Clash Of The Nannies by Bella Jewel

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

A nanny is what I am.
I’m a good one, too.
When I’m hired by a biker and his rich woman, I can’t say no.
I can’t afford to say no.
I’ve never worked for a biker before, and I certainly haven’t worked for one who is this damned moody and did I mention oh, so gorgeous?
Still, here I am.
I need the money.
I need to escape my past.
I need something, anything, to make the demons go away.
What I didn’t sign up for was the rich bitch he decided to reproduce with.
Not only does she hate me, but she’s from the most wealthy family in town.
My days are now filled with country clubs, galas and dressing a baby in clothes I could never afford in my lifetime.
Did I mention the other nannies?
The stuck up ones?
The ones who hate me?
Yeah, there’s them.
Lucky for me, I have him.
A connection that’s undeniable.
Only, he’s everything I shouldn’t want.
A biker? Bad news.
I’m their nanny, even worse.
Yet, their relationship is toxic.
A one night stand gone wrong.
An attempt to make things right for a baby he didn’t know he even wanted.
I’m not in the position to be in the middle of that…
Yet, there’s something there…
Something between us that’s undeniable.
This isn’t going to end well…

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• MY REVIEW •

A bittersweet ending to the Turf Wars series. I’ve enjoyed them all, as each one has been such entertaining reads. Clash of the Nannies is a secret/ nanny romance with a bit of a love triangle twist.

What made this book for me was Hugh. Aw swoon! 😍😍 He is probably the sweetest biker/ hero from the entire series, hands down! As the story progresses, you steadily see Hugh’s character growth from a biker with no commitments to becoming a responsible adult needing to take care of another human being.

Maggie is not your conventional nanny. She’s an opinionated heroine and she will put her two cents in for any situation. What made Maggie relatable to me is she’s a heroine of Asian descent—and to be more specific, one of a Filipino background. She represented some cultural diversity not just within this story but within the Turf Wars world, albeit she’s only partly Asian and her mixed heritage doesn’t play a huge part in her character, but it’s still a rarity (at least for me) to find a Filipino character in any of my reads, especially one who plays a main character.

The storyline also broaches on serious subject matters such as social standing, prejudices, and bullying. The experiences Maggie is confronted with are relatable, real-life situations, and although these topics are sensitive, especially for those who can relate, Jewel has written-in determined characters and has tried to keep the overall atmosphere as lighthearted to ensure it doesn’t become too dramatic or deflating.

Overall, another amusing rom-com with minimal MC elements in the background. Just like the previous books in the series, it was told solely from the heroine’s perspective. It’s a relatively short read with fast-paced storytelling, and because of that reason the conclusion ended quite abruptly with relatively quick resolutions (considering it’s the final book in the series). There are plot points that were left unanswered, and unexpected new ones introduced last minute that left me feeling a little taken aback. It was a lot to process in a short amount of time. 😱

I’m not a big fan of the ending, in general. Whilst bonds and friendships were constantly developing and expanding with each new book in the series, with this book it culminated with strong “end of an era” vibes that had me a little taken aback. As I mentioned earlier, it really is bittersweet.

However, putting the ending aside along with the quick resolutions, I did enjoy the growing friends-to-lovers relationship between Hugh and Maggie. It’s a nice change of pace from the enemies-to-lovers/ hate-to-love storylines from the previous books. It centres around Maggie’s day-to-day duties as a nanny in a high society environment. It has great balance of romance, family, and friendship within the storyline that I thought were real winning elements.

I recommend the entire series. Although it’s MC-lite, I honestly didn’t mind that the club was the background as it gave way to each of the hero’s personal life almost outside of it. You still get hot bikers without the dark MC elements. It’s a great series for readers who want to slowly transition into MC romance reads without having delve into the grittiness just yet.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾

Thank you Bella Jewel and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💗

🔔 Interested in reading Clash of the Nannies? Grab your copy here: Amazon  |  Apple Books  |  Nook  |  Kobo

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🧁 More reviews for the Turf Wars!

Book One | Biker Schmiker by Bella Jewel

Book Two | Heart-On by Bella Jewel

Book Three | Pop Goes The Biker by Bella Jewel

Book Four | Tartlet by Bella Jewel

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Kiss To Remember by Anna B. Doe

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

Some moments define the trajectory of your life.

Grace Shelton has experienced her fair share of loss and trauma, but moving to Blairwood is her chance for a new beginning.

For Trent Remington, going to college is a chance to break free of his overprotective parents and finally play basketball.

Some moments will change it forever.

When Grace collides into Trent by accident, she sees the last person she ever expected to find – the boy that’s been haunting her dreams for the past three years. Trent might belong to another girl, but he can’t seem to get the redhead with the sad eyes out of his mind no matter how hard he tries.

Together, they might risk everything for a chance at love, but will a kiss be enough to make him remember?

•••

• MY REVIEW •

An utterly thought-provoking, emotional, and heart-clenching journey wrapped up in world-building perfection! I couldn’t get enough of it and never wanted it to end. Doe has time and time again written stories within the Blairwood University series that are so real, so worthwhile that they just stay with you long after you’ve finished reading them. Kiss To Remember is without a doubt an epic addition to the series! I’m still reeling! 😱

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each book, but Kiss To Remember evoked the same feels in me as when I had read Kiss Me First. There’s just something extra special about these stories, these characters that won me over so easily.

