📚 Our Book Picks for the Week 📚
Reviews and Recommendations
Oct. 18th
🩸 Iblis’ Affliction by Nero Seal
🖤 Heart Thief by Ker Dukey
🍷 Control: XXX Vadim Book 1 by Lana Sky
🔗 Pure by Julia Payton
😼 Taken by the Imp by Sharon Buchbinder
💖 Stirred by Charity Ferrell
See all of our reviews and recommendations
Iblis’ Affliction by Nero SealBlurb:
“If you sleep with the Devil, don’t expect to get out of hell.”
DEMANDING. NEEDY. DANGEROUS. Slater is everything Talha doesn’t want but everything the crime lord needs. The bloodiest ripper of Anatolia, nicknamed Iblīs, kills for him and warms his bed. Stuck in a power play and a loveless, symbiotic relationship, Talha knows that if he shows weakness, he will fall at the hand of his own weapon.
THIRST FOR BLOOD, SEX, AND PAIN. It drives Slater crazy. Only Talha can soothe the deep ache that grows stronger every day. Slater allows Master to think he is in charge until Talha cheats by changing the rules of their game. But Master doesn’t grasp that there’s no escape from Iblīs’ affliction.
Our Thoughts 💭:
10 deliciously depraved and dying starsI don't even know where to start!
First - No Spoilers
Next - if crispy craniums and crimson-colored holiday ornaments make you queasy this may not be for you
Now how can I share how positively giddy this read made me feel?
Don't get me twisted - I cried a few of those silent tears because Iblis ...
He was deadly but he was also a bit like a puppy - playful, energetic, protective, and prone to piddle on your rug.
I also found myself cringing quite a few times - Iblis was good at what he did
And last but most important I smiled - sure the scenes probably weren't meant to be '"cute" but then again 🤷♀️
The back and forth between Talha and Slater?
It was... explosive 💣
It almost seems to temper a description.
Slater pushed and pushed until finally, Talha exploded.
Manipulative?
Maybe.
But if you want results sometimes you have to make sacrifices
The Hunt??
I think this scene is what truly endeared me to Slater.
Again... Yes, I'm aware he isn't quite stable but it's not his fault.
He just needs a stern hand, a little love, and a strong steel cage or a strong leash
I have so much I want to say so I'm going to step back and gather myself
☝️ I did that and I can only say if you enjoy your reads a bit twisted with that edge of psychological foreplay this is for you
#iblisaffliction #dark #horror #lgbt #mmromance #ku #neroseal
Amazon
Heart Thief by Ker Dukey
A warped tyrant - A taboo desire - A deadly puzzle
Seriously though this would have made a five-star full length read
There were so many possibilities within this story. So many smaller threads that could have been woven into the overall tapestry.
I was hooked right from the promise of a better life.
I was so invested...
When it wrapped up I just wasn't sated.
Mona was an inquisitive young woman. Curious of both mind and body. She was still young and a stranger to much about the outside world but not blinded by her naivety - a touch of dark to curb the innocence. She refused to become another mindless flock member. She wanted that tingle that came with true love and she wanted answers.
Cash and Colt complimented her perfectly - feeding her curiosity and sating her desires.
I was wrong about who done it but not who assisted.
You'll see.
A great addition to the sinister collection
Heart Thief by Ker DukeyBlurb:
Monsters come in many forms.
Some want shiny new toys to play with—others want blood.
Mona Walters dreams of adventure, of a world beyond the shoreline she’s confined to. She yearns for vibrancy in her dull, mundane existence, but succumbs to the bleakness.
Until the necklace her sister wore the night she was brutally murdered shows up on her door wrapped in a neat bow, fueling her to run away and seek out the person responsible for stealing her sister’s life.
Mona wished for more—for color in her gray world.
What she didn’t realize was just how much more she would get.
And that the world outside her own was soaked in red—blood red.
The world she dreamed of is made of nightmares.
A rich, influential world of two brothers—and once they have her in their sights, they plan to keep her there.
Her father kept her secluded for a reason.
Be careful what you wish for.
There's a thief out there, and he's coming for Mona's heart.
Our Thoughts 💭:
3.6 Island dreams 🏝 A warped tyrant - A taboo desire - A deadly puzzle
Seriously though this would have made a five-star full length read
There were so many possibilities within this story. So many smaller threads that could have been woven into the overall tapestry.
I was hooked right from the promise of a better life.
I was so invested...
When it wrapped up I just wasn't sated.
