📚 Our Book Picks for the Week of Feb 14th
💎 Cold Hard Cash by K.L. Hiers
🌹 Pakhan's Rose by V.F. Mason
👹 Beast Horde Trilogy Boxset by Cari Silverwood
🐾 Pooch Planet by M.M. Wilde
⚔️ Sleeping With Shadows by Rachel Hailey
🤫 Dangerous Little Secrets by Elle Thorpe
See all of our reviews and recommendations
Cold Hard Cash by K.L. HiersDescription:
When you owe money to a powerful mafia kingpin, you find a way to pay it back or you get hurt, and the only thing twenty-six-year-old Jimmy Poe has to offer a man like Boss Cold is himself. Cold agrees to give Jimmy a chance to have his debt cancelled, but it will mean surrendering his body to Cold’s rough, ruthless demands every night until the very last penny has been repaid.
Over the coming days, Jimmy learns what it means to be truly mastered, and Cold’s stern dominance arouses him far more intensely than he would have thought possible. But as their business arrangement grows into a romance, can Cold keep Jimmy safe in his dangerous world?
Publisher’s Note: Cold Hard Cash includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
Our Thoughts 💭:
Perfectly Imperfect 💖I wasn't sure what to expect going into this.
New author, New series, and the Blurb?
It listed a few of my favorite tropes
Mafia - om\ym - a touch taboo - action - suspense
And it didn't disappoint!
This was a balance of all the above with the added bonus of a splash of humor, a dash of mystery, and the sweetest capitulation
There is violence and some bloodshed but that's expected in a mafia read (just an FYI)
Jimmy is young and a touch "excitable" 😅 and still believes in fairy tales. I really liked his character. He was just ... IDK how to describe him honestly - I wanted to wrap him in bubble wrap - protect that enthusiasm from the real world.
I enjoyed his honesty (couldn't lie his way of a wet paper bag) and where he lacked in street smarts he more than made up for in book smarts
Cold - his name describes him - He isn't ruthless just for chit and giggles. He paid his dues. He has made a name for himself. He is calculated, looks at things from all angles, prefers to avoid bloodshed when possible.
But if you touch what is his? Harm what is his?
There is nothing that will save you.
I don't want to risk spoiling anything - the 'why's' are a big reveal in the story line IMO
Young Jimmy has borrowed a lot of money from his pseudo father Maury ( I really really liked Maury the mouth 👄 he was so in your face) and was paying him back slowly ... Snail 🐌 pace slowly ... Things were fine until Cold bought the contracts.
Now Jimmy needs to come up with the money and quick if he wants to avoid being burned (you will get this when you delve into the story)
And that is how our story starts
Plenty of twists, bloodshed, the usual betrayals and some pretty significant "OMG did not see that coming" moments.
I don't know if I would define this as a dark read for me - keep in mind though I do spend a lot of time in the darker end of the romance pool so ... 🤷
The relationship between Cold and Jimmy, for me, was pretty spot on. I liked the back and forth. I enjoyed how Jimmy just sort of fell head over heels.
I am excited to see where our cast goes from here
#coldhardcash #gayfiction #MM #mafiaromance #gothic #LGBT #romanticsuspense #KLHiers
Amazon
Pakhan's Rose by V.F. MasonDescription:
She was mine.
Mine.
No one else’s
He is the pakhan of the Russian Bratva.
She is the Cosa Nostra princess.
All she wants is freedom.
All he wants is her.
But Bratva and Cosa Nostra don’t mix.
Two dangerous leaders.
Two powerful mafia houses.
It’s a war.
And there will be only one winner.
Our Thoughts 💭:
😱 what just happenedThis is Dom and Rosa's story
Hold on because everything you thought you knew about the brothers is about to be challenged
I knew Mason would twist the dagger a bit more when she gave us Dom's story
He suffered longer
Lost so many years
Never came to terms with what happened
And WOW did she deliver
Fast-paced edge of your seat action
Emotional spins that will leave scars
Betrayal that will have you tempted to throw your reader
(don't because then you won't get to read how this ends)
A couple of WTH happened moment's that will leave you feeling a bit lost
And a love that stands against the opposition
This ends in a twist - pay attention to what doesn't happen 😎 and what is "thought" but not said
I need to know what happens next
#pakhansrose #bratva #cosanostra #thriller #mafia #romance #duet #vfmason
Amazon
Beast Horde Trilogy Boxset by Cari Silverwood
These are snippets of my thoughts after reading each of the books
Vargr
What an explosive start to a new series.
