on KU and Audible

Plot

My name is Melody Greene, and I have a confession to make.I slept with my student, a senior in high school.Multiple times.I had multiple orgasms.In multiple positions.I slept with my student and I enjoyed it.I slept with my student and I’d do it all over again if I could turn back time.My name is Melody Greene, and I got kicked out of my position as a teacher and did my walk of shame a la Cersei Lannister from the principal’s office, minutes after said principal threatened to call the cops on me.My name is Melody Greene, and I did something bad because it made me feel good.Here is why it was totally worth it.

Conclusion

'Defy' is a novella you can read if you are a fan of the Sinners of Saint series. I'd advise you to read it before you read Vicious.

I usually don't like teacher / student romances so I just ignored that part. 

Jaime was so cocky. I loved it. The sexual tension between Jaime and Melody was super intense.

As always L.J.Shen's writing is great. The characters were hot and the story was cute. 

The only thing to criticize is that it is so short. :(

5 out of 5 stars

Twisted Bonds - Cora Reilly

" I don't care if the world hates you. I'll defend you against all of them."

Pages: 347

Published: August 28th, 2018

Kindle: 3,99 €

Paperback: 15,25 €

Available on KU

Plot

Can you ever truly leave the past behind in a house full of haunted souls?

Kiara always wanted a loving family she could take care of. She never thought she’d find it with the Falcones.

Nino and Kiara both lost part of themselves in their traumatic childhood. Together they’re trying to recover the missing pieces, but they aren’t the only broken souls in the Falcone mansion; Kiara fears that not all of them can be saved. Determined to protect her new family and the future of her dreams, she’s on a mission to help each of them in her own way, even if it means stacking up secrets.

Four brothers bound together by an unbreakable bond forged in their dark past. If one of them falls, will they all?

Conclusion

This whole book was like an extended epilogue of 'Twisted Emotions' and I loved it. 

The family dynamic was incredible.

Kara's and Adamo's relationship is so freaking cute. I think that she is like a mother to him. I also really enjoyed the banter between Savio and Kiara. It was really funny.

I never thought that it would happen but the way Kiara now trusts Remo was just the tip of the iceberg. Him telling her that she is strong in her own way. Her telling him she would defend him even if the whole world hates him. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I'm living for moments like these.

Nino is such a great husband. Him and Kiara deserve all the happiness in the world. 

All in all a great book and a great addition to the Camorra Chronicles.

5 out of 5 stars

Twisted Loyalties - Cora Reilly

" Love is what makes us human, what makes life worth living."

Pages: 329

Published: November 13th, 2018

Kindle: 3, 99 €

Paperback: 14, 29 €

Available on KU and Audible

Plot

Fabiano was raised to follow in his father’s footsteps as Consigliere of the Chicago Outfit – until the man abandons him. Left to fend for himself, Fabiano is forced to fight for a place in the mafia world. As a ruthless street fighter, he quickly earns his place as the new Enforcer of the Las Vegas Camorra – a man to fear.

Leona wants to build a decent life for herself, away from her drug-addicted mother. But soon she catches the attention of a dangerous man – Fabiano Scuderi. Staying out of trouble and living a normal life are near impossible with a man like him.

Leona knows she needs to avoid Fabiano, but men like him aren’t easy to shake off. They always get what they want.

Fabiano cares about only one thing: the Camorra.

But his attraction to Leona soon puts his unwavering loyalty to the test. Is Leona worth risking everything he’s fought for, and ultimately his life?

Conclusion

'Twisted Loyalties' is the first book in the Camorra Chronicles. It can be read as a standalone but I'd advise you to read the books in the Born in Blood chronicles (books 1,3,4) so you can get to know Fabiano's past a little bit.

The hero is Fabiano who's the little brother of Aria, Gemma and Liliana. 

He was way darker and colder than I was expecting him to be. I admired his loyalty to the Falcone brothers but his love and protectiveness towards Leona was also really admirable.

Leona was very sweet and since she was an outsider she didn't know about the mafia world or what's happening in it.

I liked how Cora built their relationship. Not too slow but also not too fast. It was just the right pace.

Fabi and Leona had so much chemistry. There was so much action in their story.

Cora's ability to build the mafia world is incredible. I loved the Falcone brother's sooo much. Especially Nino :)

5 out of 5 stars

Bound by the Past - Cora Reilly

 

“Every morning I woke, I swore to myself I'd be a better man. A better Capo. A better husband. A better father.”

Pages: 341
Published: May 19th, 2020
Kindle: 3,99 €
Paperback: 14,56 €
Available on KU

Plot

Dante

My life’s a tale of betrayal.

I killed so many because they betrayed our cause, because they betrayed the Outfit.

A hypocrite. A liar. A murderer.

That’s what I am.

Five times I betrayed the Outfit. With my blood I made a vow to our cause, swore my life to it, promised to put the Outfit first. Above all else.

Five times I chose a woman over the good of the Outfit. I betrayed my father. My vow. My men.

You reap what you sow.

Would my betrayals destroy everything I swore to protect?

Valentina

On our wedding day I made a vow to stand by Dante’s side.

In good and in bad times.

To love him through it all.

Growing up in the mafia, I knew the challenges in our life would be numerous. I never expected them to tear at the very base of our family, of our existence.

