Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert book review

Long story to get to this book review… It all started with a trip to Greece this Spring Break with some young people. While my knowledge of Greek mythology sort of existed…I can’t say I was an expert. We visited all these super cool ancient sites: Temple of Posiden, Delphi, Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis, Parthenon, Corinth, Knossos, Mycenae, Olympia and Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus (these were my favorites) - I realized that the kids knew a lot more than I did about Greek Mythology. They had all read the Rick Riordan Percy Jackson series for all of their in depth knowledge about the ancient Greeks. So, when I got back from Greece, I binged all the Percy Jackson books. They were soooooooo good. I literally could not stop. They are definitely middle grade YA fiction books, and a little outside of my normal pleasure reading. When I finished those, I wanted to keep going with the Greek Mythology but I wanted more “spice.” 

Whoooooboy! Does this series deliver. I had seen Neon Gods on the display at Target and I just knew from all of my blogs and lists that it was a popular romance. I downloaded Wicked Beauty from NetGalley and THEN realized it was the 3rd book in the series. Obviously, I had to read the first 2 books before I read Wicked Beauty. (I really have to read series books in order. I feel like I miss a lot if I don’t.) It took me 3 days to read the 3 Dark Olympus books and I LOVED EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM!!! SO GOOD! I’m guessing if you are thinking about reading Wicked Beauty, you have read the first two. If not, go read Neon Gods and Electric Idol. Trust me. This third book has the previous couples appearing and this one focuses on Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus. Some F/M/M action. 

This is a modern retelling that takes place on the East Coast as that is where the cradle of modern civilization is now. Zeus decided that Helen is his to give away in marriage. They are definitely trying to make political alliances. The gossip is toxic and everything is for show. The powerful 13 are based on Greek Gods and there are lots of shifting alliances and dirty moves. It’s like NYC, LA and DC all rolled into one ball of toxic pseudo-reality. Helen has her own ideas for her future and enters the competition to fight for her own hand in marriage. That way, she can control some aspect of her life. If you are looking for that twist of Greek mythology in your romance stories, this is the book for you. It is definitely explicit and written for adults. Super hot! Enjoy.

Tempting the Vicar by Liana LeFey book review

Ok…I was totally drawn in by the beautiful cover, but I was a little hesitant that a Vicar was the main character. But I started and got into it and realized that it was a twin swap and Daniel really tried to balance his faith, loyalty to his brother and his attraction to Olivia. While there is some sexual activity, there is nothing explicit in this book. It gives off the gentle, light romance vibe. There are definitely a lot of obstacles standing in the way of a marriage that Olivia and Daniel have to overcome. Vicar’s did get married during this time period, so clearly they must have had some romantic interludes ;) This is the first book that I read by Liana LeFey and I really enjoyed the story and the writing style. When you are in the mood for a slow burn romance, put this book in your pile.

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman book review

This book was published in Sept of 2021! Yikes to me for not getting out a review sooner. I am a big fan of historical fiction by Kate Bateman. This 1st book in a new series did not disappoint. The main characters are Madeline Montgomery and Gryffud Davis. 

Their families have not gotten along and they have both kind of moved on with their lives at the point that the book starts. Maddie stayed at her family’s home, while Gryff went off to war and then enjoyed the pleasure of London. Scandal forces him to come back home to Wales and he runs into Maddie. The family feud has made them childhood enemies, but now that they have reunited…. I think readers will love the sexy dialogue. 

They are fun, bold and adventurous. The historical details are always intriguing and well written. I can’t wait to move on to the next books.

The Rake Gets Ravished by Sophie Jordan book review

I was really excited to read this book. I love all of Sophie Jordan’s historical romances. The Rake Gets Ravished is a pretty catchy title, given that it is usually the other way around. Particularly exciting is that you do not have to wait long for a sizzling sex scene. It totally happens in the beginning as Mercy Kittinger visits Silas’s gaming hell to retrieve the voucher that lost the family farm her brother gambled away. Without the farm, Mercy would not have a place to live and it was just a long line of trouble that her brother brought upon her, when all she was doing was trying to survive. Mercy was looking for the voucher in Silas’ private room and she was about to get caught. She pretended that she was waiting for Silas and offered herself to him. She did steal the voucher back and burned it when she got home. Silas realized her deception and went looking for her. It just keeps getting better and better. 

