🔖 REVIEW 🔖 Harvest of Love by M. Moreland

Harvest of Love by M. Moreland 

Release Date: September 23rd 2021 by Moreland Books Inc

Series: Insta-Spark Collection #5

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Danica Rawlins

She’s a career woman, constantly busy, under pressure, and in demand. But the job that once seemed like a dream to her now feels more like a nightmare.
When the stress gets too much, she escapes the office and drives, discovering beauty in the wide-open spaces that surround her in the country. Leaving the worries behind, if only temporarily.
The last thing she expected to find was him.

Noah Edwards

He left the big city behind him long ago and forged a different path. One of earth and sky instead of steel and smog. Acres of plants instead of thousands of people.
The day she stumbled into his life, everything changed.
He saw his former life in her.
And when he looked in her eyes, he saw his future.
He was determined to save her.
Show her a life she never dreamed existed—and a love that would enrich them both.

Book #5 of the Insta-Spark collection
Complete standalone reads with one thing in common - lots of sweetness and a guaranteed HEA. Instant attraction, little angst - love and happiness abounds in this series.

Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books

My Review:

Harvest of Love is a beautifully written and heartwarming story. This instant romance by M. Moreland had me hooked and invested on the characters from beginning to end. A truly relatable must-read!

As VP of SB Corp, Dani Rawlins has a demanding job that keeps her busy all the time. She is a career driven woman who is constantly under a lot of pressure to give her all and deliver the results that the company wants. But lately being under pressure has caused her to loose focus to the point of which she is experiencing constant panic attacks as a result of the stress the she is under.

It’s when she is experiencing a strong panic attack that Dani leaves the office and keeps driving with no destination in mind. She ends up surrounded by open fields and a sudden feel of tranquility hits her. Then she sees a handsome stranger coming out of a restaurant with a box of produce and he invites her inside. With no where else to go Dani goes in and she is thankful by his hospitality and the good food. Their chemistry is instant and there is something about him that makes her feel safe. It’s his understanding that keeps bringing her back to him and develop feelings towards him. To Dani the panic attacks are only temporarily, yet it would take a turn of events to make her rethink what she truly wants in live and if a future with Noah might just be what she needs. 

Noah Edwards never expected to meet Dani the way he did. The minute he saw her outside The Harvest Table his life truly changed forever. He saw his former life in her when she tells him about her work. He is aware of what it’s like to work in the city for a company that has high demands and even higher expectations. He thought he needed to get out of his family farm and follow his own path. But that’s not what happened and it took a turn of events to truly show him what he was missing. That’s exactly what he wants to show Dani, that there is way more to life than money or being under a lot of stress. He knows that it’s going to take time for her to finally see what’s in front of her and he hopes that a future with him is one of them.

I absolutely loved reading Harvest of Love! It’s perfection and a book that I didn’t know that I needed to read. The message is universal as a lot of people struggle with stress that often lead to experiencing panic attacks. It makes us reflect on the beauty of the outdoors and to take a step back when things start to get overwhelming. Dani and Noah are the perfect examples of two individuals having given their all to their careers and stressful lives. But it ended up hurting them in the process and they needed to take a step back before moving forward. I loved the interactions between all the characters, especially the moments that Dani experienced with Noah’s family. The ending will pull at your heartstrings and never let go. I cannot recommend this book enough, you will not regret it! :)

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own**

My Rating:

Thanks for stopping by! 📚

🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 The Heart Chaser by Gina Azzi

The Heart Chaser by Gina Azzi

Release Date: September 23rd 2021

Series: Boston Hawks Hockey #6

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Notorious ladies' man and hockey hotshot Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me.

Not only did we spend an entire weekend in bed together, but he confided in me, sharing painful truths about his past. With a kiss good-bye and a promise to call, something sparked between us. Something that broke through my walls.

Except he didn't call. And I re-enforced my walls with steel and barbed wire.

