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Book Thoughts and Recommendations 🧐 Our Picks for the Week of Sept 5th


  📚 Our Book Thoughts and Recommendations


🧩 Pieces of Us by Claudia Y. Burgoa

🍀 Lucky by Rie Warren

🥀 Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🐺 Forbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson

🖤 Resurrection of the Heart by Natasha Knight

🩸 Stay by Autumn Breeze


See all of our reviews and recommendations

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Pieces of Us (Second Chance Sinners, #1)Pieces of Us by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Description:
A sexy, angsty, excruciating emotion MM friends to lovers rockstar romance by USA Today Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa.
The Sinners of Seattle are the only family I knew.
Music brought us together. Tragedy bonded us forever.
That’s where I met Ethan.
Both of us had bad childhoods.
We knew all about unrequited love.
You know what they say, misery loves company.
We shared firsts.
We shared nights.
One of us fell in love. It wasn’t him.
After my world crumbled and the band broke up I spiraled out of control.
Ethan Killion (Kill) became the CEO of a communications conglomerate.
I...I’m trying to stay sober.
It’s so hard when I don’t have a future.
It’s harder when the guy who makes me want to be better is engaged.
He’s marrying someone who can’t understand him.
One call from him becomes a lot more.
He wants to remember what we once had.
I desperately desire him.
Unrequited love can destroy you. I know.
Things get dark between us. Now there’s no stopping it.
I don’t care if I am shattered into pieces.
I just need one last time.
Our Thoughts 💭:
Tissues and Teddy Read!!!
I don't know if I want to cry like a baby or scream at the unfairness of it all
Gawds I feel lost right now
I'm not recapping the blurb
I'm not risking spoilers
I am recommending this as a must-read
"He's the very best bad idea."
Five souls
All a little lost
Form a family on their own
Friendship - Love - Trust
Can their bonds of friendship withstand a world that takes, uses and discards so freely?
Can the secrets they swore to never have between them destroy their world if ever uncovered?
This is Ethan and Zekes story
It will grab you from the opening scene and hold you tight far past the final curtain
Each character was brilliantly crafted - vivid - tangible
They will easily burrow under your skin and lay claim to your heart
You will laugh with them
You will stand with them
And you will cry for them
This is part of a duet.
The closing scene...
Life isn't always fair
#PiecesofUs #SecondChanceSinners #MM #Romance #ClaudiaYBurgoa

Lucky: Dark Irish Mafia Romance (O'Sullivan Brothers, #1)Lucky: Dark Irish Mafia Romance by Rie Warren
Description:
He’s concerned with one thing only: ruling his mafia empire. She’s sworn off men—especially bad ones—for life. Despite their instant hostility, these two are on a hot collision course, and the collateral damage could be catastrophic.
LUCKY
I know all about being down on my luck but, right now, I’m at the top of the mafia food chain, and I don’t intend to let anything, or any woman, get in my way.
Then this broad appears in my casino. Prudence Knight is a straight-up hustler, a card shark who wins hand over fist, and I refuse to be impressed.
With her smartass attitude combined with the angelic looks, she’s begging to be controlled by a mafia man like me.
I don’t plan on taking it easy on Prue. Sure, she’s been through an ordeal, but now she owes me. I’m gonna find a reason to keep her for as long as she serves my purposes. Because, after years of being under my dad’s despicable rule, the only risks I take are the ones I know will benefit me in the end.
PRUDENCE
I’ve been known to be hardheaded and I’m definitely all about my independence. I bust my butt to earn a living and I have no desire to be any man’s pawn. Not even Lucky O’Sullivan’s.
Oh yeah. I’ve heard of him. Who hasn’t? The rumors, the gossip, the mafia myths. He’s said to be an unrepentant killer, and that might be the least of my worries. I hate him at first sight, and the feeling seems to be mutual until he makes me an offer I really should refuse.
Now I owe him, which makes this arrogant mob boss think he owns me. I’m getting in too deep, but at what cost?
Our Thoughts 💭:
I wouldn't really label this as dark (though this is me we are talking about)
There are definitely some scenes that could be triggers for some
For me, the relationship between Lucky and Pru took front and center and the darkness that surrounded them was a necessity to reinforce certain events/actions
Yes, Lucky is 100% a Neanderthal "you mine me mark you" Alpha personality ...
In an ohhhhh so 😋 yummy way though
And the bad guys - of whom there are more than one - are bottom feeder psychos that had me cringing on numerous occasions- icky sicky make my skin crawl
Then there were the strong, independent and on occasion (fine most of the time)stubborn leading ladies - who kept me laughing and cheering on their antics
Pru had trouble accepting help as it usually came with a hefty price tag, one that she couldn't or wouldn't pay
Until Lucky
Derry was an awesome breath of fresh air. I look forward to her story. As well as Damage's and well...
All the brothers honestly
The solid supporting cast that independently and as a whole brought something to the story
A solid start to the series -
🔥Hot as hades chemistry
Suspense, bloodshed, and the violence you expect from a mafia read
Etched with a bit of mystery
All wrapped up with a HEA
For Now
#lucky #dark #irish #mafia #romance #kindleunlimited #riewarren
Amazon

