Ellie Alexander has done it again! I've read all the books in The Secret Bookcase Mysteries series, and this final book leaves you wanting more! While the killer for the our heroine Annie's best friend Scarlett is finally revealed, you're left wondering what else is in store for The Novel Detectives? Hopefully, we'll find out in the future, because I cannot get enough of Annie and her found family! Nevertheless, this was the perfect ending to the series!

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This is the second book I've read from the author and I'm sure it won't be the last. In fact, I already bought two of her other books after I finished this! Some adults like to steer clear from YA romance books, but I became invested in the main character Madeline aka Mads from the very beginning! So many tropes to enjoy; enemies to lovers, friends to lovers and wedding tropes all made this read super enjoyable! I'm really glad I was able to read the ARC, and I wouldn't change a thing!

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

If you're an old school slasher horror fan, which I am, you will love this book! The author gives homages to such movies as Scream, Friday the 13th, Halloween and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, to name a few. Those little Easter eggs really made the book enjoyable as a horror fan. Reading the book felt like I was behind the scenes of one of those movies, except the story was based more on real life than the cast and crew expected. You'll be guessing who was really behind the mask until the end but in the meantime, you're following the Final Girl and her castmates, as they try to guess whodunnit! I'm still on a high after reading it!

My Honest Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

First of all, the narrator Sid Sagar, makes this book so enjoyable to listen to. The British Indian writer, actor, and comedian, delivers each character with their own personalities, but my favorite of course is the main character, Detective Rav Trevedi. The book has been compared to Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive, but with his style and manner, he definitely gives a Will Trent vibe. One of the youngest Detectives in the NYPD, he finds himself investigating a murder and a possible romance with a famous rock star. Funny and captivating, I could not "put down" this book! Hoping there will be more books in the future because Rav Trevedi has easily become one of my new favorite detectives!

My Honest Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to listen to this ARC!

New opportunities. Found family. Sense of community with a dash of romance. This book has it all! The main character starts with the loss of her job and fiancé but ends with a bookshop that is more than meets the eye. It became a life saver and special gathering place for people who needed a sense of home away from home. The author loosely based the book on a true story and this story makes me wish it were a real place I could visit. I too felt the safety and sense of home at The Sandy Page Bookshop!

My Honest Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

As a writer myself, I can't express enough how much I loved this book! I mean, who wouldn't want to spend a private writing retreat in the Catskills with other writers and publishers? Part Mean Girls, part Gone Girl, The Writers Retreat keeps you guessing from beginning til the very end! So many twisty twistable twists, I couldn't put it down and read it in one day! Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

My Honest Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

In a world where magic is as normal as ordering a Starbucks iced latte, you'll find witches, or "spellcasters" just trying to make a living! For Penelope, a mistreated spell technician in a magic shop in Miami, being cast in the reality show, "Cast Judgment", where witches compete for a cash prize, is a dream come true! But as all reality shows, there's backstabbing and sabatoge, especially being partnered with the himbo Spellebrity, Leandro Presto.

His popular online show, "Mage You Look" shares the don'ts of spellcasting, which annoys Penelope to no end. If only she could speak to her online crush, Gil, who happens to be Leandro in disguise, a secret he must keep throughout the show. He's competing for the Alan Kazam' Schools Are Magic! Charity. Kazam, a former famous magician, and in actuality his Grandpa Fred, taught him everything he knows. Making him much more competent than what he appears to be. If only he could be honest with Penelope, who has no idea who he really is!

Will these two get their act together, win the show, and perhaps each other's hearts? Read this fantastical book to find out! As Alan Kazam always said, "Trust the magic and the magic will trust you!"

My Honest Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

"Telling a story to someone you care about when they're sick will never stop being a gesture of love, no matter how many centuries have passed."

Enemies to Lovers? Unthinkable! Tess Bright and Hugh Balfour are two vastly different people! While they both take their acting careers seriously, for some reason, they just cannot connect on the movie set of Jane Austen 's Northanger Abbey.

It isn't until they have a Modern Day/Regency Era 'Back to the Future' experience, that they find their differences is what helps them navigate their own Jane Austen story. This story is a wonderful homage to said author, but with Bell's contemporary twist!