I laughed out loud quite a few times at some of the dialogue between Mercy and Silas. The development of their relationship was just so fun to read. Some parts are frustrating, some parts are sad, but they all lead to a happy ending. The chemistry is hot, Silas is swoony and Mercy has quite a modern look on sexual relationships. That was an unexpected surprise for the time period of this book. It’s a fast paced story. Perfect for a beach or weekend read. Oh, and the cover is HOT. I loved it and am looking forward to the next one.

Immortal Rising by Lynsay Sands book review

Full disclosure here - I have read and loved all 34 books in The Argeneau Series by Lynsay Sands. I have loved them all!!! This book was a bit different because Thorne, one of the main characters, was created as a science experiment. He is not quite immortal, yet not mortal either. Stephanie McGill was in a previous book as a kidnapping victim and turned against her will. Her abilities are different from the rest of the immortals that she knows. She’s been leading a lonely life. This kind of makes them the perfect couple because they both seek solitude and want to be away from mortals. True to the series, Stephanie and Thorne have sexual attraction that is off the charts, they have all the immortal benefits. There is an element of suspense because they are both in danger of who they are. Stephanie is being hunted by Dressler, the scientist that created Thorne. The Argeneau family comes out in full force to help and protect them. 

This story fits in perfectly with the world that they author has created. It’s exciting, suspenseful, fun and super romantic. It’s one of the paranormal romances that I am really into. I love how their story is told and the fact that some secondary characters that I had forgotten about, got their own story. If you are already a reader of this series, get this book! If you are new to this series, start reading. You will be hooked and this can be your next binge.

The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh book review

The title and the cover totally sucked me into reading this book. I mean, “The Good Girls Guide to Rakes” is just such a fun title. This is Eva Leigh’s new series called Last Chance Scoundrels. Our first couple is Kieran and Celeste. Kieran and his brother Finn convinced Dom to leave their sister at the altar. Of course, scandal ensues and now Kieran needs to find a respectable bride or be financially cut off. Kieran asks his best friend’s sister, Celeste Kilburn, to help him on this bride quest. Celeste agrees, but with some stipulations. She wants to explore the seedier side of London and experience gaming hells, wild fêtes, and sensual art salons. She can’t get caught, but she really wants to explore what is out there. Celeste always goes in disguise and as her and Kieran spend all that time together, some feelings develop. They both had some preconceived notions of each other, but as they got to know each other, the chemistry really started to heat up. I think what made me fall in love with Kieran was how devoted he was to helping Celeste find her independence. And how protective he became of her. I also think it’s super sexy that Kieran is a poet. I mean, hello…*fans self*. Celeste is also a very likable character. She sacrificed a lot for her family and is willing to settle for a business-like marriage arrangement. But she wants to do something for herself first. 

This book has great dialogue, fun characters, descriptive setting and of course, a happily ever after. I think if you are looking for a fun historical romance, this might be for you. It’s got a good balance of sexy steaminess, fun and intrigue. As a reader, you will definitely be rooting for the couple to hurry up and get together.

Mistletoe Christmas: An Anthology by Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor and Erica Ridley book review

Here I am again, reviewing my Christmas books in April. Argh!!! But it’s never too early to start building your holiday TBR pile ;) 

Mistletoe Christmas is an anthology of four short stories. All by some of my favorite historical romance writers. This entire anthology is set in the annual Revelry. A huge holiday party that takes all year to plan.

The first story is A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James. The story centers of Lady Cressida, who is the organizer of the annual Revelry for her father the Duke. He likes to take credit for the Revelry. This reader did not like him for that :( Elias, Lord Darcy de Royleston, has known Cressida since he was 12, and never really noticed her. This year, he takes notice. 

Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell Oh man. This second chance romance really got me. I found it to be so sad at the beginning, but I KNEW there had to be a HEA. Isabelle left Cyrus when she felt that he was too into his work. He was just focused on making money. She left and worked on writing plays. Ten years later, they meet again at The Revelry and are assigned to work together. Will they finally learn to communicate with each other? 

Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor This story was about a marriage in crisis. Caroline left her husband for London because she didn’t feel appreciated. Now her trust fund is on the line and she has to convince the Duke that they are together. This story had quite a steamy scene. I mean, if you are snowed in with your husband at a party… 

Mischief and Mistletoe by Erica Ridley A wallflower poet with a mother determined to finally see her wed. However, Louisa is just interested in writing her poetry. Fortunately, the Revelry brought out some other poets and Louisa has some chemistry with fellow poet, Ewan. There were some secrets that took a while to come out, but guess what??? There was a happy ending. Overall, a fun and entertaining read. Love the christmas spirit. Love all the authors who contributed to this anthology. It’s a great way to find a new author to love. Put this on your list to get you into the Christmas spirit.