Homerun Proposal by Maren Moore (ARC)

📚ARC Review Time📚
Homerun Proposal
By Maren Moore

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Baseball
Best Friends Brother
Virgin Heroine
Childhood friends
Friends to Lovers

Gah, such a great story. I absolutely love how Maren writes her female characters. She embraces the differences in people & writes them to be unapologetically happy & true to themselves!

I love the nod to all things 90's from music to rom coms. Also can we just pause & celebrate the platonic friendship between Eli & Hallie? I love that they all lived their life how they choose & didn't care what others thought. 

Shadow Beast Shifters: Glamoured (Sam & Len) By Jaymin Eve

📚Review Time📚

Glamoured

(Shadow Beast Shifters, Book 6)

By Jaymin Eve

Samantha & Len's story 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Fantasy

Paranormal 

Shifter

Surprise Baby

"No one should accept the bottom of the barrel; we all had strengths beyond what we believed. We just had to be brave enough to take that first step."

Great story that filled in a lot of holes for Sam. Len being pulled toward Earth totally made sense now. I was not expecting Tabitha, though it was a great surprise.

Once again, the merry band of assholes saves the day, but I absolutely loved how they came together to do it. It was also interesting to learn how the Fae went on their Mate walk and the fact they don't remember it unless it's a true mate. It's no wonder Len didn't remember.

Shadow Beast Shifters: Compelled (Simone & Lucien) by Jaymin Eve

📚Review Time📚

Compelled

(Shadow Beast Shifters, Book 5)

By Jaymin Eve

Simone & Lucien's story

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Fantasy

Paranormal 

Shifter

Fake Dating

Found Family

The vampires combined their version of the Hunger Games & The Bachelorette.

It was a great story of loyalty & love. Simone and Lucien had so much in common, but both fought their initial pull.  Simone was a lot stronger than she thought, and I loved that we got more incite into both hers & Luciens childhood.

Simone really grew up while she was away from Lucien. But she also wasn't living. I loved that she went back & owned up to her initial mistakes from her last trip to Valdor. But Lucien's need to protect her was swoon worthy.

Shadow Beast Shifters: Deserted (Angel & Reece) By Jaymin Eve

📚Review Time📚

Deserted

(Shadow Beast Shifters, Book 4)

By Jaymin Eve

Angel & Reece's story

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Fantasy

Paranormal 

Friends to Enemies to Lovers

Second Chance

Found Family 

This felt like a cross between The Mummy & Indiana Jones type of story. I loved the mystery, the twists & turns of this story! It was definitely an action-packed story fit for this series!!

I am so glad we got to learn about Angel's story. She had a lot of loss in her life, which shaped her into the person she had become before the rebirth. But knowing that Reece also had a hand in her solitary life and the reasons behind it were just sad. They both made mistakes, and I'm glad that they finally had closure.

Shadow Beast Shifters, Books 1-3 By Jaymin Eve

📚Review Time📚

Shifter Beasts Shifters, Books 1-3

By Jaymin Eve

(New to me Author)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶🌶🌶 to 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Fantasy

Paranormal 

Shifter

Strong FMC

Found Family 

📖 Rejected: Book 1

What a great take on the shifter lore. Most talk about the moon goddess, but this is totally different, and I'm here for it. Love the library angle and that it serves as a hub for the other worlds. 

For someone who had been beaten & bullied for most of her life, Mera is surprisingly open & kind to those she has met in the library. I love her quick wit & sarcasm with everyone.

📖 Reclaimed: Book 2

"I am who I am. If you can’t handle me, that's your issue."

Oh my goodness, I am in love with Shadow. His broodiness, his power, his reluctantance to love Mera. It's just so good!! Mera is the snarky bad ass whom I want to be like when I grow up.

This book is all about getting back to the Shadow lands and figuring out what Mera is as well as for Shadow to reclaim his throne. I just love the "pack" Mera has surrounded herself with, starting with Angel. But Angel, Midnight, Simone, & "the guys" are so much a family that Mera has desperately needed & wanted. 