The world-building is vividly exceptional and I think a big reason to that is because of the prologue Kiss Before Midnight. Not only does it introduce Grace and her personal story, but it gives you a sense of time spent with her. There’s a three year span between the prologue and the main story, and you get a deep view of what has happened within that timeframe. Once you start this book, you’re already invested in Grace and understandably sympathising with her frame of mind.

What constantly had me thinking throughout were the “what-ifs”. There’s a truckload of them, and it’s always lingering near the foreground of the story as it develops. I was constantly second-guessing EVERYTHING! 😲🙈

Other than what the prologue provides this is one of those stories where you need to go in blind to get the full reading experience and to ensure you make up your own opinions about the characters and the situations they find themselves in.

I loved the unpredictability of it all! 👏👏👏 It’s the main factor in why I was so immersed in Grace’s and Trent’s story from cover to cover. It also has a beautiful youthful romance— an air of innocence in their developing feelings which at times I found angsty but still charming nevertheless. It’s well-paced, with a gradual build-up, and told from dual POVs. I can’t fault the storytelling as I thought it was well-written and brilliantly executed. It’s a story that I can go back and read over and over again and never tire of.

The supporting cast added extra dimension and provided secondary storylines in the background. If you’ve read the previous books in the series, these characters will be familiar to you and it’s always nice to see what they’ve been up to since their own stories were told. Other than the romance, there are genuine solid friendships present. They provided crucial support systems for both Grace and Trent, and I thought their concerns and overprotectiveness were understandable considering what both these protagonists have and are going through in their lives.

Another thing I’ve come to find about Doe’s writing is she creates characters with a distinctiveness to them, whether it be through their appearance, upbringing, personality traits, and/or even interests. Doe is slowly but surely building up her cast of characters as more books are added into the world yet you can effortlessly distinguish them apart from one another. They all have different backgrounds and each one is as intriguing as the last. Full of contrasts and dynamics.

Grace has quite a history and her character is totally fleshed-out as she develops in this book. She’s a likable, authentic heroine who straight-up just seems like a good-natured human being.

At first Trent seems like an easy-going, athletic hero but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Whilst this book has an overall heartwarming atmosphere to it that’ll have you sighing in happy contentment, the characters are complex, so trust me when I say Trent will have you stumped (but in a good, addictive way)! 😉

I strongly recommend it to fellow romance readers. If you like new adult, college romance reads, this one is perfect to snuggle up under the blankets with. It’s the fourth book in the series but it can be read as a standalone novel. If you’re new to Blairwood University, all the books can be read as standalone novels and, in any order, too, although I recommend reading them in publishing order.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Anna B. Doe for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💚

🔔 Interested in reading Kiss To Remember? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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❄ Prequel: Kiss Before Midnight

• BLURB •

From the very first moment, Grace Danielle Shelton laid her eyes on Mason LeBlanc, he stole her breath away, but what will happen now that he sees her too?

Kiss Before Midnight is a New York Knights/ Blairwood University crossover short story.

• MINI REVIEW •

After having recently read Kiss To Forget with Yasmin and Nixon’s story, I was curious about Grace (an old friend of Yasmin’s) and what her deal was. When it was mentioned at the end of the book that there was a little novella about Grace included in the romance anthology Mistletoe Kisses, I knew I had to read it. And well…?

OMG I need more! 🤗 Adorable young love, first dates and sweet kisses. This little snippet was perfection but nowhere near enough. I hope we got a full novel for Grace and Mason soon! Because I need to know what happens to them next.

Edit: It showed the innocence of young love, possibilities, and just an all-around feel-good atmosphere. Unbeknownst to me, this novella was the introduction to what ultimately ended up being a mammoth journey of star-crossed lovers and second chances.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔔 Read Kiss Before Midnight for FREE! Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Best Kept Secret by Skye Warren

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

The secrets haunting Beau Rochester come alive.

He doesn’t deserve happiness, but he holds it in his hands. A woman he loves. A child. The past threatens to rip them away. He risks losing them forever.

Jane Mendoza is determined to protect the people she loves from every threat–the mysterious arsonist, the corrupt police force. The darkest danger comes from a place she never expects.

She risks more than her newfound family. She risks her life.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

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“A responsible boss doesn’t get involved with the nanny.”

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Whilst the first two books in the trilogy had an air of suspense and secrecy, I was a little taken aback to find this third and final book was surrounded in such a depressing tone. It’s hard not to be affected by it because Jane, Beau, and the secondary characters all seemed to be in such gloomy moods for the majority of the book.

I found the pace of the storytelling a little slower in comparison to the first two from this trilogy. Although this part of the story is told from multiple POVs, so there’s lots of input and perspectives from different characters regarding the situation they found themselves in.

The first half of the overall story was very much inspired by the classic tale, Jane Eyre, but Warren has given the final leg of Jane’s and Beau’s story her own.

The angst between Jane and Beau is still very much present— if anything it’s amped up further now that their relationship has evolved from their initial guardian/nanny fling. I found their relationship to be drama-filled, tentative, and complex. If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy romance with tons off heat leaping off the pages, you won’t find it with Jane and Beau. There was initial sexual chemistry and zing in the first two books, but I found as the drama intensified, the sizzling romance became minimal. The push-and-pull between them is almost painstakingly angsty, but it can’t be denied that they do have a desperate need for one another.

Other than the relationship between the protagonists, there’s some interesting secondary plotlines occurring in the background that adds an extra element to the story.