Absolutely enjoyable, this book left me with a smile on my face. It kind of makes me believe in love again!

My Honest Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Picking up from the first book, Pomona Afton Can So Solve A Murder, we find Pomona trying to live a more altruistic life while still navigating her old affluent lifestyle and the people who still live it. Unfortunately, while hosting her first gala, there's a murder. Who could have possibly done it? Not like the man murdered didn't have a list of enemies a mile long, but Pomona takes it upon herself to solve the case. After all, it did happen at HER gala! Find out what happens, as she and her loving "low class" boyfriend Gabe yet again run around NYC trying to catch a killer!

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this book, which will be available April 2026.

First and foremost, before you read His Forbidden Obsession, you must read the entire Theirot family series, in order. There are a few running gags that makes the book that much more enjoyable. Once you finish with the original series, and you've becomed captived with this powerful New Orleans mob family, meet this new branch of cousins.

Lorenzo will do anything for his younger brothers, but he always follows the head of the Theirot's family's orders. And no one ever crosses Remington Theirot. One of those orders is to stay away from their Russian rival's son Nikolai.

Niko is set to be married to another Russian family's daughter, but secretly he's being sold off to pay for his abusive father's debts. The moment Renzo and Niko lay eyes on each other, their desire was unavoidable. With danger coming at them from both sides, can they withstand the feud or is an incoming war inevitable?

My Honest Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Special thank you to Silvia Violet and Gay Romance Reviews for providing me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

While this is a short story, it kept you at the edge of your seat throughout it's entirety! The main character, husband Reid Cavanagh, is a smart man, but it's mostly self proclaimed. He should have no complaints in his life, yet that's all that he does. Complain. He wants to start over with just his boys and move on. But there is his wife to contend to.

His once perfect wife has now become a burden to him. His issues with her are pretty much superficial. Her weight, how she spends her time, her nagging. Somehow that leads him to thoughts of murder. So much so, that he begins to plan. The "perfect" plan. Or so he thinks. Because at the end of the day, things or people aren't always what they seem. Twistable twists lies ahead!

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Released: 10/21/25 

Available on KU

Special thanks to Darby Kane, NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for providing this audiobook ARC for an honest review!

Phantom's Healing Review

While Phantom's Healing can be read as a stand alone novel, it is the second book of Chelle Bliss' Hurricane Heat series. Phantom was briefly mentioned and introduced in the first book of the series, Shadow's Protection, as the President of The Hurricane Heat MC. Although his role was small, it made me excited to learn more about him. As soon as I was able to read this book, I could not put it down!

At the start of the book, we meet Poppy, a single widowed Mom of a tween son, Jax, who owns her own hair salon. She meets the 3 ladies in Phantom's life. Except one is missing. Now, he may give off rough and tough biker vibes, but above all else, Phantom is a loving girl dad, and would do anything for his 2 teen daughters, Holly and Daisy.

Unfortunately, they're pretty much neglected by their mother, Shayla, Phantom's ex-wife. She leaves them in a jam that only Daddy can rescue them from. Not the best Mom to say the least. Yet, our alpha-hero comes to aide his daughters as soon as he gets their call, and upon his arrival, his girls run and embrace their Dad immediately. You can see they have a strong bond, which I adored!

Then Poppy and Phantom meet. They seem to have an instant bond of their own, or what I'd call lust at first sight. Two people who may be seemingly opposite but in fact are kind of perfect for each other. Nevertheless, with their individual pasts, I was absolutely rooting for Phantom and Poppy's romance, as you would be too!

Regardless of any obstacles that may stand in their way, Phantom and Poppy maintain a united front. Even their kids hit it off well. There were sweet moments, funny moments and a couple of scenes that made my jaw drop. Overall, I loved this book! Despite everything they've went through, I feel they absolutely deserve a second chance at having a HEA!

Look forward to the following tropes:

🏍️ Biker Dad with a Heart of Gold

🤱🏽 Single Widowed Mom/Single Dad Romance

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found Family

🏘️ Small Town Charm

💪🏽🦸🏻‍♂️ Alpha-Hero

☀️ Grumpy meets Sunshine Energy

🌶️ Spicy Spiciness

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thanks to @authorchellebliss for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book I've read of Megan Lally. The first being, 'That's Not My Name, so I knew I was in for some suspense and thrills. And she did not disappoint me! The main character is Hannah, who is on Spring Break at Puerto Vallarta with her best friend Emmy, and Emmy's older brother Jackson aka, Hannah's unrequited love.

