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Review: The Mastermind by Zara Cox
The Mastermind
Zara Cox
Mafia Rivals Series, Book 2
344 pages, Kindle Edition
July 8, 2025, by Boldwood Books
Dark secrets, fast cars, filthy lust…your new mafia romance obsession 🖤🏎️ Ruthless Underboss. Clever Mastermind. Sworn Rival.
Just a handful of reasons why I should hate Cesare Salvatore, heir to the Salvatore Sicilian mafia throne. Other reasons? His insanely gorgeous face. How hot he looks in his Formula One race suit. The feral look in his eyes when he’s pounding his enemy into the ground… But as a Mancinelli, I abide by one family Stay away from the Salvatores.
Betrayal. Forbidden Attraction. Vendetta Ignited.
Cesare believes there’s a traitor in his crew…put there by me. He’ll uncover the truth by any means, including blackmailing me into his bed. What he doesn’t know is I’ve crushed on him since high school; have craved his blood-stained hands on me since one mistake sparked a lust-hate relationship. Discovering he’s equally hot for me risks re-igniting a family vendetta and unearthing brutal decades old secrets many have been killed for. Can we stop before sparks turn to inferno? Because if it does? Forget Romeo & Juliet. Our forbidden attraction will destroy empires.
An enemies-to-lovers dark mafia story full of dark secrets, fast cars, filthy lust and deceit. Perfect for fans of Kylie Kent, Sadie Kincaid and Penelope Sky.
4 Stars
I am a sucker for a good mafia romance. Always have been and always will be. Zara Cox definitely caught my attention with The Mastermind.
We may start off a little bit on the slow side, but let me tell you, we definitely pick it up for a fast pace edge of your seat story. Mafia meets Formula One racing. Not only are they rivals by their family names, they’re arrivals on the track as well. Cesare Salvatore is a race car driver and the heir to his family legacy. Maddelena Mancinelli is the daughter Mancinelli family head and over sees the running of their racing team. The two arrivals by birth, but yet have this crazy irresistible attraction to one another. Their relationship borders on hate and lust. When they find out, they have a mole on their team, Cesare goes to every length to get to the bottom of what is going on. Even if that means taking the one person that he feels, he can get the answer answers from. Maddelena is one tough cookie, she will see toe to toe with the best of them. yet she has two weaknesses, one feeling things for a man that she should never want to and something completely beyond her control, which could totally destroy her family.
I really enjoyed The Mastermind. Zara Cox puts a nice twist on the typical mafia romance. The addition of F1 racing almost made this book move at break next speed once we got going. It’s a darker modern day inspired by Romeo and Juliet type of story that caught me off guard in the best possible way.
Review: Dragon Forged by Donna Grant
Dragon Forged
Donna Grant
Dragon Kings Series, Book 10
396 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 8, 2025
He is fire and fury. I am forbidden to want him. But some fates refuse to be denied.
I have seen the war that will tear our realm apart. As a seer, it is my duty to stop it, and the path to peace is clear—until him.
The Dragon King is dominance and destruction, a force of nature my gift didn’t foretell… and one I cannot escape.
He is dangerous—untamed, possessive. And the one man I cannot afford to want.
Yet every glance, every searing touch, threatens to unravel the future I’m fighting to protect.
Loving him could mean my ruin.
Wanting him could mean the end of everything.
But when betrayals rise and destiny shifts, one truth becomes clear: I saw the war. I never saw him.
And now, I don’t know if I can stop what’s coming… or if I even want to.
4 Stars
Donna Grant‘s imagination continues to keep readers entertained and on the edge of their seat wondering what’s gonna happen next. The latest edition of the Dragon King series, Dragon Forged is a thrilling page turner.