As I mentioned earlier there’s a somberness to this book that ultimately became a big decisive factor in how I felt about it as a whole. You definitely have to be in a particular mindset to read a romance story that’s heavy on tragedy and heartbreak, and be prepared for it to seep into your own emotions. I easily got affected by Jane’s insecurities, Beau’s indecisiveness, and especially Noah’s battered heart. He surprisingly became the character in this book that I became the most emotionally invested in, just because his frustration and opinions when it came to Jane and her actions I felt were just. I most certainly felt bad for the guy.

There’s some character growth since Private Property, but I would’ve liked to have seen more in-depth development. The world-building was created and set from the first book but didn’t really expand any further from the small cast of characters and the town they reside in.

Overall, I thought it was decent conclusion. I admit it’s my least favourite book from the trilogy, but after having read and gotten sucked into Jane’s and Beau’s world, I was curious to see how it will all end. If you like Jane Eyre and retellings, I recommend you add this story to your TBR. It’s a contemporary take on a classic with an age-gap romance trope. With the differences in social standings, lifestyles, and familial backgrounds, Jane and Beau are the epitome of “opposite sides of the tracks” that unexpectedly collided together and sparked life-altering moments. It’s a dark billionaire romance; a Cinderella story of sorts, with a smidge of suspense and foreboding. These characters will have you second-guessing everything and keep you on your toes.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐½

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Thank you Skye Warren and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💜

🔔 Interested in reading Best Kept Secret? Grab your copy here: Amazon  |  Apple Books  |  Nook  |  Kobo  |  Google Play

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🗝 Reviews for The Rochester Trilogy!

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Book One | Private Property by Skye Warren

Book Two | Strict Confidence by Skye Warren

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

Wealthy. Reclusive. Dangerous. Emerson LeBlanc doesn’t enter society much. He only ventures out in pursuit of new art for his collection. It starts with a haunting painting.

Then he meets the artist…

Innocent Daphne Morelli is more exquisite than anything he’s ever seen. He becomes obsessed with her. It doesn’t matter that she’s a living, breathing person with her own hopes and dreams.

​​​​​​​She’ll be the perfect addition to his collection.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

That’s what any rational young woman would be saying if this was any other story… or better yet, if this was reality. Lol. But this is the world of the Midnight Dynasty where anything and everything is possible— and where crazy, obsessed stalkers are swooned upon. 😜 If you like dark contemporary reads with a stalker romance trope, oh man, is this the book for you!

I was initially intrigued by the premise, but to be honest after having read it, it wasn’t what I was expecting. Daphne Moretti was a secondary character in Wilde’s Beauty and the Beast trilogy that centred around Daphne’s closest older brother Leo. Her minor appearances made quite an impact that I wanted to know her story. I have no doubt that a lot of romance readers will enjoy this book and be enamoured with Daphne and Emerson, but I found that it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I had difficulties connecting with these protagonists, and where the story was heading.

I had always found Daphne to be a likable, cheery character, but I think it has a lot to do with how she is around her family. The interactions she has with her siblings in this book were my favourite parts by far. Despite the Morellis gritty and brutal upbringing, the bond amongst the siblings (well, most of them) came off so genuine, and there was just something so lovable about their family dynamic even though behind closed doors their family is a lot more complex.

This is the first book in The Collector trilogy and it’s an ongoing storyline. It concludes on a cliffhanger. But long before it ended I was already questioning not only these characters’ thought process, but the situations they put themselves in. Daphne found herself in plenty of situations that I couldn’t help but think could easily have been avoided, or ended up with a different outcome. 🤔 I think it’s one of the main factors as to why I just couldn’t settle into this story as much as I would’ve liked to.

Daphne is an innocent and naïve young woman— who prefers not to draw any attention to herself, yet she’s constantly putting herself in strange and risky situations only to second-guess her decisions.

Ideally, I would’ve wanted to say that by the end of the book I had a fairly good insight into who Emerson is but alas, he’s still a bit of mystery. It’s clear Daphne has attracted his attention, but when it comes to anything else in his life, it’s all so vague. You’re given snippets into the dynamics of his family but just enough to keep you curious.

Whilst there are a couple of intense moments between Daphne and Emerson and a bond over their love for art, I found the romance side of things a little underwhelming and was hoping to see more of a deeper connection. But in saying that, this is just the beginning of their story, and hopefully further character growth and a more solid development in their relationship will present itself.

It has the beginnings of an interesting world-building, especially with Daphne so immersed in the art scene. It’s a refreshing change from her family’s usual dealings in the corporate world.

Overall, I thought it was a decent story, albeit not completely my taste, but I can see its appeal to romance readers. Especially to those who have been following the books in the Midnight Dynasty, and bonus, who enjoy stalker romances. It’s a relatively short book with steady pacing. It’s told from dual POV and you can just see the differences in Daphne’s and Emerson’s personalities throughout. It’s almost eerie how well Wilde has written Emerson with this obsessive, legit stalkerish vibe from the very first page up until the very last one. He’s definitely different from the other antiheroes introduced in this world. It’s too early to tell, but at this point, his interest in Daphne is most undoubtedly infatuation more so than anything on a deeper romantic level.

The atmosphere is more thriller than romantic. There’s an uneasiness in place that I think elevated Emerson’s character and motives towards Daphne and made Daphne all the more the vulnerable heroine. It’s a stalker romance that emphasizes on STALKER!

Don’t let my personal opinions put you off from giving it a try. Read the blurb and if you’re intrigued by it, start the book. Emerson may not be my type of antihero, but he might just very well be yours. 😉

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Amelia Wilde and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💛

🔔 Interested in reading Dark Reign? Grab your copy here: Amazon  |  Apple Books |  Nook  |  Kobo  |  Google Play

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More Midnight Dynasty reviews!

