About: My April Wrap Up unpacks my best reading month yet, and includes a mini-review of the 25 books I read.
(more…)April Wrap Up: 25 Books Read
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Fervent Yet Vexing: The Boss by Melanie Moreland
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Series: Men of Hidden Justice*
Release Date: October 14, 2021
<strong>Synopsis</strong>
Men of Hidden Justice
Because love can bleed into the darkest heart
Because love can bleed into the darkest heart
Terrified and on the run, I was lost.
He found me.
I witnessed his crime and he gave me a choice.
Marriage or death.
I never expected to love him.
But the choices were never really mine.
Could this avenging angel of death ever love me back?
His touch consumed me.
Did my heart stand a chance?
Previously published on Book+Main and in Take Me To Bed Collection. New added content for a complete romantic suspense experience.
<strong>Ending</strong>
HEA with Epilogue
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Suicide attempt (on-page)
• Gun violence
• Murder
• Reference to child pornography and sex trafficking
• Attempted murder
• reference to/discussion of abusive romantic relationship
— Heroine’s stalker is an ex-boyfriend of 6-months
*** there’s no physical abuse in the MCs relationship. However, there are some scenes that can be off-putting for some:
—— the couple have a discussion after a heated argument where the Hero mentions he stayed away because he was angry, feeling out of control and scared he would’ve physically lashed out:
—— Heroine is unable to leave the house without Hero’s permission because he has enemies.
• Reference to kidnapping
• Gun violence
• Murder
• Reference to child pornography and sex trafficking
• Attempted murder
• reference to/discussion of abusive romantic relationship
— Heroine’s stalker is an ex-boyfriend of 6-months
*** there’s no physical abuse in the MCs relationship. However, there are some scenes that can be off-putting for some:
—— the couple have a discussion after a heated argument where the Hero mentions he stayed away because he was angry, feeling out of control and scared he would’ve physically lashed out:
—— Heroine is unable to leave the house without Hero’s permission because he has enemies.
• Reference to kidnapping
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 3/5 stars
*Each book in the series is Standalone
Note: I received The Boss from Melanie Moreland’s team in exchange for an honest review. (more…)When He’s An Alpha by Suzanne Wright
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Series: Olympus Pride*
Release Date: March 2, 2021
<strong>Synopsis</strong>
The golden rule of shallow flings is not to get attached, right? Well, Havana Ramos broke it. Big time. There’s just something about Tate Devereaux that pulls at her. Assertive, compelling, and self-assured, the Alpha cat shifter pushes every one of her best buttons. Like really, really hard. Having overheard an enlightening conversation, she knows he won’t give her more than a fling—something, to be fair, he’d told her well in advance. If she doesn’t want her heart to get bruised, it’s time to end what little they have. It’s not like he’ll care or anything. Except … it turns out that he does.
Newly-appointed Alpha Tate Devereaux is never bothered when women walk away. He can’t exactly blame them, given his distrustful cat’s habit of withdrawing from relationships. But when lone shifter Havana ends their fling, everything within Tate rebels against it—including his cat. Even as she and Tate work together to crush the threat looming over her, Havana holds him at arms’ length. But if she thinks she can end their fling with no real explanation and that he’ll just tip his hat and walk away, she’s forgotten one very important thing—there’s nothing easy about shaking off an Alpha.
<strong>Ending</strong>
HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Heroine of colour
• Asian supporting character
• Bisexual side character
• Asian supporting character
• Bisexual side character
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Gun violence
• Human trafficking
• Reference to r@pe
• Blood and violence
• Murder of parents
• Torture
• Human trafficking
• Reference to r@pe
• Blood and violence
• Murder of parents
• Torture
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OM and OW drama
– Ex-friends-with-benefits of Heroine tries to win the Heroine back
– Ex-almost-imprinted-mate of Hero tries to win Hero back
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
– Hero doesn’t want a serious relationship so they break up for a bit
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Does have OM and OW drama
– Ex-friends-with-benefits of Heroine tries to win the Heroine back
– Ex-almost-imprinted-mate of Hero tries to win Hero back
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
– Hero doesn’t want a serious relationship so they break up for a bit
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 4/5 stars
*Each novel in the series is Standalone
(more…)Sentimental and Perfervid: Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
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Series: Twilight Saga*
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Synopsis
When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.
This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?
