The Unraveling by Vi Keeland - eARC Review

DESCRIPTION
This chilling, sizzling, and addictive thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Vi Keeland follows a New York psychiatrist’s dark descent into dangerous obsession.

This isn’t a love story.

It’s a story about obsession.

After experiencing a terrible loss, New York City psychiatrist Meredith McCall feels painfully adrift. When she crosses paths with a man with whom she has a tragic connection, she follows him, sparking an unhealthy obsession with Gabriel Wright. How is he doing so well while her life is in shambles?

But when Gabriel walks into her office as a patient, seemingly unaware of who she is, she knows it crosses all ethical and moral bounds to treat him. Yet, Meredith can’t bring herself to turn him away and becomes further entangled. With her life and career continuing to unravel, it appears that things could not get any worse…until they do.

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
ISBN: 9781668046852
Pub Date: 9 Jul 2024


REVIEW
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! I am a longtime fan of the author and was curious to see what was in store with the genre change. This psychological thriller had me on edge! With jaw-clenching, heart-thumping intensity, I could not put this book down and absolutely devoured it in one day.

Dr. Meredith McCall is a psychiatrist in Manhattan who experiences a major tragedy and is dealing with the painful aftereffects. Enter Gabriel Wright, a man to whom Meredith is connected. As she knows she should not treat him as her patient, Meredith can’t help but feel righteous in her initial choice to do so.

Constant twists and turns had me questioning my theories from beginning until the very end, and I had things wrong many times. I loved every second of The Unraveling and will hungrily devour any future thrillers by this author.

#TheUnraveling #ViKeeland #Atria #NetGalley #PsychologicalThriller #RomanticSuspense #SuspenseThriller #Thriller

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein - eARC Review

 

DESCRIPTION
A steamy, opposites-attract romance with undeniable chemistry between a grumpy retired footballer and his fabulous and very sunshine-y ghostwriter.

When grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding gets badgered into selling his memoirs, he knows he’s never going to be able to write them. He hates revealing a single thing about himself, is allergic to most emotions, and can’t imagine doing a good job of putting pen to paper.

And so in walks curvy, cheery, cute as heck ghostwriter Mabel Willicker, who knows just how to sunshine and sass her way into getting every little detail out of Alfie. They banter and bicker their way to writing his life story, both of them sure they’ll never be anything other than at odds.

But after their business arrangement is mistaken for a budding romance, the pair have to pretend to be an item for a public who’s ravenous for more of this Cinderella story. Or at least, it feels like it’s pretend—until each slow burn step in their fake relationship sparks a heat neither can control. Now they just have to decide: is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 9781250867933
Pub Date: 6 Feb 2024


REVIEW
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was everything. If you love a good slow-burn, grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract, steamy, work romance, then this one is for you!

I have to gush over the MMC Alfie, who is a former athlete selling his memoirs (but he’s not a writer) and the FMC Mabel, who is a ghostwriter. This duo was just thoroughly enjoyable in all regards. For me, there was so much laughter and delight—absolute pure satisfaction from this story. 10/10 highly recommend!

#GrumpySunshine #Romance #OppositesAttract #SlowBurn #Spicy #CharlotteStein #WhenGrumpyMetSunshine #WorkRomance #StMartinsPress #NetGalley

Protecting the Gray Wolf by N. J. Walters - eARC Review

 

DESCRIPTION
If they want his immortality—they’ll have to take it…in the second deeply sexy and bold Lone Wolf Legacy series from New York Times bestselling author N.J. Walters.

I’m used to other wolves coming for me. They want their chance to try and take out the infamous Gray Wolf. And every single one of them fails—because lone wolves aren’t like the others…we’re stronger. Harder. Meaner. Immortal.

But it also means I’m alone. No pack. No alpha. Just the three of us—white, gray, and black. Two too many, if you ask me.

But with power-hungry mages gunning for us, I don’t have the luxury of reflection. They’re in New York City, and I Will. Hunt. Them. Down.

Which is when I see her, and every cell in my body is on alert, filled with the kind of primal longing I never knew I was capable of. Luna West may be human, but there’s some kind of thread connecting us. Call it destiny, fate…or voracious animal hunger.

I know she’s bait. She’s meant to tempt me, to make me weak. But even if I could resist her, I’m not sure I want to.

Because I’ve never denied my wolf anything…especially the chance to raise some serious hell.

And I’m not about to start now.

