Your Rule to Break

Your Rule to Break
by Rachel LaBerge
 
Book: The Play Caller #2
Publisher: Author
Pub Date: January 10, 2025
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary 
Format: eARC
Source: Author
Links: Goodreads  Amazon
 
YOUR RULE TO BREAK IS A STEAMY FOOTBALL ROMANCE WITH FAKE DATING. It's the second book in The Play Caller series and can be read as a standalone.

What do you do when your sister is marrying your ex? If there’s an answer, Emilie Hayes would love to know.

What’s supposed to be a night spent enjoying the charity event she spent months planning, Emilie’s is interrupted when her sister and future brother-in-law won’t stop discussing their destination wedding. Just as Emilie counts the seconds until escape, Zack Andersen steps in.
Zack, a Super Bowl-winning long snapper for the Upstate Cosmos, sees Emilie trapped in the awkward conversation and swoops in, introducing himself as her boyfriend. And when they ask if Zack will be Emilie’s plus one to the wedding, he surprises everyone—especially Emilie—by saying, “Absolutely.”

Already friends and running in the same social circles, Emilie and Zack decide on a few rules to keep everything believable. But what started as a fake relationship soon feels more real than either of them expected.
As secrets surface, surprises unfold, and wedding weekend tensions rise, Emilie and Zack face a choice: risk it all for a shot at something real or walk away from the connection they never saw coming.


My Review:  I've read a few sport romances and just realised that I dont think I've read one that was football based yet. As for my first intro into the football base romance, Rachel exceeded my expectations and now I need another one. 

I enjoyed Zack and Emilie. They enter a fake dating situation that turns out to be not so fake after. I like the way it was done. These two characters took more time to know each other compared to other fake dating tropes I've read and I really liked that aspect of it. 

Zack and Emilie come off as real and genuine. There was so much that could be relatable that you couldve seen yourself being friends with them. The OCD and intrusive throughs from Emilie can be hard topics to write on but was done so well. The way Zack tried to be there for her and understand. 
 
As an overall read, its one of those I would tell everyone to go and give it a read. It was just that good. 
 
It was exciting to get to ARC read for the author and as my first into her writing, I'm now going to be greedy for more of her work. Guess I'll just have to add more to that never ending TBR pile. 
 

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪

Apples Dipped in Gold

Apples Dipped in Gold
by Scarlett St. Clair
 
Book: Fairy Tale Retelling #2
Publisher: Bloom Books
Pub Date: July 16, 2024
Genre: Adult, Romance, Retelling, Fantasy
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon
 
Orphaned at a young age, Samara is left under the care of her three, horrible brothers. Just when she thinks she cannot take another day of their abuse, a handsome prince offers for her hand in marriage.

Samara’s brothers agree in exchange for a large dowery but on her way to her new kingdom, her carriage is ambushed by Lore, the wicked Prince of Nightshade.

Samara believes that the fae has snatched away her chance at freedom to punish her for her crimes against his kind but punishment is only half of Lore’s plan.

The truth is that the Elven Prince has pined after Samara for seven long years. She is all he can think about—a toxin in his blood. Can the Prince of Nightshade, whose power over poisons rivals none in The Enchanted Forest, manage to find a remedy or will he succumb to her love?
 
My Review: I've read nearly every book by Scarlett and love her writing. Her detail to the mythology and fairy tales is there and you can tell she gives each book her all.  

However, I will say the retellings are heavier in some aspects. For those who've dealth with abuse need to be prepared for how rough the brothers treat their sister. Like damn it makes you want to dive in and stand up for her.  

Samara holds her own well despite how horrid these brothers are to her. And an opportunity to marry a prince may be her way out.  

However, what the fox said was true and there was an attack by thevies. Samara was saved though and her savior another prince. This one with a price.  

As the book progressed, the pace was great, the details perfectly done and an overall amazing retelling that you need to get your hands on.  

 

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪

Lucy Undying

Lucy Undying
by Kiersten White
 
Book: Stand Alone
Publisher: Del Rey
Pub Date: September 10, 2024
Genre: Adult, Vampires, Horror
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon
 
In this epic and seductive gothic fantasy, a vampire escapes the thrall of Dracula and embarks on her own search for self-discovery and true love.

