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Review: Addicted by Lauren Landish

April 27, 2020 Leave a Comment

Addicted
by Lauren Landish
Series: Bad Boy Stepbrothers #1

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on January 21, 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Narrator: Daniel Galvez II

♥

“Your lips would look great wrapped around my…”
Who in the world tells a girl that on their first meeting? Tyler Locklin, that’s who. He’s filthy rich and arrogant with a set of abs that is the envy of all young men everywhere, and did I forget to mention devilishly handsome? He’s a bastard of the first order. I can’t stand to be in the same room with him.
But with one wink or a flash of his mischievous grin, I go weak in the knees. It pisses me off. I’m supposed to hate him. He’s an asshole. Yet, I can’t help but be drawn to him because I’m . . . ADDICTED.

Review

This was was an okay read. The main characters had their good points individually. The hero sometimes came across as tactless and unfiltered. But he was an okay alpha male hero who entertained me, so I have no complaints there. The heroine was also enjoyable to read.

For a stepbrother/stepsister book, this wasn’t too taboo because that fact didn’t factor in when they first fell for each other. It’s steamy, but not over-the-top. It’s not really that amazing, but it’s not so bad either.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Lauren Landish

Lauren Landish is a WALL STREET JOURNAL & USA TODAY bestselling author and her books have garnered a legion of praise from her readers.

When shes not plotting about how she will introduce you to your next sexy as hell book boyfriend, you can find her deep, deep in her writing cave, furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.

Lauren, who lives in NC with her boyfriend and fur baby, warmly invites you to her worlds of rock hard abs, chiseled smiles, and men with deep, fat pocketsbut beware! These stories are guaranteed to have you addicted and needing your next fix!

Review: The Absolution of Aidan by Kathy Coopmans

April 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Absolution of Aidan
by Kathy Coopmans

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on January 19, 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 232
Narrator: Stacy Hinkle

♥

Aidan Hughes
I was cruel to Deidre La Russo. Said things I should never say to a woman. Seen things happen to her. Things darker than the bottle of liquor I consume. I felt helpless. Defeated. The memories are more tortuous than the act of her torture. Then she walks back into my life, only she's not alone.
Deidre La Russo
I have my reasons for leaving. I lived through hell. I was beaten, tortured. Drugged. I have secrets. I have to tell them. Danger brought us all together. Danger may rip us apart.

Review

I am proud to say that I actually followed this series. From Cain to Roan and now with Aidan. I liked Cain’s book. It was sad in the beginning, but it got very exciting towards the end. The second book was personally better for me. I guess it’s because I liked Roan better than I liked Cain. I was really looking forward to this book because it feels like the thrill and excitement just keeps getting up every time.

The Syndicate is a really good series. This book alone gives readers a heroine that’s a fighter and a survivor. It’s sometimes hard to imagine our perfect little heroines coming from the dark side, living a dark life. But that’s this book’s heroine. The most important thing about her is that she came out on top. After everything she went through, she showed that she’s tough where and when it matters. The hero was swoon-worthy. It’s illogical, but it’s hard not to root for him.

I really like Kathy Coopman’s style of writing a mafia series. It’s not too bloody or hopeless. There’s just enough romance, violence, and conflict for readers to enjoy. But it never goes over the top for readers to feel like there’s no redemption anymore. I will definitely be watching out for more books from this series.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Kathy Coopmans

USA Today Best Selling and multiple Amazon top 100 Author Kathy Coopmans is a Michigan native where she lives with her husband, Tony. They have two sons Aaron and Shane.

She is a sports nut. Her favorite sports include NASCAR, Baseball, and Football.

She has recently retired from her day job to become a full-time writer.

She has always been an avid reader and at the young age of 50 decided she wanted to write. She claims she can do several things at once and still stay on task. Her favorite quote is “I got this.”

