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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.
Review: HIs Dark Vendetta by Katelyn Brehm
His Dark Vendetta
Katelyn Brehm
Bonded in Blood Series, Book 2
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
SIOBHÁN
Once upon a time, I thought he’d be my happily ever after. Now, I’m not sure I’ll survive his dark vendetta.
I’ll never be safe. My found family is as dangerous as the one I escaped. I need to run, but Luca Moretti has other plans. My family murdered his father, and he wants me to pay the price.
Kidnapped and trapped by the man I wanted as a lover but is now my enemy, I wait for him to break me like he broke my heart.
We’re a modern-day Romeo and Juliet. Except in our version, Romeo tries to kill Juliet.
LUCA
Desire. Obsession. Revenge. The end of my blood feud is within reach. And it starts with her.
The New England dons granted their blessing—if I play by the rules, vengeance is mine. One life for my father’s.
But blood demons need Sources, and as a capo, I need to earn. Even with the feds breathing down my neck.
Each day I dodge bullets and the law, she chips away at my walls until there’s nothing left but the truth. An unwanted truth that shatters my resolve to break Siobhán Connelly and instead make her mine.
HIS DARK VENDETTA is the second book in the Bonded in Blood series. Each book is an interconnected standalone Paranormal Mafia Romance with a guaranteed HEA.
4 Stars
A vampire mafia book. Hello yes this one is totally up my alley. His Dark Vendetta by Katelyn Brehm was an unexpected read that checked off all my boxes.
I will be honest this is a hard review to write without putting a lot of spoilers in it. I very much enjoyed this dark romance tale. Siobhan and Luca have an incredible story of how they were able to get to their happily ever after. This is a dramatic tale from beginning to end. It’s complex and just sucks you in. Two broken people. One out for revenge and the other that just wants to wash your hands of everything that her family is involved in. It is rare that an author writes a character That I don’t particularly care for and it’s very hard for me to find red redemption. I can say that Luca definitely did that. This is an incredible story in so many ways. I’m definitely going back to the first book in the series.
Review: Wilde Secrets by Melanie Hepburn
Wilde Secrets
Melanie Hepburn
Cape Wilde Series
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2025
A big mistake that will cost a talented songwriter more than just her career. The broken-hearted, small-town loner who rescues her from a storm. An attraction they both struggle to deny.
When Harper Holden accidentally destroys her entire life in one night, she does the only thing she can. She runs.
Straight into the muscular arms of flannel-clad carpenter Logan West.
The Cape Wilde loner does not want to play babysitter to a curvy runaway he rescues from a storm. But there’s something about Harper that resurrects Logan’s long-dormant protective instincts.
For Harper to get her life back, she must write the best album of her life… in just three weeks. Or it won’t just be her own career that is ruined. Logan decides to help, rallying the townspeople of Cape Wilde to support Harper in her hour of need.
But as the deadline looms, Harper realizes she has to make the biggest decision of her life. If she leaves Cape Wilde she’ll get her career—and her life—back… but she’ll lose her chance at a love of a lifetime.
Wilde Secrets follows Wilde Sanctuary, but can be read as a standalone. Perfect for readers looking for a cozy small-town romance as an escape.
Review: Jacob by V.H. Nicolson
Jacob
V.H. Nicolson
The Boys of Castleview Cove Series Book 2
April 23, 2025 by Boldwood Books
296 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2022
Once upon a time… You know the story… prince meets princess. Evil thwarts their love, and the prince must fight for her heart. Good always wins and there is a stunning wedding at the castle on the hill. I used to dream of having a fairy tale love story of my own, but I don’t think the author of mine got the memo because right now, I’m shackled to a bed, scared for my life.
My story started with an ambivalent prince whose parents reminded me constantly that I simply wasn’t good enough for him.
When I broke free, a new hero stepped forward.
My boss, and my ex’s best friend. Jacob.
Broad, toned, and dripping in ink that he tried to hide from me.
Turns out, I’ve been looking for my happy ever after in all the wrong places and he’s been here, waiting for me since I was sixteen.
Except, he made a teenage pact. An unbreakable bro-code with my ex. Never touch each other’s past girlfriends. Ever.
So we resist.
Although it’s amazing how much naughtiness you can get up to without touching.
But this is more than just lust, this is love and real love always gets a happy ending, right? If we explain, my ex has to understand… especially since he’s already engaged to someone else.
But, even I have to admit, this doesn’t look good. I can’t see how I will get out of this mess.