Dragon Forged is the story of Hector and Emelia. One day Hector is exploring iron hall. He sees the light, and as curiosity got to him he touches it and find himself transported to another place. Emelia is a seer whom has seen the death and destruction of Zora because of a dragon king. Wow, they do feel a connection from almost the moment they meet, Emelia no nothing can come to this because of her vision. Wanting to save Zora. Emelia betrays Hector by sending him somewhere else in hopes that it would save all of Zora. Hector is able to return to Highvale, but the magic of the place has taken route within him, and he is unable to leave or contact his fellow dragon brothers. Trying to escape from his trap prison, figuring out what’s going on and how to get help. Hector still feels a very close connection to this woman, but yet now is not the time for those type of feelings. Or is it?
Donna Grant once again gives readers an entertaining and thrilling story to get lost in. Emelia and Hector work beautifully together. I like their chemistry. They both learn quickly that there is something bigger and more mysterious at play than they realize. Hector becomes an amazing protector when Emelia is targeted as a traitor. This a story of secrets and deception. Lies that have been told for power. Yet we also get an intimate and sweet romance. Emelia and Hector are sensual and passionate together. As always, Donna Grant gives us a magical world, with a thrilling story with love at its core.
Review: One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti
One Dark Kiss
Rebecca Zanetti
Grim Bargains Series, Book 2
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 24, 2025
Rebecca Zanetti explores the forbidden and the taboo in this modern dark romance twist on Snow White—the second in a captivating new series set in a seductive world of money, power, billionaires, and the dangerous desires that drive them.
Mirror, Mirror . . . Innocence or Sin. The reflection holds a darker truth.
ALEXEI
I’ve spent the last seven years in the hell of a maximum-security prison, every moment consumed by the need for revenge—revenge against the bastards who framed me, and revenge against the family who stole everything I owned. Now that I’m finally free, nothing will stand in my way. Not even her—my hot as sin new lawyer. Maybe she’s another weapon sent by my enemies to break me, or maybe she’s the key to my freedom. Either way, once she’s mine, I’m never letting her go.
ROSALIE
When I took this case, I thought I had it under control. But Alexei is no typical convicted killer—he’s a dangerously seductive force of nature. Perhaps it’s the lingering power from his days as heir to a global social media empire. Innocent or not, he’s dangerous in the worst and best ways.
I secure Alexei’s release as we prepare for a new trial, but he wastes no time turning against his traitorous relatives and plotting his return to power. Amidst the chaos, our explosive chemistry ignites, putting us—and everyone I care about—in the crosshairs of ruthless enemies. If we can’t stop them, Alexei plans to burn the whole world down. And if anything, he’s a man of his word . . .
5 Stars
Rebecca Zanetti delivers a deliciously dark spin on some of those fairy things that we all grew up with. One Dark Kiss is a wickedly seductive retelling of Snow White.
Alexei is a dark and dangerous man. Most people would not be able to sleep at night only doing a fraction of the things that this man has done and is capable of. He spent the last seven years in a maximum security prison. As each day passes, so does his knee for revenge. His story is that he was framed for murder and his family is the one who did it.
Rosalie never imagined when taking over a murder case that her entire life, we get twisted and turned upside down by the man that she supposed to be defending. But this Russian mobster ignite a fire within her that no matter what she does, she can’t put out. Rosalie is a hard-working attorney with a heart of gold. She goes above and beyond to healthcare for seven elderly borders at her inheritance at home. She is truly one of those one-of-a-kind people.
Rebecca Zanetti has something so going on with this series. One. Dark Kiss is the second installment of the Grim Bargains. First and foremost the world building is top-notch. If you have had the pleasure of reading Rebecca‘s Dark Proctors Series you will already know she is a master at world building. She has strong and likable characters, even if they shouldn’t be the ones you’re not supposed to be liking. Alexei and Rosalie are each amazing in their own separate ways. Both very strong characters but in completely different ways. Rebecca mixed the dark story and spice in a perfect way. These two ignite the pages from the moment that they meet. It is not a matter of if with them, it is when. We have a thrilling, dark adventure that will leave us on the edge of our seats.