Each book in the Lone Wolf Legacy series is STANDALONE:
* Taming the White Wolf
* Protecting the Gray Wolf

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Ebook)
ISBN: 9781649376800
Pub Date: 12 Feb 2024


REVIEW
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I read the preceding book in this standalone, interconnected series, Taming the White Wolf, and absolutely loved it. So I just knew Protecting the Gray Wolf would deliver, and may I say…it absolutely did!

For me, this story was an easy, quick read with great pacing. There was so much going on beginning with a setup from the White Wolf that turns into the Gray Wolf, Kade, doing his best to resist the meticulous, measured, and very tempting artist, Luna. These wolves have their innate need to mate, so the steam factor in the story did not disappoint!

Full of action, thrill, spice, and mystery, Protecting the Gray Wolf is really an exciting paranormal romance. The author does a fabulous job with this genre/subgenre, so the third installment in this series, the Black Wolf’s story, is really calling to me now.

#Paranormal #Romance #Shifter #Werewolf #ProtectingtheGrayWolf #NJWalters #Entangled #NetGalley

Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher - eARC Review

DESCRIPTION

Some follow their destiny.

Others fall for it.

For humans, Salizar’s is a place of mystery and wonder. For Harrow, it’s a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. A haven where she can disguise both her abilities and who she really is.

Until he arrives.

He has no recollection of who—or even what—he is. He only knows that he’s a monster, with wings and powerful abilities never seen before. But beneath the layers of rage and isolation, one glimpse into those inky black eyes reveals a soul that calls out to the loneliness in Harrow.

And so she chooses him.

She is drawn to the mystery of him, her unquenchable need for his kiss. And as powerful enemies align and conspire against them, Harrow knows their only hope is escape.

Now, with every secret she unlocks from his past, a shadow from her own whispers free—luring enemies who will stop at nothing to get their final revenge on Harrow. And she’s given them the perfect weapon…because her winged beast is not what he seems.

But maybe it’s time they finally learn—neither is she.

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Ebook)
ISBN: 9781649374110
Pub Date: 9 Jan 2024

REVIEW
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sanctuary of the Shadow is one heck of a carnival ride. What an intriguing storyline! I love the dark carnival them with an amnesia-affected shadow beast and a powerful young fortune-teller as the main characters.

This fast-paced story will have you feeling like you are speedreading through the journey of Harrow and Raith. I suppose I was expecting more of a slow burn, but it. is. not. and I am just fine with that. I also admire that Harrow has strong friendships in this story; it helps identify the layers of her personality.

I loved the inclusion of important themes like consent, deceit/grudges/revenge leading to forgiveness and redemption, personal growth and forging a path forward. All of these themes are packed in for a quick ride, and I am so beyond excited to find out what happens next in this series!

#Fantasy #YA #Romance #SanctuaryoftheShadow #AuroraAscher #Entangled #NetGalley

To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn - eARC Review

DESCRIPTION
An illusory and atmospheric fantasy horror about a kingdom left to darkness...

Jude Maddox knows nothing of love or even light. He knows only his grim duty as the Hand of Death, to lead the Knights of the Eternal Star into a land filled with nightmares and certain demise. It’s only when he sees her—a young woman with wild, amber eyes who’s as fierce, defiant, and swift as the shadow beasts themselves—that he feels the warmth of life in his blood...

The other Knights may fear their lethal commander, with his hard, merciless demeanor. Outcast Kiara Frey sees only a leader, a man who knows how to survive. Someone like her. But wanting him is as treacherous as the shadows themselves...and just as seductive.

With a kingdom on the verge of collapse, the Knights must now venture into the darkest heart of the land and uncover the secrets of the misted shadows, where evil will prey upon their minds and feast on their flesh.

It will betray their senses.

It will surpass their nightmares.

Most of them will die.

But they have no other choice. Because the only way to fight the darkness...is to become it.

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Ebook)
ISBN: 9781649374370
Pub Date: 28 Nov 2023


REVIEW
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! This is one enthralling, intense story by Katherine Quinn. There is so much going on, and the world-building is just superb. Chef’s kiss!

The FMC and MMC are layered and complex, and I loved getting to know them—though I know we are only getting started (with this series?) and grazed the surface with Kiara and Jude.

What surprised me the most about this book (because I have a tendency to go in blindly) was the eeriness of the setting and the well-paced plot. The writing is so well done that I could not put this book down. Cannot wait to read more!

#Fantasy #YA #Romance #ToKillaShadow #KatherineQuinn #Entangled #NetGalley

The Rake and the Rose by Eva Devon - eARC Review

DESCRIPTION
The only way to expose a rake is to conspire with one…in this lively novel from USA Today bestselling author Eva Devon.

