Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert book review

WoooooWeeee!!! If you have been keeping up with this series, you know what you are in for in terms of spice and steamy scenes. This book is the 6th installment in the Dark Olympus series and is the story of the threesome: Eurydice, Charon and Orpheus. The story moves a bit closer to figuring out who might be trying to destroy Olympus on the political and military front. Hades is forced to take action for the inhabitants of the Lower City. Eurydice and Orpheus had broken up because he was a terrible boyfriend and he almost killed Eurydice because of his reckless choices. She sought refuge in the Lower City and Charon has been her bodyguard (and secretly falling in love with her). Eurydice has been falling for Charon and she makes him a proposal. However, Charon knows her well enough that he can see that she still has feelings for Orpheus. Charon goes to see Orpheus and they work out an arrangement. Eventually, they all find themselves in a threesome, navigating the nuances of a poly relationship and off the charts sex. I did like that they are stronger together. They are all working to uncover the threat to Olympus. Lots of previous characters are woven into this story. Most notably Persephone and Hades. I love this modern retelling of Greek Mythology. If you are into this series, you will get through this book quick. It’s hard to put down once you get started. This book will be out January 16, 2024. Mark your calendars! Thanks to NetGalley and SourceBooks for the Advance Reader Copy.

Accidentally His By Sabrina Jeffries book review

Yay! I am always excited to read a book by Sabrina Jeffries. She is one of my favorite historical romance authors. First, I love the cover art of this new book, Accidentally His. I mean, what better hook than to have a hot man looking at me with a smoldering look??? 

This is the conclusion to the Designing Debutantes series and this is Lady Verity’s story. She was introduced in the previous two books and now she gets to find a man! I love that the three sisters have been running a successful party planning business. In addition to party planning, Verity finds herself solving various mysteries and playing the part of a wallflower to sometimes find said information .Rafe Wolfford, was a soldier, and had not intention of ever inheriting a title. Unfortunately, all the people who were before him for the title had all died. Wolfford has been content avoiding marriage and spying for the Crown. He initially approached Verity because he suspected she might have ties to information being leaked to the French. I love the chemistry between Verity and Rafe. 

A little non-traditional, but that is what makes it fun! I love that Verity was portrayed as smart and intuitive in the clandestine world. She does hesitate a bit with her attraction to Rafe, but she has been burned before by a man and she is not dying to go back to another heartbreak. But watching her sisters fall in love with their husbands, makes her more open to Rafe’s advances. There are some laugh out loud moments, there is some mystery, action, thrills and some steamy romance. This is a fun, quick read for the long winter months. This book will be out January 23, 2024. You should definitely pre-order 🙂 

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this Advance Reader Copy.

Her Scandalous Scot, A Regency Romance By Jennifer Haymore book review

This is the second book of the Highland Knights Series and it is a republished book with some changes. Since I just jumped right into book 2, this was my first book in the series and it was good as a standalone. It was not my first book by Jennifer Haymore and I can definitely say that I still love her books! While it is a historical romance, it does quickly jump into some sexy scenes. Camden McLeod is a Highland Knight who is protecting an English aristocrat that is in trouble. That is how Camden shows up in a brothel. Lady Esme Hawkins is doing research for her newest novel (scandalous by itself) and she is “learning” by interviewing the women in the brothel. Esme is an accomplished author, but is keeping it a secret from her family. 

I would say that Cam is a bit morally gray when it comes to some of the things he does to interfere in Esme’s life. I mean, I’d be mad 🙂 But it turns out that a mystery is afoot, people are in danger and Cam and Esme have a thing for each other. Overall, I like Esme’s family and they are a fun part of the story. I love the romance between Esme and Cam. They do end up in some steamy scenes quite often. I also love that Esme is an erotic author in her time. Her books are a fun detail in this story. I totally recommend this book. It came out in June 2023, but it would make for a cozy winter read right now!

Love Plot by Samantha Young book review

I had this book in my TBR pile since the summer and I don’t know why it took me so long to get to it. As soon as I started reading it, I could not put it down. I read it in a day and half. I have enjoyed other Samantha Young romantic comedy books. Fun, flirty and hard to put down. This book starts out as a fake dating situation between grumpy vet, Rafe and super cheerful and optimistic Star. She is a character actor who is performing at a children’s birthday party and Rafe just happens to be there as the uncle. During this birthday party, Rafe’s mom and sister in law try to set him up on a date. In fact, they have been trying for months and they are quite aggressive. Rafe decides to take matters into his own hands and hires Star to be his girlfriend to get his family off his back. 