Her name was written in the pages of someone else's story: Lucy Westenra was one of Dracula's first victims.

But her death was only the beginning. Lucy rose from the grave a vampire, and has spent her immortal life trying to escape from Dracula's clutches--and trying to discover who she really is and what she truly wants.

Her undead life takes an unexpected turn when, in twenty-first-century London, she meets another woman who is also yearning to break free from her past. Iris’s family has built a health empire based on a sinister secret, and they’ll do anything to stay in power.
Lucy has long believed she would never love again. But she finds herself compelled by the charming Iris, while Iris is mesmerized by the confident and glamorous Lucy. But their intense connection and blossoming love is threatened by forces from without. Iris's mother won't let go of her without a fight, and Lucy's past still has fangs: Dracula is on the prowl again.

Lucy Westenra has been a tragically murdered teen, a lonesome adventurer, and a fearsome hunter, but happiness always eluded her. Can she find the strength to destroy Dracula once and for all, or will her heart once again be her undoing?

 
My Review: A retelling of Dracula, a cover that pulls you in and it is written by Kiersten?! Heck yes, count me in!  

I LOVED Lucy.  

Lucy was born a long time ago, just like anyone else. When she was born the second time, you could say nothing was ever the same again.  

When Lucy woke up as a vampire, which did not seem so pleasant to wake in a coffee and an unsatisfied thirst. Worst of all is that Dracula wants her and Lucy will have none of that.  

Lucy is fun, Whitty, speaks her mind and overall, a well-done character.  

Then you have Iris. She is in England and on a mission. Gather everything left to her and get rid of it.  

She is not happy about what is going on and is not shy about it. She is happy her mom is dead (relatable) and cannot wait to be rid of the legacy she left behind. Starting with one of the houses of which is basically worthless inside. No jewelry, nothing of value to sell.  

Until the one room she forced her way in and found a diary belonging to Lucy.  

Overall, I like Iris. There were moments where I was a little annoyed with her. I could relate with some of rants/antics. No Wi-Fi or bars, yikes, bad time when you’re alone in an empty old abandon mansion. No outlets or light switches either?? Sheesh, what year was this house again? Though, it would not be too bad if the house were in a more livable condition. But oh well, the plan is to sell asap anyway.  

When Lucy shows up at the house, the pace picks up more and you become so immersed in the story that it is impossible to put it down.  

Another masterpiece by Kiersten.  

 

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪

A Fire in the Sky

A Fire in the Sky
by Sophie Jordan
 
Book: A Fire in the Sky
Publisher: Avon Books
Pub Date: September 24, 2024
Genre: Adult, Romance, Fantasy
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon
 
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan returns to the high-stakes, sweeping world of dragons, romance, and drama first evoked in her bestselling young adult Firelight series, in a brand-new epic adult romantasy series.
 
Dragons are extinct. Witches are outcast. Magic is dying.
But human lust for power is immortal.
 
Dragon fire no longer blisters the skies over Penterra, but inside the lavish palace, life is still perilous…especially for Tamsyn. Raised in the glittering court alongside the princesses, it's her duty to be punished for their misdeeds. Treated as part of the royal family but also as the lowliest servant, Tamsyn fits nowhere. Her only friend is Stig, Captain of the Guard...though sometimes she thinks he wants more than friendship.
 
When Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands, descends on her home, Tamsyn’s world becomes even more dangerous. To save the pampered princesses from a fate worse than death, she is commanded to don a veil and marry the brutal warrior. She agrees to the deception even though it means leaving Stig, and the only life she’s ever known, behind.
 
The wedding night begins with unexpected passion—and ends in near violence when her trickery is exposed. Rather than start a war, Fell accepts Tamsyn as his bride...but can he accept the dark secrets she harbors—secrets buried so deep even she doesn’t know they exist? For Tamsyn is more than a royal whipping girl, more than the false wife of a man who now sees her as his enemy. And when those secrets emerge, they will ignite a flame bright enough to burn the entire kingdom to the bone.
 