🥿 Cinderella Trilogy | Book One:

Stroke Of Midnight by K. Webster

🖤 Hearts Trilogy | Book One:

Stolen Hearts by M. O’Keefe

🌹 Beauty and the Beast Trilogy | Book One:

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

🔥 Hellfire Club | Book One:

Wicked Idol by Becker Gray

✝ Standalone Taboo Romance:

Lessons In Sin by Pam Godwin

🕊 Dark Dream Duet | Book One:

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Kingdom Fall by A. Zavarelli

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

 

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• BLURB •

I was a nanny in need of a job.
He was darkness personified.
I had little to call my own.
He was filthy rich, powerful, and dangerous.
The assignment was simple, and my goal was too.
Take care of his son. Keep my head down. When he least expects it, destroy him.
It should have been easy. I thought it would be until I looked into his stark blue eyes.
Kissing the enemy is a bad idea, but so is falling in love with him.
He doesn’t know my crumbling foundation is built on lies.
When he discovers the truth, I’ll find out if he’s as brutal as I believe.
I came here to steal his life.
I didn’t count on him stealing my heart.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

Oh my… I was taken for one, all-out journey of epic proportions with Kingdom Fall! All I could think of whilst reading this book was that it was visually appealing and truly felt like a literary cinematic experience! 😮😍

It had all the makings of what I adore (and hope for) in my dark romance reads. I love the immediate mystery surrounding Natalia and her motives for wanting the nanny position with Alessio. Right from their very first interaction, I was instantly sitting up and drawn to Natalia and wanting to know her personal story. You will discover that she’s quite a unique character— I, for one have never encountered a heroine with her background.

Alessio was a surprising anti-hero. His dangerous, broody, tortured self had a different vibe from your usual dark alpha-type heroes. His savageness is rarely on display so you tend to fall for his unfeeling, almost calm demeanor. But when he slips up, oh man, is it explosive! 🔥

This can easily be read in one sitting, but in no way does the storytelling feel hurried, on the contrary, the pacing is steady and brought on a gradual, intense build-up. You might even say there are nail-biting moments throughout and constant unpredictability. It’s one of the main reasons as to why I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.

The constant push and pull between Natalia and Alessio that honestly gave me mental and emotional whiplash was another reason. 😅 The hot and heavy exchange between these protagonists in a story that is heavily surrounded in secrecy almost seemed like constant teasing and a game of second-guessing, not just for the characters, but for us readers as well. With the never-ending angst, not only will you quickly get in invested in seeing Natalia’s and Alessio’s relationship develop from professional to personal, but you’ll feel emotionally wrecked before the book even concludes.

I haven’t read a lot of romance stories with a single dad/ nanny romance trope, especially in a dark romance setting, so I found this one to be a nice change of pace from the dark, mafia type romance books I usually read. Whilst there are strong dark themes included, a lot of the story does centre around Alessio’s personal life outside of the violence. The dynamics amongst his close friends and family were such contrasts to see throughout and, in a way, kept the atmosphere from constantly turning overly gritty for too long.

In saying that, please note there are subject matters that some readers may find triggering. It contains graphic violence, torture, kidnapping, and brutal sexual assault. It’s not for the faint-hearted. Intended for readers 18+ only.   

Ashleigh has written a suspenseful and though-provoking storyline that is so intricate and complex that I was almost taken aback by how meaty it was for a relatively quick standalone novel. I thought it was effortless writing to follow despite the multiple storylines happening simultaneously. It’s told from dual POVs, so you really get an insight into both Natalia’s and Alessio’s true feelings and opinions of each other and of certain situations.

There are a diverse range of secondary characters that equally grab your attention, and will undoubtedly have you eager to know their full story. Whether these characters are friend or foe, I thought they were all well-developed and written in so well to heighten the intensity of the story as it unfolds.

Cruel intentions, raunchy romance, endearing friendships, and at times heartbreaking realization. I loved it all. I loved seeing Natalia’s and Alessio’s character growth and in turn, seeing their relationship develop no matter how rocky their journey was. The family dynamics within were undoubtedly screwy and twisted, yet a focal point in making this one exciting and all-encompassing thrill ride.

If you like dark romance/ romantic suspense reads, I highly recommend this one! Although it’s a standalone book, it does mention a certain exclusive community that was first introduced in Zavarelli’s The Society Trilogy. If you want to more about this world and the history behind the families within (which Alessio is a part of), I recommend reading the trilogy too. It doesn’t have to be read prior to Kingdom of Fall.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Ashleigh Zavarelli for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💛

🔔 Interested in reading Kingdom Fall? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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👑💀 More from the Underworld Kings!

Razor’s Edge by Mila Crawford

Tears Of Salvation by Michelle Heard

Marriage & Malice by Trisha Wolfe

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Sweeper by Amy Daws

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

The cocky footballer next door has some serious balls…

luckily, Daphney Clarke knows how to play.

Zander Williams is the hot new American determined to take European football by storm. His head is so big, it barely fits under his backwards hat. And when he’s recruited to one of the biggest up and coming clubs in London, he’s certain to make his name known.

Managing the building where they live is only one of Daphney’s many jobs. It’s why she has zero patience for the obnoxious American on the other side of the wall who makes the most ungodly noises and likes to answer his door in nothing but a pink tea towel.

