Bloody Union by Brooke Summers Book Review!

"Your ugly stuff is going to be mine, the sooner you realize that I'm going to protect you from anything and everything that poses any harm to  you, the better we'll both be." - Brooke Summers, Bloody Union

Who doesn't love an alpha male? I especially love an alpha male when he's paired up with an alpha female! 

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this one.

Bloody Union started off with a bang! So much happens within the first couple of chapters of the book, I was all in. Hook, line, sinker. I had to find out where the story was going to go and how it was going to end.

One of my favorite things about this book was the characters. To start off, we have Makenna. Kenna is a badass female who has gone through a lot in her young life and doesn’t take shit from anyone, including her family. She takes care of herself better than any man could and she demands respect from others with her actions. I love that she allows a sliver of vulnerability in throughout this book, due in large part to Dante. He’s the only one who can make her lose the hard exterior and be open and honest. She keeps things even by constantly reminding him that if he hurts her, she’ll kill him, and Dante knows it’s not a lie.

I love the character of Dante too. He’s a badass in his own right, as are most people who grow up in a mafia family and have their first kill by age 12. He’s passionate though, and head over heels for Makenna. It’s sweet to see, that he can be both- hard and soft, protector and ender.

I also really like Romero and Alessio, Dante’s brothers, and Finn. I feel like that author has really set up a potentially long series of books because I would love to read all their stories. As it is, book two in this series is going to be about Danny, another character I like, who is Makenna’s nephew. I’m hoping Romero and Holly’s story will soon follow!

Anyway, I don’t want to go into too much detail about this book because I want the review to remain spoiler free. I do really encourage you to check it out on release day, especially if you’re interested in a mafia romance read! The only reason it wasn’t a 5 star review for me was because I did feel like the feelings of ‘can’t live without you’ love came about really quickly, especially for an arranged marriage, but I still loved their story and relationship. Hope you’ll check it out!!

Goodreads

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COMING SOON
 
#2 Unexpected Union – Releasing March 25
 
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Book2Read: https://books2read.com/UnexpectedUnion

AUTHOR BIO 

I'm Brooke, I'm a Londoner born and raised. I live with my fiancee and our daughter.
I'm a foul mouthed, dirty minded weirdo.
I'm an introvert who would rather spend the night in front of the fire reading than go out.
I write Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Taboo. Basically everything I love thrown together.
I'm hoping you'll join me on this wild ride I'm about to embark on.
 
 
AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrookeSummersAuthor
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BrookesBabes
Website: https://brookesummersautho.wixsite.com/website
Newsletter: https://brookesummersautho.wixsite.com/website/newsletter
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brooke-summers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_brookesummers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Author_BrookeS

The Consequence of Loving Colton by Rachel Van Dyken Book Review!

 "I'd rather fight with you, bicker with you, every damn day of my life than having nothing at all. I'm selfish enough to want any piece of you- even if it's the bad, the ugly, the ridiculous. So even if you'd hated me, I'd still die a happy man- because I'd still be on your mind." - Rachel Van Dyken, The Consequence of Loving Colton

Let me start off by saying, I am late to joining this party! This book was released back in April of 2015 and I have just read it, but better late than never for sure!

I just love this author. One of the best things about 2020 for me was binging through so many of Rachel Van Dyken's books. If you haven't read her Eagle Elite series, stop what you are doing right now and read it! I was obsessed, still obsessed, and highly, highly recommend it! I read the series start to finish, at least of the books that were released, last year. Many of the books I read within 24 hours, they were that good. 

However, this review is not about the Elite series. It is about Milo and Colton and I love them, too! I recommend stopping and reading this one too, because it was just a fun, easy, lighthearted read! There were times during this book I was laughing out loud, times I caught myself reading with a smile on my face. Of course there were times when I wanted to shake both Milo and Colton, but overall I just really enjoyed this story. This is one of those stories of seemingly star crossed lovers and the struggle they both had while they tried to figure out what would happen in their futures. 

One of my favorite quotes from the book is listed below:

"Love is never a sure thing, man. You're never going to be totally certain that the person you offer your heart to will accept it with open hands, but if you don't take that risk you'll never reap the benefits of what it has to offer."

That quote is perfectly appropriate for this whole story, it just sums it up perfectly. It's so much about taking the risk. This story continually kept me guessing, kept me wondering what would happen and when. I cheered for these characters and loved when they were happy and was sad when they were hurting. I loved Colton and Milo, but honestly, I think I loved Max most of all. I am so freaking excited for book two as it focuses on Max, the gregarious, gorgeous best friend/fake fiance to Milo. Can't wait to read that one and I'm so glad I enjoyed this one so much!! 

