Tempting The Biker by Glenna Maynard

📷 @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

— BLURB —

He’s married and twice my age, but I can’t walk away.

Murder—
We were never supposed to happen. Alexa’s my daughter’s best friend. I’m a married man. I’m too old for her, but stolen glances turn into more than either of us are prepared for. I’ve made promises I can’t keep. I’m the Prez of Royal Bastards MC. I’m not supposed to be tempted by her innocence. My head swears that I don’t love her, but my heart won’t let go.

Alexa—
Murder’s married. Off Limits. But I want him. He’s a powerful man. Untouchable and unbreakable. I’ll be his dirty little secret. No one has to know. We’re playing a dangerous game. A deadly one that will leave me with a broken heart or worse, but I’ll do anything to prove to him that what we share is a ride or die love. And for Murder, I’m willing to risk it all.

Tempting The Biker is part of the Royal Bastards MC world.
Recommended reading order for best enjoyment within the Charleston, WV Chapter:
The Biker’s Kiss
Lady & The Biker
Tempting The Biker 

•••

— MY REVIEW —

⚠ Warning: Minor teasers included. Read at own risk.

Oh. My. Goodness.

My fave book so far by Glenna Maynard! I haven’t read very many (yet) but yes, this book gave me a roller coaster of emotions that I always love to experience in my reads.

I had trouble putting this book down. You already get a taste of Alexa and Murder’s relationship from the previous book in the series, so I couldn’t help but have that sense of anticipation to see where it all began.

It does not disappoint! Their story is told from dual POVs and spans over almost 20 years of their lives.    

---

“Would give you the world if I could.”

---

And without a doubt, this book shone a light on Alexa that you would never have expected — especially based on how she was portrayed in Lady & The Biker (book two). I couldn’t get enough of seeing Alexa’s growth from adolesence to adulthood. In my opinion, she has one of the best character developments I’ve read in a long time. The horrific, tragic events she’s had throughout her life is unbelievably heartwrenching and at times hard to read about. What got me is how constant these events were for her. The girl just couldn’t catch a break, and you can’t help but sympathize and fully understand when she loses it and breaks down or even lashes out. 

(Please Note: This book contains sensitive subject matter that may be triggering to some readers. It contains kidnapping, sexual assault, physical abuse, violence, drug use, and adultery).

If I was going to base my opinion of Alexa only what I’ve read in Lady & The Biker, then I would’ve completely based it on the damaged, broken Alexa. This book not only reveals Alexa in her entirety but it shows how much she’s evolved from the young, carefree teenager that she was when she was first introduced. If I hadn’t read this book, I most likely would not have liked Alexa as a character as much as I do now. She goes through the ringer, yes, she makes a lot of stupid decisions — and you will definitely won’t agree with her every single time… but damn if she isn’t also a person of strength and willpower (in her own way).

Murder isn’t a bad guy… per se. He’s actually quite caring and protective. But I’m also not going to sugarcoat when I say that you’ll find yourself cussing his ass out one too many a times reading this. You’ll question what the hell Alexa sees in him? Why she won’t let go? And for the love of the book gods why she can’t just suckerpunch him in the nutsack!!? But you know what? Just like me, you’ll have to read it, let the story soak in for a few days or so, and realize that what’s meant to be, will be. 😜   

I know this book is technically both Alexa and Murder’s story but in my opinion, Alexa will hold your attention just a smidge more (and deservingly so). I appreciate and am thankful that Maynard decided to write their story because their journey is one unforgetable uphill battle of proportions that is so worth experiencing.

There’s a lot of push and pull and a constant merry-go-around to their relationship that’s honestly frustration galore! But no matter how many times they move one step forward only to be shoved five steps back, you will be clinging to hope that things would somehow miraculously work out between them.

---

“I don’t hate you. Sometimes I wish I could. I want you to find happiness. It’s just not going to be with me.”

---

This was a slow and steady paced storytelling, switching back and forth from our hero and heroine’s POVs. As I mentioned earlier, their story spans almost 20 years of their lives but for the majority of the book, it’s told from the earlier years of their complicated relationship. 