Now, I've accepted a job with the Boston Hawks franchise, making it inevitable that I see the last man I want to cross paths with. I'm prepared to dismiss him and pretend like our weekend together never happened.

But the regret in Luca's eyes and the apology in his voice catches me off-guard. The harder I push him away, the harder he pulls me in.

Until the one thing I can't accept, can't forgive, comes to light.

And I'm left wondering, is Luca only interested in the chase? Or is he really playing for keeps?

Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple, Google Play

My Review:

Gina Azzi delivers a steamy second chance sports romance in The Heart Chaser that will have you hooked from beginning to end.

As the goalie for the Boston Hawks, Luca Pandatelli is used to being in the spotlight and attracting a lot of female attention. He is aware of his reputation and doesn’t do serious relationships. So when he meets Abbi Walsh, he finds himself wanting more of her. She is only supposed to be in town for a bachelorette party weekend before heading back to New Jersey. But for the first time he wonders if they can have more than a weekend together and an actual shot at a relationship. It’s a dangerous feeling to have as he has seen how much love destroys a person. His sole purpose has been his career and his family that he doesn’t know how to make a woman feel like a priority. It would take a turn of events to separate them and bring them back together six months later. Now it’s after he has hurt her trust that he is willing to fight for her no matter the cost.

Moving to Boston was supposed to be a fresh start for Abbi Walsh. As the new department head of Youth Outreach, she will be working at The Meadows, the ice hockey arena that houses the Boston Hawks Hockey franchise. After the way her last job ended, she was happy to accept the help of her friend’s boyfriend and he was able to help Abbi get the job with the Boston Hawks. There is still a bit of resentment in Luca that he failed to call her after they parted ways six months ago. Luca made her feel cherished and whole. Yet, she should have known better than to trust him too quickly and getting her heart broken in the progress. But Luca is set on winning her back and she fears of what he is going to do after he finds out more about her past, especially when it’s still haunting her.

I really enjoyed reading The Heart Chaser, we have two characters who have struggled so much emotionally and they are able to lean on each other when they need it the most. Abbi is going through a tough time in her life that she is unable to trust easily. She has lost all those dear to her and trusting again isn’t going to be easy. On the other hand, Luca has been through a similar experience and he feels responsible for others that he forgets about himself. He fears that he is going to mess up with Abbi, but he is still set on making her see that they can have a future together. All in all, if you love a great sports romance with an even cuter ended then I would highly recommend checking out The Heart Chaser. I cannot wait to read more of the author in the future :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

My Rating: 4/5

Meet Gina Azzi:

I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family.

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Reading!

Xo,

Gina

Website, Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BookBub, Goodreads

Thanks for stopping by! 📚

🔖 RELEASE BLITZ 🔖 Net Worth by Amelia Wilde {REVIEW}

Net Worth by Amelia Wilde

Release Date: September 14th 2021

Genres: Dark, Romance, Contemporary

Mason Hill wants one thing: revenge. When Charlotte Van Kempt walks into his office, all innocence and desperation, he knows the perfect way to get it. He makes a dark bargain. She'll give him her body to save her family. Little does she know he plans to ruin both.

Amazon, Apple Books, Nook, Kobo, Google Play

My Review:

Amelia Wilde delivers an intense dark romance in Net Worth, that’s filled with steam, revenge and secrets that will leave you wanting for more.

Charlotte Van Kempt grew up surrounded by money and power. Until one day her family lost all their wealth and the family company is now hanging by a thread. To make things worse, Charlotte has had to put her dreams of becoming a fashion designer aside in order to help the family company from going bankrupt.