For as long as pamphlet writer Rose Digby can remember, certain men of the ton gallivant about town with their own set of rules. Whether it’s gambling, drink, or women, these playboys of London suffer no consequences. When someone she holds dear falls prey to a rake of the highest order Rose is determined to expose them all. But she needs a way to enter their world undetected…

Alexander Markby, the sixth Earl of Derby is her brother’s closest friend and is positively rife with roguishness. Too much money, too much time, and much too well-endowed…with good looks (obviously). He’s the perfect cover to help Rose infiltrate his world. He has just one rule. In the name of “protecting” her—she must pose as his mistress. The very idea!

Now Rose will have to become what she loathes. She’ll have to flutter her eyelashes, flatter the Earl of Derby, and pretend to be completely, utterly, and totally smitten with him. But it’s for a good cause. Because there’s nothing more dangerously charming—and completely ruinous—than a rake. No matter if he’s friend, foe…or hiding a secret that will shake the foundations of Rose’s world.

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Ebook)
ISBN: 9781649376008
Pub Date: 30 Oct 2023

REVIEW
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I truly enjoyed this book. This is the third standalone in Eva Devon’s Once Upon a Wallflower series, and I absolutely loved the characters and premise of the story. The plot has a nice flow and is pleasant to read.

Rose Digby is a pamphlet author and aims to expose the lives of the debaucherous rakes of English society by infiltrating the exclusive gentlemen’s clubs they frequent. The catch is, she needs someone to get her into those clubs. Enter her childhood best friend, now the sixth Earl of Derby, Alexander Markby, who reenters the picture and reluctantly agrees to her show her the ropes so long as she agrees to pose as his mistress. A seemingly dangerous scheme, indeed, for both are unknowingly attracted to the other. A rake himself, Alexander struggles internally with keeping everyone in his circle happy while hiding unaddressed secrets within.

What I appreciate most about this book is the accurate portrayal of society during the Regency era. With this period of the burgeoning of the arts and free-thinking, Devon’s use of Regency diction is spot on.

All in all, there are mixed messages and promises made, causing certain confusion, but rest assured, everything is cleared up for you in an endearing way!

If you enjoyed Devon’s previous writings, you’ll definitely love The Rake and the Rose. Grab your copy through the publisher link above!

#HistoricalFiction #RegencyRomance #AdultRomance #FoundFamily #TheRakeandtheRose #EvaDevon #Entangled #NetGalley

Some Kind of Blunderful by Livy Hart - eARC Review

DESCRIPTION
Fate doesn’t play fair in this hilarious and sexy comedy of errors from the author of Planes, Trains, and All the Feels.

If you ask Mia Madden, the road to dating hell is paved with suspiciously hot online profiles. Take tonight’s date, for example. Alex Conroy’s whole “boardroom in the streets, lumberjack in the sheets” thing totally works for her, but his profile did not convey that he represents everything she loathes about corporate hustle culture. He’s not even worth her bottle of purse wine.

Imagine her horror when it turns out that Alex is also the hot-shot new boss her dad can’t stop complaining about—the Forbes 30-under-30 company fixer of his nightmares. Worse, their respective best friends are dating. Mia and Alex are constantly thrown together, whether it’s for corporate volunteer hours at the animal rescue, squaring off at the company picnic, or literally trapped in an escape room. It’s one nightmare after another...no matter how sexy the company is.

Mia’s life is now a romantic-comedy of errors, complete with her kinda, sorta, accidentally sleeping with the enemy. And she’s not sure which is worse: that Alex could ruin her dad’s career, or that she might actually like him.

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Ebook)
ISBN: 9781649374608
Pub Date: 25 Sep 2023


REVIEW
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book did not disappoint! I was enraptured from the very beginning. Livy Hart brings us a forced proximity, enemies to lovers, dual POV, workplace romance that has all the witty banter and sexual tension you could ask for.

FMC Mia Madden and MMC Alex Conroy first meet through a dating app, which leads to a flat-out awful first date. When she discovers that Alex actually works for her father, she vows to put the blinders on and steer clear. Alas, fate has other plans, and the pair continually find themselves at the same events due to knowing mutual people.

The pair definitely try their best to ignore their undeniable attraction, but things eventually come to a head. Mia and Alex definitely have some issues to work through, and I think you’ll love how things turn out. I hope you enjoy Some Kind of Blunderful as much as I did!

Also, check out my review posted on Goodreads, here.

#SmallTownRomance #OfficeRomance #EnemiesToLovers #ForcedProximity #SomeKindofBlunderful #YA #LivyHart #Entangled