This is the best friends last High School hurrah before Hannah goes off to college and Emmy travels and vlog around the world. Hannah voices her trepedition about Emmy's trip, which annoys her. They both have their own feelings about each other's plans, since they'll be going their separate ways.

Meanwhile, Hannah decides to get over her crush on Jackson and starts talking to Ben, a boy from the resort they're staying at, but as soon as he sees Emmy, he turns his attention to her. That's red flag number one. Emmy falls for his charm immediately which understandably annoys Hannah and her brother.

Ben seems like an elitist, who always gets his way, and he decides that the foursome should go on boat ride. They learn that a bad storm is headed their way, so they're unable to charter a boat because the Marina closes. That doesn't stop Ben, who finds a sketchy looking frat boy like guy who's willing to weather the storm. Red flag number two.

What happens next is your absolute worst nightmare. The storm hits their boat (obvs) and they get stranded at sea. But as the book title suggests, they did what they had to do to survive! You want the book to give Gilligan Island vibes, but it's more shady Cast Away, and I loved it! Makes me never want to get on a boat ever again!

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to the author, Megan Lally and publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Fire for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I write this review woefully, as this is the last book in Amy Padilla's Not-So-Savage-Barbarians series. I fell in love with each and every character, never wanting the series to end, but the author wrote a lovely ending.

The book starts with a Prince of Al Nuzem, Zakai, being betrayed and sold off by one of his guards, to the Barbarians. Although, the Barbarians are led to believe he is a tribute, and treat him as such. After he is given to Uttin, the clans Second in command, he realizes no one understands him and vice versa. That is a main factor of the book.

As you'd expect, the Prince is a brat, and tries to get his way, even tho no one understands him. Eventually he and Uttin begin to learn each other's languages, and finally somewhat come to an understanding, leading to some sexy time.

Without giving any spoilers, in the end, everyone gets their HEA. The Clans continue to remain in a peaceful treaty with the other Clans and townspeople. And as much as I want the series to go on, I know the author has other great series to continue to write. Even more wonderful stories to begin! But if she wants to write a spin-off series, I ain't mad at her lol!

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Little Women is one of my favorite classic books that I would reread every year. With that said, I'm slowly trying to read all the modern retellings. Beth is Dead is something I didn't expect and I don't say that in a bad way! I enjoyed this book so much, once I was halfway through the ARC, I bought the hardcover and audiobook! The book gives Veronica Mars + Gossip Girl vibes, which, although those shows are now considered old, it made the book much more enjoyable to read.

If you've read the original story, we all know Beth March dies from illness, but adding a murder, High School and online gossip, lies, betrayal.. it's like reading a teen soap opera! I'm not going to go into too much detail because the blurb lays it all out, but if you're into everything I just described, you're going to love this book!

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to @BookFinity NetGalley Simon & Schuster, as well as the author @KatieBernet for proving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!

First off, I highly recommend you read Need: Men of Inked Sinners: Book 3 first (obvs.), as there is a side story featuring Zoey, that is played out in this book. With that said, *sighs* I love an instalove story, and you can tell right away that Hunter is immediately attracted to Zoey. She tries to resist temptation, and fortunately, they both have personal reasons for not pursuing a relationship.

Yet, this setback doesn't last too long. Fate totally has other plans for them, pushing these two together in unforseen events. They do seem to fit together like two perfect puzzle pieces, and the family sees it too! Then someone from Zoey's past pops up (see read Need first), putting her and Hunter in danger.

Ultimately, it unites Zoey, Hunter and the entire Gallo Family together. The story was definitely sweet, and if anyone in the Men Of Inked Sinners series deserved a happily ever after, it's Zoey. There are still more Southside Next Gen cousins, so I'm looking forward to the next books in the series. Chelle Bliss has written such a loveable family, from Florida to Chicago. Her books make you feel like you're part of the family, like an honorary Gallo!