I wanted my fairy tale, but right now I’d settle for a chance to at least kiss my prince.
*****
Jacob, the second book in The Boys of Castleview Cove Series, is a steamy contemporary romance, dual point of view, best friend’s ex, friends to lovers, with a happy ever after. This book contains dark suspense content that some readers may be sensitive to or triggered by. 18+ only. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings, check the Author’s website. All content warnings are also listed on the inside of the book.
4 Stars
Author VH Nicolson hooked me in from those very first pages. I was invested from the beginning, and let me tell you this story surprised me at how much I enjoyed it.
Jacob has been head over heal for Skye ever since he was a teenager. He had a missed opportunity when one of his best friends scooped in and asked her out first. He has stood beside and supported his friends and the girl he secretly loved for many many years. When Skye’s relationship ends, you would think he might consider acting on some of the feelings he’s been having but the pack of a bro code keeps him from trying to get the woman that he truly loves.
Skye has been in a relationship for many years. However, that relationship is not giving her what she needs and she finally breaks it off. Finally feeling like she’s breaking out of the shell and becoming the person who she was meant to be. She is a smart and successful woman yet she felt like she was not good enough for her boyfriend‘s family. She is almost like a new woman now. One late Saturday night while working on some code at the office, she witnesses something involving her boss who just happens to be her friend as well, that she should have walked away from. That single event opened a door to a world of feelings. Feelings that were extremely intense and just seem to intensify as time went on.
Jacob was my first read from Author VH Nicolson. It will surely not be my last. As I have said, the book hooked me from the beginning, and I was instantly invested in Jacob and Skye. Talk about chemistry. These two ignite the pages. There are some ants, some back-and-forth and a lot of sexual tension. From that first chapter, I thought the book was gonna go one way, but it ended up being something completely different, which was such a surprise. I truly enjoyed reading. Jacob and I look forward to going back to reading the first book in this series.
Review: Dragon Marked by Donna Grant
Dragon Marked
Donna Grant
Dragon Kings Series, Book 9
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
I would sell my dragon soul to possess her…
From the moment I saw her, she held me enthralled. It was more than her beauty. It was in the very way she looked at the world.
The way she looked at me.
She saw me as no one ever had. The scars I tried to bury, the wounds no one else knew about. She saw the worst parts of me—and she didn’t look away.
Together we pursue a shared nemesis. While a terrifying foe stalks us at every turn.
Whatever enemy dares to get close, I will slay. Whatever path she walks, I will be beside her.
For I am hers. Utterly. Completely.
She’s my greatest temptation. The other half of my soul.
My mate.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant delivers a powerful story of redemption, danger, and passion in the next chapter of the Dragon King series.
4.5 Stars
Dragon Marked is one of those books that I have been waiting for and it did not disappoint.
Merrill was betrayed by the enemy, which caused him to portray his own kind. Realizing this Merrill decides he has finished and seeks to reunite with the kings. Katra was led to believe that dragons killed her family, and she spent years taking revenge upon them, hunting them down.
Two people who have both been wrong, learn the truth and seek to make things right. Along the way, a dragon and a druid cross pass. Katra may have done things that she cannot forgive herself for, but she gives every bit of her being to protect the children with magic. Merrill helps getting the children to safety and all the wild find himself being drawn, almost enchanted to the druid.
Donna Grant has done it once again. Dragon Marked is a fantastic book to allow yourself to get lost in. As always, Donna Grant’s world building is top-notch. The details are so in depth you can truly close your eyes, and the vision of Zora can perfectly be displayed in your mind. Merrill and Katra are undoubtably attracted to each other and the more time they spend together the harder it is to deny what they feel. Or you to resist. They are on a journey where dangerous is coming from everywhere, they’re trying to keep themselves in the innocent safe all while feeling something they didn’t expect, but realizing they want more than anything. Dragon Marked was so good. I have waited for Merrill’s story for quite some time, and I have to say it did not disappoint in any way.
Audio Review: Accidentally Forever by Carrie Ann Ryan
Accidentally Forever
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink Legacy Series, Book 8
Narrators: Oscar Reyes and Lucy Rivers
406 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2025
In the world of romance, Aria Montgomery knows two things for sure:
She’s not in love with the man everyone thinks she is.
And she refuses to let herself love Crew McTavish.
Her former best friend is spiraling, and her photography career seems to be standing in her father’s shadow. Aria knows she needs to find her way out of the darkness. Yet she’s afraid if she allows Crew inside, he’ll not only take over—but he’ll get hurt in the process.