Mona was an inquisitive young woman. Curious of both mind and body. She was still young and a stranger to much about the outside world but not blinded by her naivety - a touch of dark to curb the innocence. She refused to become another mindless flock member. She wanted that tingle that came with true love and she wanted answers.
Cash and Colt complimented her perfectly - feeding her curiosity and sating her desires.
I was wrong about who done it but not who assisted.
You'll see.
A great addition to the sinister collection
#heartthief #sinisterfailrytales #romanticsuspense #kindleunlimited #kerdukey
Amazon
Control: XXX Vadim Book 1 by Lana Sky
this ends on a very big revelation
I was curious about Vadim especially after meeting him in Maxim's story.
I knew after the incident (don't want to risk spoiling) with Maxim at the end of the last book there was so much more to him...
Secrets I wanted to be revealed
This is the first book in his story and I think Sky did a solid job of creating a foundation for what is to come. This was a bit slow for me in the beginning but as it progressed I clicked with the characters.
Tiffany has had enough.
It is time to take back her life and be Free.
Free of the bonds of being the Pastors wife, the Perfect daughter, enough Paying for the sins of her youth.
And she is starting with a vacation of debauchery.
Absolutely have to love 💘that not only did she divorce the dead weight but it seems she also freed herself of her brain to mouth 👄filter.
It was refreshing to have a female lead that was so forthcoming.
I was a bit taken aback by Tiffany's drinking. I didn't have a problem with her taking a no holds barred experimental vacation. After the life she lived (revealed as the story progresses) she deserved it. Just the wine thing, bugged me these were some major life choices and making them while intoxicated?
And Vadim... I knew there was so much more to him.
He comes across as cold and detached but you can see the little boy hiding behind the walls, seeking something...
He is taking back his life.
He has a plan, but for it to work he needs a wife.
And who better than the little redhead minx that pushes all his buttons? That tests his control?
Practice makes perfect -
Maxim still gets my hackles up ughhh he can be so blind
Wait for it - once everything begins to fall into place -
When part of the past is revealed -I was a bit blown away here I have so many questions
Right when things get real...
Amazon
Control: XXX Vadim Book 1 by Lana SkyBlurb:
A desperate divorcee on the hunt for some no-strings kinky fun.
A brooding, sexy billionaire with a penchant for manipulation and mind games...
What could possibly go wrong?
Brother of the fiercest crime lord in Fair Haven, Vadim Gorgoshev has survived horrors most men couldn’t imagine in their nightmares—and he’s learned to thrive in the chaos.
But the master of control meets his match when a fiery redhead crosses his path.
Will the obsessive Vadim maintain the upper hand or will the reckless Tiffany turn his world upside down?
Control is the first book in a new trilogy in the Club XXX world. Vadim’s trilogy can be enjoyed without first reading Maxim’s trilogy or read as a continuation to Maxim's series.
Our Thoughts 💭:
I need book two -- like yesterday!!! this ends on a very big revelation
I was curious about Vadim especially after meeting him in Maxim's story.
I knew after the incident (don't want to risk spoiling) with Maxim at the end of the last book there was so much more to him...
Secrets I wanted to be revealed
This is the first book in his story and I think Sky did a solid job of creating a foundation for what is to come. This was a bit slow for me in the beginning but as it progressed I clicked with the characters.
Tiffany has had enough.
It is time to take back her life and be Free.
Free of the bonds of being the Pastors wife, the Perfect daughter, enough Paying for the sins of her youth.
And she is starting with a vacation of debauchery.
Absolutely have to love 💘that not only did she divorce the dead weight but it seems she also freed herself of her brain to mouth 👄filter.
It was refreshing to have a female lead that was so forthcoming.
I was a bit taken aback by Tiffany's drinking. I didn't have a problem with her taking a no holds barred experimental vacation. After the life she lived (revealed as the story progresses) she deserved it. Just the wine thing, bugged me these were some major life choices and making them while intoxicated?
And Vadim... I knew there was so much more to him.
He comes across as cold and detached but you can see the little boy hiding behind the walls, seeking something...
He is taking back his life.
He has a plan, but for it to work he needs a wife.
And who better than the little redhead minx that pushes all his buttons? That tests his control?
Practice makes perfect -
Maxim still gets my hackles up ughhh he can be so blind
Wait for it - once everything begins to fall into place -
When part of the past is revealed -I was a bit blown away here I have so many questions
Right when things get real...
