🔖 REVIEW 🔖 How to Fake-Date a Vampire by Lindsey Hall

How to Fake-Date a Vampire by Lindsey Hall

Release Date: August 31, 2023

Series: Charming Cove #2

Pages: 302

Genres: Romance, Paranormal

Faking it with a vampire duke should be simple, right?

I’ve got one chance to prove to my coven that I’m worth my wand. But to do it, I'm going to have to make a deal with a vampire duke. I get to use his gorgeous estate in Cornwall to host the Beltane Ball--and in exchange, I'll pretend to be his girlfriend. But it's all a show for his grandmother.

The rules of our fake relationship are simple:
No flirting. No emotion. No sex. Simple, right?

Except I can't seem to ignore the allure of the infuriating and devastatingly sexy vampire. Falling for a duke isn’t an option, though. I would lose the anonymity that protects me and my coven, and that would ruin my life. And the lives of those in my coven.

So yeah, totally simple, right?

Amazon

My Review:

Hall delivers a witty and charming paranormal romance in How to Fake-Date a Vampire, the second book in the Charming Cove Series. A definite must-read!

As a newcomer to Charming Cove, a seaside village in Cornwall, Emma Willowby has worked really hard to truly belong in the town. It’s been two years since Emma made the town her home, but it’s taken her time to officially become part of the Aurora Coven. With the stress of not knowing her magical gift and the pressure to be the best witch she could possibly be, Emma takes on her biggest challenge yet. A challenge that if she delivers, it could change her life forever. Little does she know that it would involve the reclusive and handsome vampire, the Duke of Blackthorn. Now she has to convince the duke to let her host the biggest event in town at his estate, but there are forces bigger than her that could end up ruining her chance of becoming part of the coven.

As the Duke of Blackthorn, Alaric Ashford doesn’t like attracting attention to himself. It’s been a while since he’s been back home, so when he returns to his family estate, the whole town is buzzing about his arrival. So it takes him by surprise to meet the beautiful Emma at a pub, their chemistry is instant. But he is reminded of the one person who broke his heart. Alaric is not expecting to see her again, until she shows up wanting to convince him to let her coven host an event at his estate. Alaric feels protective of his family, but he will allow it if she pretends to be his girlfriend in front of his family. Soon pretending starts to feel so much real, and a turn of events could alter their chance at a happy ending.

I absolutely loved reading How to Fake-Date a Vampire, is the perfect autumnal and cozy read. The writing was descriptive and completely transported me to the magical town of Charming Cove. The characters were likable and charming as a couple. While Emma is a witch who is still finding her place in town, she soon finds the perfect companion who brings so much wit to the story. On the other hand, Alaric is a vampire duke who has been hurt in the past, he has difficulty trusting again and that comes in the way of their relationship. He has to find a way to let go of the past in order to have a future with Emma. The ending was sweet and it fit their story so well. I would highly recommend checking out the book, this magical romance will certainly leave you wanting for more! :)

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

My Rating:

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🌟 BOOK BLITZ 🌟 Hungry is the Night by Robin Jeffrey {EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!}

Hungry is the Night by Robin Jeffrey

Release Date: August 22nd 2023

Series: The Night Series #1

Pages: 285

Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

The werewolves of the world live in tight knit gangs, or “dens”, for protection from outsiders – and each other. Every major metropolis has one; to belong to a den is to have a family for eternity. However, Grace Holtz, next in line to lead the Seattle den called The Nameless, has had enough of living under the crushing weight of her den’s expectations. Having fled to a small, rural town in southeast Oregon, her goal is to blend in and be as “normal” as possible for the rest of her unnaturally long life.

But Marcus Bowen, a wolf from the UK-based Feóndulf den (and the closest thing Grace has ever had to a lover), has other plans. Reappearing thirty years after their affair came to an abrupt and bloody end, Marcus needs Grace. He needs her to return to Seattle and arrange an audience with Mama, the current leader of The Nameless and Grace’s estranged grandmother. The leader of the Feóndulf and his heir have both been brutally murdered, and Marcus suspects that Grace and Mama are next.