I’ve said this countless of times in previous reviews — I love me some MC romances and I like to think I’m not overly picky as long as there’s great chemistry between the protagonists and some storyline. But when you come across one that has such world-building, such contrast between the characters and a constast flow of development and character growth, then it goes without saying, it stands out from the crowd. This book is one of those!

I thought it was amazingly written, the atmosphere envelops you in, making you feel like you’re going through their crazy journey with them. Throughout the highs and lows, the struggles, heartbreaks, and the fleeting happy moments they manage to share in between. 

---

“I don’t want the world. I only wanna live in yours.”

---

Ugh. A truly spellbinding storytelling of second chances and never taking things for granted. Their story will wreck you, leave you in a sobbing mess, but without a doubt also leave you with a sense of relief, contentment and most importantly… happiness. 😊 I don’t think I have to tell you folks that I would recommend this book. Whether you’re an avid MC romance fan or not, if you enjoy romance books, I’d hit this one up!

But make sure to read the previous books first as the characters and their backstory are interconnected with one another. 

RATING: ♥♥♥♥½

---

---

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

Read my reviews for the other books in the series!

Book One: The Biker’s Kiss by Glenna Maynard

Book Two: Lady & The Biker by Glenna Maynard

---

---

•••

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

Explosive by K.E. Osborn

I feel like my next book review was a long time coming. But it’s here! This book legit got me out of a reading funk that I was in!

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

— BLURB —

I couldn’t walk away.
It’s not who I am.
The moment I saw Rayne broken and bloodied, I knew I wasn’t leaving without her.

As the president of the Houston Defiance MC, my job is to protect. And there’s no taming the rage building inside my body, screaming at me to shield her from the husband who’s beating her day in and day out.

Taking her was never in my plans, but plans change.
I don’t care if she’s married.
Or that her husband’s a cop.

Our connection is explosive, it’s dangerous, it’s intoxicating.
And I’m fast being swept up in her storm.
It’s something I can’t ignore.

I thought the enemy was clear, and I was ready to fight.
But maybe there’s a threat we didn’t see coming?
Maybe there’s someone closer to us than we ever could have imagined.
Someone who could be the destruction of us both.

•••

— MY REVIEW —

Eeep! Just found myself a brand spankin’ new-to-me MC author! 🙌🙌

I’m not gonna lie and I’m not ashamed to admit this… but I initially grab this book solely because of the cover! I mean, c’mon… Kevin Creekman *phoaaar* 🔥

Then, yeah ok, I read the blurb and it wowed me even more! Didn’t even need to think twice, I 1-clicked it right after that! #noregrets 😁

This book is a great example of why I love and am addicted to reading MC romances. Amazing world-building with a solid foundation of the MC, history told about the club and its members. Then you have the alpha male hero that oozes sex appeal, manliness, grit and just the right amount of charm that if his looks weren’t up to par (which I highly doubt anyways), then his personality would keep you engaged. Add in the hot ass bikes, some ink, some strong brotherhood, and boom — you got yourself a half of a worthy MC romance already.

---

Prepare to meet Zero. Prepare to meet your end.

“Three… two… one… zero.”

---

Zero just had an immediate appeal on me. His love of his family and the club is evident right from the beginning. He knows what he wants and where he belongs. His strong, confident demeanor makes him stand out in the crowd, yet he’s not afraid to share his emotions to those who mean the world to him. I love that when he makes mistakes, he makes sure that it never repeats itself.

And you can’t forget the heroine. In this case Rayne comes from a completely different world. She’s married to an abuser, and just when she’s at the brink of giving up, she’s saved by Zero’s sister Prinie, who in turn gets her brother involved too.

I’ve read numerous amounts of MC romances, some grittier and darker than others. Majority of them contain sensitive subject matter that may trigger some readers. I’m definitely giving you guys warning with Explosive. It contains severe domestic abuse. It’s detailed, so keep in mind when considering about picking this one up. It also contains horrific violence and drug content.