Tensions build and after one steamy hallway kiss, neighbor wars quickly shifts into neighbors-with-benefits and that’s a battle they both intend to win.

But Daphney doesn’t know the real reason Zander is in London and now she’s stuck in the middle of a game she didn’t even know she was playing.

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• MY REVIEW •

Wow. I’m having difficulty forming my emotions into words. This was one epic journey for both Zander and Daphney that I, as a reader felt honored to witness! I love the Harris Brothers series and the standalone books that followed set in the same world. They all centered around strong family dynamics, but in terms of family, love, and growth, Sweeper just had a different vibe. 😊

Amy has written a beautiful, fleshed-out story that dealt with complex family situations and real struggles that one can easily relate to. It could very well have been a story that was entirely set in a melancholic atmosphere, but whether you’re familiar with Amy’s writing or not, you can undoubtedly expect some light-heartedness and uplifting mood-boosting scenes for balance.

The storytelling of this standalone had steady-pacing with gradual development and build-up. It’s multi-faceted, having a couple of secondary storylines developing right alongside Zander’s and Daphney’s quirky growing relationship.

Right from the very beginning, I was invested in not only Zander’s and Daphney’s spark-inducing romance, but Zander’s own personal story. With the internal struggles and second-guessing he constantly goes through in this book, you can’t help but sympathize and if possible dive into his life and be some kind of support system that he so desperately wanted and needed.

This book will have you going from one end of the emotional scale to the other. I went from tearing up from the situation that Zander has found himself in, to smiling like a total loon, to giggling senselessly, to bawling my eyes out. It’s an emotional journey, not only for these characters but for the reader as well. But despite the drama-filled rollercoaster ride, I came away from the book feeling exhaustedly happy, sighing with contentment, and mentally looking back at how far the Harris family have evolved over time.

Besides the personal issues that both Zander and Daphney are working through, there were plenty of fun moments. The flirty banter and the language barrier were probably two of my favourite highlights. I lost count of how many times I nodded my head and laughed my ass off in agreement. It’s a next-door neighbour, friends-with-benefits type deal between these two protagonists, and at first I found their little pact unusual albeit amusing, but as the story progresses, you see a gradual shift from their initial dynamic. I love how their relationship developed because it just felt so authentic. Even though it was a relatively short time frame from when they first met to them hooking up, it didn’t at all feel rushed.

The book also includes an immensely strong cast of supporting characters that all played vital roles in assisting to bring about Zander’s and Daphney’s story. Not only do they help set the mood, but they’re presence immediately has you gripping the pages because you quickly come to realize that they’re an unpredictable bunch! Amy always seems to have such likable personalities in her books and after having read Sweeper, I’m already hoping to see more of the characters featured in this story in the future.

If I had to nitpick, I would’ve liked the sense of a more completed ending. There’s no epilogue and whilst I normally don’t mind, this is a standalone novel and I felt like it concluded with an open-ended finish. Some matters were resolved, certain “chapters” in these characters’ lives have gracefully closed, but where Zander and Daphney are concerned, it almost seemed like the end was really just the beginning for the couple… yet not really, either.

But nevertheless, it’s not at all a big issue (I’m just fussy), as I adored their story so much! It’s definitely a recommended read from me to fellow romance readers.

Two truly lovable, sweet, and funny-as protagonists. They have such chemistry that leaps off the pages and comes off so believable. I swooned. I love the interactions between them. Zander being a professional soccer player and Daphney being an indie singer/songwriter was an interesting contrast. Other than the next-door neighbours with benefits aspect of the storyline, you’ll enjoy seeing the attraction between these two opposites and the moments in which they slowly yet unknowingly start to fall in love.

Perfect balance of romance, comradery, and sports elements. It’s hearty, in-depth, and just really makes you question, “What would you do if you were in Zander’s situation?”

Told from dual POVs, this story is more than meets the eye!

P.S. The backdrop will give you such wanderlust. No joke! I’ve always wanted to holiday in London, and this book only reiterated the fact that it’s on my bucket list for a reason! 😍🤗

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you Amy Daws for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💚

🔔 Interested in reading Sweeper? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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More reviews for Amy Daws books!

Blindsided by Amy Daws

One Moment Please by Amy Daws

Replay by Amy Daws

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Swoon by Lauren Rowe

⚠ This review contains minor teasers!

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

Growing up, I knew my older brother’s best friend thought of me as “Logan’s kid sister.” For me, though, our next-door neighbor, Colin, felt like anything but a sibling. Whenever I spied on him through my bedroom window, as he banged away, shirtless, on his drum kit, I felt sensations inside me I’d never felt for my actual brother. But when we moved away and Colin’s band took off like a rocket, I knew my tweener fantasies would never become a reality.⁣

Fast-forward nine years to my brother’s wedding, when I saw Colin again and we shared a secret, drunken kiss that rocked my world. The next morning, Colin blamed the alcohol. Said we should pretend the kiss, and my unfortunate text afterward, never happened. ⁣

Now that I’m heading to LA to work for Colin and crash at his place, though, all bets are off. I’m determined to make Colin swoon for me, the same way I’ve always done for him. Because no matter what he insisted, Colin’s body during our kiss, and the shocking thing he whispered into my ear right afterward, made it clear he doesn’t really think of me as his little sister, any more than I do.

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• MY REVIEW •

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“Will I ever find true love in this lifetime? Will someone ever swoon for me the way I swoon for them?”