Ending
HFN
Representation
• Quileute side characters
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Violence (Blood and gore)
• Torture (Psychological and physical)
• Planning of murder
• Murder
• Death
• Allusions to rape
• Allusions to pedophilia
• Torture (Psychological and physical)
• Planning of murder
• Murder
• Death
• Allusions to rape
• Allusions to pedophilia
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OW and OM drama
– Tanya has been into Edward for decades and thought him going to Alaska was for her (nothing happens though)
– Rosalie is upset that Edward never wanted her and yet he falls for unremarkable Bella
– Bella is asked out repeatedly be three boys, all of whom she turns down
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Does have OW and OM drama
– Tanya has been into Edward for decades and thought him going to Alaska was for her (nothing happens though)
– Rosalie is upset that Edward never wanted her and yet he falls for unremarkable Bella
– Bella is asked out repeatedly be three boys, all of whom she turns down
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 4.75/5 stars
*Companion to Twilight (told in Edward’s perspective)
(more…)A Vindication of Twilight?: Re-read 10 years later
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First Impressions
The last time I read Twilight I was 12 years old and loved it. Now, currently in the midst of finishing my feminism dissertation on patriarchal norms in popular culture, and currently self-isolating, my curiosity was peaked: is the Twilight I remember one that was read through naive rose-tinted glasses? Does it actually have an anti-feminist rhetoric? Over the past two days, I have read Twilight (note only the first book in the series) and have taken notes of my thoughts while reading.
(more…)Summer and Smoke by CoraLee June
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Series: The Bullets
Release Date: December 2, 2018
<strong>Synopsis</strong>
Summer Bright is just a name on a tombstone. A whispered mystery on the long-forgotten Woodbury Lane. Her ghost teases me with fear and perfection. She knows I’m not strong enough to do what I should’ve done years ago.
The Bullets are united once more, bonded by their demand for blood. There’s a vulnerability in their friendship, though.
Gavriel craves control.
Blaise fears losing me.
Ryker fights his guilt.
Callum’s moral compass will get us killed.
Chesterbrook may be where the old me died, but it’s also where I learned that hell isn’t a place, it’s a person. And if we aren’t careful, our plan for revenge could go up in smoke.
<strong>Ending</strong>
Cliffhanger
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Bisexual side characters
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Violence (including murder)
• Physical abuse (memories)
• Threat to one’s life
• Physical abuse (memories)
• Threat to one’s life
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
– Blaise and Summer participate in one of Nix’s scenes, as voyeurs.
– During the scene, an OW touches Blaise, and Summer gets jealous and mad. Blaise gets turned on.
– Neither has sex with the OW/OM though.
• Does have the one of the Heroes pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
– Blaise and Summer participate in one of Nix’s scenes, as voyeurs.
– During the scene, an OW touches Blaise, and Summer gets jealous and mad. Blaise gets turned on.
– Neither has sex with the OW/OM though.
• Does have the one of the Heroes pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 3.75/5 stars
Warning: This is a review of the second book in the series; therefore, there will be spoilers from the first book below. Click Here to read my review of the first book in the series.
Note: I received Summer and Smoke through CoraLee June’s team in exchange for an honest review. (more…)Sunshine and Bullets by CoraLee June
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Series: The Bullets
Release Date: August 19, 2018
<strong>Synopsis</strong>
Sunshine.
It’s a nickname I haven’t heard since I lived on Woodbury Lane, where the houses were pretty but the secrets? Deadly. It was a pet name known only to the Bullets. Rough, violent, and ruthless, they laid claim to the town — and my heart.
I wasn’t supposed to fall for a boy from the wrong side of the tracks—especially not four of them. But they were the only ones who understood that sometimes hell hides in plain sight.
I was the girl with all the conveniences a privileged upbringing could provide. The world only saw two loving parents and a pristine home life, but I knew the truth. And it was going to get me killed. So, I disappeared, from everyone and everything I’d ever known. I changed my name and my appearance, but the scars I carry, they’re still the same.
The Bullets are all grown up now, too — a crime boss, a pro fighter, a bounty hunter, and a federal agent. Life took them in different directions, but they once shared the bonds of a brotherhood forged under the harshest conditions. Together they were fearless. Brutal. Unstoppable.
I’m praying they can find that unity again. If I’m going to survive this, it’ll take everything they have. Because that’s the thing about running from the past.
Eventually, it catches up to you.
<strong>Ending</strong>
HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Bisexual supporting characters
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Heroine’s family was abusive towards her (Flashbacks)
• Violence (flashbacks and present)
• Severe PTSD
• Grief over the presumed death of the Heroine
• BDSM (One of the heroes–Gavriel–agrees to protect Sunshine in the present for a price: she must submit to him)
• Violence (flashbacks and present)
• Severe PTSD
• Grief over the presumed death of the Heroine
• BDSM (One of the heroes–Gavriel–agrees to protect Sunshine in the present for a price: she must submit to him)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Not Safe
• No cheating
• Does have descriptive sex scene with OW (in the Past, the heroes hook-up with girls right in front of Sunshine at parties. Can’t remember if there’s a sex scene in their POV, but there is A LOT of OW).