I’ll admit, as much as I was already enamored with Zero’s story from the get go, there was a scene that completely had me gasping in shock. I sensed it coming but I didn’t realize that the author would describe it so vividly. 🙈

But that scene (shocking as it was), also cemented not only this book but the author herself as one I would definitely enjoy reading from. I knew before I even reached halfway through that I would continue on with this series.

There’s a good amount of character development. You see not only the lead characters, but the secondary ones as well have backstory that gives you insight into who they are and how they’ve come to be now in the present.

Another reason why I love reading MC romances, is you get to see stories form other characters develop that may eventually come back around in the sequels. This book is no different. There’s a few secondary characters I’m already vying to see more of in this series.

But Explosive lives up to its book title. Both Zero and Rayne have lived difficult lives. Both suffering and both broken. The way they come together, you can see how well they click and heal one another — their interactions are fiery and always leaves you wanting more!

---

“You saved me, Zero.”

---

---

“You saved yourself, Rayne. I’m just here to help you along.”

---

Their attraction may have been there from the start, but I appreciated the fact that the author didn’t get them together right away. Creating Zero as a character who has morals despite being in an MC will be just one of the reasons why I think readers will love him.

A steady paced storytelling, and told from dual POVs. There’s a lot going on in Houston Defiance MC with drama, trouble and angst at every corner. It’s an action-packed story — one that sets up the introduction to this series in a strong way.

Besides the brotherhood between the members, I enjoyed seeing the friendships that developed between the women in this world. It’s also a nice contrast to an otherwise male-driven environment. I love that they are cared for, protected and respected by the MC but that these ladies can hold their own!

Whilst this is a work of fiction and a romance story at that, I haven’t forgotten that Zero and Rayne’s story centers around a realistic, relatable and very serious topic. There’s some lighthearted banter here and there to break the intensity, but what makes an MC romance a winner for me besides the hero/ heroine, is the substance of the story. Zero and Rayne grow and evolve, and there’s a purpose to their actions.

I really can’t say enough great things about this book. It keeps you on your toes with suspense. I think fellow MC and dark romance readers will get a kick out of it. It’s one that’ll have you reeling about for days on end.

---

“Cherry bomb, our journey is only just beginning.”

---

RATING: ♥♥♥♥½

I feel like I’ve been in a reading slump for most of October, which is a shame considering I had thoughts what with Halloween and all that this would be the perfect time to be stuck indoors, snuggle in bed with a bunch of great reads for the month. But nope.

This book saved me from my reading slump lasting longer. If you’re a savage MC romance lover like yours truly, and haven’t discovered K.E. Osborn yet for yourself, this book is a good place to start! 😉 It’s actually gotten to check out her backlist and I’m already eyeing her Chicago Defiance MC series! *waggles eyebrows*

---

•••

Hope you enjoyed my review. Happy reading guys, and catch you in my next one! Xo

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Original post from my IG @booksofthemuggleborn

•••

• BLURB •

A hilarious and sexy workplace comedy all about that thin, fine line between hate and love.

Nemesis (n.)

1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.

2) A person’s undoing

3) Joshua Templeman

Lucy Hutton has always been certain that the nice girl can get the corner office. She’s charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Everyone except for coldly efficient, impeccably attired, physically intimidating Joshua Templeman. And the feeling is mutual. Trapped in a shared office together forty (ok, fifty or sixty) hours a week, they’ve become entrenched in an addictive, ridiculous never-ending game of one-upmanship. There’s the Staring Game. The Mirror Game. The HR Game. Lucy can’t let Joshua beat her at anything-especially when a huge new promotion goes up for the taking. If Lucy wins this game, she’ll be Joshua’s boss. If she loses, she’ll resign. So why is she suddenly having steamy dreams about Joshua, and dressing for work like she’s got a hot date?