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Excitement doesn’t even cover my feels when I started this story and immediately fell back into a world I was familiar with. It left me feeling lighthearted and all around happy contentment! 🤗 If you haven’t read any of Lauren Rowe’s books, then I think this is a sweet and giggle-inducing introduction to her writing and the vivid world she has created (and expanded). You’ll meet quite a cast of secondary characters as well, and for those who are familiar with Lauren’s work, then the crossover of these characters from her other books is a fabulous feature to see in the story. For the newbies, this story will surely have you curious about these characters’ stories and have you checking out the backlist of books Lauren has written about them. I know there’s a couple of characters that totally caught my attention in this book that I’m looking forward to reading more about. 😁

It’s well-paced storytelling with dual POVs. The history between Amy and Colin really amped up the dimension and dynamic of their relationship in the present day, and made their flirty romance all the more, as the title perfectly describes it… “swoon” worthy! I love seeing their relationship from each of their perspectives, because whilst they both have similar thoughts and feelings about some subject matters, they certainly have a difference of opinions on others. It was such a contrast, and at times the frustration that leaped off these characters easily transferred onto me, as the reader. It’s emotional, spontaneously unpredictable, with crazy, fun highs and lip-pouting lows, that it was easy to get invested in their story. (And don’t get me started on some of the secondhand embarrassment some of their interactions caused. Hehehe). 🙈

This is a contemporary romance story with a secret crush/ brother’s best friend trope, and what makes this story stand out from other books with similar romance tropes is that Lauren has included her own flair and musical creativity to it. Just like her other books set in the same world of musicians, tours, and stardom, you can look forward to hearing original songs incorporated into the storyline. It’s one of the highlights in my opinion, and totally elevates the atmosphere of those scenes and needless to say adds more realism to these fictional people.

I’ve only read a few of Lauren’s books but they’ve all been well-written with detailed world-building, and Swoon is no different. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Amy’s and Colin’s rollercoaster ride of emotions and see them develop as characters. By all means, their relationship is not perfect and these protagonists are flawed and complex but you can expect a reasonable amount of groveling and effort included that will have you rooting for these characters and satisfied with how roadblocks in their relationship are overcome.

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“I’m gonna grand gesture the fuck outta her.”

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With secondary plotlines developing simultaneously in the background, this was a multi-layered story. Never a dull moment, and although a lot of things are happening at the same time, it’s effortless to follow. It has an amazing balance of comic relief to the more pensive scenes, yet all are memorable moments. I always find romance stories where characters have entertaining inner dialogues all the more engaging and Swoon had them in spades. And if you fancy intimacy between the hero/ heroine to be descriptive and wordy, hehe yep, you won’t be disappointed with the detail that goes on during Amy’s and Colin’s bedroom romps either. 😜

There are strong friendships and family-oriented presence in this story that I loved seeing. As much as I adored Amy’s and Colin’s cute push-and-pull interactions, I equally found myself looking forward to seeing the dynamics and interactions they have with their friends and families— with an array of personalities and opinions, the relationships just seemed so genuine and relatable.

Overall, I found this to be a sweet, hearty story with gradual progression. The little moments down memory lane demonstrates how far and special Amy’s and Colin’s connection is. It has an entertaining cat and mouse type of romance that kept me engaged. All the characters are truly likable, and although this is predominately a romance story, both Amy and Colin also have their own personal hang-ups and insecurities that they come to realize and work through. It’s a standalone novel and undeniably concludes with a HEA!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Lauren Rowe and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💗

🔔 Interested in reading Swoon? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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More reviews for Lauren Rowe books!

Bad Liar  |  Beautiful Liar  |  Beloved Liar

The Reed Rivers Trilogy by Lauren Rowe

The Hate-Love Duet

Book One: Falling Out Of Hate With You by Lauren Rowe

Book Two: Falling Into Love With You by Lauren Rowe

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Dangerous Temptation by Giana Darling

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

He arrives all dressed in black. Diamond cufflinks. A watch on his tanned wrist that cost more than we would ever see in a lifetime of work. He carries a single red rose for my mother.

Months later, Tiernan Morelli lays red roses on my mother’s grave. That same day, he tells me that he is my new guardian.

I should have known from the very start that he had more in common with the thorns than the rose. Now I know the truth: I’m a pawn in his dangerous game of revenge. I was too young and naïve. Now it’s too late to save myself from his clutches.

I belong to him.

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• MY REVIEW •

When it comes to Bianca’s and Tiernan’s story, I am officially no longer on the fence! The prologue novella Bad Dream left me emotionally up in the air but after having read Dangerous Temptation, I can without a doubt say, “Okay, Giana, you’ve won me over!” 😄

This book had sex, suspense, intrigue, and corruption all weaved together. The further the story progresses, the more twisted it seems. As they toe the line between right and wrong, good and bad, it not only questions the protagonists’ morals but will have you questioning your own because as much as what is developing between them is all kinds of wrong, it’s also intensely gripping to see play out! 🔥😈

Dangerous Temptation was an intricately well-written storyline. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time constantly wondering where it was heading and how Bianca’s and Tiernan’s relationship would evolve from what was demonstrated in the prologue.

I was apprehensive at first with the distinct age gap— Bianca being seventeen (aka considered a minor), and a thirty year old Tiernan (who not only is Bianca’s love interest but is also the guardian of both her and her younger brother), but as we steadily get to know more about these protagonists, the lives they’ve lived, and once a particular dynamic settled between them, the issue with their ages gradually faded into the background. Yes, there are times that their ages/ mentality peeks out again and blares the obvious differences, but as this story had a handful of ongoing developments, with secondary storylines, diverse range of characters, and unique relationships you no longer focus on the matter of age gaps as much. Especially since Bianca’s and Tiernan’s relationship is far more complex than meets the eye.

