Tag Archives: rating: 5

Close Quarter by Anna Zabo

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Title: ⟫ Close Quarter
Author: ⟫ Anna Zabo
Blurb: ⟫ On a transatlantic cruise to New York, sculptor Rhys Matherton struggles to piece his life back together after losing his mother, inheriting a fortune, and finding out his father isn’t his father after all. He spills a tray of drinks on a handsome stranger, then he finds himself up against a wall getting the best hand-job he’s ever had. And for the first time in his life, he feels whole.

Rhys enjoys the company of Silas Quint, but for the eerie way no one pays attention to them even while they kiss in a crowded bar. Silas explains he’s a forest fae able to glamor the room around them—and more importantly, that he’s on the cruise to hunt vampires. Rhys thinks Silas is full of it, until he discovers vampires are real, and he’s part of their main course.

Silas Quint can’t be distracted by a human lover, even one as lovely as Rhys. Stuck in the middle of the ocean, he has barely enough of energy to hunt the vampires he’s been sent to destroy. Rhys is full of the one thing Silas needs needs most—the element of living plants. Only sucking energy from Rhys would make Silas as soulless as the creatures he hunts. How can he keep Rhys safe, without becoming like the very monsters he hunts?

This book was previously published.

Review: ⟫ Well this one went straight for the jugular – no pun intended!

I can’t believe I’ve never read this before – it is all kinds of hotness combined with evil vampires, the fae, Messengers and all crammed into a speedy, steamy read! All kinds of yummy! Silas sounded divine – tortured yet strong, with trauma in his past and control issues in his present. Rhys sounded like he’d really got the tough end of the stick in the recent past, and things didn’t seem to be looking up in his present.

The way they met wasn’t ideal, but the chemistry between them was absolutely incendiary from the get-go, and Silas’ method of getting his own back was devastatingly effective. And only then do we start getting into vampires, fae, quarters and halfs – it was fabulous! I admit, I read this in one sitting – I was taking a break from Cinnamon Roll but I will definitely be going back to finish that and probably leaving a review.

Possibly too much sex for some people, and there were occasions where I was questioning just how old Silas was because he was reacting to things like a youth when he should have known better. But ultimately I forgave him because he had been through so much! Freaking loved it and hope that there will be more in the future although probably not because this is from 2017.

The Sunny Side by Lily Morton (The Model Agency #1)

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Title: ⟫ The Sunny Side (The Model Agency #1)
Author: ⟫ Lily Morton
Rating: ⟫ 5/5
Blurb: ⟫ Jonas Durand is successful, rich, and controlled. He owns a prestigious modelling agency and has the world at his fingertips, but a turbulent childhood has taught him to be focused and never deviate from a plan.

Dean Jacobs threatens that stance. He’s one of the world’s most sought-after supermodels, but he’s also laidback and lighthearted and free in a way that Jonas has never quite managed.

Dean has always been interested in Jonas and has never made any secret of his admiration, but from the beginning, Jonas put him in a neat little box labelled, “Don’t touch,” turned the key, and never looked back.

However, the universe seems determined to thwart Jonas’s plans. Over the course of one hot summer, the two men come together, and Jonas’s well-ordered life becomes something a whole lot wilder.

Moving from the glamorous worlds of London and Paris Fashion Weeks to the sleepy South of France, Jonas finds himself liberating partridges, chasing his supermodel, and falling in love.

From bestselling author Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy set in the fast-paced and snarky world of modelling. This is the first book in the Model Agency series.

Review: ⟫ I had a bad day and then this turned up and the sun came out. This book was delightful! I don’t always enjoy Lily Morton – sometimes I’m just not in the right mood – but I really loved this book. Dean was an absolute delight, especially with how literally he took everything! And his charm shone through, from Pen at the police station to the way in which he treats absolutely everyone with respect.

But my main love for this book was for Jonas – poor Jonas, with his sharp tongue, incredible wit and complete inability to stop the train that is Dean from dragging him along the tracks to happiness. The cast of characters were entertaining, with throw away lines that made me giggle, whilst seeing people from Lily’s other books was great – enough for fans to think ‘oh yes, I read about him’ but not enough to make it feel like you’d read it all.