Secret Beast (Beauty and the Beast Trilogy, #1)Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde
Description:
The beast hides a dark secret in his past…
Leo Morelli is known as the Beast of Bishop's Landing for his cruelty. He’ll get revenge on the Constantine family and make millions of dollars in the process. Even it means using an old man who dreams up wild inventions.
The beauty will sacrifice everything for her family...
Haley Constantine will do anything to protect her father. Even trade her body for his life. The college student must spend thirty days with the ruthless billionaire. He’ll make her earn her freedom in degrading ways, but in the end he needs her to set him free.
SECRET BEAST is a new full-length novel from USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde about revenge, family secrets, and the redeeming power of love.
Our Thoughts 💭:
I found the romance between these two oddly sweet?
Don't get it twisted -
The physical connection and need between them was enough to detonate a cosmic implosion
Leo isn't the nice guy but his dark "desires" (for lack of a better descriptor) seem to awaken the beast within our sweet little Haley - You know that saying about the quiet girls? 😉
Despite wanting them to keep going back and forth a bit more (steam level was off the charts with these two)
and the cliff I'm currently hanging off
I am oddly sated at the moment
I adore her 💗 father
Her brother seems a bit soft? IDK
Oooohhh and dear auntie Caroline?
You deserve soooooo much more
Roland? Still dislike you
#SecretBeast #beautyandthebeast #complete #dark #retelling #romance #ameliawilde
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Forbidden WolfForbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson
Description:
When two immortal enemies give into their forbidden desires, their passion puts both of their lives on the line.
One a lycan, the other a vampire, Levi and Tasha’s very survival hinges on remaining sworn enemies. But one night changes everything, resulting in a relationship between the two. A relationship punishable by execution should either be caught.
Fueled by hate and inflamed by boundary disputes, their warring species will never accept their love. But just as Levi and Tasha plan their escape, a new danger emerges that threatens both of their worlds.
As the pair discover why their species have really been kept apart all these years, they soon realize their own secret may be the key to unlock the survival of their species. But if their passion is discovered by the wrong people, they might find themselves dead before they get the chance to save anyone.
Our Thoughts 💭:
Solid start to what can only be described as an emotionally suspenseful and intense new series packed with lots of twists and WTH's
Lycans and Vamps as enemies is nothing new
Centuries long war where both sides have forgotten why they battle each other?
Also done before
But what if both sides were just pawns for another species?
Just pieces that have been carefully manipulated to fulfill the desires of others?
What if many of their beliefs are manufactured lies?
Partial truths warped to keep them on the desired path?
What happens when the truths are uncovered?
This is the first book in the series
A lot of groundwork is laid out for the series but it is done in a way that keeps you on edge from opening to closing - truly there are only small moments for you to catch your breath before you are tossed into the nightmare once again
We meet many of the key players
Introduced to species politics
Come up against some revolting evil antagonists
There are lots of bread crumb trails they lead in multiple directions - give hints of what may lay ahead and why
If you enjoy your PNR with solidly built plotlines
Relatable characters that you instantly love or loathe,
Suspense and Romance that grab and hold you
This is for you
#ForbiddenWolf #ShadowChronicles #paranormal #vampire #werewolf  #romance #crrobertson