Conclusion

Two small notes before I start with my review:   

1. Bound by the Past is spread over two years.     

2. Before you read this you should read 'Bound by Duty' first.

I loved this book so much. We got to see Val as a loving mom. 

We got to see Dante as a loving dad but also as the cold mafia boss that he is. They have such a great family dynamic. It was quite interesting to read about Dante's past.

The emotional connection between Val and Dante is so strong. They are a POWER COUPLE. 

It was a great story. You should definitely read it if you like Mafia romances or if you liked 'Bound by Duty' and want to read more about Dante and Val.

5 out of 5 stars

Bound by Love - Cora Reilly

 

" In the darkest hour you are my light."

Pages: 393

Published: May 20th, 2020

Kindle: 3,99 €.

Paperback: 15,12 €

Available on KU

Plot

Nobody expected them to fall in love.

When Aria was given to Luca in marriage, people were sure he’d break her.

Aria feared the worst from a man like him.

A man without mercy.

But somehow she gained his love.

Love - a weakness a Capo like Luca shouldn’t risk.

When Aria betrays Luca by going behind his back for her family, she realizes too late that she might have lost what she’s fought so hard to get in the first place: Luca’s trust.

The trust of a man who never allowed himself to trust someone unconditionally before.

Can their love survive in a world of betrayal and death?

Conclusion

'Bound by Love' is the sixth installment in the Born in Blood Chronicles. It is set about two weeks after 'Bound by Honor' finishes.

 

Reading 'Bound by Love' was like going down memory lane. It was way more intense than I was expecting. Cora Reilly kept this book interesting until the very end. 

'Bound by Love' was a great addition to Luca's and Aria's story. By the end I was emotionally drained. When a book can do that to me I know it's good.

I also really loved the epilogue. 

This was a great dark romance mafia book. I highly recommend it if you are fan of this genre.

5 out of 5 stars 

Bound by Duty - Cora Reilly

 

" I'll protect you until my last breath."

Pages: 267

Published: October 29th, 2018

Kindle: 3,99 €

Paperback: 13,54 €

Available on KU and Audible 

Plot

Dante Cavallaro’s wife died four years ago but her memory still haunts him. On the verge of becoming the youngest head in the history of the Chicago Outfit, Dante needs to remarry or risk appearing weak. 

Valentina is chosen for the role. She, too, lost her husband, but her first marriage has always been for show. Even after her husband’s death, Valentina carries the weight of his secrets with her— to protect the honor of a dead man and herself. 

With her wedding to Dante, her castle of lies threatens to crash. Valentina fears the wedding night might reveal her secret, but her worries prove unfounded when Dante ignores her. Soon, her fear turns to confusion and anger. Valentina is tired of being ignored. 

She’s determined to get Dante’s attention and desire, even if she can’t get his heart that still belongs to his dead wife.

Conclusion

 

I really enjoyed Dante's and Valentina's story.  The epilogue pulled me in and I just couldn't stop reading. 

Dante was this typical cold, alpha mafia man. still, he didn't treat her like absolute garbage. Also there wasn't any cheating in 'Bound by Duty'. There was a plottwist that I really didn't see coming.

The intimate scenes were extremly not. There was lots of action, angst and tension. 

The way Cora Reilly build their relationship and how it worked out in the end was great.

If you like a good Mafia Romance you should read this book.

5 out of 5 stars

Break Me - Meagan Brandy

" To love Brielle Bishop is to breathe deep and full, to be loved by her is something too deep to explain."

Pages: 498

Published: November 19th, 2020

Kindle: 3,37 €

Paperback: not available yet

Available on KU 

Plot

I had a plan, and it was solid.
 
Track down what was hidden away and take pleasure in toying with it. 
Toying with her. 
 
That plan, it worked like a charm.
Until it didn’t. 
 
Turned out, the feisty little thing I found was far from what I hoped for. 
She was different from all I knew and more than I expected.
 
She was light, and I’m the bastard who led her into darkness.
But this girl... she followed with a smile.
 
I told her I break pretty things.
She asked me to promise. 

Conclusion

Technically 'Break Me' can be read as a standalone but I'd advice you to read Boys of Brayshaw, Trouble at Brayshaw, Reign of Brayshaw and Be My Brayshaw first. You'll enjoy it way more.

Meagan Brandy couldn't have done a better job with this book. Everything was perfect. From the first to the last page every single thing was perfect.

We got action, we got romance, we got some really hot scenes and also a lot of emotional scenes.

I loved Royce from the first to the last of these Brayshaw books. He's 100% my favorite Brayshaw. He broke my heart and put it back together again.

Brielle was such a badass. She was so fierce and down to earth and just like I had hoped she gave Royce a run for his money.
Their chemistry was so intense. They were absolutely perfect together.

I loved the epilogue. I loved the parts where we got to see Raven, Maddoc, Captain,Victoria and ZoZo again.

'Break Me' definitely met my expectations. Actually it exceeded them. I couldn't have wanted a better book for Royce Brayshaw.

Also wanted to share my favorite quote with y'all:

"To love Brielle Bishop is to breathe deep and full, to be loved by her is something too deep to explain."

If you've loved Maddoc's books or Captain's book I definitely encourage you to also read Royce's book. It'll give you closure.

5 out of 5 stars