If you love alpha-holes, add Tiernan to your “one to watch” list! *waggles eyebrows* Bianca can be passionate about certain things. Her youthful personality often exhibits a mixture of bratty teenager, rebelliousness, and naivety. But both protagonists will surprise you when you least expect it.

There are quite a few romance tropes at play in this story— billionaire romance, enemies-to-lovers, taboo romance… and a touch of erotica. But they all worked well together in creating quite a sexual build-up between Bianca and Tiernan.

This story provided lots of splendid little surprises throughout that honestly left me smiling, giggling, and/or talking to myself (or rather the book) asking, “Why, oh why!?”

You can easily guess the direction the story is heading, but concentrating on the moments (the here and now, if you will) I love the unpredictability of it all, and since Giana is a relatively new-to-me author, I think Dangerous Temptation is a nice introduction to her writing. The storytelling is vivid and well-paced, and transports you to these characters’ surroundings. I was invested in not only Bianca’s and Tiernan’s tumultuous relationship but those in Tiernan’s inner circle— his eclectic band of brothers won my heart over instantly! I’ve mentioned wanting to know more about Ezra after his introduction in Bad Dream, and I was ecstatic to find that my wish has been granted… and I think I may just love him even more now! ❤😍

I love the diversity of the secondary characters whether they are friend or foe, they elevated the atmosphere and overall world-building of the story. Besides the intense romantic relationship, the dynamic amongst the characters in Tiernan’s circle was my favourite feature in this story. I found it unexpectedly heartwarming and added lightheartedness in between the heated moments. There’s a genuine likability and relatability with these secondary characters, and I love the fact that they played such essential and momentous roles.

The underlying reasons behind the chain of events that occur in this storyline are based on old rivalries, vengeance, and pure hatred, but it also strongly centres around familial bonds and unusual upbringings.

The more I progressed through this book the more it grew on me and the characters lingered in my mind. In a short amount of time, you see quite a transformation in both Bianca’s and Tiernan’s characters that ultimately alters the initial plans. It ended on a nail-biting conclusion that will have you needing the next book immediately. With the introduction of Bianca Belcante and Tiernan Morelli, Dangerous Temptation is a fascinating expansion to the Morellis and Constantines, and an engaging addition to the overall world of the Midnight Dynasty.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Giana Darling and Candi Kane PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💛

🔔 Interested in reading Dangerous Temptation? Grab your copy here: Amazon US  |  Amazon INTL  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Apple Books  |  Kobo  |  Google Play

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🌹 Read my review for the Dark Dream Prologue!

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

📒 Prologue Novella: Bad Dream by Giana Darling

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

Bewitching The Biker by Glenna Maynard

⚠ This review contains minor teasers!

📷 Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

I’m an outlaw.
A man who takes what he wants without asking, and what I want is her.
I’ve been bewitched by a vixen. The witch has me under her spell.
She hexed me.
Everyone thinks I’m crazy, but I’ll prove it.
I’m not supposed to fear anything. I never have.
Until her.
They call me Sandman but Bianca is the one haunting my dreams.

Bewitching the Biker is book 7 of the Royal Bastards, Charleston WV, Chapter but can be read as a stand alone.
Suggested reading order:
The Biker’s Kiss
Lady & The Biker
Tempting The Biker
Keeping The Biker
The Biker’s Lucky Charm
Taken By The Biker
Bewitching The Biker

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• MY REVIEW •

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“Fuck me she’s a witchy dream come true. I’ve never wanted to fuck a wicked witch more in my life.”

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Eeep! Complete and total fun halloween-y addition to Glenna’s already amazing RBMC series! What a novella! 😍🙌

In just a short amount of time this story had me both swooning and laughing my ass off at the banter between Binx (aka Bianca) and Sandman! It’s a great little romance read perfect for the season of pumpkins, sweater weather, and all things eerie! Glenna has managed to shine a spotlight on a character that, to be honest until now I hadn’t really paid much attention to in the series’ previous books. Sandman is gruff, sexy, and all-out alpha, yet seeing him constantly get knocked down by a five foot tall minx of a heroine was a hoot to see! *Ka-pow!* 👊😂

Both protagonists are such lovable characters but I have to admit I immediately gravitated towards Bianca because I found her so relatable. If like me, you’re a huge fan of the cult film (and novel) Practical Magic, I guarantee you will enjoy this story too! It might technically be an MC romance but there’s definitely magic and suspense in the air.

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“You can fight fate, deary, but she always wins in the end.”

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A novella that had great world-building especially from Bianca’s witchy world, and a nice little build-up to their romance. I was so immersed in the development of their relationship that I honestly was bummed to see this story abruptly conclude. I would’ve loved one more chapter… or at least another few pages. But I’m giddy with excitement that Glenna does have more plans for this couple because they’ve seriously become a hot ticket item! ❤  

Here are the things I thoroughly loved about this book that you can look forward to:

• Hate-to-Love (Banter! Banter! Banter!)
• Opposites Attract
• Zingy Banter
• Tons of Brotherly Love
• A sprinkle of Paranormal Activity
• Laugh out loud one-liners! 😮🤭 

Great in-between read that’ll lift up your spirits 👻 (no pun intended). It can be read as a standalone book but this series and all the characters from Glenna’s RBMC world are addictive as fudge, and it’ll be a shame if you don’t read them all. 