If you're interested, click on the links below! 

Amazon

Goodreads

Fables & Other Lies by Claire Contreras Book Review!

"I pity those who can't get lost in fictional worlds." - Claire Contreras, Fables & Other Lies

I mean, come on! You can't be a reader and not love that line! Even more so, it's from our leading man who said it...swoon! River is giving me real Jess vibes from Gilmore Girls and I am HERE FOR IT! 

Just FYI:

Fables & Other Lies releases on December 21st (I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review) and I can't wait for you to read it! The cover hasn't been revealed yet, otherwise I'd be putting that beauty right about here ;) 

 Without further ado... 

This book was so good! It’s so different from the other books this author has written, but I love that. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge Claire Contreras fan and pretty much adore every word she’s ever written! This one was just different, though. She described it one day in her reader group as weird online, and it was a little weird, a little mystical, and so addicting, all of those in the best ways possible! 

The setting of this book makes such a big difference, and I've never wanted to know more about a fictional place more! 

At first, hearing this book described as a “gothic romance” caught me off guard and made me a little hesitant, to be honest. I was afraid it would be creepy or too off base from what I normally read, but I was so wrong and now I want to find more gothic romances!! Yes, there’s a little bit of creepiness, mystery and intrigue, but that just kept me guessing and flipping the pages quickly! 

Throughout the book, I often wondered if the story was going to end up more in the paranormal spectrum than what I am used to reading. I was constantly questioning, constantly wondering how the story would end up, and that’s one of the things I love most about a good book. I hate it when a book is so predictable and this one was far from it! I was really happy with the end result of this book and may have a new Claire Contreras leading man I love! 🖤 

I hope you'll take the chance and jump in for a suspenseful, wild, romantic ride when this book releases on the 21st. I say treat yourself and add this book to your own Christmas list! 

Happy holidays, friends and as always... Happy Reading!! 

Preorder is up for Bloody Union by Brooke Summers!

Title: Bloody Union

Series: Made #1

Author: Brooke Summers

Genre: Mafia Romance

Release Date: January 21, 2021

BLURB

Marriages are meant to be sacred but when an arranged marriage turns bloody a war is started.

Makenna Gallagher’s life is anything but ordinary. After experiencing something traumatic her life changes and not for the better. When she meets the man that she is expected to marry she knows that keeping her secrets is only going to get harder. 

When Dante Bianchi sees his wife-to-be, he’s surprised. She doesn’t look anything like the sweet and innocent fourteen year old who he had agreed to marry five years ago. He looks forward to making her his. 

When their wedding ends in a gunfight, he’s surprised to see his wife handling a gun with ease and when he watches her kill a man he doesn’t know whether to be angry or turned on. 

Every family has secrets, but Makenna is drowning in hers. Will she sink or swim when hers turn deadly?

ADD TO GOODREADS

PRE-ORDER LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

EXCERPT

“Sneaking out?” his amused voice calls out as I reach for my yoga pants. “Here I thought we’d gotten past this.” 

I roll my eyes, the man needs to relax. “This isn’t a one-night stand, Dante, it’s a marriage. I’m not sneaking out. I’m going to check on your brother and get some food. I’m starving. I also need to work today. My darling husband, fancy coming with?” 

He chuckles, “Yeah, baby, why not.” 

I turn to face him, he’s sitting up, the sheet around his waist showcasing his abs and muscles. “Don’t sound so excited. Besides, today, I’ve got to meet up with Killian.” 

His face tightens and it pisses me off that he’s made assumptions about my uncle without having ever met him. We don’t get to criticize anyone, of all people, we don’t have the right to judge. “Am I invited to that meeting?” 

I should laugh at the pathetic attempt at acting as though he doesn’t care, but I don’t, I’m tired, annoyed, and hungry. “Sure.” I pull on my tank top and move to the door. 

A hand clamps around my waist, and spins me so that I’m facing him. “Want to let me know what’s wrong?” 

I sigh, “Why do you think anything’s wrong?” 

His eyes narrow at me, oh, looks like I’m pissing him off. “Your tone for starters. Fuck, Makenna, I’m not a damn mind reader, just tell me what the fuck is wrong.” 

I push him off me, “You are, arsehole. You expect me to tell you everything and yet, you haven’t told me a damn thing about you. Now, I have to go and check on Alessio before he decides he’s getting out of bed again. And while I’m doing that, maybe, you can check on Romero and see what he’s looking for. Then I’m going to have some breakfast and go to Killian’s, if you and your brothers want to come, you are more than welcome.” 

