Tag Archives: New Adult

Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Sierra Simone & Julie Murphy

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Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl (Academic Affairs 1) by Sierra Simone & Julie Murphy

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2026

Class is in session.

Maddie Kowalczk is ready to be a bad girl. When the rookie lecturer lands at Astra University, she’s looking to start fresh after a messy breakup. But her first night in town takes a twist when she bumps into Bram Loe—a reserved but incredibly handsome single dad she (not so accidentally) stole a parking spot from earlier that day. The unspoken chemistry as he locks eyes with her while she gets a birthday spanking at a local bar is hotter than a Bunsen burner at full flame.

Bram is looking for a break from his hectic life as an ecology professor and dad to rambunctious twins and a busy teenager. So when his college friend’s divorce celebration brings him face-to-face with the same delectable brat who stole his parking spot, he’s ready for a night to remember. But the next morning, Bram’s world turns upside down (and that’s not just the hangover talking). His new nanny? None other than Maddie, who also happens to be the new poli-sci adjunct at the university where he teaches.

Maddie is desperate and broke, so when Bram offers her a raise and the chance to set some ground rules, she can’t say no. As the two settle into their new roles, the normally unruffled Bram finds that no one riles him up like Maddie does, which is a problem when every argument feels like foreplay. Of course, Bram is an educator first and foremost, and he very quickly finds he can’t resist the temptation of instructing Maddie in the fundamentals of being a good girl.

And it turns out Maddie’s a hands-on learner…

•••••

REVIEW:When Julie and Sierra write together, there are two things I know for sure are going to happen. One, the book is gonna be top tier, and two, pure chaos. Couldn’t have been more on the nose with this one. From the wild minds of Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl is a standalone, spicy academy, nanny romance that is filled with so much spice it should come with its own maturity rating.

Maddie is new to Kansas and just getting her professional career started as a Poli-Sci Professor, even if it is only adjunctly. She’s had a rough go of things lately from breaking up with her ex, to living out of her car, life is a mess, but she has a plan. That plan crashes pretty quickly after a one night stand with a smoking hot stranger, a stranger that just happens to be her boss at her part time nanny gig, oh and her co-worker and fellow Professor as well. Fudge.

There is so much to unpack with Fundamentals. Maddie is a plus size woman trying to make her way in an academic profession that is determined to keep her down. When she meets Bram, she’s at a low point in her life, but also more determined than ever to prove not only to others that she has what it takes to succeed but also to herself. Bram is another story, he has all the green flags. When his ex wife heads out of town, he needs additional help with his twins and oldest daughter, this brings Maddie to his door. (The kids are freaking adorbs!) Their relationship quickly changes once they realize who they are to another, but that doesn’t stop the lust and chemistry they share to bubble over. Now they have to learn to navigate this new relationship together.

Holy, holy holy! Maddie and Bram have to be the hottest couples I’ve read so far this year. Let’s get the spice outta the way. Yes, there is quite a bit of spice in this book, toss in a bratty Maddie and a Daddy Dom Bram and this is gonna knock your socks off. There is also so so much to the plot and growth to the story, and those parts kept me more engaged. (not that the spice isn’t good) Maddie and Bram both had so much going on in their lives before and during getting together, there were of course parts that they dealt with together, but each also had difficulties to overcome on their own. I don’t normally gravitate towards college/academy tropes, but Julie and Sierra have never let me down before. Maddie and Bram’s dynamic both in and out of the bedroom really works for them, even more so with the age gap. Bram taught things to Maddie and Maddie in turn taught Bram to loosen up a bit and to let things go. Maddie also goes through a lot of stereotypes in the book as a woman in a field that predominantly men, not to mention she is also a plus size woman. I love how this is represented as something real that she experiences and not just a filler for chapter length. There isn’t enough of this type of representation in books these days let alone romance so the fact that these authors can make it so, just adds to the girl power that they already knew they had. There is a particular character I would like to see have their own story, but I’m not a spoiler kinda girly. You’ll have to read to find out.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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The Mist Thief by LJ Andrews – a Review

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The Mist Thief by LJ Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
She tried to kill him, so he made her his wife.

Skadi first met her husband-to-be with blades in hand on the opposite side of a battle. She lost, and he claimed his prize.

To her horror, the king of the shadow elven agrees to marry her off to Jonas, a prince in the fae realms, as a way to unite their kingdoms against a shared enemy—the light elves. Skadi knows the marriage is nothing but a political game. Feelings won’t come into play.

Except her new husband makes not falling in love . . . challenging.