After a perfectly innocent elevator ride ends with an earth shattering kiss, Lucy starts to wonder whether she’s got Joshua Templeman all wrong. Maybe Lucy Hutton doesn’t hate Joshua Templeman. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

•••

• MY REVIEW •

I’ve divided my review into different parts — My impressions on Lucy, Joshua and my overall thoughts on the storyline.

So here we go!

LUCY HUTTON: Ahhhh Lucy. Well… She’s definitely a quirky, one of a kind character. Loved her from the get go just for the fact that she’s sass in a teeny tiny body. It was like “Yesss! Another fictional shorty!” 😁 I instantly connect with characters who are short because whenever it’s mentioned or whenever jokes are made, I instantly relate. Lol! Whenever Lucy mentions her height, or her short legs, or having to wear heels just to get a bit of height had me nodding like a bobblehead in agreement! I know #shortpeopleproblems all too well haha.

She’s so relatable when it comes to relationships too (both with her parents and with guys). I feel like if there was one fictional character that is my spirit animal, it’s Lucy! It’s like I was reading about my life whenever Luce talked about work, her colleagues and that one particular person you dread having to deal with. The one that makes your working day a drainer. Uuck!

Off topic here, but I did work with a colleague once who was the biggest arse. But reading about Luce and Josh’s daily “hating game” reminded me of that time. Except in my situation there was definitely no love lost. Lol. 😅

Question: Who has an annoying colleague you can’t help but think hilariously mean thoughts about — like wishing they would trip over or have something embarrassing happen to them because they’re straight up rude, or smug, or just plain douchey towards you? Anybody??

Anyways, for those who’ve read the book — then you’ll know why I included smurfs into my photo (hehe). But seriously, who doesn’t love a character who has some nerdiness in them!? Although I couldn’t completely agree with her fashion choices, Lucy does have such a hilarious personality, with the most random of thoughts – some of which I still can’t believe she had the guts to say out loud… to Josh no less! There were moments of me blurting “Ahhh! shut up! shut up!” followed by a facepalm! LOL. 🙈

My favourite Lucy Hutton quote:

---

“Maybe he’ll murder me down there. I’ll end up dead in a Dumpster. The investigators will see my fishnets and heavy eye makeup and assume I’m a hooker. They’ll follow all the wrong leads. Meanwhile, Joshua will be calmly bleaching all my DNA off his shoes and making himself a sandwich.”

---

and here’s another delightful little comment…

---

“I want to know what’s going on in your brain. I want to juice your head like a lemon.”

---

Hehehe.

Lucy is a nice change from female leads I usually read about who ooze cocky confidence and ass-kicking abilities (not that I don’t love them too. If you’ve seen most of my book reviews, those characters are usually leads in some of my most fave of books!)

JOSHUA TEMPLEMAN: And what can I say about Josh? Except when a male colleague is described the way he was (by Lucy) in this book, you can’t reaaaally believe that she ‘hates’ having daily banter sessions with the guy. He’s total eye-candy!

Josh may sound jerk-y and rude but I just found his comments and his observations about Luce down right hilarious! His remarks about her height.. her all too niceness towards people.. her choices in attire — I tell ya, all bloody entertaining to read! 🤭

Maybe I’ve watched way too many romcoms in my lifetime but his serious, unemotional, mean ‘persona’ – I wasn’t buying it! Uh-uh no way! You just know he’s 100% the sweet, thoughtful, caring guy deep down… (who obviously has personal issues and that’s why he has that façade) but still.

My favourite Joshua Templeman quote:

---

“I love you, Lucy Hutton. So much, you have no idea. Please be my best friend.”

---

and then there’s also this:

---

“When I’m your boss, I’m implementing a corporate support uniform policy. No more of your weird little retro costumes. I’ve already got it circled in the Corporate Wear catalog. A gray shift dress.” He pauses for effect. “Polyester. It’s supposed to be knee length, so it should reach your ankles.” 

---

See what I mean?! How can you not laugh? As a fellow shorty-McShorty pants, if someone said that to me ok yes, I would’ve rolled my eyes but then I would’ve cracked up two seconds later because I would’ve been picturing it!