Teaming up to hunt for the killer in the Emerald City, the pair slowly begin to realize their romance may not be as dead as they thought. However, as it becomes clear that the person they’re looking for holds secrets about both their dens, Marcus and Grace must grapple with competing loyalties, conflicting desires, and ultimately decide what matters more: their dens or each other.

Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

{EXCERPT}

The sensation of his lips against mine rippled through me like a shot of whiskey, warming and intoxicating, setting my blood dancing while at the same time making me shiver. When he reciprocated the gesture, when he reached out to hold my cheek with trembling fingers and shifted against my lips without withdrawing, the tight coil of control in my chest unraveled. I took a step forward, my body flush against his, and lifted my hands to grip at Marcus’ shoulders with a possessiveness I barely recognized.

Marcus mimicked my stance, but instead of pulling me closer, he took a step back, breaking the kiss with a small gasp. My eyes flickered open.

While he shook his head, Marcus’ eyes remained closed as he whispered, “Grace, we shouldn’t—”

“Marcus.” His eyes opened wide at the sound of his name. I gave a weak smile and lifted my hand to his face, trailing my thumb across his lower lip. “Don’t be so stupid as to make the same mistake twice.”

He blinked at me once, then twice. The corners of his mouth shot down into a frown and his hands dropped from my shoulders to my hips. He pulled me against his body while quietly whispering, “Ah, sod it, then,” before kissing me hard.

I answered in kind, my hands skittering unmoored across first his jaw, then his shoulders, then his sides, then his chest. I deepened the kiss with a flick of my tongue at his bottom lip, a teasing, tentative request that Marcus answered with unabashed eagerness, opening his mouth to my explorations.

Slowly at first, then in a progressively frantic tumble, I pulled Marcus back into my room toward the bed. I kicked off my shoes as I went, running the tip of my tongue along the top of his palate. He tried desperately to keep pace with me, capturing my lower lip between his teeth and biting down, not too hard, but just hard enough. Still, there was hesitation in his movements. No longer content with the skin available to my hands, I began easing his shirt up and over his body. Marcus tried to register a verbal protest, but it was lost in the crush of our mouths. It wasn’t until I relinquished his lips and began lavishing attention on his neck that he was able to say anything at all.

As soon as his mouth was free of mine, he breathed my name imploringly, caressing my back and shoulders through my thin sweatshirt. “Grace…”

“Don’t worry,” I answered, my words muffled as I pressed my lips against his carotid artery, my wandering hands pushing up under the hem of his T-shirt, fingers dancing over the newly exposed flesh at his side. “I’ll take care of you.”

AUTHOR BIO:

When Robin Jeffrey isn’t checking out books to students at the academic library where she works, she can be found cranking out punchy flash fiction, lyrical essays, and world-rich romances. Her writing has been published in magazines across the country and around the world. She currently calls the Pacific Northwest of the United States home, where she lives happily with her husband and their out of control comic book collection. She currently resides in the rainy Pacific Northwest. More of her work can be found on her website, RobinJeffreyAuthor.com.

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🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 Bitter Prince by Eva Winners {REVIEW}

Bitter Prince by Eva Winners

Release Date: August 17, 2023

Series: Stolen Empire

Pages: 388

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Mafia

Once upon a time, a lion saved a girl. His little cinnamon girl.

That lion grew up into a prince. Dark, bitter, and so beautiful that it hurt to look at him.

But underneath it all, the girl saw the man. I was the man. I saw his hunger for love and affection, and I had plenty to give. 

I fell in love, even though he told me not to. I gave him everything, because that was who I was.

I was determined to show him the light in this world, and his smiles were what I lived for. He was my art, my melody, my muse. We were beautiful together. 

So I gave and gave, all to my bitter prince. Until I had nothing left to give. 

Until he left me empty. 

No one warned me love would push me into darkness so cold and tear me apart.

To survive, I’d have to kill the cinnamon girl and become someone else.

Someone I didn’t recognize.

Amazon

My Review:

As the first book in the Stolen Empire Trilogy, Winners delivers a slow-burn mafia romance in Bitter Prince. Filled with secrecy and twists to keep you reading until the very end!