Magic is not dead...it is only sleeping. And it will take one ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny to awaken it.
 
My Review: YES! Sophie brought us dragons again. I absolutely LOVED her Firelight series and was beyond excited to see her bring dragons back.
 
I have been reading everything by Sophie for many many years now and she always deliver, especially when it comes to romance.
 
Now to the book...
 
Tamsyn has grown up with royalty and did everything with the princesses as they grew up together. However, any issues they have will result in being whipped... which falls to Tamsyn and only her. A sad start, but Tamsyn is a fighter.
 
She will have to be after she ease drops on a conversation which then turns into her being offered up as a bride...
 
Tamsyn good friend Stig, is aware of this and has such hatred over this. He treasures Tamsyn and their friendship. Their friendship began on the day he showed her the wall of those who were a whipping boy/girl before her and have gone on to have lives on their own. But now? That dream may no longer be a reality.

It all happened so fast. The very next day Tamsyn is off down the aisle to marry the beast. When it comes time for the bedding... well the beast became just that as he found out just got married to the whipping girl and not the princess. 

Not much that can be done now, they are meant to head off in the morning and start the journey home. Tamsyn is about to find out just how tough she really is. When one of the men can't stand her and make an attempt to hurt Tamsyn is when her true nature broke free.  

A dragon, a man burned and the beast thinking the worst about his wife. In a way you kinda almost feel for the guy, he has been kind to Tamsyn despite everything. So maybe he isn't all that bad... 

Coming down from her dragon scare, Tamsyn and Thora have a quick chat. Then she makes her way through the woods and meets up with her husband. Oh and the kingdom may be in a full blown panic as well.  

As the book neared the end, I couldn't put it down. I had to finish it. I absolutely adored this book and being brought back into Sophie's version of dragons. Its every bit of romance, magic and dragons that could wish for.  

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪

King of Greed

King of Greed 
by Ana Huang

Book: Kings of Sin #3
Publisher: Bloom Books
Pub Date: October 24, 2023
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Format: Print
Source: Bought
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon

He had her, he lost her…and he’ll do anything to win her back.

Powerful, brilliant, and ambitious, Dominic Davenport clawed his way up from nothing to become the King of Wall Street.

He has everything—a beautiful home, a beautiful wife, and more money than he could spend in a lifetime. But no matter how much he accumulates, he’s never satisfied.

In his endless quest for more, he drives away the only person who saw him as enough.

It isn’t until she’s gone that he realizes there may be more to life than riches and glory…but by then, it may be too late.

***

Kind, intelligent, and thoughtful, Alessandra Davenport has played the role of trophy wife for years.

She stood by her husband while he built an empire, but now that they’ve reached the top, she realizes he’s no longer the man she fell for.

When it becomes clear that she’ll always come second to his work, she finally takes charge of her life and puts herself first—even if it means leaving the only man she’s ever loved.

But what she didn’t count on was his refusal to let her go…or for him to fight for their marriage, no matter what it takes.

King of Greed is a steamy marriage in trouble/second chance romance. It's book three in the Kings of Sin series but can be read as a standalone.

My Review: I've been excited to read Ale and Dom's story. In the previous book, you got moments of where the other characters were assuming and wondering but never asked and it built up to a coupld I coulsnt wait to read about.

Ale and Dom have been married for 10 years and their 10 year anniversary is this weekend. With many reminders to Dom to not miss this. Well, like other events, Dom also missed this one. But this was the straw that finally broke Ale.

Off come the rings, bag packed and out the door she went. Dom to comes home and then panics  about her being gone after looking for her.  realizing what he missed, he calls everyone and tries to find her. 

While all this is going on, you get flashbacks into their lives of how they met and got to where theu are now. The early days was such a sweet and loving story to read about them. You really feel for Ale at just how much she gave up for Dom and dealt with all these years. That empire of his really took over his world.

Come hours later, Dom comes to see Ale when she finally caves about where she is at. There, everything changes with one simple word. Divorce.