My Honest Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

Edit: I would also say this is low-key a Christmas romance.

In the past few months I've become a huge fan of Amy Padilla's work! I began with her Not-So-Savage-Barbarians series, then her Dallying with Demons series, and finally her Charmed Away Temp Agency series. The first series had an ancient/western romance feel, while the other two were more paranormal romances. With that said, Of Pranks and Passion was a HUGE surprise because it was set in the present with only humans!

I consider this book as New Adult because the MMC's are both in their early 20's and in college. Both are a bit of late bloomers to academia, but for different reasons. Gary is a freshman, shy, and a virgin. He's also been bullied and treated like 💩 his entire life by his family, with his parents favoring his older sister, and his older sister literally devising plans to ruin his life. He secretly saves enough money so he could go to college to get away from them.

Easton comes from a wealthy family but feels like an outsider because he was an affair baby, his mother being a druggie and now in jail. It leaves Easton aka Phantom, angry and with a big chip on his shoulders. With that energy Phantom secretly does street fights for money, where he's able to afford the same type of luxury his family is accustomed to.

Shy and volatile. What could these two possibly have in common? Gary just wants to study and avoid any more harassment from his family, which unfortunately doesn't work no matter where he is. He has no time for a relationship. Not like he's ever had one before.

Easton isn't too keen on going to college but his father insists and they make a deal. He has friends, his street fights, he doesn't need any complications like attending class, and God forbid, socializing with his peers. And he most definitely does not want a relationship!

But the two meet and it's awkwardness at first sight. Despite not becoming fast friends or instalovers, they low-key become obsessed with each other. With Easton's characteristics, I definitely get a Daddy vibe from him but kink isn't really mentioned. Gary is definitely someone who needs to be taken care of, as he's never had family or friends to look out for him. So, Easton takes it upon himself to do just that.

Plenty of spicy scenes, which I love, but when it comes to actual love, it feels slow burn-ish. I think it's worth the wait. This book is longer than the author's previous books, but I could not put it down! It's easily become one of my favorite of hers and I give it an honest review of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I'd love to see more stories with Easton's friend group but that remains to be seen. Either way, as a stand alone, it's a good time!

I've read all of Benjamin Stevenson's Ernest Cunningham books, and they're always such a wild ride! First, he took us to a ski lodge with his family, then a train full of vain authors, a murderous magic show, and now a bank. Everyone in this Bank is a Thief, is literally a locked room mystery, one of my favorite subgenres. And yet again, Ernest Cunningham finds himself in the middle of a mystery.

Initially, Ernest goes to a bank with his fiancee Juliet, to try to get a loan to start his P.I. business. I mean, he keeps solving all these murders, so why not, right? With all the hype he's gotten from his books and a upcoming TV series, he hopes to get the money. Instead, he finds himself in another day of absolute chaos.

After speaking to the head of the bank, he suddenly finds himself in a hostage situation along with other patrons: the bank robber, the manager, the security guard, the kid, the film producer, the priest, the receptionist, the patient, and caregiver. But not everyone is who they seem. After all, the title of the book is Everyone in this Bank is a Thief.

Even though he's stuck in the Bank, his gifts of observation and inquisitiveness, has him asking questions, honing his P.I. skills, but also doing things he would probably never do. Yet, in the name of catching the bank robber.. and eventual killer, he'll do anything!

Listening to the book gives it a special vibe, because I'm able to hear the narrator's Australian accent, which pulls me into the story. The story itself pulls me into the story!

Like I said before, not everyone is who they seem and that leads to some crazy, twistable twists that made my jaw drop because I sure didn't see them coming! And that's the main reason I get so excited to read Benjamin Stevenson's Ernest Cunningham books! When it comes to murder mysteries, he understood the assignment!

Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperAudio Adult, Mariner Books and of course, Benjamin Stevenson for providing me with the Advanced Listening Copy in exchange for my honest review.

All I have to say is, The Barbarians Heart, is an excellent starter book for the Savagely Sweet Barbarians series! A spin off of the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series, it continues where the last NSSB book left off, and we find the clan adjusting in the kingdom of Al Nuzem.