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Reina Romero, whose live completely changed when she turned six years old. It took a trip to Italy and an incident to meet her savior, a lion who would one day turn into a prince. But her live is never the same after her mom passes away, Reina knows that no matter how much her dad wants to keep her away from his business, their world is dangerous. Yet, it seems like Amon Leone is set to protect her at all costs. There is an undeniable connection that keeps pulling them together and her crush for him grows just as much. Soon she finds out that Amon’s world is just as dangerous and there are forces wanting to keep them apart.

Amon Leone never expected to feel so strongly for Reina Romero, she was just six years old when he saved her from his father’s wrath. But he is used to saving those around him from the man that he’s grown to loathe. Yet, no matter how much he wants to take his mom away from their world, Amon can’t. Not when his birthright is about to be taken away from him. Adding Reina to the mix brings out a new level of protectiveness for him. She is all he wants and Amon is ready to give everything up for her until a twist of events truly turns his world upside down.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bitter Prince, we really get to know the characters really well in this first book. Winners really lays out their background stories and we get a glimpse of what’s to come in the next book in the trilogy. In the story we get to see the characters grow so is their love for each other. Amon is truly overprotective towards Reina, he knows the dangers of their world and he knows that anyone can use her against him. All the secondary characters, including their siblings really made the story that much more enjoyable to read. The unexpected twist at the end worked really well in the story and I cannot wait to read what happens next. I would highly recommend checking out Bitter Prince! :)

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

My Rating:

MEET EVA WINNERS:

Eva Winners released her first novel Second Chance At Love in 2020 and has been writing feverishly ever since. She writes about everlasting romance for every century focusing on characters emotional development and always guarantees an HEA.

She loves yoga, wine and her kiddos. In her spare time, she seeks adventures either hiking through trails, yoga or exploring the beaches.

Writing books has always been her passion and she brings real life to the forefront in everything she writes about.

Deeply passionate characters and stories will draw you in and you'll never want to leave.

Follow her on social media to stay up to date with all her new releases!

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🔖 RELEASE BLITZ 🔖 Red Flags by Skye Warren {REVIEW}

Red Flags by Skye Warren

Release Date: August 15, 2023

Series: Cirque de Miroirs #1

Pages: 231

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

"You’re part of the circus now, which means you belong to me. You’re mine."

Logan Whitmere, the handsome owner of Cirque des Miroirs, is full of red flags. Secretive. Commanding. Dangerous.

I know better than to trust him, but I'm desperate for a way out of my small town.

He offers me a job as the fortune teller.

What does Logan know that he isn't telling me? He seems to want to protect me...from the performers. From himself. I fall for his possession. I'm afraid of his obsession.

There are secrets even the crystal ball won't reveal.

When the truth is unveiled, I'm forced to confront my dark past.

“Red Flags is completely captivating. There’s nothing I love more than a possessive hero and Logan Whitmere delivers. He has so many red flags I can’t even count them all and I'm obsessed.” - Ivy Smoak, Amazon bestselling author

“This story has everything—intrigue, allure, lust—and in the most perfect setting, the circus. Logan and Sienna’s chemistry sizzles from the moment they meet, and I want more, please!” - Willow Aster, USA Today Bestselling Author

Amazon, Apple Books, Nook, Kobo, Google Play

My Review:

Warren delivers a sizzling and addictive romance in Red Flags. Prepare to go into the mysterious world of Cirque de Miroirs, it will leave you hooked from beginning to end!

At the beginning of the story we are introduced to Sienna Cole, who lives in the small town of Forrester, Texas. A town where not a lot happens and everyone knows each other. It’s been two years since she graduated high school and while some managed to escape town to go to college, Sienna is afraid that she might not get the same opportunity. Then everything changes when there are talks about a circus coming to town. 

Everyone wonders why the circus picked their small town, until she attends the opening night of Cirque de Miroirs that leaves Sienna impressed with the crowd it has drawn. It’s impressive and its alluring owner, Logan Whitmere, is interested in her. Which is a red flag for her, as she knows that men are only interested in her for one thing. It’s a lesson Sienna learned early and often. But Logan is different, he begins to show her his world and she starts to get a feeling for hope, of finally getting a chance to leave the town that has hurt her in so many ways. Soon Sienna realizes that Logan is not the only one obsessed with her and life truly takes a different turn of events.