At twenty-years-old, Charlotte doesn’t have the experience or a lot of knowledge when it comes to Van Kempt Industries. But she is desperate and finishing up the Cornerstone development that her dad was working on is crucial to save the company. So when she gets a letter from Phoenix Enterprises wanting to set up a meeting with her, she is excited. Then she meets the CEO, Mason Hill and her life changes forever. He is extremely attractive and there is a pull towards him that she can’t deny. She walked into the meeting hoping to get him as an investor, but she got so much more the minute he makes her a proposition: to give him her body in exchange for his help. Agreeing to his proposition would guarantee that her family would get some of the money that they lost, yet as the two spend time together, the more she wants to understand the man behind the powerful CEO.

It has taken Mason Hill fourteen years to build his fortune to the level that he wanted to be to meet with Cyrus Van Kempt face-to-face. But he wasn’t expecting for Charlotte Van Kempt to walk into his office so innocent and in need of his help. She puts on a brave face, but it’s clear that she is willing to do anything to help her family company from going bankrupt. Mason has worked so hard to rebuilt his family name and to keep his family together. Yet, the goal has always been to get revenge on those that left him and siblings lose everything that they had when they were left orphans. Mason was supposed to meet with the man that ruined his family and instead got Charlotte instead. He is attracted to her and he wastes no time to make her a bargain, to give him her body if she wants to save her family. Mason can get revenge on her father in many ways and he will start by ruining his daughter.

There is so much that happens in the book that had me at the edge of my seat! We have two characters who have an instant attraction towards one another from the very start and it progressively grows into something more as they spend more time together. Mason may portrayed to be a ruthless businessman, but when it comes to his siblings he is willing to do anything to make them happy. They share stories of their parents and have brunch together as a family. He is protective and just wants what’s best for his siblings. On the other hand, Charlotte is the dreamer who wants to own her own fashion line one day. Yet, her dreams have been put on hold while she struggles to step up in the company and try to save it before it’s too late. But there is so much more that Charlotte doesn’t know about her own family that could threaten a possible relationship with Mason. It’s when she finally finds out the truth that her world comes crumbling down. We do get a cliffhanger at the end and I cannot wait to find out what happens next. I would highly recommend checking it out as well as any other books by the author. :)

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

My Rating:

Meet Amelia

Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of dangerous contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.

Website, Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, BookBub

Thanks for topping by! 📚

🔖 REVIEW TOUR 🔖 Age of Ava by Melanie Moreland

Age of Ava by Melanie Moreland

Release Date: August 26th 2021

Series: Vested Interest: ABC Corp #4

Pages: 333

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Ava Callaghan

A woman working in a male-dominated field.

Organized, strong, and tenacious.

That’s how she has to be to succeed.

Hunter Owens

A loner.

He needs no one, has no ties, and his future is an unanswered question mark.

It’s all he knows.

Until the day their lives intersect.

He sees the woman she hides from the world.

She nurtures the part of him he lost long ago.

But they both agree—their connection is temporary.

They are only for now.

Can their stubborn natures allow them to bend and accept that maybe, just maybe, there is more to life than they believed?

That love can heal.

That happiness can exist.

That for now can be forever. 

  

Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, Amazon AU

My Review:

There is an overarching theme in this series that Melanie Moreland has captured so well. That family ins’t only about blood, but about love. The Age of Ava delivers exactly that and so much more. This raw story will pull at your heartstrings and never let go.

As a project manager and coordinator for ABC, Ava Callaghan is good at her job. She is highly organized, detail-oriented and driven. But she still works in a male-dominated field, so the need prove herself is even higher when she is dealing with men who are ready to underestimate what she can do. That is exactly what happens when she walks into town hall with her paperwork ready to get some permanents approved. Only to be told that she is missing paperwork and that they would be delayed, but the clerk can help her at a cost.

This is the behavior that infuriates Ava and she storms out. Then walks in the gorgeous stranger she met earlier coming back to talk to the clerk himself. He is equally enraged at the clerk’s behavior and Ava saves the day by bringing in the mayor himself. No matter how satisfying it is to watch men trying to prove her wrong, she hates confrontation, even if it’s part of her job. The stranger calls her Little Dragon, their chemistry so strong and magnetic. He asks her for a drink and that soon evolves into a kiss that changes her live forever. What shocks her the most is seeing him again, living in her old neighbor’s house. He insists that he is passing through and won’t be staying too long. Ava is disappointed, yet she has let her guard down before and ended up hurt. She has no interest in letting her heart get involved again, no matter how much she might want to do that with Hunter. 

