Saturday, February 19, 2022

ARC Review - Cross My Heart (Wilde Ways Book #14) by Cynthia Eden!


BLURB:

There are some cases you never forget.

Former FBI agent Elijah Cross tried to put the past behind him. For years, he spent his days and his nights tracking some of the most brutal killers in the US. Now? He protects the rich and famous while working at Wilde. Less danger, more glamour…and a whole lot more cash. His latest gig has taken him to the sandy beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast, and it’s on one of those gorgeous beaches where he comes face to face with the woman who haunts his dreams.

There are some people you can’t leave behind.

She was the last victim he saved at the Bureau. Penelope Kostas. The woman who survived a nightmare. He’d carried her out of hell in his arms, and Elijah had sworn to always protect her. But that promise had been given before his job at the Bureau had imploded. Before he’d broken every rule that mattered…for her. Only to have Penelope run from him.

There are some promises you must keep.

The serial killer who targeted Penelope was never apprehended, and Penelope fears that he could be hunting her once more. But this time, she will not be his victim. She wants Elijah to help her hunt him. To help her stop the killer before he can strike again. And she will pay any price for Elijah’s help. He’s the only man she trusts…and, once upon a time, Elijah had offered to do anything for her…even kill to keep her safe.

There are some desires that can’t be controlled.

Elijah still wants her just as badly. Penelope still needs him just as much. Lust, obsession—they always twisted together for them, and the longer that they are together, the more that dark and consuming need just grows and grows. Elijah will do whatever it takes to protect Penelope. She’s not the same woman he knew before. Not lost, not afraid. She’s determined to fight, and he will be at her side every step of the way. The killer won’t escape again. And Elijah will not lose the woman who owns his heart.

Author’s Note: Once upon a time, Elijah saved Penelope, and, though she didn’t realize it, she saved him, too. She stopped him from giving into the darkness that wanted to consume him, and now, he is ready for his second chance with her. Danger, desire—sure, they’re part of the deal, but Elijah can handle any threat that comes their way. He will handle the threats because there is no way that he will ever lose Penelope again. Prepare for action, twists, and a love that will not be denied. Things are going to be Wilde, and that is just Elijah’s style…
 


MY REVIEW:

Another award winning, sizzling and suspense worthy novel by Cynthia Eden! Cross My Heart is the 14th book in the Wilde Ways series and had even more heart racing action and mind-boggling danger than ever before! Not to mention the addicting sensual romance that made this story so incredible, I wish it went on and on.

Elijah and Penelope have a past that is both rough and touching. Their attraction is still as hot as it was after Elijah first rescued Penelope. Maybe even more so because of how things first ended for them in the past. I really don't believe there are a lot of authors that can pull a reader in like Cynthia Eden does. And there certainly aren't many great romantic suspense authors out there like Miss Eden either. I am ALWAYS excited when I know a new book from Cynthia Eden is coming out because all her books are amazing and addicting and so sexy, I can barely think straight! Cross My Heart had incredible, jaw dropping and hide under the blankets danger that kept me on the EDGE of my seat the whole time I was reading. It was wonderful! 

Cross My Heart gets a SINFULLY EXHILARATING FIVE SUSPENSEFUL STARS! 

 

ARC Review of The Ugly Daughter by Donna Augustine in Once Upon A Bite!



BLURB:

Fifteen tales tinged with darkness, where vampires and werewolves roam and familiar fairytales take on overtones of blood and vengeance. (Note: Some of these stories are not suitable for sensitive readers.)

The Blue Fairy Hunters Guild - Phaedra Weldon
Joining the Blue Fairy Hunters Guild is just the first step in finding the Nightshade who made him a Puppet all those centuries ago. Revenge is the goal, but lies and truths revealed show his past has a very different tale.

Silvereyes and the Three Wolves - Nikki Jefford
Werewolf reporter Justin Slinger covers the dramatic court trial of Kingdom v. Silvereyes. Will the vampire Ada Silvereyes be found guilty of first-degree burglary and property damage?

River Daughter - Annie Bellet
The tale of a woman who is the last in a long line of magical women, and the lengths a mother will go to not only to protect her child, but also her legacy.

The Girl Who Cried Vamp - Christine Pope
Hedgewitch Selena Marx is usually ready to believe six impossible things before breakfast. But even her credulity is strained when the new kid in town is full of strange stories, each one wilder than the next.

The Ugly Daughter - Donna Augustine
The Ugly Daughter follows a scarred and ridiculed girl named Winni. All she dreams of is a future where she’s accepted, but her true destiny is more than she could’ve imagined.