Silverwood blends dystopian, steampunk, sci-fi, and genetic engineering into a wildly diverse and entertaining universe that never fails to capture and entertain (and maybe kinda sorta stimulate 😉 )
"Here be more than darkness. The times were...macabre, yet one could not survive by defining in anger and turmoil, in musing of the coming end times, it would destroy you. "
Cyn Is that heroine that we all love. She kicks some serious arse when needs be. She is smart and witty, yet she still radiates a vulnerability that had me wanting to reach in and protect her.
She wakes to the mouth of a Ghoul Lord and decides ... NOPE, not happening. I do not want to give away anything because I am of the firm belief that even the littlest of scenes can be a game-changer for the reader. That being said I can promise you lots of action - A lot of twisted mystery and WTH moments - A bit of angst - some seriously hot smexy scenes and complete and total satisfaction.
Rutger
"This world was full of uncertainties. Worry when things landed in your lap, not before. "
And Cyn has reason to worry!
"No matter how big and strong one might be, feelings existed. Everyone hurt."
Easier to destroy what we don't understand.
Yeah, I'm a bit mad, at Willow as well.
I don't want to give spoilers a lot happens in this episode. Some good, some sad, some pretty fricking on the edge 'OMG' heart in my throat moments.
Want to toss in here that we get to meet some new characters. One whom I like a whole lot. He is a rock-solid kind of guy.
The journey for our little heroine is only getting tougher both physically and emotionally. As secrets are revealed and the enemy finds new ways to get smarter (this is awesome by the way!) things take a drastic turn and not for the better.
I am eager to see what happens next
Cyn
In this final episode, our band of mixed genetics and questionable personalities band together to defeat the GL.
Strap on, in, whichever you prefer and hold on tight because things are about to get a bit messy!
The chances for success are marginal at best
Allies are not as forthcoming as once believed (but you know who will fix that problem)
The countdown has begun and time is running out
Bonds are about to be tested and all hands, tentacles wings, and robotic arms will be required if we are to succeed.
But never fear because Cyn is here!
(okay maybe fear a little because she can be quite scary)
Beast Horde Trilogy Boxset by Cari SilverwoodDescription:
Dirty Dystopian Romances with bite, bullets, and beastly men.
THIS ROMANCE BOXSET INCLUDES ALL 3 BOOKS IN THE SERIES - VARGR, RUTGER AND CYN
VARGR
Cyn falls from the top floor of the world into the arms of a winged beaster. She’s forgotten the last five years of her life, the years of the alien invasion - though her body hasn’t forgotten how good a hard man feels under her exploring fingers.
The beast horde was designed to save Earth from the aliens. No one told them they’d also been injected with the remnants of myths and legends.
Time to get dirty among the ruins.
RUTGER
A brutal act by Cyn tore apart the lovers and now she must make amends. She’s going to need her well-muscled beaster males to rein her in, pin her down, and make sure she shoots in the right direction.
Discover the truth about the Maelstrom experiment and where the Beast Horde came from.
CYN
The Ghoul Lords eyes are slowly opening to the fact that the beasters are their first worthwhile foe for a thousand, thousand years.
Will Cyn, her lovers, and the beast horde be enough to save humankind?
Prepare for the apocalypse... and a whole lotta filthy, violent, and steamy fun.
Contains rough, intense sex scenes.
Our Thoughts 💭:
This is all the deviously deliciousness in one place!!These are snippets of my thoughts after reading each of the books
Vargr
What an explosive start to a new series.