Hunter Owens has never stayed in one place for too long. Having to move from place to place growing up is what he has always known. So when he gets the news that his grandfather has left him a house in Port Albany, he is set on restoring the place so he can make it a rental and keep moving on. The house holds a lot of old memories and unanswered questions about his past that he isn’t ready to face yet. His mission is to get out before forming any attachments to the place. What he wasn’t expecting to bump into is a strong and fiery woman that is Ava Callaghan. She gets him in a way no one else has and he finds himself being pulled into her world. For the first time he is able to experience what is like to be part of a family and be surrounded by love. It’s when they decide to give in to their connection that they decide to make it temporary. Hunter is aware that he can’t settle down without the need to leave again and he won’t hurt Ava knowing that she deservers someone who can give her a happy future.

I loved reading the Age of Ava! Hunter and Ava’s connection was sizzling from beginning to end. It’s a deeply emotional story about second chances at love and in life. We get two characters who have experienced pain in different ways. Ava’s strong personality has not always been appreciated in the past, both in her personal and professional life. On the other hand, Hunter has been a loner all his life. He has to ties or a place to call home. What Ava is able to offer him is a place among her family and relationships that will last a life time. Hunter sees the woman Ava hides from the world and he encourages her to be just the way she is without wanting to change a thing about her. They compliment each other and we are able to see their relationship blossom as well as go through ups and downs. I loved reading their interactions with the rest of her family and get to see old characters make cameos in the book. Hunter goes through the most growth and the ending truly fits their story. I cannot recommend this book enough! It’s one of my top books of the year and I cannot wait to read more of the author in the future. :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

My Rating:

{EXCERPT}

As we got to the top of the bluff, the dog raced ahead of me, wagging his tail. I stood for a moment to catch my breath, and he stopped, as if waiting. I cocked my head to the side, studying the large black truck in front of me. It was familiar. My stomach clenched as I moved toward it, recalling why it was familiar.

Intense fire-and-ice eyes came to my mind. Strong arms and a wicked, passionate mouth that was possessive and gentle poked at my memories.

I rounded the back of the truck and stopped, the dog sitting down beside me.

There he was.

Hunter.

He didn’t see me at first. I didn’t interrupt him.

He was too busy dancing. I was too busy staring.

His jeans hugged his ass. His T-shirt was stretched tight across his back and arms. His hair glinted in the sunlight.

And his hips moved. Gyrated. His torso bent and swayed. His arms rose and fell with the beat of the music. He sang, his voice rich and deep, his feet and body keeping perfect rhythm with the song. He spun on his heels and froze. Our eyes locked and held.

And, unexpectedly, he smiled. Wide and carefree. He held out his hand.

“Dance with me, Little Dragon.”

I found myself taking his hand. Joining him under the sun. Letting him lead me, spin me around, pull me to his hot, sunbaked chest as we moved. He crooned in my ear, making me laugh. He joined me, the sound of our shared amusement fading away as the song ended and we broke apart. Slowly, carefully, as if neither of us wanted this moment to end.

Author Bio:

New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of thirty-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.

While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip. 

Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.

Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at  flavia@bookcaseagency.com

Facebook, Newsletter, Website, Twitter, Instagram, BookBub, Goodreads

Thanks for stopping by! 📚

🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 At First Hate by K.A. Linde

At First Hate by K.A. Linde

Release Date: September 7th 2021 by K.A. Linde Inc.

Series: Coastal Chronicles #2

Pages: 296

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

A new stand alone enemies-to-lovers romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde…

Derek Ballentine and I have always been on opposite sides of everything.