I loved how strong Jonas was, how protective he was of everyone, but I especially loved it when he let loose and allowed himself to be out of control with Dean. That scene in the car was so steamy, and later in the book when he’s jealous of a party Dean attended, he was the ultimate alpha male whilst still remaining as caring as loving as he had been throughout the book. I thought Ruby was very well written – she was a five year old and sounded like a five year old, which was a nice change as I often find children written in books often sound like scaled down adults.

I needed this book today and am truly glad I stayed up late finishing it. I look forward to reading more from the Model Agency series, especially if the characters are as engaging and entertaining as Dean and Jonas.

War Games by Daniel May (The Hanged Men #2)

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Title: ⟫ War Games (The Hanged Men #2)
Author: ⟫ Daniel May
Blurb: ⟫ Sons of opposing mob bosses, secretly married when they were seventeen, Nerva Alms and Joseph Pascal were doomed from the start.

After his father’s gruesome murder, Pascal was mutilated and banished, and Nerva grew to replace his own father as head of the Hanged Men. Now, ten years later, Pascal has returned.

War Games is book two in the Hanged Men series, following Blood Sports. While War Games is standalone, the story is best understood in the context of the first book.

Reviews: ⟫ I discovered that this had come out from a post on Reddit and you better believe I switched to my Amazon tab so fast I gave myself whiplash!

If book one was a laugh alongside the horror, book two is a different beast. It comes after the events of the first book, but Daniel has provided a handy recap at the beginning and it can be read as a stand-alone.

The beginning of this book was torturous – my heart broke in several places for both Nerva and Pascal. Imagine finding your person at such a young, impressionable age and then losing them – completely devastating. Which explained why Nerva appeared so cold and unfeeling to everyone. And then we met Pascal.

When people talk about a roller-coaster of emotions, this book encompasses that feeling. Sorrow, fear, confusion, hysterical laughter – all in a matter of chapters and sometimes within just one of them. There are flashbacks – some of them sweet, some painful – with an underlying story/mystery slowly unravelling for Nerva and Pascal that made me feel sick at the world they live in whilst completely enthralled.

There’s no real way to talk about this book without spoilers, but Mars is my second favourite character if only for the attitude. Hadrian remains my favourite and I need a story with him because I think it would be amazingly chaotic and astounding! The special horses make another appearance – in the background and then more and more integral to the storyline – and I still can’t decide how I feel about them. I think I’ll settle for terror and stick around Nerva’s level when it comes to the horses.

This was a fantastic read and more than satisfied my itch for the Hanged Man – for a short time anyway. A hearty 5/5 from me.

Presidential Chaos by Saxon James (Frat Wars #3)

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Title: ⟫ Presidential Chaos (Frat Wars #3)
Author: ⟫ Saxon James
Blurb: ⟫ Two houses. Two Presidents. One hell of a happy ending.

Zeke

Being President of a frat house means everything is on my shoulders.

Idiot brothers, epic pranks, a list of organizational duties long enough to make my eyes bleed.

None of it fazes me.

But senior year is almost over, and I’m ready to take a step back.

Until the hazing rumors start.

I might not know where they’re coming from, but I know they’re total BS.

Now, instead of dialling back the stress, we’ve broken the number one rule on the row: Don’t get the dean’s attention.

I need to find out who’s driving the lies.

And all evidence points to one person.

Charles

I never wanted to become Kappa President.

The appointment was made easier, though, when none other than Zeke Ariston took over Sigma house. I’ve always been … drawn to him.

Fascinated.

And maybe a little attracted too.

Pity I’ve never been more than an afterthought to him.

But when rumors start to circulate about hazing, and the sources lead back to my house, it puts me square on Zeke’s radar.

I want to help him get to the bottom of it all.

And with his attention finally on me, I want to tell him how I feel.

The guys on Greek Row meet their chaotic conclusion with this rivals-to-lovers romance full of pranks, shared hoodies, and secret meetings made in the dark.