And finally..

PLOT: What is it about contemporary reads that you can pretty much figure out in the first chapter whether you’re gonna like the book or not?! Why can’t it be that easy with fantasy fiction?

This was an enjoyable read. No doubt. Love the characters. Love the dynamics. Love the slow development between the two and getting to know about their lives. But if I had to nit-pick I did predict the ending. I guessed it 2/3 of the way through how it would end for Lucy and Josh, and yup… I hit the nail on the head! I did feel a little “meh” about it. But then again it’s not rocket science.. There were obvious signs as to how this was all gonna go down anyways. So no biggie (remember, just nit-picking).

If you guys scrolled right through my review and onto my overall rating, then you guys can pretty much guess that I loved the plot of this one. Contemporary, office romance and best bit… the protagonists’ totally hate each other at the beginning which only means… they really secretly love each other! 😜

I love reading books with love/hate relationships and this is one of the best I’ve read so far. You can’t help but laugh out loud when reading this book and the cringy-ness of some of the things that comes out of Lucy. There were several moments when I wanted to hide behind a pillow for her. Like I said it’s an enjoyable read for anyone who loves romcoms, chick-lit and all round light-hearted good fun.

Sometimes a very well written standalone read can be just as gripping as reading a book series. This will definitely become one of my fave holiday rereads or traveling companion.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

•••

---

Love Office Romance Books?

📘 Read my review for The Carrero Effect!

The Carrero Effect by L.T. Marshall

---

•••

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

Scribbler Of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson

•••

— BLURB —

Romeo and Juliet had the right idea. About dating the enemy that is. They were true to their hearts.

Kaitlin Malone know what it’s like to date the enemy. She was raised to hate the Crutchfields, and absolutely does – until she meets Bram Crutchfield. It turns out he’s a great guy – one she could talk to, share things with…even love. But when Kaitlin gives her heart to Bram, her world spins out of control. Soon the Crutchfields are her friends and she’s a traitor to her own family.

To make things worse ,Bram was raised to hate the Malones, especially Kaitlin’s father – who murdered Bram’s dad. Bram doesn’t know Kaitlin is a Malone. If he did he would hate her, too.

What’s a star-crossed lover to do?

•••

— MY REVIEW —

I read Scribbler of Dreams around this time last year! I know, I know.. this review is long overdue! Good thing it’s a quick read, I was able to reread it again before writing this blog post. 😛

This book is inspired by Romeo and Juliet. The whole family vs family deal definitely plays a big backdrop to the story between “star-crossed” lovers Kaitlin and Bram.

Just like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, I found their families to be selfish, annoying jerks who have the saddest reasons as to why they hate one another. I lost count of how many times I either rolled my eyes, sighed or just wanted to speed read to the parts that involved only Kaitlin and Bram. Hehehe.

I don’t know how I feel about Kaitlin discovering who Bram’s family was from early on and keeping it to herself. But then again we’re talking about young love here, and she is a teenage girl who’s dealing with her first love and not wanting to lose it… so… meh. I’ll let this one slide. But the minute I got to the part where she finds out and decides to keep it to herself –  I knew. I knew there’d be trouble up ahead.

I will also say this — I wasn’t expecting the little twist in the end with Kaitlin’s family history though and I did kind of wish that there was more development or… a better lead up to it..? because the minute the “secret” was out that was it. Like literally! I was left thinking “that’s it?!” It was a little underwhelming and the next thing you know Kaitlin and Bram’s story was wrapping up.

Remember – This is just my opinion. Maybe it’s because I love Mary’s writing that I may have expected a little more with the story development. I did feel the ending was a little too abrupt. But hey, at least it did have a definitive ending. No loose strings or questions asked (which I like and thankful for!) I would’ve just wanted.. oh I dunno a page or two more of Kaitlin and Bram. A page of them working it out and living happily ever after is nowhere near enough. 😉

But like I said earlier, I found this to be a is a nice standalone read that I recommend for anyone who’s short for time, a fan of quick reads, suffering from a reading slump and is not ready to commit to a book series yet, or just a good old fashion fan of contemporary romance. 😄

Oh, and it’s also considered YA fiction but I think this book is young reader (pre-teens) friendly. It’s definitely young love!