I went to a public Savannah high school. He went to a private Catholic school. I went to Duke on scholarship. He went to UNC as a legacy. When we both end up at Harvard for graduate school and we’re finally on a level playing field, I think it’s all going to change.

I was wrong.

The only thing that changed was ending up in his bed.

Now my grandma has passed away, and Derek is the attorney helping the people trying to steal her legacy. I’ll do anything to stop that from happening. Even take on my lifetime enemy.

I hate him at first sight…but I also want him at first hate. 

Amazon, B&N, Apple, Kobo, Google Play, Audio

My Review:

At First Hate by K.A. Linde is the second book in the Coastal Chronicles Series is an enemies-to-lovers romance that will hook you from beginning to end.

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Marley “Mars” Nelson, a Neuroscience college professor at Emory. She is back to her hometown of Savannah on sabbatical to take care of her sick grandmother. But she is too late and gets the news that her grandmother has passed away. This crushes Marley as she was raised by grandmother growing up. She was the only motherly figure in Marley’s life and for that reason she wants to protect the legacy that her grandmother left her and her brother, Maddox. In the will, their grandmother left them the house they grew up in and they have no intentions on selling it. Until their is a knock on the door and Derek Ballentine shows up in her life again. He is there to represent his clients, her mother and aunt, as they are contesting the will and want what they think it's rightfully theirs.

Marley knew that Derek was trouble the minute he asked her to come to his Halloween party in high school. She was the public school girl, while he was the private Catholic school rich guy with the reputation of getting around. She has always known that they were different, but the minute he kisses her their lives take a different course. It’s suddenly his reputation that it’s ruining hers and they keep ruining each other’s relationships over the course of the years that they meet back and forth. But then it becomes so much more, it would take a different turn of events to break them apart and reunite them again after her grandmother’s dead. Now they face new obstacles and Marley will have to decide if having a future with Derek is worth it or it’s time to move on.

I really enjoyed reading At First Hate, we get to see the characters growth over the course of fifteen years. From meeting in high school all the way to adulthood. They come from different background, attend different colleges and then fate brings them back together when they are in graduate school in Harvard. Marley thought that they were finally going to be together, until he breaks her heart and they part ways. It would be years later for them to come back together, this time Derek is set on to prove to Marley that he is not the same boy that she met in high school. He has grown and is ready to put her first. I loved the interaction between the two of them, they have such a strong chemistry from the start and it’s hard to deny as years go by. The story does jump from back to present giving us a better picture of the whole story. It’s also mainly in Marley’s POV, that I do wish the author could have added a few more chapters with Derek’s perspective. The cameos from previous characters in different series made the book that much enjoyable to read. The ending was sweet and the story comes full circle. All in all, it was a great romantic read that I would highly recommend checking out. :)

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet K.A. Linde:

K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding Series, Wrights, and more than thirty other novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, binge-watching Supernatural, traveling, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super-adorable puppies.

Visit her online at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @authorkalinde.

Join her newsletter for exclusive content, free books, and giveaways every month.

Thanks for stopping by! 📚

🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Alpha CEO by M. Robinson

Alpha CEO by M. Robinson

Release Date: August 31, 2021

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

From Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson comes a best friend’s baby sister, second chance billionaire romance.

I came from nothing and made something of myself. I’ve only ever loved two things. Cars and her.

I took that passion and built an empire.

Now I’m the CEO.

The alpha.

On top of the world.

I’m not the carefree man she once knew.

That was the problem with being one of the richest men in the world—everyone thinks they know me, but they only know what I want them to.

I’m demanding.

Arrogant.

Controlling.

My company thinks they can change me. Soften my image. Make me more appealing to the public.

Little do they know, the woman they hired was my best friend’s little sister, and the last time I saw her...

I broke her heart. 