From then on its been a whirlwind. Divorce, bring Ales business to a real storefront, dating again and just overall trying to navigate this world being single. 

But when Dom shows up on vacation the same time and place as Ale. Its not just trying to get her back, but the first time in forever he left work aside. 

Given time, work and effort put in from Dom to show Ale he can be what she needs. Together they may just find a way back to eachother. 

Their story is one to read and I loved it. Hooked from the first page its got everything you need and will leave you wishing for more Ale and Dom.  

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪

Claim Me Forever

Claim Me Forever
by A.L. Jackson
 
Book: Time River #3
Publisher: Author
Pub Date: February 20, 2024
Genre: Romance, Adult, Suspense, Contemporary
Format: eBook
Source: Bought
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon
 

A single dad sheriff doing his best to protect his town. A gorgeous stranger caught trespassing. A love never expected…

So, it turns out the town sheriff is a total cinnamon roll. A big, burly, grumpy, hot as sin, cinnamon roll. He found me hiding out on private property. Trespassing. I lied and told him I was only there because I was out of cash and had to sleep in my car.

I thought he’d give me a ticket and send me on my way.

Instead, he insisted that I stay at his guest house—right next door to him and his three kids.

I know better than to let them get close. I’ve been betrayed too many times to put my trust in anyone.

Too bad the air crackles every time he comes near, and I feel like I’m going to burn up every time I look at him.

All it takes is one reckless night to completely spiral into the bliss of the man and his big, capable hands. One dinner with his little family to completely fall.

Only I never told him why I really came to Time River. Now I have to choose to trust him with my secret before it’s too late for both of us…

  

My Review: UGH! How is it possible that this book was better than the last? A.L. makes the most amazing small town books that I've read in ages.  

Savannah is on a mission to find her sister and get out of town. But when Ezra catches her trespassing, her plans are about the change.  

Ezra is so damn kind. In a few short hours  he gives Savannah his office to sleep in, a job interview, and a chance to freshen up before hand. Seriously the kindness you wish was everywhere. 

Savannah took the offer. The interview lead her to Dakota and shortly enough she had the job and a family. Dakota and the girls quickly take to her, invite her out for girls night and instantly take to her and make her feel at home.  

While through everything, Ezra is fighting his urge to claim Savannah. You can tell instantly he wants to protect her, claim her and soon enough she'll have his heart.  

Motel break-ins lead to Erza making Savannah take the guest house. From there, Ezra kids get involved. His daughter invites her to dinner to be neighboorly and really is the smartest kid and I love her wit. From dinner to telli g Ezra he needs to tale Savannah on a date. Its just amazing to see them finally give in.  

Soon they open up to eachother more and everything is out there. From Ezra's feelungs about his dead wife to Savannah's sister and life. It wouldnt be long until Savannah is close to finding her sister and the truth. When it does, the tension is high, your heart strings are pulled and you and just hoping for that heart warming ending that you need.  

I love the ending. I loved this book overall and may very well just be my favorite in the series yet. 

 

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪

Bewitched

Bewitched
by Laura Thalassa

Book: Bewitched #1
Publisher: Bloom Books
Pub Date: April 18, 2023
Genre: Adult, Romance, Witches, Paranormal
Format: Print
Source: Bought
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon

Come to me, Empress …

At age twenty, Selene Bowers desperately hopes to be accepted into Henbane Coven, an academy for young witches. Since one of the requirements for entry is to connect with her powers via a quest through the wilderness, Selene books a trip to South America. When a nefarious supernatural force tries to drag her plane from the sky, Selene's magic awakens to save her life―at a cost. Using her powers devours her memories, one by one.

Worse, when Selene braves the jungle and discovers the source of the attack, she finds herself awakening an ancient evil, Memnon the Cursed, who mistakes Selene for his long-dead wife. The wife who betrayed him. Selene manages to escape and begin her studies at Henbane, but when Memnon turns up at the coven and witches are found dead across campus, Selene becomes entangled in a dangerous plot. Accused of the murders on the basis of her memory loss, Selene must rely on Memnon's help for answers―and his plans for her will change everything.