When new threats arise, Skadi must decide to either love her enemy, or keep him alive by betraying him to another.

Welcome to another installment in the Ever Seas world where pirates, fae, and elves collide with Vikings in a dark fantasy romance between a morally gray cinnamon roll and the broken princess who steals his heart.

 

 

Review:

The Mist Thief by LJ Andrews is the third book in The Ever Seas series, which revolves around Jonas and Skadi. The story picks up after the events of The Ever Queen. The King of the Shadow Elven agrees to marry off Skadi, to unite their kingdoms.  Jonas (our hero) is determined to help and protect Skadi’s powerful magic from becoming any danger to other kingdoms; and he truly is enamored or her beauty.  

Jonas has a wonderful extended family, and that openly welcomed Skadi; allowing her to begin healing over her years of abuse. Jonas discovers that slowly Skadi will find happiness with his family and their acceptance of her. There is a spark from the start; between Jonas & Skadi, making it obvious that in time, they were perfectly made for each other. Jonas knew he was falling in love with Skadi. Their relationship develops, and they join forces as husband and wife, as well as their mission as partners. The banter and chemistry between Jonas & Skadi was awesome.

Skadi (heroine) was a great character, as she flourished in her new family transition, within a wonderful environment. I enjoyed meeting the Alver family with Kase, Malin, Kryv and the Falyns (part of the previous books).  I also loved Jonas’s brother Sander, as well as the entire family; Skadi finally finds herself a family that is heart-warming. There are threats that Skadi and Jonas will need to face, especially those in her kingdom who want control. She did help bring herself to finally live freely, and she will eventually become the future heir to her kingdom.  Jonas will do everything to protect Skadi, and his family. 

The Mist Thief was an intriguing story filled with politics and drama. Jonas and Skadi’s relationship was a wonderful enemies-to-lovers romance that I loved from start to finish.  The Mist Thief was so very well written by LJ Andrews. I totally recommend that you read The Mist Thief.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Princess of Blood (The Shards of Magic) by Sarah Hawley- a Review

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Princess of Blood (The Shards of Magic) by Sarah Hawley- a Review

 

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Description:
Kenna Heron is still reeling from her lover’s betrayal and the threat of an impending war. With only her two closest–and most powerless–friends by her side, she must navigate the treacherous politics of Mistei while coming to terms with her new identity as not just Fae, but princess of her own house.

With the king dead, three candidates are vying for the right to wear the crown next. A princess who claims the throne as her birthright and two rebel princes, both of whom are depending on the support of Blood House to break the stalemate between them. Old loyalties fray as new, dangerous alliances form, and Kenna finds herself caught in a web of violence, deceit, and unexpected passion.

Kenna has the power to shape Mistei’s future… but someone’s willing to kill to make sure she never gets the chance.

 

 

Review:

Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley is the second book in her The Shards of Magic fantasy.  Kenna Heron has now newly turned fae, as she merges as the head of new house, as she is the Princess of the Blood House.  Kenna is armed with Caedo, a talking dagger, with a thirst for blood; as well as her two friends, Lara and Anya. Kenna knows she needs to get more people to come to live at the Blood House, with her trying to rebuild, manage it, step into the role of the a a royal court leader; as well as she will cast the vote for the for the new realm. Kenna also brings two of her human best friends to help her rebuild.

Kenna struggles to embrace her new identity as the princess of her own house. Her courage makes her impossible to ignore the other houses, with so much betrayal and deception: the inner houses play each other in royal court, with politics & threats. What makes Kenna good, is that she wants to help people, she is generous, kind and trying to change things in fae society. Kenna was caught between voting for Hector (Kallen’s brother) and Drustan, as well as many others who wanted to change everything.

I really liked Kenna and Kallen’s friendship that continued to grow.  Kallen was determined to teach Kenna how to fight their sparring matches, learn dancing, and together they did a lot of spying.  Kallen wanted to protect her, as he knew he was devoted to her; though he was buried with anxieties and traumas of his life.  Soon their slow burn romance grew.  It was also nice to see Kenna and Lara’s friendship blossom.

Princess of Blood was intriguing, tense, torture, violence, sexual abuse and self-harm.  The romance that was developing between Kenna and Kallen was filled with passion.  I have to say that this epic ending was wild, and dangerous throughout.  Princess of Blood was so very well written by Sarah Hawley; which was part of The Shards of Magic fantasy.   I can’t wait for the next book, which will have me desperate to wait to see what happens next.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Players We Hate (Rixton U 2) by Brooke O’Brien-review

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The Players We Hate (Rixton U 2) by Brooke O’Brien-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date

I never should’ve let Wren Perry get close—not with everything her last name cost mine.