Crew McTavish enjoys being the mysterious friend of the Montgomerys. They may joke that he’s dating his way into their family one-by-one, but in the end, it’s only one Montgomery he wants: Aria.
Their pull to one another is inevitable and once a line is crossed, the heat between them ignites.
Only his family’s dark secrets threaten to pull him down and when Aria is threatened, Crew will stop at nothing to protect her.
Even if it means watching the world he’s built burn.
**Accidentally Forever is a next generation, protector, enemies to lovers, best friend’s ex romance in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series featuring Aria and Crew. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**
Aria Montgomery is Alex and Tabby’s daughter from Ink Exposed.
4 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan never fails to deliver an emotional story. Accidentally Forever was emotionally intense in all the ways I didn’t realize I needed. Crew and Aria overcome many challenges to get to their happily ever after.
Crew McTavish i’ve been a friend of Montgomery for years. One of his very dear friends is Montgomery and there’s a random joke among them he is trying to marry his way into the family. Crew personnel story is not an easy one, but the Montgomery’s accepted him when he needed a place and a family. Most of the Montgomery clan believe that Crew and Aira couldn’t stand one another, forever what he feels is very, very much the opposite of disliking someone.
Aria Montgomery is a brilliant photographer. She is so strong and has the biggest heart. She cares on a level that is soul deep. She has a best friend that is in a very rough spot in our lives yet she just won’t turn them away. She won’t help enable, but friendship means a lot to her. When that person hurt her physically, Crew was in the right place at the right time. It started a team reaction that maybe two finally can hunt their feelings and not just stolen nights of promises that it was never gonna happen again.
I have been reading Carrie Ann Ryan for well over a decade now. I can vividly remember when she announced the Montgomery Ink series. Ten years later the Montgomery family is still growing and I am falling in love with the next generation. Accidentally Forever gives us the emotional, enemies to lovers story of Crew and Aira. These two have been dancing around one another for far too long. A few stolen moments here and there left them running more even though they said they didn’t. Carrie Ann Ryan very eloquently talks about sensitive topics that need to be talked about. Aria and Crew will take you on an emotional journey, but a little bit of going down the path because you definitely worth it.
Review: Justified Secrets by Melissa Schroeder
Justified Secrets
Melissa Schroeder
Book 1 in the TFH Team Bravo
Part of the Harmless World
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
The newest team in Task Force Hawaii is ready for duty.
Everyone has secrets, but hers could get them both killed.
Autumn Bradford has always been a little…different. The daughter of a cult leader, she has spent her life fighting the bad guys and searching for the father everyone thinks is dead. One thing stands in her way, the new leader of Team Bravo.
Former SEAL Seth Harrington accepted the job at TFH for a new start. Years of dangerous missions has left his body and soul scarred. He doesn’t have time for a woman with too many secrets and the eating habits of a hobbit-no matter how attractive he finds her.
Autumn doesn’t need a keeper or a protector, but every time she turns around, Seth seems to be there. Time together makes it difficult to avoid their attraction, and one stolen kiss makes it impossible to resist the temptation. Falling in love wasn’t in the plans for either of them, but Seth realizes he will do anything to protect her, even if it means facing down the most dangerous man either of them know: her father.
Author Note: This is a Harmless World Novel with our favorite crime fighting heroes and heroines! There are secrets (duh!), inappropriate jokes, Hawaiian food, a betting pool as usual, and a new team to get to know.
4 Stars
Melissa Schroeder starts off the new TFH Bravo Team Series, Justified Secrets with a one sit read.
Justified Secrets is a thrilling beginning to a new series that comes from a series that I absolutely adored. Autumn has experienced things that no young woman should have to go through. She was saved from a world that could have made her a very different person and now she has made it her mission to make sure justice is served. Seth is part of the Bravo team of the Task Force Hawaii and has worked with Autumn. He knows she harbors secrets of her past however he cannot help the attraction that he has for her. The two try to go on with the job, but yet when the chemistry explodes the chemistry explodes. And just when it does, Autumn’s fear stands right in front of her. Seth is determined to save her in anyway he can.
Justified secrets was a one sit read for me. I haven’t had one of those in quite a while and truly it was something I needed. Having read the task force Hawaii books I am familiar with both of the characters and I have to say I am happy to have had this story. Autumn and Seth have chemistry for days and I love when it comes to ahead. The story has so many classic Melissa Schroeder parts that I smiled so much. I always love the family aspect of the stories. They are also quite steamy and highly entertaining. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the bravo team.
Coffee Books Life 