Resurrection of the Heart (The Society Trilogy, #3)Resurrection of the Heart by Natasha Knight
Description:
Santiago finally has what he wants. His baby is growing inside me.
I’ve rewritten her destiny, binding her to me for good.
Things are changing for us. I see beyond the monster he shows the world. See the scars he hides beneath the ink.
Love is a weakness men like me can’t afford. I’ve decided to keep her, but I’ll never forfeit my revenge.
His final betrayal proves his vengeance means more to him than our love.
I will have my pound of flesh, no matter the cost.
I made a mistake trusting him. I forgot how much he likes my tears.
When I am through, I’ll have what I thought I always needed.
I’ll run from him. I’ll have to.
I’ll bring her back when she runs. I’ll always bring her back. She belongs with me.
But it’s too late when I realize he’s not the only monster in my world. And that mistake will cost us both dearly.
Our Thoughts 💭:
***sigh***
My heart ❤ is content
Perfect ending to an imperfectly perfect relationship
I cried
I loved
I screamed
I loathed
I smiled
I laughed
I forgive you Santi
I hope we get your story Eva
Welcome back Ivy
Mercedes I am not sure but I know there is more to you than all this hate
This trilogy is a must-read
The characters will at times
Anger you
Make you nuts with their decisions
Embolden you with their tenacity
Have you screaming at their audacity
They will make you hope
Believe
Love
#Resurrectionoftheheart #societytrilogy #dark #romanticsuspense #natashaknight #azavarelli
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Stay (Touch of Desire, #1)Stay by Autumn Breeze
Description:
Let me give you a little free advice. If anyone ever asks, “Do you want to live forever,” tell them to fuck off.
Elio Beckett has been undead for six hundred years. For the last two hundred, New York City has been home; the nightclub where he tends bar on weekends is his sanctuary. When his boss discovers his secret, Elio assumes he’s about to lose the only home he’s had since he died in 1420.
But Micah surprises Elio with a single request. “Stay.”
Micah Kingston has one rule he expects everyone who enters his nightclub to follow: keep your hands off the bartenders. It’s a rule he’s never had a problem following himself—until one wisp of a bartender turns his life upside down. It doesn’t matter that Elio isn’t human. Micah isn’t willing to lose the man who has consumed his fantasies for three long years.
How long does love last when only one of you has forever though?
—Stay, a short PNR featuring a tiny but feisty bartender with a secret, his sexy but reserved boss, time spent naked in questionable places, all the warm holiday feels, and a guaranteed happily every after, was formerly titled Touch of Desire and available in the Winter Wonderland Giveaway. No new content has been added.—
Our Thoughts 💭:
How a love story should be 💞
Kudos on the heartfelt ending
Micah made a choice and Elio respected it.
That is what true love means - give and take
Elio was such a sweetheart so full of life
He was different, shunned by his community - this is an area I wish we had more background on
Micah was content with his life but not truly fulfilled
All it took to change their lives forever was one moment in time -
A brief oops if you will
I wanted more that was my biggest gripe with this story
There was just so much to the world-building that I felt like we were missing - I do hope that this being a first in series we will eventually get all the pieces
I also had a bit of trouble with the POV third person here just did not do the characters justice IMO - but that's just a me thing
I am curious to see where the author takes this as the possibilities are quite endless
#stay #touchofdesire #paranormal #vampire #romance #autumnbreeze

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