Review: An Unexpected Everything by Carrie Ann Ryan
An Unexpected Everything
Carrie Ann Ryan
The Cage Family Series, Book 2
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 9, 2025
He left me with a note.
Weston Caldwell and I had two months together. Two months of intense heat and plans for our future. Then one day he left me sleeping with a note and never turned back. I closed off my heart and my dreams after he left and promised to take care of my family, never trusting love again.
So when I am forced to head to my family’s small town for protection, I never expect to turn around and see the man I loved.
I want to walk away and never look back, but when I find out he left for a heartbreaking reason, I’m not sure what to think. The chemistry between us hasn’t gone away—if anything it burns even brighter.
But my life is in the city and his is in this small town that draws me. Between his siblings, the town itself, and my new found family, walking away might break me.
Only Weston isn’t the only secret from my past. And it turns out, if Weston and I aren’t careful, we could lose everything before we find our second chance.
An Unexpected Everything is a second chance, right person, wrong time, single “dad”, contemporary romantic suspense in the Cage Family series featuring Weston and Isabella. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan hits the heartstrings hard with this emotional and steamy second chance romance , An Unexpected Everything.
Isabella has had quite a bit of unexpected things going on in her life. An unexpected family of brothers and sisters that she never knew about. The unexpected way her father is still trying to control them all from the grave. Then the unexpected encounter with the man that she thought she was gonna build a life with. Isabella is an amazingly strong woman. She works too hard, but no one can deny her loyalty. She is an amazing big sister and will throw down for any member of her family. Her family protecting her may have just been the push she needed for other things to fall in place.
Weston maybe the textbook definition of a good man, even though he could communicate a little bit better. Just one life was starting to become promising, and he had begun planning. A future absolute tragedy struck his family. In an instant, changing Weston‘s life and priorities. He never thought he would ever see that woman who had never left his mind ever again, but when an unlikely yet dramatic encounter happens, it may have just reopened the book of something from the past, of something he still wanted.
An Unexpected Everything was a beautifully written story. Isabella and Weston get a second chance at something they both wanted so deeply. Seeing these two actually work through the issues of their past and allow their chemistry and passion to give them a second chance. It’s a story about love and healing. I love the family dynamic to these books. It allows the reader to connect on so many different levels. The cage family has crazy drama going on, but yet one of the strongest women we just discovered had an amazing soft side and a grumpy growly man who is willing to do anything to make her happy.
Review: Owen by V.H. Nicolson
Owen
V.H. Nicolson
The Boys of Castleview Cove Series, Book 3
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2025
A runaway groom strangers to lovers unforgettable steamy romance from VH Nicolson. Perfect for fans of Ana Huang, Catharina Maura and Meghan Quinn Don’t play the game, change it…
I was born into privilege. I had it all; the house, the car, more money than I knew what to do with. But it came at a price. Duty. An arranged marriage for the sake of the family empire to a woman who couldn’t bear to look at me. As I stood at the altar, the weight of that burden became too much. So, I did the only thing I could. I ran.
To another country and unintentionally straight into the arms of another woman. Jade is strong, independent, and a single mom. And brick by broken brick she dismantles the wall I’ve built up around my heart. But where once I had everything, now I have nothing. No home, no job and no idea what the future holds. All I do know is, Jade makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before.
But there is always the risk my past could catch up with me. Because the weight of my family’s expectation is likely to cause me to crash land and send my world up in flames. Can I save myself and Jade before that happens?
3.5 Stars
Only twice in my almost 2 decades of reading romance have I gone into reading a book with a lot of preconceived notions and ideas about the main male character with no likelihood of him being able to redeem himself. Owen can now be added to this list.
Owen has made some mistakes with his life. Most as sort of a rebellion against the controlling strings of his parents. Now they have him set to marry a woman that is nothing more than arrangement to benefit both of the families. Owen can’t stand the thought of being stuck with this woman for the rest of his life so he does the one and only thing he can do. He runs. He runs to the one person that he can trust a cousin in Cyprus. Owen ran from the expectations and dictations of his controlling family. Little did he know the place he was running to he find a different kind of family.