Silverwood blends dystopian, steampunk, sci-fi, and genetic engineering into a wildly diverse and entertaining universe that never fails to capture and entertain (and maybe kinda sorta stimulate 😉 )
"Here be more than darkness. The times were...macabre, yet one could not survive by defining in anger and turmoil, in musing of the coming end times, it would destroy you. "
Cyn Is that heroine that we all love. She kicks some serious arse when needs be. She is smart and witty, yet she still radiates a vulnerability that had me wanting to reach in and protect her.
She wakes to the mouth of a Ghoul Lord and decides ... NOPE, not happening. I do not want to give away anything because I am of the firm belief that even the littlest of scenes can be a game-changer for the reader. That being said I can promise you lots of action - A lot of twisted mystery and WTH moments - A bit of angst - some seriously hot smexy scenes and complete and total satisfaction.
Rutger
"This world was full of uncertainties. Worry when things landed in your lap, not before. "
And Cyn has reason to worry!
"No matter how big and strong one might be, feelings existed. Everyone hurt."
Easier to destroy what we don't understand.
Yeah, I'm a bit mad, at Willow as well.
I don't want to give spoilers a lot happens in this episode. Some good, some sad, some pretty fricking on the edge 'OMG' heart in my throat moments.
Want to toss in here that we get to meet some new characters. One whom I like a whole lot. He is a rock-solid kind of guy.
The journey for our little heroine is only getting tougher both physically and emotionally. As secrets are revealed and the enemy finds new ways to get smarter (this is awesome by the way!) things take a drastic turn and not for the better.
I am eager to see what happens next
Cyn
In this final episode, our band of mixed genetics and questionable personalities band together to defeat the GL.
Strap on, in, whichever you prefer and hold on tight because things are about to get a bit messy!
The chances for success are marginal at best
Allies are not as forthcoming as once believed (but you know who will fix that problem)
The countdown has begun and time is running out
Bonds are about to be tested and all hands, tentacles wings, and robotic arms will be required if we are to succeed.
But never fear because Cyn is here!
(okay maybe fear a little because she can be quite scary)
#BeastHorde #boxset #dark #dystopian #scifi #romance #carisilverwood
Amazon
Pooch Planet by M.M. Wilde
Sooooo (just a second in trying to contain my giggles and type my thoughts)
I'm not sure how to describe this
I can with all assurity recommend Pooch Planet
If you are looking for a light-hearted read that is guaranteed to make you laugh, stimulate all those feel zones and leaving you feeling sated - This is it!
Pooch planet was filled with every pun (I'm losing my battle with the giggle containment) that is dog 🐕 gone possible however instead of being annoying it just made it that much more endearing
Planet Pooch served up a rock solid cast (a bit of a pun)
An abundance of sweetness
A touch of jealousy and a sprinkle of mystery (I am not sure what to call our problem)
I didn't even know this series existed - not sure how I missed it - but you can bet your last kibble I'll be reading the earlier episodes from the series.
It's a standalone if your wanting to try without the commitment
😉
Pooch Planet by M.M. WildeDescription:
What’s a pooch to do when he falls in love with a gargoyle?
On Pooch Planet, Chiweenie shifter Benji has been tasked with helping to guard Small Breed Village. A murderous beast has invaded the local forest, and for the first time in the dog shifter realm, they’re in fear for their lives from a mysterious killer. Benji is feisty and tough, but he’s also on the verge of his first heat. Talk about bad timing!
Gargoyle Antoine heads the military police division of the G-Force Federation. He’s been tracking a vicious alien from Hades Galaxy that’s been terrorizing several worlds under the protection of the Federation. If the fearsome predator eats its way through the inhabitants of Pooch Planet before Antoine can save them, he will have failed as both a guardian and gargoyle.
When Antoine lands on the remote world, he meets an adorable little shifter who captivates him. Even though he’s been promised a gargoyle mate he’s never met back on Old Earth, something about Benji calls to Antoine’s stone heart. Antoine finds himself in quite the predicament—one he never could’ve anticipated when he accepted his mission.