Uttin, the new clan leader, has married Prince Zakai, and they've been going town to town and city to city, picking up any people who want to leave or are kicked out. While most places are accepting to same sex couplings, a lot of them are against and gladly kick men with that "affliction" out of their homes. This is how we meet Cedric.

Orthorr, former clan leader from the Not-So-Savage Barbarians series, is temporarily clan leader while Uttin is on the road. He continues to take care of his people, who are still getting used to living in one place, and so close to a city, let alone a kingdom. When Uttin returns with the latest batch of "refugees" he meets Cedric, who was a clerk back in his city.

Orthorr sees value in that and asks for his help in understanding paperwork between the clan leaders and kingdoms, which isn't really his job, since his position is temporary but who else can do it with Uttin gone. Cedric is shy at first but agrees to help, and immediately feels attracted to Orthorr.

Unfortunately, Orthorr has never been with a man and has already been bonded to a woman, Tessa, in the past. Plus, there's a bit of an age gap and that leaves Orthorr a little insecure but Cedric sees more than age. To be fair Orthorr is pretty fit for his age with all the wood chopping he does.

Orthorr has never been attracted to men before, so his attraction to Cedric is like a second coming of age for him. Sometimes we can't help who we are attracted to or have feelings for, regardless of our past. There's still more story outside of theirs, surrounding the outside clans, towns, cities and kingdoms, but you really can't help rooting for Orthorr and Cedric.

My honest rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to the Author for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Book Release: March 3rd, 2026

Well, I'll say this first; I did enjoy this book! It had the dream bookstore, RomCom, small town, community unites in a crisis, story we all love. But. The blurb mentions after the diaries are read, scandals surface. That's not really true.

I was expecting town chaos over the diaries but it was actually handled pretty well! The only person who read the diaries, and these are the ones that weren't collected after the mishap, was a secondary character. And at the end of the day, she really helped people!

Other than that, The Bookshop Diaries is about two sisters looking for love. They're even wondering if they've ever really been in love at all? I find that kind of sad considering MFC Jax was married and has two children. But she seems to be happy with just her job, her kids, her family and Ramon, her 30 year old parakeet.

Her sister Ryleigh, who is also her best friend, always takes her big sister's advice into consideration. Yet, I also see she is a true friend by telling Jax when she's wrong. She doesn't want to hurt her sisters feelings but she doesn't keep quiet about how controlling she can be.

Both women are in different stages in their life. And I'll be honest, I wasn't too much of a fan of Jax. I completely understood her stance in not wanting to be in love, but I would never disregard or be oblivious about it if it's right in my face, or there was potential for it in the future.

I felt she was very flawed in that aspect. To the point when she blurted something out, I cringed and face palmed myself, like Girl really? Yet, the book is still worth the read. It's funny, it's real and it also has that Hallmark movie feel we all love! Does she learns her lesson and change for the better? That's something you'll have to read for yourself, but yeah, eventually Jax her HEA. Just as she deserves! Just as we all do!

My Honest Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Special Thanks to NetGalley, the author Susan Mallery, and HarperAudio for providing me an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review!

They say don't judge a book by its cover, but I'm glad I did, because it caught my eye and made me want to read it before I even knew what it was about. Then, when I read it was a YA mystery/thriller with LGBTQ+ and Mental Health representation, I definitely wanted to read it! Now, I've never heard of Joelle Wellington before, but when I saw her backlist, I knew I would become a future fan.

So, you have a cosmetics company that pretty much employs this small town, including the Vaughn family. Mom has a major title, Dad, does something, I don't think I caught it. And then you have their teen children, mean girl Erin and Jason the jock. Except Erin is now dead. Who killed her and why? That's what her bestie Kyla wants to know.

She's so devastated, that her brother Mikky comes back home, from living in the city where he got better mental health treatment for his anxiety. He wanted to help his sister cope, but once school started it seemed like she didn't need any. Looks like Kyla channeled her inner Erin and became a mean girl too, surprising her brother. For a second I thought she was actually possessed by Erin, but this isn't that type of book.

Meanwhile, different students, both popular and smarties, become implicated in Erin's murder. Each sibling begins their own investigation, collecting evidence from both sides. Kyla, still struggling with the death of her friend, is also stressed about the mortgage of her family business, a Funeral Home. 