Fast-paced storytelling but it’s hearty, multi-dimensional, and full of genuine characters. You’ll get a kick out of both Bianca’s and Sandman’s inner dialogues and opinions of one another as it’s told from dual points of views. The secondary characters from the comic reliefs to the adorable sidekicks added the extra oomph!   

Glenna’s writing style has always been effortless to follow and this one is no different. She has a way of sucking you in from the opening scene. There’s a sense of being watched, secrecy, and mystery throughout that gives the entire setting a buzzing thrill. Ironically, for a Halloween-themed story it’s actually one of Glenna’s less darker storylines but don’t worry, you can still expect enough MC elements within. Halloween, an unexpected romantic connection, and a motorcycle club… nuff said!  

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Glenna Maynard for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 🧡

🔔 Interested in reading Bewitching the Biker? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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👑💀 More reviews for the RBMC Charleston, WV Chapter!

The Biker’s Kiss by Glenna Maynard

Lady & The Biker by Glenna Maynard

Tempting The Biker by Glenna Maynard

Keeping The Biker by Glenna Maynard

Taken By The Biker by Glenna Maynard

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo

 

 

Worth The Pain by J.L. Leslie

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

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• BLURB •

Allie…

I let him break me. Shatter my heart into a million pieces. And I took the coward’s way out. Only the drugs didn’t help. Didn’t make me forget him. I still remember every thing about him. The way his piercing blue eyes looked right through me. The way his perfect lips danced over my skin.

The way he rejected me so cruelly.

And now I can’t escape him. Couldn’t pretend he doesn’t exist even if I tried. Because every single day I wake up to a beautiful reminder of the devastating pain he caused.

Hunter…

My club thinks I’m losing my mind. My sister prays the old me will return. And my best friend…well…I’ve cut ties with him.

I’m on a path of self-destruction and I have no intention of changing direction. Not until I find out the truth. Not until I find the missing girls.

I thought she was one of them. Thought she’d been taken. But she was simply hiding away from me.

I don’t blame her. I was cruel to her. Caused her undeniable pain.

But she’s hiding more than herself. She’s hiding a kid. A kid who has piercing blue eyes exactly like mine.

And after everything I’ve put her through, I need to prove that I’m worth the pain.

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• MY REVIEW •

I know this is only the second book in Leslie’s RBMC series but it felt like I’d been waiting for Hunter’s story for—ever! He was the secondary character from Worth The Risk (book one) that I was most eager to read more about, and now that his story is here, I have to admit it’s not at all what I had expected. 🤔

It’s a relatively quick story for a full-length novel and I was able to finish it in one sitting. The storytelling is fast-paced with constant developments coming one after the other. It’s emotion-based, told from dual points of view with both Hunter and Allie being of second mind for the majority of the story. With all the craziness and the push-and-pull within their complicated relationship, you’ll question whether or not they’re truly suited for one another.

The premise is what initially intrigued me but the flow felt a little choppy for my liking, and the development in their relationship didn’t feel as in-depth or come off as authentic as I was hoping to see. They had a one-night stand and prior to their reconnection had spent time apart so I was expecting plenty of character growth and maturity from both protagonists but it seemed like time hadn’t altered their mindset and they’re stuck in this repetitiveness with their feelings, never quite moving forward. I am relieved to say it eventually improves and they do finally get their act together but I’m contemplating if it happened just a smidge too late in the story.

Hunter is not at all how I remembered him from the first book. From that time to the present his character has clearly shifted because he’s become a hard man to love. The only redeemable quality I could see in him within this book is that he eventually saw the light and wanted something more out of life, and knowing Allie had to be a part of it started to make amends. (I would’ve loved to have seen some more groveling from him though).

Allie is a likable character but she doesn’t necessarily make the best choices. She’s the type of heroine that I think readers would either love or loath. Although some readers may find her and what she’s been through relatable. She’s indecisive and uncertain about a lot of things but she also knows what she wants for her future, and I think it’s easy to identify with that.

Similar to the first book I was left with some unanswered questions that I’m guessing will either be left unsettled or will hopefully be addressed later down the track in future books. There are quite a few different plots happening at once and if you haven’t read the first book, you may find it a little difficult to understand the history amongst these characters. Although you can technically read this one as a standalone, I highly recommend you read Worth The Risk first.

For the most part a grey atmosphere but with this being the second book in the series, the world-building is gradually evolving. I do like that there’s a nice amount of both romance and MC elements. It has plenty of suspense and unpredictability. The violence is detailed but not overly graphic, and I thought there was enough lightheartedness brought on by the MC and the friendships to keep things from getting too gritty.

The storyline touches on drug abuse/addiction that some readers may find triggering. Including adult themes such as violence and strong sexual content, be advised this story is intended for readers 18+ only.

Overall, it was a bit of a mixed bag. Whilst I was already hooked from the opening scene and invested in seeing their story unfold, it did take a while to grow into liking Hunter’s and Allie’s relationship. But I can’t deny that it was the little moments they had throughout that ultimately kept me engaged. With the addition of the brothers from the MC and their comradery, I thought this was a pretty decent read.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐¾

Thank you J.L. Leslie and the RBMC team for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💙

🔔 Interested in reading Worth The Pain? Grab your copy here: Universal Link

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👑💀 Read my review for Worth The Risk!

Original post from my IG @booksoftheluggleborn

📒 Book One: Worth The Risk by J.L. Leslie

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Happy reading, guys! Catch you in my next one! Xo