Author VH Nicholson save the best for last in my opinion. Owen was a much better story than I expected it to be. As I said, I went in with a bunch of preconceived ideas for reading the earlier books. Owen redeemed himself in ways that I didn’t think possible meeting Jade changed his life and the time and patience that he took with her daughter truly showed his redeeming factors. He is one of those people that you truly couldn’t judge the book by the cover. He had much more layers of depth and complexity than I expected. For someone that I didn’t think had the capacity to love she approved me. I was wrong in the best possible way.
Review: Built to Last by Lexi Blake
Built to Last
Lexi Blake
Park Avenue Promise, Book 3
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 27, 2025
From New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake, discover The Park Avenue Promise Series…
Three young women make a pact in high school—
to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan
Built to Last
Harper Ross has always dreamed of working on one of the magnificent brownstones of Park Avenue. Now one of her closest friends has bought the house of her dreams and hired Harper to do the construction work. She wants to showcase the renovation on a television show for her brand-new production company. It’s the same grand home she and her friends promised themselves they would be able to afford one day. Working on it isn’t the same as living in it, but it’s all a part of Harper’s grand plan to grow her father’s construction business into one of the biggest in the city. The only obstacle—the designer on the project.
Reid Dorsey believes in the balance between beauty and functionality. As one of Manhattan’s new voices in design, he’s excited to get to work on a true Gilded Age property. If only the owner had selected a contractor he enjoyed working with. Oh, Harper was brilliant and her work was excellent, but she has an opinion on everything—and it’s usually the opposite of his.
Over the course of the job, these enemies start to see different sides of each other, and suddenly their fights don’t seem so bad. But when the project is threatened, they might have to choose between their jobs and the beautifully designed future they could share.
4 Stars
Built to Last is the third book of Lexi Blakes Park Avenue promise series and follows Harper Ross and Reid Dorsey. An enemies to lovers romance that gives total romcom vibes. Lexi Blake is a master of mixing spice, banter, and characters that you can’t help but to fall in love with.
Harper is a CEO of her family’s construction company and has the weight of her entire family and their backwards way of thinking upon her shoulders. Read is an interior designer who used to have a design show with his brother. We have heard of grumpy crossed with sunshine or what about grumpy crossed with grumpy. That’s what Harper and Reid are to one another but yet there is an indescribable and unmistaken attraction that the two share. However, both of them are hardheaded and want to have their way. Harper feels that her dream of her storing this brownstone is falling through the cracka. Harper believes that reads designs take away from the historic value of the home while Reid is doing and continuing changing and adapting to what the owner of the home wants. They have two completely different styles and you could see how they would naturally butt heads.
.
Lexi Blake delivers a lighthearted and snarky banter, romance that we can all sync our teeth into.
Review: Detonate by Luna Mason
Detonate
Luna Mason
Beneath the Mask Series, Book 2
460 pages, Kindle Edition
May 27th, 2025 Kensington Publishing
Grayson
Seven years ago, I left the special forces and my home after a tragic betrayal.
I carefully constructed a new life in New York.
I thought I had it all.
A world-famous boxing trainer by day.
A Mafia hitman by night.
Free to live in the darkness to do what I was trained to do.
To kill.
I finally felt free.
But one kiss was all it took to shatter life as I knew it.
The one woman who hated my guts, scaled the walls I built around my black heart.
My ray of sunshine.
Just when I believed I could have it all, life blows it up right before my eyes.
I know how far I’m willing to go to fight for her.
But can she truly love someone who could never give her the fairytale she so desperately craves?
Maddie
I was sick of being the family disappointment.
The one who could never get a man to stick around.
So, I kissed a lot of frogs to try and find my Prince.
Instead, I fell in love with the villain.
The last man on earth I thought I could ever love.
He might call me sunshine, but I crave his darkness.