She tries to make more money, unbeknownst to Mikky and their dad, doing a side gig that Erin had brought her into. That's a lot for a teen to take on by themselves, but taking on adult responsibilities is an actual reality. The stress can manifest into anxiety and I'm glad they mentioned Mikky taking medication and having Zoom appointments for his. 

Aside from the murder mystery, which had a crazy twistable twist at the end, this is a very relatable book for young adults, and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I, a middle aged adult, has. Definitely look forward to reading more of the author's books, and I'm so thankful for NetGalley and Simon and Schuster publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A new MM Mafia series from Leighton Greene, The Beast Who Bought Me, did not disappoint at all! Her first MM Mafia series brought you the East Coast Mafia and the Morelli family, her second, The West Coast Mafia and the Castellini's. Yet, with this upcoming trilogy, I would say it's more of a spinoff of the East Coast series, as it starts an enemy of The Morelli Family, The Clemenzas.

We start off learning that the majority of the Clemenza family has been eradicated, mostly by Don Morelli, but since then he ordered a cease fire, leaving whoever remains untouched. And now, there's only one left, the heir to the Family, MMC #1 Caligula "Cal" Clemenza. Nevertheless, someone still wants him dead, and there's isn't lack of trying.

In his quest for safety, he runs into a man who he thinks will help him, until he sees he's from a rival family, The Guiliano's. He runs again, this time to his one "friend" he can trust. This is where he learns about an underground society of rich men who buys people for a contracted amount of time. With no money or safety, Cal feels this is his only hope. Desperate times call for desperate measures right?

He figures after his contract is up, the money allotted to him afterwards will help him disappear. He makes sure to get the bidders to raise their amounts so he can secure his bag. He notices the Bratva, a man that he was told to look for, who really wanted him. But in the end, he is outbid by the man he ran into by the Guiliano's.

That man turns out to be MMC #2 Damiano Orsini, a high ranking member and enforcer for the Guiliano family, who seems to have gone rogue by acquiring Cal. He has a more personal reason for wanting him, and it's a good thing the author provides a content warning list, as Damiano doesn't exactly treat Cal well. Although, in my opinion it's not too bad, but I can see how it can be triggering for other people.

The Beast Who Bought Me is a terrific series starter for the Clemenza Family, but unfortunately ends on a cliffhanger. Now I am in complete anticipation for the next book. Perhaps while I wait, I'll reread her books and start from the beginning! I really do love how the author is expanding the Morelliverse to feature the other families. The Mafia world she created is pretty big and is always changing! Everyone has a story to tell and I can't wait to read them all!

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I am a sucker for an MC Romance and the Hurricane Heat series has easily become a favorite of mine. Chelle Bliss knows how to bring the drama, spice and emotion. Savage's Salvation is Book 3 in the series and one of my favorites so far, as I found it relatable. Most of the time, I can picture the characters in their own individual identities but I couldn't help see a little bit of myself in Claire.

In the beginning of the book, Phantom, Shadow and Savage are doing sketchy business with a rival MC. As Savage is the Sgt at Arms/Enforcer, he keeps a lookout in the parking lot to make sure he and his brothers are safe. It's then that he sees movement in a truck. That's where we meet Claire, a survivor of domestic violence with a fresh black eye and bruises on her visible body parts. She's clinging tightly on to her baby girl Aurora.

They look hot, hungry and dehydrated which triggers something in Savage, and it's safe to assume he grew up in an abusive household as well. It's not immediately known if he was abused or his parent, but you can tell he's somewhat shaken by Claire's appearance. Because of this, he wants to help her but she's too afraid to move. He leaves her some water and begins to ride out when his brothers return with the rival MC, business concluded.

When Savage hears screaming, he runs toward it and sees Claire, clutching her baby close to her but also being violently pulled out from the truck she was hiding in. Come to find out, she is the "widow" of their rivals recently deceased brother and has kicked her out of their compound, since she's no use to them. Savage can't stand to see this abuse and disrespect and decides to buy Claire.

Claire is under the impression that The Hurricane Heat MC is just as violent and misogynistic as her ex's MC. It's going to take time for her to trust Savage and the rest of the "family". She doesn't understand why anyone would do anything nice for her and her baby, especially without wanting anything in return. But that's just how the HHMC rolls, as she'll soon come to learn.