She’s the governor’s daughter. Untouchable. Off-limits.

A walking reminder of everything I should hate.

She was a distraction I had no business touching. The kiss we shared? A cheap shot meant to rattle her brother, not leave a mark. But her lips hit harder than I expected, and the memory stuck like a bruise I can’t shake.

I’ve been off my game ever since. Now she’s back in my life, tied to my team in a way I can’t avoid. I don’t trust her. I shouldn’t want her. But every time she looks at me, I forget why I ever let her go.

Our season’s already hanging by a thread. Stats don’t match the game footage. Players are faking injuries. And Wren’s dropping clues like she wants to help me find the truth without ever saying a word.

They’re waiting for us to fall apart. They think I’ve lost my edge. But I’ve never backed down from a fight. This time, I’m not just playing for my team.

I’m playing for our season. For the truth. And for the girl I should’ve hated… but never could.

••••••

REVIEW: THE PLAYERS WE HATE is the first full-length instalment in Brooke O’Brien’s contemporary, new adult RIXTON U erotic, hockey romance series, a spin off set in the author’s BRAYSEN U world. This is team captain Talon Pierce, and the governor’s daughter Wren Perry’s story line. THE PLAYERS WE HATE can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the introductory novella THE PUCKS WE FREEZE. The events of THE PLAYERS WE HATE cross over with, and run parallel to the events of THE PUCKS WE FREEZE.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wren and Talon) THE PLAYERS WE HATE follows the building but tempestuous relationship between our story line couple. Wren Perry has been raised to be the politician’s picture perfect daughter, for the picture perfect family that was anything but perfect but when the university’s hockey captain took a liking to our heroine, Wren was hoping to step out of her comfort zone, if only for a short while. Talon Pierce was aware of Wren Perry’s family, and the name that destroyed his family back home but Talon saw something different in our story line heroine until mistrust and previous betrayals had Talon pushing Wren out of his life. Months would pass, and the betrayals grew darker, until our heroine revealed the truth that would send the entire sports department into a spiral. Desperate for forgiveness, Talon would being another slow seduction of the woman with whom he would fall in love, a woman who would place her life and her future in the direct line of fire.

The world building follows Wren as she goes from the perfect daughter to a woman who is willing to risk it all for the truth. As our heroine begins to dig deeper into a possible scandal and corruption leading all the way to the top, Talon watches from the sidelines believing the betrayal comes from our story line heroine.

The relationship between Wren and Talon is a friends to enemies to frenemies to lovers in which issues of trust, secrets and miscommunication threaten the fragility of an already questionable relationship. Wren had hope Talon would see beyond the secrets she so desperately wanted to reveal but a past betrayal threatened any hope of a possible reconciliation. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Talon’s teammates: Gavin, Rowdy, Kate, Owen, Coach Dawson, his sister Tatum, as well as Wren’s parents Governor and Mrs Perry,her brother Wells, and her roommate Alisa.

THE PLAYERS WE HATE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, threats and blackmail, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive and impassioned; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of the prequel novella THE PUCKS WE FREEZE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O’Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult and contemporary romances.

She believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.

If Brooke’s not writing or reading, she’s probably spending time with her family, binge-watching the latest crime documentary, indulging in chocolate, or watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball.

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrookeobrien

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrookeo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorbrookeo

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Website: https://www.authorbrookeobrien.com

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The Ever Queen by LJ Andrews – a Review

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The Ever Queen by LJ Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
The Songbird:
Captive. Challenger. Queen.

Enemies took her from the man who holds her heart. They might see her as weak, as a pawn in wicked games, but they’re no match for the first Ever Queen.

Let them think they’ve won. Her heart belongs to a beautiful monster, and she will never stop fighting until she’s back in his arms.

The Serpent:
Captor. Villain. King.

His enemies stole the woman who claimed his soul. They betrayed him out of greed and desire for the crown, but they won’t die for that betrayal. No.

They’ll die for touching her.

His heart belongs to a stunning little bird. He will never stop searching for her light across the skies. Not until the blood of his enemies spills at her feet, and his queen wears their bones around her neck.