#control #vadim #billionaire #romance #kindleunlimited #lanasky
Amazon
Pure by Julia Payton
Maxim was a bit of conundrum IMO. He is known to be ruthless to take what he wants no matter the damage left in his wake. Iolanthe is what he wants and he finally has acquired her. The dark overlord? He has a marshmallow heart. He is so obsessed with her (there is a whole story behind this) but he wants her to come to him. To want him as much as he wants her. I admit here is where he seems to have his problem. He sorely lacks at wooing. Kidnapping he excels at. Mixed messages he is good at. Wooing No.
Iolanthe is a bit on the whiny side. The girl comes across all street smart in the beginning but then it is like she just... IDK her decisions suck!
The story starts out strong and had me engaged then it just stopped moving forward. It was like we were just repeating the same day with slight alterations over and over. I just wasn't able to connect with the characters. There was a lack of emotion almost as if the acts were scripted between them (I know it's a book you know what I mean). I almost gave up but again something kept me curious.
Suddenly much later in the story, things began to click. The story moved forward Why's and How's began appearing ...
Then it ended
Yes it ends on a cliffy but be honest it is a series and I expect that
I am actually going to move forward with this series even though this first book was only ok.
I hope that the ending development carries over into the second book
Pure by Julia PaytonBlurb:
She’s been taken against her will…
The Colonel, Maxim, is the ruler of the Ruins in what used to be New York. After a post-apocalyptic event nothing is and will never be the same. He rules with an iron fist and has the final say in all things. He takes what he wants when he wants. Now is the time for him to take Iolanthe. He’s watched her from afar for years, now she will belong to him.
Iolanthe has grown up homeless on the streets with her mother as her only companion. It’s been a dangerous life, to say the least. The fact that she is a Pure only complicates matters and has been her most guarded secret. Her mother’s warnings always in her mind. But, now her mother is dead and she’s been taken by the Colonel. What will happen now?
This is book one in the Colonel’s Conquest series and includes a sneak peek at book two.
Publisher’s Note: This dark dystopian romance is not a wine and flowers romance. It’s a journey of discovery by the hero and heroine with all the rough edges exposed. Take the journey if you dare, you’ll be glad you did. This sci-fi story contains elements of danger, suspense, mystery, power exchange, non-consent, adult themes and possible triggers.
Our Thoughts 💭:
I really enjoyed the universe that this story took place in I just wish we had been given a stronger foundation. More of the why's and how's. I needed something to tether me.Maxim was a bit of conundrum IMO. He is known to be ruthless to take what he wants no matter the damage left in his wake. Iolanthe is what he wants and he finally has acquired her. The dark overlord? He has a marshmallow heart. He is so obsessed with her (there is a whole story behind this) but he wants her to come to him. To want him as much as he wants her. I admit here is where he seems to have his problem. He sorely lacks at wooing. Kidnapping he excels at. Mixed messages he is good at. Wooing No.
Iolanthe is a bit on the whiny side. The girl comes across all street smart in the beginning but then it is like she just... IDK her decisions suck!
The story starts out strong and had me engaged then it just stopped moving forward. It was like we were just repeating the same day with slight alterations over and over. I just wasn't able to connect with the characters. There was a lack of emotion almost as if the acts were scripted between them (I know it's a book you know what I mean). I almost gave up but again something kept me curious.
Suddenly much later in the story, things began to click. The story moved forward Why's and How's began appearing ...
Then it ended
Yes it ends on a cliffy but be honest it is a series and I expect that
I am actually going to move forward with this series even though this first book was only ok.
I hope that the ending development carries over into the second book
#pure #darkromance #dystopian #gothic #fantasy #kindleunlimited #juliapayton
Amazon
Taken by the Imp by Sharon Buchbinder
Another magical addition to Cats Paw Cove
Dexter is a recluse - not by choice mind you
But necessity -
See he can hear 👂 your every thought
Everyone's thoughts
And as you can imagine it's enough to drive a man insane 😵
But never you fear
Grandma has returned to set things right
Ynez is a queen 👑 in the kitchen it's how she shares her love 💘
She has such a giving ❤ heart and she has found that food is a great way to share comfort and hope
When she discovers the inns newest resident needs a helping hand
Well she's all in
Doesn't hurt he's uber-sexy and almost childlike in his lust for life
As things click between them everything else begins to unravel
Can Dexter find a way to quiet the voices?
What's the brownie up too?
Are all grandma's this good at keeping secrets?
The answers to those questions and so much more await you here in Cat's Paw cove
Come on in don't be shy
Taken by the Imp by Sharon BuchbinderBlurb:
Can a jinni and a warlock cook up a better way to help the poor?