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a significant (~5 years) separation between the Heroes and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Does have descriptive sex scene with OW (in the Past, the heroes hook-up with girls right in front of Sunshine at parties. Can’t remember if there’s a sex scene in their POV, but there is A LOT of OW).
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a significant (~5 years) separation between the Heroes and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Format: eARC
Rating: 4.25/5 stars
Note: I was lucky enough to have received an ARC of Sunshine and Bullets (this novel was given in exchange for an honest review)!
(more…)Bentley (Vested Interests, #1) by Melanie Moreland
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Series: Vested Interests*
Release Date: February 8th, 2018
<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Three young men meet in university and form a lifelong friendship.
Their pasts dictate the men they are, but their present shapes their future.
Their pasts dictate the men they are, but their present shapes their future.
What happens when these men meet the one person they are destined to be with? Can they fight their feelings and walk away? Or will they each succumb and learn the sweet agony of love?
Bentley
The leader of the group. He is uptight, formal, and cold. Rigid and set in his ways, always following the same path. Until the day, he stumbles upon her.
Emmy
She brings with her spontaneity and light. The world she lives in is so different from his, yet he cannot control the draw to her. Nor can he explain the way she makes him feel.
Happy.
Protective.
Loved.
<strong>Ending</strong>
HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Heroine was abandoned by her whole family (parents and older brother)
• Hero’s parents died when he was young
• Abduction
• Suicide
• Hero’s parents died when he was young
• Abduction
• Suicide
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Rating: 4/5 stars
*Each novel in the series is Standalone
(more…)Stalk Me (The Keatyn Chronicles, #1) by Jillian Dodd
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Series: The Keatyn Chronicles
Release Date: January 7th, 2014
<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Gossip Girl meets Hollywood in this steamy new series by That Boy author, Jillian Dodd.
Keatyn has everything she ever dreamed. Her life is following the script she wrote for the perfect high school experience. She’s popular, goes to the best parties, dates the hottest guy, and sits at the most-coveted lunch table.
She’s just not sure she wants it anymore. Because, really, things aren’t all that perfect. Her best friend is threatening to tell everyone her perfect relationship is a scam. Her perfect boyfriend gets drunk at every party they go to. It’s exhausting always trying to look and act perfect. And, deep down, she isn’t sure if she has any true friends.
To add to the drama, her movie star mom has a creepy stalker. A hot, older man flirts with her and tells her they should make a movie together.
And she’s crushing on an adorable surfer. Dating him would mean committing social suicide.
So she writes a new script. One where all the pieces of her life will come together in perfect harmony.
But little does she know, there’s someone who will do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen.
<strong>Ending</strong>
Cliffhanger
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Stalking, including predation of children (16 yo girl)
• Stalker of the Heroine is in his late 20s, early 30s – he flirts with her. The Heroine doesn’t realize how creepy he is.
• Stalker of the Heroine is in his late 20s, early 30s – he flirts with her. The Heroine doesn’t realize how creepy he is.
<strong>Mature Themes</strong>
• (Non-descriptive) sex scenes
• Underage drinking
• Severe lack of parental supervision–teenagers vacation without their parents
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Underage drinking
• Severe lack of parental supervision–teenagers vacation without their parents
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Rating: 3.75/5 stars
(more…)The Society (Spy Girl, #3) by Jillian Dodd
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Series: Spy Girl
Release Date: July 25th, 2017
<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the third book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.
Sent to London for their next mission, Huntley and Ari are guests at Malcolm Prescott’s home, where Ari is asked to join a secret group called The Society, and Huntley learns more about her “father” Ares Von Allister.
Spy Girl was trained not to have emotional entanglements, but Huntley is learning that it’s hard to survive in the real world without them. As she uncovers hidden truths about her past, the knowledge leaves her reeling and questioning everything. She’s going to have to trust someone, and it’s not going to be Black X. So she goes against her training and forms relationships—caring, trusting, and, maybe, even loving.
But relationships are dangerous for a spy. Particularly one who will be facing her most challenging mission to date. Tasked with getting close to the illusive Money Man, she will be forced to delve into a seedy underworld that will threaten her very existence.
<strong>Ending</strong>
Cliffhanger
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Violence
• Terrorism
• Murder and attempted murder
• Terrorism
• Murder and attempted murder
<strong>Mature Themes</strong>
• Allusions to sex
• Underaged drinking
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
• Underaged drinking
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Note: This is a review of the third book in the series; therefore, there will be spoilers from the first and second book below. (more…)