📖 Reborn: Book 3

"I was struck by the truth that real friends, as rare as they were, could be recognized in how they encouraged us - either via words or actions - to be the best versions, the strongest versions of ourselves."

Great conclusion to Mera & Shadow's story. They really were made for each other. You could see the development of both characters throughout the 3 books. Mera from a scared but snarky shifter to a confident & strong woman. Shadow from a dark and untrusting beast to a gentler and more open man. 

The final battle and their pack coming together to fight was epic. I can't wait to see what Reece & Angel's story is, as well as what happens with Simone and Sam.

Academy of Unpredictable Magic Series, Books 1-6 by Sadie Moss

📚Review Time📚

Academy of Unpredictable Magic series

By Sadie Moss

(New to me Author)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Fantasy

Paranormal 

Reverse Harem 

Strong FMC

Magic

Spark: Book 1

I loved the premise for this series. The fact that there is a group of people who have magic but don't fit in with the 7 pillars. And I loved that Elliot was drawn to all 4 men before she even manifested her magic.

There is an underlying mystery to the series that I love. Almost like something is working against the unpredictables. Can't wait to see how Elliot progresses.

Trials: Book 2

When the spice meets Goblet of Fire, you get Unpredictable Magic!!

Love love this storyline. It truly was a spicy version of Goblet of Fire, and I loved every moment. Elliot truly underestimates herself, but I love that the guys push her to see herself for the strong woman she is.

The grand Royale really was fun to watch Elliot get some payback and how it came down to the final two people. The challenges were cool, and I loved that they went to Kendal for help. I think she will finally come into her own soon. I didn't expect the ending, which was delightful.

Thief: Book 3

Being in a coma was a twist I didn't expect, but I love that all the guys and Maddy went to Roman's house during that time to be together. 

The storyline was intriguing this book. Between the students having their powers stolen and Elliot developing a new power, it was definitely an action-packed semester. Though the twist about the root of the problem was a clever idea as well.

Threat: Book 4

Man, this guy who is behind everything really has a vendetta against the unpredictables. I do love that we got to see more of the dynamic with Maddy and guys at the beginning during the break. And I love that Maddy is coming into her own badassery. 

Love that Kendal and the other students who Elliot helped during the last book have all formed a friendship and are rallying together. But Elliot's dad is a jerk, and I'm glad we got to see them interact. 

Hunt: Book 5

Whew. This book was fast-paced and full of twists & turns. The way the unpredictable students were treated just makes my blood boil & reminds me of our very real & human dark history. 

Loved the way that all the guys came together to help Elliot hunt for the bad guy. And the ending was intense. So much was revealed by the fight, but so much was also left unresolved.

Clash: Book 6

What a great conclusion to the series! The way they all fought and trained to go against the bad guy plus gathering others outside of their circle was perfect. I love that the final stand was where it all began.

It was great to learn more about Liam and how Roman grew up. I didn't see the mental attack coming, though. I had a feeling the final showdown was how it ended. I think it really helped Elliot and Roman connect on another level.

That First Date by Jenn McMahon (ARC)

📚ARC Review Time📚
That First Date
(Firsts in the City, Book 2)
By Jenn McMahon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Fake Engagement
Grumpy Sunshine
Billionaire
Opposites Attract

"I've got you"
"I'm not going anywhere"
(Marc Ford is totally swoony)

Ugh these two!! That impromtu photo shoot 🤌🤌!! By far my favorite scene!! These two were just made for each other. The chemistry between them was off the charts and I am so glad we got to read about the storage closet from the Gala.

Talk about opposites attract!! The banter between them was perfect and the way their relationship evolved was the epitome of the Fake Engagement trope. Jenn knocked this out of the park.

1 Last Shot by Nikki Castle (ARC)

📚ARC Review Time📚

1 Last Shot

(Fight Game, Book 4)

By Nikki Castle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶.5

Opposites Attract 

Fighter

Dancer

Broken Boy

Grumpy Sunshine

I knew I would fall in love with Kane from the little we read in 3 Count. But I wasn't prepared for how hard I fell and how much I felt for his character. Isabella learning how to be on her own was refreshing & I love how she saw through Kane's grumpy walls. 