Amazon, B&N, Apple Books, Kobo, Smashwords

My Review:

M.Robinson has undoubtedly outdone herself with Alpha CEO, this swoon worthy and sexy second chance romance should definitely make the top of your must-read list!

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Autumn Troy, she works in public relations and has worked really hard to make a name for herself. For the past five years she has been working for High Society Public Relations and she is close to making partner. All Autumn needs now is to sign on Mr. Locke as her client, if only that were easy.

It’s been ten years since the last time she saw Julian Locke. Now he is a very successful CEO and she has been given the chance to work on his image before they announce that the company is going public in ten days. Autumn is fully aware of his reputation, the media has portrayed him as arrogant, controlling and demanding. It is her job to make the public see the hard working man behind the successful CEO, she has one week to make the world fall in love with Mr. Locke. This career move is huge for Autumn, yet she has to swallow her pride and work with the man that broke her heart. But Julian is set on winning her back, if only she could trust him with her heart again.

As a successful billionaire CEO of Locke Enterprises, Julian Locke prides himself on being in control of every situation. Until Autumn Troy comes back into his life and shakes his world around him once again. Ever since he decided to make his company public, it has been also decided that he would remain as the face of the company. Yet, he wasn’t expecting to find out that Autumn would be the person to make the world fall in love with him. Julian has worked really hard to get to where he is now. He came from nothing and made something of himself. He represents the American dream and Autumn wants to make the world see that. He only has one week with her and his goal is to make her see that she has always been it for him. If only she could learn to trust him again. Little did he know that his life was about to take a different turn of events.

I loved reading Alpha CEO, Robinson had me hooked from beginning to end! There is no denying that the dynamic between the characters is sizzling from the start. Julian speaks his mind and doesn’t waste time voicing what he wants: her. Autumn always thought that Julian was going to be her forever, ever since they meet when they were little, so it broke her heart when Julian ended things with her. It’s been 10 years since they’ve seen each other and a lot has changed. What hasn’t changed is their feeling towards each other and we get to see them face obstacles as they struggled to start a possible future together. I did not see the twists coming in the story and it made it that much more enjoyable to read. The ending was perfect and I cannot wait to read any other books by the author. I would highly recommend checking out this book, you will not regret it! :)

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

My Rating:

Meet M. Robinson:

M. Robinson is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author crowned as the "Queen of Angst" by readers around the world. Dive into her visionary world that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and leave you wanting more. She writes everything from contemporary to suspense romance and is best known for her novel, El Diablo.

When M isn't in the cave writing her next epic love story, you will find her shopping and living on a boat in Florida with her real life pirate, her lobster, her husband Bossman. Sipping on Starbucks and hanging out with their two dogs, a German shepherd mix and a gordito Wheaten Terrier reading a good book. Or spending time with her family, who she is extremely close with.

Above all, M loves her readers more than anything and loves to connect with them! She is on all social media platforms but you will find her in her happy place the most. Her VIP Reader Group on Facebook or her second favorite happy place, Instagram. 

Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube Channel, Reader Group

Thanks for stopping by! 📚

🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Vow to Protect by J.L. Beck and Monica Corwin

Vow to Protect by J.L. Beck and Monica Corwin

Release Date: August 13th 2021

Genres: Mafia, Romance, Contemporary, Dark

They call me a monster.

Murderous and hateful.

Beautiful but broken.

Nothing can calm the ever raging storm inside of me. As the ruthless leader of the Doubeck family there is a certain standard of brutality, I have to uphold.

To be gentle or kind is a weakness I cannot afford.

That is, until the day I meet her.

Beautiful, innocent, and so very afraid.

Valentina is a rival family's daughter, and the little temptress has purposely tangled herself in my dark web.

She seeks me out, needing my help, but the price for what she wants will be steep.

Since my father’s death, I’ve needed a wife to solidify my family name, and this woman has piqued my interest.

We strike a deal, intertwining our futures.

I’ll put a ring on her finger, own her body, keep her safe, and kill them all.