There is some hilarity along the way, especially when Star sees Rafe on the street and he doesn’t quite recognize her because she is not in costume. He is more than ready to introduce her to his family so they stop trying to set him up on dates. Star is worried about the family because she is not sure their relationship will be believable and it turns out she likes them because they are nice people. As Rafe and Star get to know each other better, their fake dating relationship turns into a real romance. They both have to get over some emotional baggage from their past, but as long as they support each other, things should be fine. Rafe and Star have some sizzling attraction going on. They both have a lot of depth to them that is not so clearly visible on the surface. If you are looking for fun banter, laugh out loud situations, steamy pages and just plain fun, this book is for you. I highly recommend this book for when you are in the mood for a good romantic comedy.

Second Duke's the Charm by Kate Bateman book review

I really love Kate Bateman books and this first book in a new series did not disappoint. The series is called Her Majesty’s Rebels and after finishing the first book, it is a perfect name!!! This book is a charming balance between romance and mystery. The story revolves around Tess Townsend and Justin Thornton, who is a shipping magnate and just became a duke overnight. He inherited the dukedom from Tess’s husband, who dropped dead the night of their wedding. Tess had been forced to marry someone she did not want to marry and she gained her freedom with the death of her husband. Tess and her friends can now run their business, King & Co as London’s most exclusive investigative agency (and how all the fun happens). 

I had to laugh at how practical Tess and Justin’s agreement was. The fun started when they realized they could not control themselves around each other and had some sexy times in unconventional places. *swoon*. Tess is smart, funny and independent. You are really rooting for her to have a happily ever after. If you love historical romance you will love this marriage of convenience, forbidden love, mystery, adventure and great friendships. This book will be out December 26, 2023. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I highly recommend this book.

Knockout by Sarah MacLean book review

This is the third book in the Hell’s Belles series by Sarah MacLean. I have loved all of them, so I feel like I already went into this book biased :) This book is about Imogen Loveless, an explosives expert, who is called to the scene of a bombing in London. Imogen and her friends are called into investigate things that usually happen to women. Something the male detectives have failed to do. However, in this case, Inspector Peck is also called to the scene. The Hell’s Belles have had some run-ins with him in the past and they are all suspicious of each other. 

Part of the fun of this series is that it is a sexy historical romance that weaves more modern ideals into the story, but keeps the great settings, romantic gowns and fancy tailcoats. There is a lot of fun to be had with Imogen being an explosives expert and the romance that begins to spark between her and Thomas. They have sharp witted dialogue and they keep testing each other in that flirty way. There are definitely some spicy scenes. The book is packed with romance, action, mystery, subterfuge and fun! The cover artist once again knocks it out of the park (it’s beautiful). If you have not read this series, I definitely recommend it. This 3rd book came out in August. It would make a great gift for the historical romance lovers in your life.

More Than Shipmates by Philippa Young book review

This is a great debut novel. This book was so much fun. I picked it up because I was in the midst of binging some Below Deck and the cover had some of the same vibes. If you are a fan of Below Deck, this book is for you! Characters are all professional with the guests and then when it’s just the ship’s crew, things get a little wild. Eliza has committed to a six month contract to be an entertainment crew member. They are sailing in the Caribbean. She meets Tom and Oscar, who are both hot…along with everyone else on the ship. But Eliza is pretty determined not to mix work and play. However, it is almost impossible not to get sucked into some naughty games that involve kissing, groping and ultimately more. 

The story made you feel like you were right there with the characters. There is a definite love triangle, lots of drama and spice. Eliza had good, but different, chemistry with both Tom and Oscar. This book pairs well with a glass of wine and a fan. It’s fun and a perfect romantic escape. There is some self-discovery on the way and some good friendships are made. I like the author’s extras - a great Spotify list, an amazing cover and fun merch on her website. I hope there is a book 2 of this high seas adventure. Pick this book up now!

Author's Spotify Playlist

Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert book review

I have been enjoying this series that is a modern day retelling of Greek mythology. This latest book did not disappoint. It is definitely a complicated political and relationship mess. I mean, some of the characters are flawed, but that is what makes this book delightful. This story is a polyamaouros romance between Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Adonis, and Pandora. There is hate sex, ememies to lovers, second chance, best friends to lovers, and strangers to lovers. It is spicy and complicated. Eris Kasios, who is Aphrodite, is getting married to her enemy, the new Hephaestus. She is doing it so that Olympus stays strong. She has been prepared for a world of politics, scandal, backstabbing, power grabs and who you really are is not allowed in society. 

Adonis and Aphrodite have a thing and Pandora is worried about Hephaestus. I would probably read this series in order because the story line builds throughout the books. The couples are different and their stories can be stand alone. This book is a continuation of the wild ride that is Olympus. Modern society woven with Ancient Greek characters is such a fun concept! And the spice. Definitely lots of it. I also think that there is an underlying commentary running throughout the books in terms of underhanded power plays and the power of the paparazzi and social media to spin the story and show the masses select information. I can’t wait to see how this all wraps up.