 

My Review: I love a witchy romance combo and this one was certainly interesting. 

Selene is a witch and wants into this coven so badly. She is a great witch with great power, the downside is that it eats away her memories. At any use of magic, she could lose the memory from a while back to what she did that very morning. 

But when the coven gives her a chance at being accepted, she did not expect it to be so complicated.

Get a familiar, check. Go on a quest, check. Unearth your long lost buried soul mate, uh what now? 

Memnon is the voice Selene can hear. This voice leads to a very real Memnon who she set free.

Now accepted into the coven, Selene can join her friend and attend the school of her dreams. 

What was not on the class list was Memnon following her back and spouting all this nonsense which turned out to be true in the end. 

I loved the start of this book, the middle part was a bit slow at time, but the ending is where it finally grabbed me. 

And now I am mad that the second book is not in my hands.

This is the start to a wonderful series.

 

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪

Mister Magic

Mister Magic 

by Kiersten White 

Book: Stand Alone

Publisher: Del Rey

Pub Date: August 8, 2023 

Genre: Adult, Thriller, Horror, Mystery

Format: eARC 

Source: NetGalley 

Book Links: Goodreads Amazon  

Who is Mister Magic? Former child stars reunite to uncover the tragedy that ended their show—and discover the secret of its enigmatic host—in this dark supernatural thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hide. 

 
Thirty years after a tragic accident shut down production of the classic children’s program Mister Magic, the five surviving cast members have done their best to move on. But just as generations of cultishly devoted fans still cling to the lessons they learned from the show, the cast, known as the Circle of Friends, have spent their lives searching for the happiness they felt while they were on it. The friendship. The feeling of belonging. And the protection of Mister Magic. 
 
But with no surviving video of the show, no evidence of who directed or produced it, and no records of who—or what—the beloved host actually was, memories are all the former Circle of Friends has. 
 
Then a twist of fate brings the castmates back together at the remote desert filming compound that feels like it’s been waiting for them all this time. Even though they haven’t seen each other for years, they understand one another better than anyone has since. 
 
After all, they’re the only ones who hold the secret of that circle, the mystery of the magic man in his infinitely black cape, and, maybe, the answers to what really happened on that deadly last day. But as the Circle of Friends reclaim parts of their past, they begin to wonder: Are they here by choice, or have they been lured into a trap? 
 
Because magic never forgets the taste of your friendship. . .. 

 
 

My Review: I'm far from a Horror reader, but I will always grab something by Kiersten. Plus, her horror books are more of a page turner and edge of your seat rather than scare, so win-win!  

 

For decades Val has lived on the Farm. She helps with the camps and has a good life. Heading back to the cabin she notices that the door is open. It shouldn't be but she'll make a note to add locks where her dad can't reach.  But there won't be a need, she finds her dad has passed.  

 

The funeral comes and Val is in Gloria's house. They talk and Gloria mentions there will be more people attending because she mentioned it online. Val is worried, but she also isn't sure why. Why they showed up here, what happened when she was younger, why her dad was the way she was. Maybe he did something bad, maybe he was in hiding, but now the answers are gone.  

 

To add to everything, three guys show up. Calling her by her full name and Val is scared. She has no idea who they are at all, how they know her name, nada. So, bossy Val takes over and demands they go out outside and explain.  

 

 A brief explanation and suddenly, Val grabs her duffle bag, some cash and off she goes with these guys. Stranger danger, who? Oh, and they are on the way to a reunion for a show she has no clue about and someone she thought dead isn't actually dead.  

 

That's all just in the first three chapters and I feel for Val. She really has a lot thrown at her quickly, but she is strong, smart and just a wonderful character. People blame her, a woman even attacks her, and she still maintains such a strong character. She could easily lash out, scream to the world she hadn't a clue what happened back then. Yet, she remains strong, keeps her cool and even offers kindness.  

 

As the book continues on, so much more is revealed, and it really becomes a page turner that is impossible to put down. I've loved Kiersten’s work since Paranormalcy came out and her books continue to show why she has been one of my top authors for so long and will continue to be.  

 

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