I wasn’t meant for his world, but he took me anyway, and I never wanted to leave.
Sometimes life doesn’t give you a choice.
Can I give up on my search when I have the monster offering me the world?
Even if loving me puts us both in danger.
3 Stars
Detonate by Luna Mason is sports/dark mafia romance that follows Grayson and Maddie. Grayson is emotionally guarded, former military, and was portrayed by people he trusted the most in life. He is a boxing trainer, and mafia hitman. The only place for women in his world is for a physical release, nothing more. No strings whatsoever. Maddie is a disappointment to her family. She doesn’t want to have someone else dictating her life. She wants to be her own woman, believing in fairytales and happily ever afters.
Both of our main characters have their issues and things in the past that have made them the way they are. However, from their first meeting things were explosive. They had chemistry, but yet come from two completely different worlds. Detonate is an entertaining read, and for most part of the book is fast paced. I do feel it had a lot of potential and could have been a little bit more. Not saying that I disliked it because I did enjoy the read but it just felt like there was something missing or fell short, just a bit.I do look forward to looking into this Author’s catalog because her storyline was good and she kept me entertained.
Review: Storm Wood by Donna Grant
Storm Wood
Donna Grant
Elven Kingdoms Series Book 3
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
Donna Grant always takes her readers on an adventure. It may be dangerous, but it’s always got a happily ever after at the end. Storm Wood is an enemies to lovers story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rohan and Farah are on the same mission, but yet neither one knows exactly what the other is doing. Both have lost their sisters, both have put their lives on the line to find them. An attempt to save his sister Rohan embarks on a wild plan that involves kidnapping Farah and using his leverage to be able to have her help him find his sister. Rohan may know exactly what Farah is,
but he does not know her reasons. Each of them have their motives and each of them will do what it takes to save their loved ones however, what they didn’t count on was overtime actually developing feelings for one another.
I said it before and I will say it again Donna Grant is a master world builder, and her imagination comes up with amazing stories. Storm Wood is a dark, dangerous and magical journey of two people trying to find their loved ones that end up finding love themselves. From where their journey begins to where it ends, Rohan and Farah discover a lot about themselves and the people that they love.
Review: When We Break by Kristen Proby
When We Break
Kristen Proby
The Blackwells of Montana Series, Book 2
347 pages, Kindle Edition
May 8, 2025 by Ampersand Publishing, Inc
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes When We Break, a small-town, cowboy, heroine in danger romance, set in Bitterroot Valley!
Beckett
I’ve seen the gorgeous redhead with the big black dog that never leaves her side around town. She’s impossible to miss with that lush red hair and perfect green eyes. But it’s when she opens her plump lips and the sound of Ireland comes out of her kissable mouth that I know I’m a goner. I know she’s the one for me and I’ll do whatever it takes to make Skyla Gallagher mine. I can be a patient man and all I want in the world is to worship every bit of her, inside and out.
Skyla
I moved to the lovely town of Bitterroot Valley, Montana because I needed a safe place. I left my life in New York as a prima ballerina after an injury that I never fully healed from, and to escape the obsession of a madman. I adore this new community, but I must admit that Beckett Blackwell is the very best part. I love his kindness, his patience, and his thoughtfulness. But most of all, I can’t get enough of the way he worships my body, and then does everything he can to pamper me afterwards. Beckett is a drug that I’ve become addicted to. But will my stalker find me in Montana, ruining everything we’ve started together, before we have had our chance at forever?
4.5 Stars
Skyla has been living her dream as a ballerina in New York City. Who knew going on a date with what a nice guy ended up, turning her world upside down. Skyla moved from the big city to the small and cozy town of Bitterroot Valley to escaped an obsessed man, and to have a place where she felt safe. Skyla has fallen in love with her new community. She has even started to plant her roots within the community. With her trusty sidekick and therapy dog, Riley, the two have befriended everybody in the town. Skyla is an incredible woman. She is a survivor and warrior. Yet the last thing that she wants or needs is a man in her life. Yet Beckett Blackwell is someone she seems to not be able to stop thinking about.