Dexter Graham has no trouble making money as a financial wizard—as long as he doesn’t leave his home. He finds it nearly impossible to be with other people, because he’s a telepath who gets swamped by their thoughts. Prompted by an unexpected visitor from the past who reveals shocking family secrets, he takes a risk and visits his brother in Cat’s Paw Cove. Will the trip make things better or worse?
Ynez Saghira is a gifted chef at the Feline Fine Retirement Home who yearns to be financially independent and open her own café. She has lots of talent and creative ideas but lacks the capital to start her own business. What’s a poor imp to do?
Dexter and Ynez join forces to quiet the voices in his head, build her business, and ferret out family mysteries. Will the secrets draw them closer together or push them apart?
Our Thoughts 💭:
Talking cats Mischievous Jin Another magical addition to Cats Paw Cove
Dexter is a recluse - not by choice mind you
But necessity -
See he can hear 👂 your every thought
Everyone's thoughts
And as you can imagine it's enough to drive a man insane 😵
But never you fear
Grandma has returned to set things right
Ynez is a queen 👑 in the kitchen it's how she shares her love 💘
She has such a giving ❤ heart and she has found that food is a great way to share comfort and hope
When she discovers the inns newest resident needs a helping hand
Well she's all in
Doesn't hurt he's uber-sexy and almost childlike in his lust for life
As things click between them everything else begins to unravel
Can Dexter find a way to quiet the voices?
What's the brownie up too?
Are all grandma's this good at keeping secrets?
The answers to those questions and so much more await you here in Cat's Paw cove
Come on in don't be shy
#takenbytheimp #catspawcove #paranormal #cozymystery #kindleunlimited #sharonbuchbinder
Amazon
Stirred by Charity Ferrell
Cohen was young when his heart was ripped out and stomped on the first time. It taught him a valuable lesson , one that stayed with him. Until a doe eyed fiery ball called Jamie came crashing back into his world.
It was serendipitous that Noah and Cohen were dropped into Jamie's world. Slowly both became an intrinsic part of her everyday life. Now she must choose between appeasing her family or her heart. No matter which choice she makes she is aware someone will be hurt.
Cohen let her in!
Jamie sometimes you have to follow your heart, even if it might be against the grain.
Hey Heather we can see the ugly
Noah you can have all the cupcakes your little heart desires.
This was a fun, emotional and at times a touch stressful second chance at first love.
I promise it's not as confusing as it sounds.
The slow build between Cohen and Jamie was ,for me, what made this story so easy to fall into.
You spend that kind of time getting to know someone, sharing moments both good and bad.
You are bound to catch feelings.
Especially when the seed was already present.
#stirred #twistedfox #newadult #romance #charityferrell
Stirred by Charity FerrellBlurb:
I don’t want him.
I can’t do this.
That’s what my ex said after our son was born, leaving me a single dad.
These days, my world consists of two things: Noah and my bar.
Until her—the woman I want —but can never have.
My ex’s sister wasn’t supposed to be stirred into the mix.
Even though I try to push her away, my son falls in love with her.
As much as I want to keep my distance, I can’t break his heart.
Lines become blurred, and fighting our attraction becomes nearly impossible.
Even though we know it’s wrong, desire doesn’t always fade away.
As soon as we cross that line, nothing will be the same and everything will fall apart.
And it does.
Our Thoughts 💭:
Life has its own pulse - Its own timelineCohen was young when his heart was ripped out and stomped on the first time. It taught him a valuable lesson , one that stayed with him. Until a doe eyed fiery ball called Jamie came crashing back into his world.
It was serendipitous that Noah and Cohen were dropped into Jamie's world. Slowly both became an intrinsic part of her everyday life. Now she must choose between appeasing her family or her heart. No matter which choice she makes she is aware someone will be hurt.
Cohen let her in!
Jamie sometimes you have to follow your heart, even if it might be against the grain.
Hey Heather we can see the ugly
Noah you can have all the cupcakes your little heart desires.
This was a fun, emotional and at times a touch stressful second chance at first love.
I promise it's not as confusing as it sounds.
The slow build between Cohen and Jamie was ,for me, what made this story so easy to fall into.
You spend that kind of time getting to know someone, sharing moments both good and bad.
You are bound to catch feelings.
Especially when the seed was already present.
#stirred #twistedfox #newadult #romance #charityferrell
Thank you so much for your lovely review!!💕
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