I make a vow to protect her at all costs.

Until her secrets come to light, and I’m left with the choice of becoming the monster she’s only ever heard rumors about.

**This is a dark forced marriage mafia romance, that ends on a cliffhanger. It contains dub-con/non-con as well as other scenes that may be triggering to some readers.** 

Amazon

My Review:

J.L. Beck and Monica Corwin manage to deliver an intense dark mafia romance in Vow to Protect, that’s filled with suspense, secrets, steam and a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting for more.  

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Valentina Novak, she is attending her first party of the season with her cousin/best friend, Rose. She is ready to have fun and not let her fiancé, Sal, ruin the night for her. Ever since her mom died, Valentina’s dad has been looking for ways to punish her and it seems like getting her engaged to his business partner is just another way to disregard her feelings. Yet, Valentina wants nothing to do with Sal and will do anything to end her engagement with him. But it’s at the party that she meets a mysterious stranger, they laugh and he puts her at ease. Their connection comes to an end and Rose warns her to stay away from Adrian. He is a monster, head of the Doubeck family and not someone to mess with. 

Valentina will forever remember his kindness and it would take a series of events to bring them back together. This time she is willing to do whatever it take in order to escape the abusive life ahead of her even if it means making a deal with the monster himself. Little does she realize just how much her life is about to change and the risks that she is taking by being close to Adrian. Nevertheless, the more time they spend together, the more she wants to be with him and it would take a twist of events to make her question their future together. 

As the head of his family, Adrian Doubeck is ruthless and powerful. But his power is not enough and he needs a wife in order to officially secure his father’s empire. As the host for this years opening party, he finds himself surrounded by parents wanting to throw their daughters at him in hopes he choses one of them. Yet, it’s the minute he sees a beautiful girl being treated horrible by Sal that makes him want to protect her. What stops him is the fact that she doesn’t belong to him and Adrian vows to make Valentina his no matter what. Needless to say, he is surprised to see her seeking his help and in exchange for that he ready to make her his wife. There is no denying that they both have chemistry and as they spend time together, the more they learn about each other. Adrian is set to earn Valentina’s trust, until secrets start to resurfaced threatening their future together.  

Vow to Protect had me hooked from beginning to end. The character’s chemistry was sizzling and intense. The overall vibe of the story was dark and twisted. With that said, there are a some scenes that may be triggering to some readers. Aside from all of that, the storyline focuses more on Valentina and her journey as she goes from being Sal’s fiancé to being Adrian’s wife. She is coming to terms with a lot of things that change in her life and her traumatic experiences. I’m curious to find out if we get more of Adrian’s story in the second book. It’s just when they’re starting to truly see where things can go that the story ends on a cliffhanger. I would highly recommend checking out this story if we love a good dark romance. I cannot wait to read the continuation of their story! :) 

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

My Rating: 

Meet J.L. Beck & Monica Corwin:

J.L. Beck is a USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, she has written over fifty different romance novels. She started her journey of writing back in 2014 and hasn't slowed down a second since then.

She's captivated by real romance and loves reading about strong "ALPHA" males, as well as sassy heroines that know or may not know what they want. She is best known for delivering a happily ever after but has ended things on a cliffhanger a time or two.

When she's not typing away at her next book you can find her being a mom to her two adorable kiddos and wife to her high school sweetheart.

Follow on Facebook, Follow on Instagram, Follow on Amazon, Follow on BookBub

Monica Corwin is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. She is an outspoken writer attempting to make romance accessible to everyone, no matter their preferences. As a Northern Ohioian, Monica enjoys snow drifts, three seasons of weather, and a dislike of Michigan football. Monica owns more books about King Arthur than should be strictly necessary. Also typewriters...lots and lots of typewriters. 

          Follow On Facebook, Follow On Goodreads, Follow On Instagram, Follow On Bookbub

Thanks for stopping by! 📚