“Fuck!” he roars, but I ignore him and move down the hall to check in on Alessio.

AUTHOR BIO

I'm Brooke, I'm a Londoner born and raised. I live with my fiancee and our daughter. 

I'm a foul mouthed, dirty minded weirdo. 

I'm an introvert who would rather spend the night in front of the fire reading than go out. 

I write Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Taboo. Basically everything I love thrown together. 

I'm hoping you'll join me on this wild ride I'm about to embark on.

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

WEBSITE

NEWSLETTER

BOOKBUB

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

Cover Reveal for Bloody Union by Brooke Summers

Title: Bloody Union

Series: Made #1

Author: Brooke Summers

Genre: Mafia Romance

Cover Design: Lee Ching, Undercover Designs

Release Date: January 21, 2021

BLURB

Marriages are meant to be sacred but when an arranged marriage turns bloody a war is started.

Makenna Gallagher’s life is anything but ordinary. After experiencing something traumatic her life changes and not for the better. When she meets the man that she is expected to marry she knows that keeping her secrets is only going to get harder. 

When Dante Bianchi sees his wife-to-be, he’s surprised. She doesn’t look anything like the sweet and innocent fourteen year old who he had agreed to marry five years ago. He looks forward to making her his. 

When their wedding ends in a gunfight, he’s surprised to see his wife handling a gun with ease and when he watches her kill a man he doesn’t know whether to be angry or turned on. 

Every family has secrets, but Makenna is drowning in hers. Will she sink or swim when hers turn deadly?

ADD TO GOODREADS

PRE-ORDER LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

EXCERPT

I make my way out the back just in time to see my wife shooting a fucking Russian bastard. Why the hell has she got a gun in her hands? My rage starts to surface again, she’s already been hurt and now she’s just killed a man. Fuck. 

“Kenna.” Her name is a growl from my lips. 

Her back stiffens and she turns to glare at me, “You here to help?” Her Irish accent is thicker than I’ve heard it before. 

My cock starts to stir again, her defiance shouldn’t be a turn on, but it is. “Sure,” I drawl and see her lips turn up before she quells her features. 

“There’s six out front,” she tells me. “Fucking Finn told me to stay here while he took the men with him. Arsehole.” She shakes her head. “Fuck knows where they’ve gone. Thankfully, Romero isn’t stupid and had a gun.” 

“Where did you get that one?” I ask her and I’m surprised I’m able to keep my tone even. 

She raises her brow and shakes her head. “When Romero put a bullet into arsehole number one,” she points to the dead body on the floor beside her, “I picked his gun up and used it on arsehole number two and three. Now, I’ve answered your question and as you can see I’m not going to have a meltdown because I killed someone; wasn’t the first time and certainly won’t be the last. How about we cut the chit chat and get to the car before your brother bleeds to death?” 

I bite back my chuckle, whereas Romero and Alessio don’t. Fuck, I should hate that she’s not the quiet, shy woman I had expected but I’m not, I’m glad. I don’t want a docile wife, I want someone who’s full of life and looking at Kenna that’s what I’ve got. “Let’s go.” 

“Atta boy.” Kenna laughs and I shake my head, fuck, how can I want to laugh during a moment like this? “The black Rolls, that’s where we’re heading. Try not to get shot,” she tells me. 

“Don’t worry, princess, I’ll be fine.” 

She smirks at me, “Good, you have your husband duties to take care of tonight.” 

Jesus! My cock twitches at the thought of being inside of her. “Oh, princess, nothing, and I mean nothing will stop me from fucking you tonight.” 

Her pupils dilate, then she shakes her head and runs out the back door, firing her gun as she does. 

“I’m going to kill her,” I grunt as I follow behind her.

AUTHOR BIO

I'm Brooke, I'm a Londoner born and raised. I live with my fiancee and our daughter. 

I'm a foul mouthed, dirty minded weirdo. 

I'm an introvert who would rather spend the night in front of the fire reading than go out. 

I write Dark Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Taboo. Basically everything I love thrown together. 

I'm hoping you'll join me on this wild ride I'm about to embark on.

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

WEBSITE

NEWSLETTER

BOOKBUB

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

Once Upon A Kiss by Carina Rose Book Review!

"You made me believe in love at first kiss." - Carina Rose, Once Upon A Kiss

Can we talk about this cover? I mean, who doesn't want to be the character on the cover of this book! Big beach hat, soft sand, clear blue water and a nice tan... ah, now that's what dreams are made of! Add in a handsome, loyal, loving man and you've got the fairy tale right there! 