Review: ⟫ Okay, I’ll admit it – I downloaded this book pretty much one minute after midnight because I was desperate to read it! And I stayed up all night so that I could finish it!

I did not want this to end because I absolutely adore the guys on Greek Row! I didn’t think anything could top that flash mob parade in the second book, but I am more than happy to admit that Zeke and Charlie may well own my heart! They were so hot together, so open to the idea of the secret they shared becoming more – there were very few misunderstandings, lots of communication, and lots and lots of yummy sex!

Characters from previous books make an appearance (obviously) and this was a delightful end to an entertaining, well-written series, I may re-read all of them because they were that enjoyable and am more than happy to recommend this book with a 5/5 from me!

Married to the Mobster by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #1)

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Title: ⟫ Married to the Mobster: Morelli Family (M/M Mafia Romantic Suspense Book 1)
Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ The Mob sent him to kill me, but he owed me a debt…

Years ago I saved his life, and we spent one hot night together before he disappeared. Now this bad boy’s all grown up, and living a dangerous life. But when his Family decides to send a message to my father, it’s my life on the line.

Only he can’t bring himself to do it when he realizes who I am.

He bargains for my life.

He argues to keep me as a hostage instead of killing me.

He even agrees to marry me, but not for love.

Marrying me is the only way he can repay his debt to me.

He tells me he’ll keep me alive only as long as his Boss allows it.

What he doesn’t know is that I’ve loved him since the first moment I laid eyes on him. I’ll take him any way I can get him. Sleeping with the enemy never felt so good…

But is there someone else who wants me dead?

Review: ⟫ My kind of mobsters!! There is absolutely no way to pretend that Luca isn’t in the mob – it’s written all over him, with every move he makes and every word he speaks. And he doesn’t try to pretend that he isn’t in the Mob. Which means that this book has some violence, blood and death and I’m absolutely fine with that!

Finch was absolutely brilliant! He didn’t have a thought in his head that he didn’t voice which was perfect since Luca seemed struck dumb and didn’t seem to know what to do with him. The attraction between these two is off the charts from the first time they meet, and that heat permeates the entire book. You can well believe that Luca would kill for Finch – call it chemistry, attraction, heat – whatever it is, he is head over heels for Luca, and even though he tries to hide it from people who would take advantage, it’s pretty damned obvious!

I loved this entire book and devoured it in one night – the machinations behind the scenes, the Donovan Family, the Morrellis – the entire cast are entertaining, fully fleshed and the book was riveting. Really pleased I found this series and can’t wait to get to book 2!

Beloved by the Boss by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #2)

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Title: ⟫ Beloved by the Boss: Morelli Family (M/M Mafia Romantic Suspense Book 2)
Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ It’s good to be the Boss. That’s what I thought my whole life.

Now I am the Boss. I’ll shoulder that responsibility with my beloved husband beside me. As long as I have Finch, I can handle whatever life throws at me.

But what they say is true: Be careful what you wish for.

My Family has been decimated. My allies are few. I’m holding onto power by a thread.

And the truth is, my husband is more vulnerable than ever. He’s always been a lost soul, and now he’s suffered yet another crushing loss.

I can’t protect him from Fate’s cruel blows. But I’m determined to protect him from our enemies, no matter what it takes—as soon as I get my own house in order.

Because I’m starting to wonder if there’s a traitor in the Morelli Family…

If I can’t even trust my own men, how can I keep my beloved safe?

Beloved by the Boss is the sequel to Married to the Mobster, and is the second book in the Morelli Family Mafia Romance series.

Review: ⟫ This second book in the series was fascinating for so many different reasons. We see Luca and Finch growing into their new position, as well as struggling with the realities of it – being the Boss isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!

Finch goes through a lot in this book – he loses people he cares about, people who should have cared for him – and it’s sometimes hard to see how much he’s suffering. But Luca is always by his side, putting Finch first regardless of the consequences to himself. There were a lot more Mafia machinations in this book and it was really intriguing to see how it all worked in the inner sanctum, and how the men in the Commission were not as altruistic as they might originally have seemed.