Spider to the Fly - Kate Danley
"'Will you walk into my parlour?' said the Spider to the Fly." The famous poem by Mary Howett gets a lush retelling by USA Today bestselling author Kate Danley. Except there's vampires.

Princess of Salt - Anthea Sharp
A daughter is cast out, but can she win her way back to forgiveness through the simple art of cooking?

The Huntress - Sara C. Roethle
When an old woman is killed, a vampire hunter is sent to find the killer. Only she isn’t hunting vampires. No, the lone vampire around wants a lot more from her than blood.

Yelf Reviews for Jaqueline’s Beanstalk Cafe - Kay McSpadden
Everyone’s a critic, especially on social media, and especially in Fairy Tale Land. Even Jacqueline’s Beanstalk Cafe lives for good Yelf reviews!

Marusia and the Monster - Jamie Ferguson
Kara never stays too long in any one place, and never allows anyone to get too close to her. It’s just too risky—she never knows ahead of time what the monster inside of her might make her do. But Kara didn’t expect to fall in love…

Twisted Cinderella - Julia Crane
Cinderella has had it with being pushed around. Instead of taking the high road, Cinderella embraces the darkness in this twisted tale.

Faefrost - Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
When her best friend is taken by a woman the wild animals call the Frost Witch, Tegan of Eile will stop at nothing to get him back.

Cat in Combat Boots - C. Gockel
Tenryu has two big problems. The solution is very small.

Blood and Water - Alethea Kontis
A faithful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” only she’s a vampire. And there are pirates.

Breadcrumbs - Sarra Cannon
Despite trying to create a new life for herself after the disappearance of her brother, Gretel is pulled back into the dark world of vampire hunting when she catches sight of the man who first lured them into the woods as children.

Read more fabulous fairytale retellings from these authors - available in print and digital at all online retailers!

ONCE UPON A CURSE - 17 Dark Faerie Tales

ONCE UPON A KISS - 17 Romantic Faerie Tales

ONCE UPON A QUEST - 15 Tales of Adventure

ONCE UPON A STAR - 14 SF-Inspired Faerie Tales

ONCE UPON A GHOST - 20 Eerie Faerie Tales

ONCE UPON A WISH - 17 Dreamy Faerie Tales
 


MY REVIEW:

I got this cool anthology and read The Ugly Daughter by Donna Augustine and absolutely LOVED this short story! Such a unique and way better take on The Ugly Duckling. It was a really quick read that was impossible to put down! 

My heart went out all the way for Winni. The way everyone treated her because of her scars made me sad for her but I also was pretty amazed with the way she held her head high through all the meanness. And then when we learn what she is and finally gets to be around those that appreciate and understand her it was pretty fantastic and I was extremely happy for her. My only complaint is I wish it was a full length novel because it was 100% amazing! 

I give The Ugly Daughter a IT WAS SO GOOD I WISH THERE WAS MORE FIVE SATSIFYING STARS! 

 

Friday, February 11, 2022

ARC Review - Matched To The Monsters, Too! : Mail Order Brides by Rena Marks!



BLURB:

Two choices. Alien monster or human monster?

Unfortunately, I don’t get a choice.
When I’m sold to the planet Pimeon by my fiancĂ©, the President of Earth, it’s with the duty of uncovering their secrets and weaknesses. It’s to infiltrate the familial relationship of the leader and cause a rift.
Only then will I be allowed to return home.

The Match Program put together by the Britonian race announces me as the first candidate after my brother’s successful match. Unfortunately, the human female it picks is the one cast off by my new sister’s father, the one who lost her title of First Lady. Can I win her over? Or is she too far gone?
But neither of us have a choice when she turns up on our planet pregnant.

Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive issues of abuse, though not with explicit detail, that may be offensive to some. Please be advised that is fiction and romance and if you do decide to keep reading, you’ll find the characters will receive personal growth and their happy-ever-after ending.

MY REVIEW:

Matched To The Monster Too was OUTSTANDING! More angst, sexy tentacled heroes and a heroine who isn't at all as bad as we originally presumed from the first book. This story was so easy to dive into and love!

These sexy monster heroes are AMAZING and Stratek really made my heart melt and sigh. I loved his passionate and playful side as well as his protective and caring one too. Tessa is a strong heroine who has a strong will and is amazingly resilient. I was thrilled to see her get with a good guy, especially since she had to deal with such a horrible person as the President is. Stratek treats her nice and the way their romance blossomed really got to me right in the heart. I am honestly addicted to these sexy aliens and I really hope to see more of them get their own stories. These are some really great reads! 

I give this book a SENSATIONAL FIVE MUST READ STARS!! This alien world with its unique beauty and even better heroes should NOT be missed!