This is one of Mary E. Pearson’s earlier works and although I prefer her more recent fantasy fiction books, I still love her style of writing. It’s simple, easy to follow and the story just flows. Whether you’re a fan of Contemporary or YA Fantasy — I strongly recommend you check out Mary’s books (more specifically The Remnant Chronicles)!

RATING: ♥♥♥½

•••

---

📚 Read my reviews for Mary E. Pearson’s The Remnant Chronicles!

Book One: The Kiss Of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Book Two: The Heart Of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson

Book Three (Coming Soon)

---

•••

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

The Midnight Watch by David Dyer

•••

— BLURB —

As the Titanic and her passengers sank slowly into the Atlantic Ocean after striking an iceberg late in the evening of April 14, 1912, a nearby ship looked on. Second Officer Herbert Stone, in charge of the midnight watch on the SS Californian sitting idly a few miles north, saw the distress rockets that the Titanic fired. He alerted the captain, Stanley Lord, who was sleeping in the chartroom below, but Lord did not come to the bridge. Eight rockets were fired during the dark hours of the midnight watch, and eight rockets were ignored. The next morning, the Titanic was at the bottom of the sea and more than 1,500 people were dead. When they learned of the extent of the tragedy, Lord and Stone did everything they could to hide their role in the disaster, but pursued by newspapermen, lawyers, and political leaders in America and England, their terrible secret was eventually revealed. The Midnight Watch is a fictional telling of what may have occurred that night on the SS Californian, and the resulting desperation of Officer Stone and Captain Lord in the aftermath of their inaction.

Told not only from the perspective of the SS Californian crew, but also through the eyes of a family of third-class passengers who perished in the disaster, the narrative is drawn together by Steadman, a tenacious Boston journalist who does not rest until the truth is found. The Midnight Watch is a powerful and dramatic debut novel–the result of many years of research in Liverpool, London, New York, and Boston, and informed by the author’s own experiences as a ship’s officer and a lawyer.

•••

— MY REVIEW —

I love how the author wrote this story based on the true event of the Titanic sinking, which was the main reason as to why I got this book. The story of the Titanic, which still seems to be something of a mystery to this day. It gives you an insight as to what was going on when it happened and how people reacted when they heard the news.

I did find when reading it, the pace was a little on the slow side. There’s parts here and there that really capture your attention but for the most part it drags (at least for me anyways).

I found the crew of the Californian frustratingly irritating. I don’t know who I found more annoying.. oh wait possibly the shitty captain! Seriously now!? The secrets, the lies and the cover ups just to save their own asses during the sinking was a disgrace. I felt like slapping some sense into them but that probably wouldn’t do much good.

Besides reading about the Titanic, you get to know Steadman’s personal story as well. When I first read about his family, I was taken aback. I was not expecting the shocker of a story that he shares at the beginning. I was truly saddened to read about the tragedy that he went through with his family – resulting in his wife to never be the same since.

It’s just one tragic story after another with this book..

Now although I didn’t like the pace of the book, the story itself was insightful and sad and in some parts surprising. It’s worth a read especially if you like historical fiction and the events revolving around the Titanic (to be more specific).

I was undecided whether to give this book 3.5 or 4 out of 5 but I ended up leaning more towards the lower rating in the end just because I found it hard to really connect with the book. The slow pace and the frustration I felt towards the crewmen made me put this book down and never wanting to reach out for it again until much much later in the day when I had finally mellowed out and almost forgot my annoyance of the captain lol 😛

I’m still glad I read it though. It did make me wonder more about the people who were affected by this tragedy and all those who lost their lives.

RATING: ♥♥♥½

---

•••

Hope you guys liked and found this review helpful. Catch you guys in my next one! Xo