Review: The Redemption of Roan by Kathy Coopmans

April 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Redemption of Roan
by Kathy Coopmans
Series: The Syndicate #2

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on November 20, 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 300
Narrator: Stacy Hinkle

♥

Roan Diamond’s loyalty to the family may be obligated by blood, but nobody ever said he had to love them all, right? As the next in line to head the Diamond dynasty, he has loose ends to take care of, and one of those is his brother Royal. Yet his plans for revenge fall apart the minute he lays eyes on Alina—Royal’s ex-girlfriend, who also happens to be the daughter of the rival Solokov family.
As a mafia princess, Alina Solokov knew it wouldn’t be easy when she made the decision ten years ago to leave the family for a new life at a college in England—but betrayal is often a dish served cold by those who you love the most. Now, back in the United States after a job offer that she couldn’t refuse, her new found strength is pushed to the limits when Royal returns to claim her for his own.
When the man who captures her heart amongst the chaos is front and center in a lifestyle she swore never to return to, can she hold her ground and fight being sucked back into the black hole that is the mafia underworld? Or will Roan’s love be worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Review

I’ve loved Roan since he and Calla was held captive in the first book. I admired his loyalty and his courage. He was so different from his own brother. It’s difficult to believe they are even related. I enjoyed Cain and Calla, but I think that Roan and Alina are my favorite. For one, Roan wasn’t a cheater like Cain. Justify it all you like, but it still doesn’t change the fact that Cain cheated on Calla on their wedding day. Whatever his reasons were, there were other ways of letting her go. Roan, on the other hand, he has suffered a lot under his brother’s cruelty, and so did Alina.

I like the dark vibe of the book. I also like the chemistry between the characters. I already love Roan. But I am more than glad that I fell in love with Alina too. All the things she’s been through were difficult and a lesser person would not have moved on and lived her life the way she did. This installment really solidified the series. If you’ve read the first book, you should definitely read this as well. Once you’ve read this, I’m sure you will just as excited as me to proceed to the next book right away.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Kathy Coopmans

USA Today Best Selling and multiple Amazon top 100 Author Kathy Coopmans is a Michigan native where she lives with her husband, Tony. They have two sons Aaron and Shane.

She is a sports nut. Her favorite sports include NASCAR, Baseball, and Football.

She has recently retired from her day job to become a full-time writer.

She has always been an avid reader and at the young age of 50 decided she wanted to write. She claims she can do several things at once and still stay on task. Her favorite quote is “I got this.”

Review: The Wrath of Cain by Kathy Coopmans

April 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Wrath of Cain
by Kathy Coopmans
Series: The Syndicate #1

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on October 9, 2015
Genres: Erotic Romance
Pages: 282
Narrator: Stacy Hinkle

♥

Eloped at the age of eighteen. Separated at the age of eighteen. Disappeared at the age of eighteen. This is what happened to Calla Greer. Her perfect life was shattered on her wedding day when she caught her husband Cain with another woman just hours after they said I do. With her heart broken, she moves across the border to Windsor, Canada to get away from the nightmare she stumbled upon. Hell bent on going to college and fulfilling her dream of becoming a lawyer.
After six long years of still being married, Calla returns to Detroit to have Cain sign divorce papers.
Only Cain has changed.
He’s bitter, angry and for a good reason.
At least that’s what he’s been telling himself for the past six years.
Cain Bexley had fifteen minutes to destroy his marriage to protect the woman he loved.
He did the only thing he could think of to make her leave. He jumped in bed with a woman. Life at home was a lie. Lives were at risk. People are not who they seem.
Not even Cain’s dad or Calla’s parents are who they say they are. When Calla shows up begging for a divorce. He shows her exactly who he is and no way in hell will he sign those papers.
What happens when six years later she returns? The only woman he has loved. A woman who has changed herself! When all the lies surface will she be able to forgive everyone she has trusted in her life or will Calla turn to the man who destroyed her?

Review

I was really excited to read this book because of its blurb. It promised drama, angst, and danger. In that sense, it actually more than delivered. The Wrath Of Cain has a heartless hero who led an MC on his own, at a young age, I would add. He was a different man from the one that broke the heroine’s heart six years ago. This hero we get in the book was rough, dangerous, and fierce.

What I liked most about the book was actually the heroine. I mean, she wasn’t perfect, and not everybody will actually like her, but I enjoyed reading the chapters that were on her POV. I enjoyed reading the first part, despite it ending in heartbreak. I liked the growth and development she had over the years she spent in college and far away from the hero. I couldn’t like the hero the same way, but I could understand why he was the way he was, I guess. This book had thrill and suspense. A lot of the mystery was actually revealed early, so as a reader who doesn’t like surprises, this was something I appreciated. All in all, this is a solid story that will undoubtedly entertain any reader.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Kathy Coopmans

USA Today Best Selling and multiple Amazon top 100 Author Kathy Coopmans is a Michigan native where she lives with her husband, Tony. They have two sons Aaron and Shane.