We learn more about her, as well as get updates from the rest of the HHMC and their old ladies, since some time has passed since book 2, Phantom's Healing. They've all truly become a family, which is just what Claire needs right now. She's dealt with so much trauma, she herself needs time to heal and fortunately, the Heat gives her time and space to do so. Then there's her salvation and savior. Despite what he's done in the past and what may happen in the future, he'll always be Savage. But never the monster she initially imagined.

My Honest Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to the Author, Chelle Bliss, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

🎧 So, I originally bought the ebook first, but I have a hard time holding my phone (due to pain issues), which is where I read my books using the Kindle app. I use the text to speech option but the robotic voice is so impersonal. I finally decided to get the audiobook, and even though I've read the book, I had to hear my latest book boyfriends voice.

Lance Greenfield as Savage and Kirsten Leigh as Claire, really brought the emotion to what I feel is a very emotional story. It made such a difference hearing their voices as they adjusted to a situation they both weren't ready for. Savage wasn't looking for romance, and Claire with baby Aurora, was just trying to survive. Yet, they fought through their fears from their pasts, to make a family that I feel was truly meant to be!

In the future, I'm definitely going to buy more of Chelle's audiobook's because it covers two issues for me; no pain from holding my phone, and feeling the characters emotions. It brings me further into the story rather than listening to a monotone voices, which usually loses me.

Oh em gee! Ok, I am somewhat familiar with the M/M Omegaverse but with one species, and usually werewolves. I didn't think I'd like this book because it features more than one species, the two protagonists for example are an Alpha Lion, Emory and an Omega Octopus, Cameron, respectively. Despite past trauma, the more I read, the more invested I became in their fated love story.

It may sound like a typical millionaire alpha lion CEO meet cute with an omega octopus who works for a non profit, but it's more than that. It's about accepting one selfa pronouns, genders, sexuality and finding that person who loves and accepts you for just the way you are. And if they do happen to be your fated mate, even better. 

Family may get in the way in the process and even species traditions, but nothing can take away the love Emory and Cameron share. Initially confused with the difference of species, I found it didn't matter in this Omegaverse, and I'm looking forward to the second book because I have a feeling I know who the protagonists for that one may be! 

I may be middle aged but I do love YA books, and K.L. Walther has easily become one of my favorite author's in this genre. She's like the Queen of New England YA romance, and I'm here for it. "We're a Bad Idea, Right?" gives RomCom, best friends fake dating, will they/won't they, in a small town, with the MFC doing something that she shouldn't, behind her parents back while they're away in Paris vibes.

Audrey is the MFC who's about to graduate High School soon, but in the mean time, runs a glass blowing Etsy business with her bestie, Henry. These two are so cute with their movie references, that was one of my favorite parts because it was through out the book. Her parents want Audrey to go to college (she's been accepted to Wharton) but she wants to go to a glassblowing program that's only a year long.

Parental units definitely do not approve and discourages her from going by not providing money for tuition. They go away on a trip to visit friends and the many vineyards in Paris, trusting Audrey to stay home alone. With her older cousin James. Of course she makes a deal with him for him to stay where he is (at college) and then throws a party. She and Henry get drunk and in her drunken state, she pays for the program with her parents emergency fund. That's $10,000!

She basically stole her parents money and tries to find ways to make money to recoup it before they get back. So, she enlists the help of her friends, namely some coworkers/school mates (she's also a cater waiter) and obviously Henry. Yet, Henry is still feeling down about a not so recent breakup. So, brilliant idea of all the brilliant ideas, Audrey and Henry decide to fake date in order to make his ex jealous. You can guess what eventually happens though.

Emotions rise and fall, as well as the good, the bad and the ugly happens during her entrepreneurial endeavors. But I have to give it up to Audrey for her dedication in making things happen and sticking to her guns in wanting to go to the glass blowing program. Whether you agree or disagree with her choice of not going to college immediately after graduating, you can tell she has a really good head on her shoulders. Albeit a little stubborn. But in the end, will it help her get everything she wants?

Special thanks to NetGalley and K.L. Walther for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!