But the evil that has invaded Pooch Planet might make the decision for him if he can’t rescue his sweet Chiweenie…
Author’s Note: Pooch Planet is Book Four in the multi-author G-Force Federation mpreg, sci-fi series. Each book in the series can be read in any order. Join the G-Force Federation gargoyle warriors as they embark on their mission to protect and serve the Federation and possibly find their fated mates. If you like adorable shifters, hunky gargoyles and sci-fi action with lots of fluffy feels, then take a trip to Pooch Planet!
Our Thoughts 💭:
Out of this world funSooooo (just a second in trying to contain my giggles and type my thoughts)
I'm not sure how to describe this
I can with all assurity recommend Pooch Planet
If you are looking for a light-hearted read that is guaranteed to make you laugh, stimulate all those feel zones and leaving you feeling sated - This is it!
Pooch planet was filled with every pun (I'm losing my battle with the giggle containment) that is dog 🐕 gone possible however instead of being annoying it just made it that much more endearing
Planet Pooch served up a rock solid cast (a bit of a pun)
An abundance of sweetness
A touch of jealousy and a sprinkle of mystery (I am not sure what to call our problem)
I didn't even know this series existed - not sure how I missed it - but you can bet your last kibble I'll be reading the earlier episodes from the series.
It's a standalone if your wanting to try without the commitment
😉
#poochplanet #gforcefederation #MM #scifi #mpreg #shifter #romance #mmwilde
Amazon
Sleeping With Shadows by Rachel Hailey
When I first picked this up I figured it would be a solid read - nothing I would shun my adulting duties for mind you.
It had a catchy blurb and that cover spoke to me.
This started as I was expecting, I was still easily able to adult and read. Then suddenly a little after the first chapter, all chaos broke loose, and the idea of adulting for the rest of the day?
GONE!
I was not setting this down until I helped Ashe and Callie!
I'm sooooo not spoiling all the fantastic surprises and hidden Easter eggs that are contained within these pages
Sleeping with Shadows has it all
The myth
The magic
The enchantment
This was why I fell in love with the fantasy genre!
"Great, she had to run through the woods to stop a fanged water horse from eating a giant bear. I miss the days when my life was ruled by sanity."
Callie is the perfect heroine! She is soft, cold, broken, strong, vicious, hungry, wanton, needy, and so much more!
(It will all make sense as everything unravels - Have a little faith)
Ashe you smexy devil you have your own skeletons hiding in the shadows.
Shayne kind of sorta pissed me off toward the end
Diana is an absolute blast
The supporting cast was just as much a part of the story as our two main characters
Each one vivid and enchanting in their own way
The universe is dimensional takes place a bit over a 100 yrs in the future so you have the urban feel while still getting the enchanting world behind the veil
From sarcastic comedy to heart-pounding suspense tapered with a bit of romance this little bunch kept me on my toes with every turn of the page
I do hope we get more from this court!
Sleeping With Shadows by Rachel HaileyDescription:
Once The King of Nightmares, Ashe lost everything when he was betrayed. Released from prison, he’s got one goal: Stay Free. To make that happen he’ll have to rescue the girl who stole his crown while saving the court he’d rather see burn. But he can’t do it alone. He needs Callie.
Abused, neglected, and finally shunned by The Court of Light, Callie is done with court politics. It’s just too damned bad Ashe doesn’t care. He’s arrogant, manipulative, and dangerous. Everything she’s been taught to fear. It would be so easy to hate him, but the sadness in his gaze calls to her heart, and his touch awakens her own darkness. She has never wanted anyone more.
Callie is Ashe’s darkest desire, but to earn his freedom and prevent the destruction of humanity, she must embrace the destiny that will keep them apart. But is the safety of the world worth losing the kind of love he’s only dreamed of?
Our Thoughts 💭:
A fast-paced Magical, action-packed ball to the wall read that any fantasy lover will enjoyWhen I first picked this up I figured it would be a solid read - nothing I would shun my adulting duties for mind you.
It had a catchy blurb and that cover spoke to me.
This started as I was expecting, I was still easily able to adult and read. Then suddenly a little after the first chapter, all chaos broke loose, and the idea of adulting for the rest of the day?
GONE!
I was not setting this down until I helped Ashe and Callie!