There were so many amazing moments in this story between Kane & Isabella, Kane & the Gym family as well as Kane & Oscar. But I loved how the gym family once again was front & center for their brothers. They really are a found family.

Sinful Enemy by M Robinson (ARC)

📚ARC Review Time📚

Sinful Enemy

(Beckham Dynasty, Book 3)

By M. Robinson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Brothers Best Friend

Cowboy

Friends to Enemies to Lovers

Accidental Pregnacy 

Ledger & Hazel are 🤌. Their banter and tension made for explosive fireworks when they gave in. That night in New York...🔥🔥🔥. But seeing Hazel in the barn loving on Ledgers horse really brought home that she was made for the ranch. 

Their back story and how deeply they cared for each other & Hazel's twin brother really showed how torn Ledger was from the beginning. And I absolutely loved that Hazel knew his mom before the accident and that we saw a glimpse of their relationship.

Bond of Destiny by Tessa Hale

📚Review Time📚

Bond of Destiny 

(Shifting Fates, Book 3)

By Tessa Hale

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Fantasy

Paranormal 

Shifter

Reverse Harem

What a great ending to the series. I loved the way that Rowan stood up for all shifters against a system that wasn't working. Even though she had the power to essentially take a leading role, she wanted the shifters to make that decision. 

The justice that she got against Kaleb was sweet. Plus, the fact that her and Cass kicked ass together at the end was perfect. I loved that Rowan found the true source of her power with her bond mates.

Mark of Stars by Tessa Hale

📚Review Time📚

Mark of Stars

(Shifting Fates, Book 2)

By Tessa Hale

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶.5

Fantasy

Paranormal 

Shifter

Reverse Harem 

Found Family 

Man, Rowan can not catch a break. It is a sad world where people are so greedy. Having to figure out her gifts while wading through the greed of mean girls, power hungry shifters & an adoptive father more concerned with image than well being is a lot to deal with.

I do love Cass and her bond mates. They are just the friends that Rowan and the guys need. The quad was another fresh take on the shifter council. It's hard to tell who is being manipulative and sincere, though. 

Spark of Fate by Tessa Hale

📚Review Time📚

Spark of  Fate

(Shifting Fates, Book 1)

By Tessa Hale

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶.5

Fantasy 

Paranormal 

Shifter

Reverse Harem

Poor Rowan. Having to go through so much and then having her adopted mom turn on her was heartbreaking. I love how each of the guys had a slightly different reaction to their first touch and that they all had different gifts. The guys are all so different personalities, and they all seemed to have pulled something different in Rowan.

I also loved the idea that the shift only happened once you were near other shifters for a while, but other shifters could smell if you were a shifter. That was a fresh take on the shifting aspect. Also liked the idea that the bond mark just appeared once the bond started, no biting required, and that it would show the number of mates. Another fresh take on the bonding.

This Man Confessed by Jodi Ellen Malpas

📚Review Time📚

This Man Confessed 

(This Man, Book 3)

By Jodi Ellen Malpas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Age Gap

Billionaire

Second Chance

What a great conclusion to this series. Such a whirlwind love affair. I kind of felt sorry for Ava at the wedding, but Jesse made up for it. There were several storylines that could have all led to the ending, but I didn't see that twist coming. 

Paradise sounded like it's namesake. And Jesse running into his mum was just sad. Jesse needed to have closure and a chance to heal.  There were so many great potential side characters in this series!! So many opportunities for further stories.

Beneath This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas

📚Review Time📚

Beneath This Man

(This Man, Book 2)

By Jodi Ellen Malpas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Billionaire

Age Gap

Dominate

Whew. What a whirlwind. They make each other crazy and their love is just off the charts. Poor Jesse has no idea how to process the feelings he has because he's never had them. His past was all about drinking and sex with no emotional ties. Now, he is having to maneuver through these feelings. 