She is a sports nut. Her favorite sports include NASCAR, Baseball, and Football.

She has recently retired from her day job to become a full-time writer.

She has always been an avid reader and at the young age of 50 decided she wanted to write. She claims she can do several things at once and still stay on task. Her favorite quote is “I got this.”

Review: 14 Weeks by Jessica Gadziala

April 20, 2020 Leave a Comment

14 Weeks
by Jessica Gadziala
Series: Investigators, #2

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on November 6, 2017
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 216

♥

I was a bit of a wild child. I had a past. I had gotten into trouble. All that was behind me, though. And for the first time in my life, trouble had found me.
When the other private investigators wouldn't help me, I found the huge, hulking Tig willing to lend his expertise. What I didn't expect was the growing attraction between us or the crazy series of events that would put our budding relationship to the test.

Review

I have to say that I liked this book way better than the first installment. Of course, I am a fan of the author. I like her dark, gritty stories filled with the anti-heroes and survivor heroines. In this book, I couldn’t wait to get to the part where they finally solved the mystery. And when I did, I was really surprised by the twists that the author took. I honestly did not see that coming. Although, if I think about it, the plot twist made sense.

I like the fast forward chapters at the end because it made me excited to read about the secondary characters. However, if you’ve read this book and know about the plot twist, you’d understand if I say that the resolution was kind of a sad one, especially those scenes in the ending. It felt too much like a loose end.

One thing I couldn’t get into with this book was the reference to so many characters from other series. While this book can be read as a standalone, I have to admit that there were moments when I felt lost because I was sure that if I read those other books, I would understand those side characters that were introduced in the story. Anyway, those are minor issues. I have no complaints about the story itself, so all is well, I guess.

Quotes

Poverty is the surest way to weigh down a soul. And weighted soul does whatever it can do to get some burden off.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Jessica Gadziala

Jessica Gadziala is a full-time writer, parrot enthusiast, and coffee drinker. She enjoys short rides to the book store, sad songs, coffee in Big Gulp-sized cups, and cold weather, and has recently developed an unhealthy obsession with acquiring houseplants. She lives in New Jersey with seven parrots and six dogs.

She is a big believer in snark, strong secondary characters, and bada$$ women.

She is very active on Goodreads, Facebook, as well as her personal groups on those sites. Join in. Shes friendly.

Review: 367 Days by Jessica Gadziala

April 20, 2020 Leave a Comment

367 Days
by Jessica Gadziala
Series: Investigators #1

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on November 11, 2016
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 304

♥

I'm not crazy.
It's not amnesia.
But I somehow lost a year of my life.
When the cops and doctors think you're out of your mind, but you still need answers, where else is there to turn but a private investigator?
Sawyer is nothing you'd want in a friend- a little detached, cool, sarcastic, cocksure. But he's everything you'd want in a private investigator- calm, capable, experienced, and just jaded enough by the darkness he'd seen to take a chance on some random girl who insists something more sinister must have happened to her than simple memory loss.
But thrown together, trying to get to the root of my mystery, feelings that were most definitely not client/professional start to emerge.

Review

I am a hug Jessica Gadziala fan. When I saw this book, I knew I just had to read it. There’s just something raw, dark, and thrilling about her books that entertain me no end.

All in all, this was a solid read. I really liked the heroine because even if she was victimized, abducted, and dumped, losing a year and two days of her life, she was still herself before being abducted. She had principles, a strong mind, and a brave spirit. I also enjoyed the hero because he was stable. He was also a bit funny and very loyal, especially to family.

The suspense and mystery in the book was predictable, but not outright. Once all the characters were mentioned, it was easy to guess who the perp was. But it was still fun to read how they solved the problem and just how much help the rest of the gang were. When I started this book, I didn’t know that this would be a first book in the series. But now that I know there are going to be books on the gang after this, well, I’m already excited and looking forward to them.

Quotes

“You might want to ease up on the perfume.”

“I’m not wearing perfume.”

“Sure you are. I think it’s called ‘Ode To Get The Fuck Away From Me’.” I looked at her face quickly enough to see her have to force her lips to stay in a straight line.

“Apparently I need to go put on some more,” she said.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Jessica Gadziala

She is a big believer in snark, strong secondary characters, and bada$$ women.

She is very active on Goodreads, Facebook, as well as her personal groups on those sites. Join in. Shes friendly.