Beckett Blackwell is the most unbelievable of men. And I say that in every good way possible. He’s an amazing brother. A fantastic and fun uncle and you could not ask for a better friend or brother. Beckett understands what hard work and dedication is and can do. I honestly think this was every book that Kristen Proby writes but Beckett may be the best male Aid character she has written today. He’s charming and funny. He’s caring and protective. From the people that he loved to the animals on his farm he will do what it takes to make sure they’re well and safe. He is a persistent man, but he also knows what boundaries are. There is a fiery, red haired woman with a big black dog that Beckett can’t seem to get out of his mind.
Beckett and Skyla are brilliant together. Their chemistry is amazing. They can talk to one another easily. You can tell that genuinely enjoy just being with one another. Not to mention the fiery passion that the two of them share. Kristin Proby gives us an amazing love story with When We Break. Beckett is one of those guys that understands that the little things matter. It took a bit for Skyla to let down her walls to be it, but when she did a whole New World opened for both of them. Get ready to feel a lot of emotions as Beckett and Skyla show us their way to their happily ever after.
Review: Prince of Darkness by Rebecca Zanetti
Prince of Darkness
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 17
Unknown to humans, beyond daylight lies a world of intoxicating darkness where deadly creatures prowl with insatiable desires and unbelievable power: vampires, demons, witches, shifters. When vulnerable humans find themselves thrust into that realm, they’ll never be the same. . .
In the aftermath of war, a fragile peace hovers between the Kurjan nation and the Dark Protector coalition. Yet amid labyrinthine politics and intrigue, Vero Phoenix, a Kurjan, stands apart. He has lived devoid of legacy or lineage—until the day he backed his newly found brother as king, putting himself into the treacherous position of enforcer and shield. Yet there is another thorn in his side, no less vexing, undeniably captivating—and all-too-human . . .
Lyrica Graves was once ensnared by Kurjan captors and now embodies defiance and freedom as she guides other women to independence and modernity. She is particularly amused—and breathtakingly fearful—by her tangles with Vero. But their clashing also belies a sizzling connection, a dark attraction between supernatural and fully human that threatens their chosen destinies and makes them a target for far too many enemies . . .
4,5 Stars
A fantastic beginning to a new chapter of the Dark Protector series.
Vero is a Kurjan, a prince and in charge of trying to integrate his people into a new way of life. Diplomacy is something that he doesn’t have and patience he has even less of. Trying to rebuild a broken nation, avoiding assassination attempts and trying to get everyone on the same page, Vero feels that weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Although the presence of a certain female keeps Vero off his balance, just a bit. Whether he feels that she is a thorn in his side or that’s just his excuse for something he’s not quite ready to admit.
Lyrica is an enhanced human female, an empath who was kidnapped during the previous ruler, but yet has been given a job that she has taken very seriously. Lyrica has been put in charge of helping those who have been kidnapped relocate or re-oriented with society however they wish. Lyrica is a modern woman in all sense of the word and wants all the females to be able to experience anything they should desire. She does have a bit of a hard time understanding why any of them would want to stay. She’s a strong woman and willing to stand toe to toe with anyone. Even with that Kurjan who makes her blood boil, but for so many different reasons.
I love this new chapter that Rebecca Zanetti has given us on her dark protector for. This is the first book within the 17 book series that has been primarily of a kurjan point of view. That is one of the reasons that this series stays so fresh and interesting. Vero and Lyrica are a perfect opposites attract match. I love their tension, their banter and how hard they fight their attraction. In places it’s comical and others you just want to shake them both and hope they get with it. They are so opposites of one another it’s but it so works for them. He is in all sense a warrior built for battle, but truly would rather be in a lab and she is a foot shorter than him and has enough sass for all of them. I very much enjoyed their story. And I’m very excited for what will be happening within this new arc of the dark protector’s world.
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