I enjoyed reading this – I didn’t devour it at the same rate as I did the first one, possibly because I had to concentrate more to catch the names of the players involved. I was intrigued by the Connie/Celia situation, especially when Connie’s brother arrived on the scene. I must admit, I was very disappointed in Frank although by the end of the book I had more sympathy/understanding for him.

This was an enjoyable read and definitely not something I would consider filler, which I think a lot of second books can come across as. On to book three!

Enticed by the Enemy by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #3)

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Title: ⟫ Enticed by the Enemy (Morelli Family #3)
Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ He’s an FBI profiler who’s half my age. Contact between us is forbidden. But I can’t stay away from him.

As the Morelli Underboss, I’m the Family problem-solver. So when a task force blames the Morellis for a series of murders in Central Park, it’s up to me to restore our reputation.

But Fate puts me on a collision-course with an agent on the very task force dedicated to bringing down my Family…

And we end up on the run together.

My heart has been ice-cold for decades, but something about him sets my blood on fire.

It would be crazy of me to trust a Fed. But he claims he wants to prove my innocence. That the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

We each want to solve this case for different reasons, but we’ll both end up dead if he can’t follow my lead.

So to make him behave, I’ll use every weapon I have—including my body.

But why do I feel like I’m the one losing control?

Enticed by the Enemy is a M/M mafia romance set in the world of the Morelli Crime Family. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s even more fun to read the series in order. Characters and events from previous books are referenced.

Review: ⟫ Okay, I dare anyone who’s read the previous books to not be curious about Angelo – Mr Strong, Silent and Menacing in the background. I dived into this book not sure what I was expecting, but his relationship with Baxter wasn’t it. I was immersed in the mystery, fascinated by the insight into Angelo and his relationship with Tino and more than a little in love with him from the very beginning.

This was a brilliant addition to the Morelli Family story – murder and intrigue, all playing out with everything going on in the Family in the background. I was dragged along, trying to piece the clues together, although I admit I did kinda figure out who it was. But who the hell cares? Because this was hotter than sin, intriguing and just completely and utterly fun to read!

I’ve been reading these books back to back, waiting for one of them to show signs of slipping in tightness of the writing, the plot, the world building – but it all just keeps getting better and better.

I freaking loved the ending – I thought it was an absolutely excellent way for things to keep going. I couldn’t wait to dive into the next story – review to come shortly – and am looking forward to book 7. Another 5/5 from me for this author! 

Kissed by a Killer by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #5)

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Title: ⟫ Kissed by a Killer (Morelli Family #5)

Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ It’s my job to protect the Morelli men when the law is after them. But now their most dangerous Capo has killed to protect me.

My law firm has two unbreakable rules.

1. Never get personally involved with a client.

Nick Fontana was only ever supposed to be a booty call, but he’s had me cross-examining my heart since we started hooking up.

2. Never let the Morellis do you a favor.

I can’t stop thinking about his talented hands on my body…but those hands just took the wrong life to save mine.

I helped Nick cover up what he did, because if anyone finds out, it would start a Mob War that could destroy us all.

But someone knows our deadly secret.

I’ve kept my mouth shut. So can I really trust the killer I’ve been kissing?

Review: ⟫ Okay, I’ve officially decided Nicky and Carlo are my favourite in this series. They are so freaking hot together, and I was shocked to discover that the lawyer was more cut-throat than the killer. Go figure!

This was a fascinating insight into what it’s like to work for the Don – to be in a position of power but not THE position of power. Despite his position in the Family, ultimately Nicky knew that his actions could lead to his death. But for Carlo, he did it. Even while trying to deny how he felt about him.

And Carlo was a freaking bada$$! Even when he was terrified, trying to figure a way out of the awful dilemma they were in – he was still absolutely brilliant. I adored these two men together – where Nicky was soft, Carlo was tough, and Nicky was such a devoted, strong, protective man – who could ask for more? We saw more of Finch and Luca, and this was one of the first times in a while where we see Luca most definitely as the dark Boss that Finch fell in love with. And that was hot, even while I was holding my breath waiting to see how things were going to play out.

I devoured this book in a matter of hours and didn’t begrudge the lack of sleep – it was well worth it. Yeah, my favourite of the Morelli Family books so far!