Before saying too much more, I do want to say thank you to author Carina Rose and RRR Promotion as I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I enjoyed reading Once Upon A Kiss! I didn't realize this was Carina Rose's first book until after I'd completed the book and wanted to read a little more about this author. She is a skilled writer who's able to transport you to this tropical paradise with a dreamy man and clear blue ocean water at the drop of her pen/fingers on her keyboard. After reading Once Upon A Kiss, I am so tempted to find a resort and make a reservation for the dead of winter! What a nice relief that would be! 

This book starts off with Lacey going off on a solo vacation that was originally meant to be spent with her lying, cheating ex-boyfriend. 

With a push from her friends, Lacey decided to step out of her comfort zone and go on this trip on her own. She never expected to run into Kevin, the cheating ex she left at home. Not a full day into her tropical resort vacation and bam! She sees Kevin with the girl he cheated on her with, living it up at the resort, but Lacey also meets Drew. You know early on that Drew is a good guy with the way he was so willing to help Lacey in a tough situation. Not that he was really complaining, though ;)

During the course of the next few days, Drew gallantly offers to act as Lacey's boyfriend to keep Kevin away.  

One of my favorite scenes of the book is when Kevin approaches Lacey as he and his "girlfriend" are checking out of the hotel after a few days. He tells Lacey that she can drop the charade because he's leaving and she doesn't have to keep pretending with Drew. He also says a few more hurtful, snide comments to Lacey and Drew literally has to be pulled back from his friend Ethan before he decks Kevin in the face. I don't often condone violence, but Drew standing up for Lacey and threatening to hurt that lying, cheating, jerk made me have to fan my face a little! 

 Lacey has happily accepted Drew's willingness to be her fake boyfriend, but has a  hard time now deciphering if Drew is really acting or is truly interested in her. 

The longer time goes on, Drew and Lacey continue to spend their time inseparable at Spero (the resort). As the trip occurs in December, a little before Christmas, they are even able to be a part of a big Christmas party the resort does for kids in orphanages in the local village who wouldn't receive any presents without the donations of the resort owners and hotel guests. 

This was a really sweet part of the book. I loved that Lacey and Drew were on the same page with how they felt about these kids and wanting to help them have a great Christmas. I mean, how could you not fall in love with a man who selects 20 angels off of a paper angel tree and then happily goes shopping with you to buy all sorts of gifts for them? 

I loved that there was common theme, throughout the book, of giving and charity and helping others. I loved that they had that in common and just the hope and encouragement it shares. Maybe it'll even motivate readers to want to go and be a part of something to help others in their community! 

Anyway, the story continues on. 

The nagging question hangs over their heads about what happens when the trip is done. Will they go home after a fun vacation fling? Maybe a one night stand? Will they try something as difficult as a long distance relationship? I'm not going to answer this question for you because I don't want to give any spoilers away, but I do think you should check out the book and find out how it ends! Throughout the last half of the book, I was waffling myself on what I thought the final answer would be. Would Lacey be willing to let down all of her fears and insecurities to truly accept and be happy with a man like Drew? Is Drew as ready to settle down as he may think he is? 

If you're interested, below is the link for Once Upon A Time!

Once Upon A Time - Amazon

Once Upon A Time- Nook

Once Upon A Time- Apple Books

Happy reading, friends!!

Cover Reveal for Once Upon A Kiss by Carina Rose!

 

Once Upon A Kiss by Carina Rose

Available for Pre-Order!

AMAZON | B&N | IBOOKS | KOBO

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

GOODREADS

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When Lacey Winters escapes her stressful New York City life for a relaxing winter vacation in the Caribbean, she's ready to get some sun and enjoy a little time to herself. But her plans for peace and tranquility are shattered when she finds that her ex-boyfriend is already at the same resort - and with the same woman Lacey found him cheating with. 

Reeling from the shock and determined to prove she's moved on, Lacey impulsively kisses a handsome stranger she spotted on the beach and does it in front of her ex.

As for the stranger in question, Drew Mitchell was just looking for a fun getaway from his busy life in Chicago. He's surprised, but pleased at this unexpected turn of events and agrees to pose as Lacey's new boyfriend.

As they explore their tropical surroundings as a couple, Drew finds himself drawn toward Lacey. Now, all he has to do is convince her their romance is real and strong enough to flourish once their vacation is over, while Lacey must decide if she's ready to take the leap and fall in love.

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