Ava is still a bit naive when it comes to the sex club, but I love that she is making Jesse deal with the feelings and not just backing down. Sometimes, you can see the definite age gap with her brattiness and his experience. They have such explosive reactions to each other, both good and bad. 

This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas

📚Review Time📚

This Man

(This Man, Book 1)

By Jodi Ellen Malpas

(New to me Author)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶.5

Billionaire 

Enemies to Lovers

Workplace Romance 

Single POV

Wow, this was a great book from the beginning. The sexual tension between Jesse and Ava was palpable. Ava comes off a bit naive with her assumption that the Manor is a posh hotel.  Kate is a good friend, and even though she knows she should support Ava's decisions, she knows she needs to push her like a true friend would.

Jesse is the Alpha of Alphas. He is domineering and will not take no for an answer. Which, in Ava's case, is a good thing as she wants him but won't let herself. I'm curious to see where the Matt angle goes in the next book.

Big Bossy Trouble by Lilian Monroe

📚Review Time📚

Big Bossy Trouble

(Manhattan Billionaires, Book 2)

By Lilian Monroe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Billionaire 

Single Dad

Nanny

Accidental Pregnacy 

Layla & Leif are such a great couple. They both help balance each other. The connection between them was electric. I love that Layla helped Leif see he really wasn't happy with the life that he had been living. 

Layla is such a strong and independent woman. She is such a great example to her sister. Taking care of her sister & grandparents without thinking of herself is so selfless. She worked so hard to manage everything that it was so sweet to see her finally go after something for herself. But the best part was seeing Leif fight for Layla not just in words but in actions. 

Big Bossy Mistake by Lilian Monroe

📚Review Time📚

Big Bossy Mistake

(Manhattan Billionaires, Book 1)

By Lilian Monroe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Billionaire

Single Dad

Nanny

Accidental Pregnacy 

A complete comedy of errors. They way everything happens for Dani and Emil makes you want to believe in fate. But it also left them each open for doubt. Dani is such a strong woman to be able to leave her old life behind and protect herself. But that also leaves her lonely until Bonnie. 

The way that both Dani and Emil change for each other without really meaning to or noticing is sweet. Dani starts to trust again, and Emil opens himself up to love of not just Dani but his children, friends, and family. 

Fearless Souls by KC Kean

📚Review Time📚

Fearless Souls

(Saints Academy, Book 4)

By KC Kean

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Fantasy 

Paranormal 

Reverse Harem 

Found Family 

Second chances

What a great ending to Rhea's story. Even with openings for further stories & a few loose ends, it settled the Zellus issue. I loved that throughout this book, Rhea learned so much about her mom and how much she actually was involved with her childhood. 

The fact that everyone came together to fight for their children and hopefully save others was admirable. Loved the Harmonia twist there and can't wait to read her story. 

Vicious Souls by KC Kean

📚Review Time📚

Vicious Souls

(Saints Academy, Book 3)

By KC Kean

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶🌶🌶🌶.5

Fantasy 

Paranormal 

Reverse Harem

Found Family

The angst, tension, and pull between Rhea and Khaos was palpable. Which made them giving in to each other even more 🤌. Not to mention, the location was a big in your face moment. 

I love how much they helped each other learn about their gifts. The full moon with Xander was a great look into his shifter family, too. I want to be Zen's mom when I grow up. She is one badass mama. The fact that Rhea takes care of not just her men but her friends during everything shows what a good heart she has.

Damaged Souls by KC Kean

📚Review Time📚

Damaged Souls

(Saints Academy, Book 2)

By KC Kean

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶🌶🌶🌶.5

Fantasy

Paranormal 

Reverse Harem

Soul Mates

Holy smokes, what a great book. From beginning to end, there was drama, deceit, hidden agendas, sexy sessions, and twists to the plot. But even amid all the strife, Rhea has found her family and made friends who are loyal and trustworthy.

I feel so much for Khaos and his internal struggles with his relationship with Rhea and not giving his mother a chance to hurt Rhea. I am swooning so hard for Zen and his calm persona publicly and his Dom-like qualities in the bedroom. And that hospital/medward scene...🔥🔥🔥.