From the intriguing synopsis to the eye-catching cover, Skye Warren has truly outdone herself! The story itself is creative and imaginative. We get to know Logan through Sienna’s perspective and it doesn’t disappoint. He is immediately protective towards Sienna from the very beginning, but as the two start to get to know each other, Sienna sees how secretive and dangerous he can be. She is afraid of not developing feelings for him and how easily he can hurt her like everyone else has in the past. Yet, it’s when he offers her a way out of town that she realizes that she has no other choice. Until secrets are unveiled that changes her life forever. The story does end on a cliffhanger, but it had me at the edge of my seat. I cannot wait to read what happens next. I would highly recommend checking out this story, it’s a good start to the series! :)

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

My Rating: 4.5/5

Skye Warren 

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance such as the Endgame trilogy. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. Her books have sold over two million copies. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.

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🔖 RELEASE BLITZ 🔖 The Proposal by Adriana Locke {REVIEW}

The Proposal by Adrianna Locke

Release Date: August 14, 2023

Pages: 315

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Breaking News: Rugby’s bad boy marries his best friend’s little sister.

If Renn Brewer would’ve asked me to marry him, I would’ve said no.

Why?

One, his reputation precedes him. His name is in the headlines at least once a month. Two, he’s not just my brother’s best friend. They’re teammates. And three, I’m in my self-care era. 

Unfortunately, a version of me equates self-care with bad choices.

The cocktail in my hand—similar to the one that got me into this situation—is the prettiest shade of pink. It’s almost the same color as the giant rock on my left hand. And instead of discussing an annulment, I’m considering a 90-day marriage of convenience to the man I accidentally married in Las Vegas.
Renn didn’t propose marriage. But he does deliver a proposal I might be unable to turn down.

Amazon

My Review:

Not having read any other books by Locke before, I didn’t know what to expect before reading The Proposal. Needless to say, this swoon worthy romance didn’t disappoint at all. Definitely a must-read!

At the beginning of the story we get to meet Blakely Evans, it’s the day before her thirtieth birthday and she wants to do one last reckless thing before she gets her life together. Although Blakely’s had a very fulfilling life, filled with adventures and success. There is something that she wants more than anything and that is to be a wife and a mother. She is about to start a new chapter in her life and she wants to start dating with the intention of finding a husband. Little does she knows that her life is about to change forever. 

Blakely and her best friend, Ella, were supposed spend her birthday in Vegas, but that quickly changes when Blakely’s brother, Brock and his best friend, Renn show up. Renn might be rugby’s bad boy, but the attraction between them is undeniable. It’s after too many drinks that Blakely wakes up with a ring on her finger, along with a husband whose fame is about to throw them some curveballs along the way. She never intended for her life to change so drastically, but soon finds herself considering a 90-day marriage of convenience with her brother’s best friend.

As rugby’s bad boy, Renn Brewer is used to being in the headlines and having people talk about him all the time. After playing rugby abroad for some time, Renn is finally home having signed with a team that wants him to not get into any sort of trouble or he risks ruining the reputation of the team. So when he is on his way to Vegas to celebrate Blakely’s birthday, everyone warms him to be on his best behavior. But his intentions to make Blakely’s day special completely change them the next morning when they wake up married. 

Accidents happen all the time, but the marriage certificate has been signed. His dad is furious and his PR team is ready put out fires, yet Renn is not happy with what he is hearing from his team. He is protective when it comes to Blakely and doesn’t want anything to backfire on her. So he comes up with a new proposal, one that is sure to change the course of their lives once and for all. He just needs to convince her that it could benefit her as well.

I throughly enjoyed reading The Proposal, the characters are relatable and the story is well thought out. Although the characters might life different lives, they have a lot in common which ultimately brings them closer when they have to face the media and their families. The supporting characters bring a lot to the story as well make it that much more enjoyable to read. Renn is a swoon worthy and overly protective husband towards Blakely. On the other hand, there is a lot more to Blakely’s story and we get to see her finally get what she’s always wanted. All in all, if you love a good marriage of convenience romance than I would highly recommend checking out this story. You won’t regret it! :)

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

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet Adriana

USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor.

She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden.

Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.

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