Devoted to the Don by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #6)

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Title: ⟫ Devoted to the Don (Morelli Family #6) 

Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene 
Blurb: ⟫ Luca thought keeping me out of the Family business would keep me safe.

He was wrong.

Now his own life is hanging in the balance, too. 

While our enemies stalk us, long-buried secrets begin to resurface, and I’m not sure who we can trust.

But I won’t let anyone take him from me. No matter what I have to do.

I meant every promise I made to Luca in my marriage vows. And now it’s time to make good on them – for better or worse. 

Till death do us part? Over my dead body. 
I’ve been underestimated my whole life. But if there’s one thing our enemies should have counted on, it’s my love for my husband.

My devotion to the Don. 

*** 
Join Finch and Luca in a dangerous, action-packed, steamy adventure that takes them from New York to Boston, through Roman ruins and a Venetian masquerade, as they redefine their marriage and search for a way to eliminate their enemies for once and for all. 
Devoted to the Don is the sixth book in the Morelli Family series. 
Review: ⟫ Whoo!! Back with Finch and Luca, this book was a humdinger! 
I half felt like I watching something like National Treasure as they followed the clues wherever they led to figure out the mystery!

I got to 25% and I let out a screech that shocked my cats when someone returned, and I was cheering my head off like a mad woman! 

I freaking loved this book so much. 
Luca is on the edge, losing himself in his fear for Finch. And Finch is determined to show his man that although Luca calls him an Angel, Finch is more than prepared to go dark for Luca. 
The relationship between these two is damned near holy, and seeing them become closer and stronger together was a delight. The sex was, as always, hotter than hot (the scene in the alley in Rome!!) but more than anything, the connection between these two is like two souls that have found their other half, and after a few bumps in the road, are realising just how perfect they are for each other. 
Book 5 still remains my favourite, but this is coming a close second. I still can’t believe Leighton Greene has managed to keep up this standard of writing this far into the series – that is some serious talent!

Vow of the Vigilante by Leighton Greene (Morelli Family #7)

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Title: ⟫ Vow of the Vigilante (Morelli Family #7)
Author: ⟫ Leighton Greene
Blurb: ⟫ Baxter Flynn is a wanted man in more ways than one.

He and Angelo Messina, ex-Underboss of the Morelli Family, have only strengthened their connection while they’ve been on the run, working toward their goal: find the one man who can clear their names.

But the law is always nipping at their heels, and for Bax—once an FBI agent—his underbelly life has never been completely comfortable.

Now Bax and Angelo have a solid tip on the whereabouts of their target, and with the help of the Castellani Family in Los Angeles, they might just pin him down…if they can get to him fast enough.

Because they’re not the only ones with an interest in the fugitive they’re chasing.

And all the while, one question grows larger in Bax’s mind: What happens after?

How can he and Angelo possibly make a life together that isn’t tainted by blood?

Review: ⟫ First of all, I would really like to see any images Leighton used to envisage Bax – for * ahem * research purposes! Because when Finch described him as swole, I had to admit I really wished this was a movie.

And that was how I felt about the whole book – I could imagine it playing out on screen, with Angelo and Baxter pursing their only chance for justice, chasing down leads, intermingling with other Mafia families and enjoying being together. We meet Jack (who gets his own book His Lethal Desire) which is what led me to the Morelli family in the first place, as we try to track down Greco who could have a whole lot of answers for Angelo and Baxter.

Julian is here – I freaking adore Julian, and reading his shenanigans in this book, including his choice of outfit when he first meets Angelo and Bax, just made me love him more.

The biggest thing I loved about this book was the answers as to how a Federal Agent and the Monster of the Morellis manage to get a happily ever after. And they surely did – so much so that I re-read the last two chapters twice after I finished the book simply to soak in the joy of a well-deserved slice of heaven for the two of them.

This was a brilliant ending to my journey with the Morellis, although I wouldn’t mind visiting them every now and then – especially to visit Nicky and Carlo (hint hint) – and an easy 5/5 from me. My only regret is that I didn’t discover this series before.