I'm sooooo not spoiling all the fantastic surprises and hidden Easter eggs that are contained within these pages
Sleeping with Shadows has it all
The myth
The magic
The enchantment
This was why I fell in love with the fantasy genre!
"Great, she had to run through the woods to stop a fanged water horse from eating a giant bear. I miss the days when my life was ruled by sanity."
Callie is the perfect heroine! She is soft, cold, broken, strong, vicious, hungry, wanton, needy, and so much more!
(It will all make sense as everything unravels - Have a little faith)
Ashe you smexy devil you have your own skeletons hiding in the shadows.
Shayne kind of sorta pissed me off toward the end
Diana is an absolute blast
The supporting cast was just as much a part of the story as our two main characters
Each one vivid and enchanting in their own way
The universe is dimensional takes place a bit over a 100 yrs in the future so you have the urban feel while still getting the enchanting world behind the veil
From sarcastic comedy to heart-pounding suspense tapered with a bit of romance this little bunch kept me on my toes with every turn of the page
I do hope we get more from this court!
#sleepingwithshadows #fantasy #occult #horror #fairytale #rachelhailey
Amazon Kobo Nook Google Apple
Dangerous Little Secrets by Elle Thorpe
Deep breath in
Deep breath out
You can do this
Everything just fell apart!
This is book two in the series and just like book one, this closes on an almighty HOLY COW revelation sort of cliffy ...
The journey that got us to the above mentioned cliffy was emotionally crippling at times, light-hearted at others - I must warn you to be prepared to feel exhausted when it comes time to close the pages - this was a tough one
As everything unraveled and the antagonist(s) got even eviler - truly I can not think of a better description -
Lacey's world is turned upside down and she is left clamoring to find some sort of normal in her new reality
Was it all lies?
Is she just a pawn in a bigger game?
Does she truly know the men whos arms provide her comfort?
I need a moment to catch my breath
Slow my beating heart
and I need the next in series
#dangerouslittlesecrets #saintviewhigh #newadult #reverseharem #bullyromance #ellethorpe
Dangerous Little Secrets by Elle ThorpeDescription:
Less than twenty-four hours ago, I’d stood right here, wearing that dress, telling a boy I loved him.
Oh, how the mighty fell.
They betrayed me.
Three boys I thought I knew.
Leaving me with the one I thought I hated most.
It was him who carried my broken, beaten body. Him who cleaned my wounds and held me tight.
The prince to my princess.
Lies.
I won’t be that girl anymore. The one who fell for their smooth words and smoldering looks.
Colt is key to never being her again.
There’s still a killer on the loose.
Still a murder left unsolved.
Still three boys who own my heart.
But some dangerous little secrets are better left buried.
His is one of them.
Dangerous Little Secrets is the story of three bad boys and a girl who knows how to stand her ground. It is a mature high school/new adult, #whychoose romance, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This book contains enemies-to-lovers and bullying themes. It is the second book in an ongoing trilogy and cannot be read as a standalone. Book 1 is Devious Little Liars.
Our Thoughts 💭:
Breathe!!!Deep breath in
Deep breath out
You can do this
Everything just fell apart!
This is book two in the series and just like book one, this closes on an almighty HOLY COW revelation sort of cliffy ...
The journey that got us to the above mentioned cliffy was emotionally crippling at times, light-hearted at others - I must warn you to be prepared to feel exhausted when it comes time to close the pages - this was a tough one
As everything unraveled and the antagonist(s) got even eviler - truly I can not think of a better description -
Lacey's world is turned upside down and she is left clamoring to find some sort of normal in her new reality
Was it all lies?
Is she just a pawn in a bigger game?
Does she truly know the men whos arms provide her comfort?
I need a moment to catch my breath
Slow my beating heart
and I need the next in series
#dangerouslittlesecrets #saintviewhigh #newadult #reverseharem #bullyromance #ellethorpe
Author Links
Twitter:
@Author_VFMason @CariSilverwood @Rachel_Hailey @ellethorpebooks
Instagram:
@kl_hiers @authorvfmason @rachel_hailey_writes @ellethorpebooks
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