 

 

Review:

The Ever Queen by LJ Andrews is the 2nd and final book in the Ever Seas duology. Livia Ferus, who was crowned as the Queen of Ever; was betrayed and kidnaped by enemies.  She undergoes a lot of torment and despair by the man who turned out to be evil, as he was Erik’s brother. Livia wanted to learn about the enemies that have stolen her away from her home. Livia was determined to survive the terror and beatings, and when Gavyn came to rescue her, they managed to escape, with her unable to leave (due to spells), and Gavyn going to get help from the Ever Ship.

Erik Bloodsinger despite his own kidnapping, he is determined to find the woman he loves, Livia. Erik was met with hate and distrust from King Valen Ferus, the father of Livia. Valen in a short time realizes that Erik is in love with Livia, who is now the Ever Queen.  Steig was a great addition to come with Valen to help. Erik is forced to seek help from forces who are opposed to offering him the aid that he seeks. Erik gets help from his team, and a few family members, including Jonas to help Erik find Livia. We see Erik go to great lengths and willingly risk his life several times to ensure the safe return of Livia. As opposing forces seek to drive them apart, Erik and Livia must work harder than ever to return to one another’s arms and take a stance against those that wish to tear them down.

Livia was a terrific heroine who proves that she is not who is deemed to be docile, but a worthy adversary, with her growth and strength that made her a fantastic Queen. Livia and Erik were great together, as they made a great couple; and they worked together really well.  I did not like Erik’s brother, Larsson who was evil, as he hid his relationship to Erik from everyone except the dark sea witch.

I really like Valen and Elisel, with their family; especially with who they loved and wanted their children to be safe.   A few of the children joined the Ever Ship to help find Livia, and when Erik finally found Livia, the family members were great. I really loved Celine. Jonas, Mira and Tait were very good. Erik did make an agreement with Valen and Steig to help those on the Ever Ship to find Livia. Erik was emotionally driven to fight the enemies he needed to destroy his enemies.

The Ever Queen was a wonderful, intriguing, tense, dark, action filled romantic story. I love the relationship between Livia and Erik. I did like Valen, Elise and the family of Earth Folk. The Ever Queen was so very well written by LJ Andrews.  This was a wonderful romantasy.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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THE PUCKS WE FREEZE (Rixton U .5) by Brooke O’Brien-review tour

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THE PUCKS WE FREEZE (Rixton U .5) by Brooke O’Brien-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 22, 2025

I never expected to see Willow Anson again—not after the way she left.

No warning. No goodbye. No explanation.

She was the girl who got under my skin.

The one who kissed me like she meant it… and disappeared like none of it mattered. I’ve spent every day since convincing myself it didn’t.

Now she’s back in Rixton, staying at her family’s lodge while her dad recovers from surgery. And thanks to our parents’ surprise wedding, we’re stuck under the same roof.

She’s off-limits. My new stepsister. But the way she looks at me says she remembers everything.

And the tension between us? It’s anything but frozen.

I’ve trained my whole life to handle pressure—on and off the ice. The last thing I need is a distraction in the middle of a season that’s already falling apart.

Games are being thrown. Players are faking injuries. And Willow’s holding on to the photos that could expose everything.

They’re watching. Threatening. Waiting for us to slip.

But I’m not just playing defense anymore.

I’m fighting for the truth. For my team.

And for the girl I never stopped wanting.

•••

REVIEW: THE PUCKS WE FREEZE is the introductory novella in Brooke O’Brien’s contemporary, new adult RIXTON U hockey romance series, a spin off, set in the author’s BRAYSEN U world., This is journalism student Willow Anson, and university hockey player Kade Brooks’ story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Willoa and Kade) THE PUCKS WE FREEZE focuses on the return of Willow Anson to her hometown in the wake of her estranged father’s surgery, and his marriage she knew nothing about. Working at the family owned lodge, Willow will come face to face with her one-night stand from months earlier, Kade Brooks, the Rixton U hockey player whom she will discover is her new step-brother. Struggling to remain distant, Willow finds herself pulled into the aura that is our story line hero, a man who is about to find himself the target of threats as the team for which he plays, may be under attack.

The world building introduces some of the characters are back ground of the author’s new Rixton U series, a series focusing on university hockey players, the women with whom they will fall in love, and a potential case of betrayal and revenge.

The relationship between Willow and Kade begins as a one night stand months earlier in which our heroine ghosted before Kade awoke. Kade is determined to seduce the woman that has starred in his fantasies and dreams but our couple find themselves investigating a possible betrayal that places them in the direct line of fire. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Willow’s father, Kade’s mother Lynette; several members of the Rixton U hockey team including Gavin, Rowdy, Owen, Talon, coach Dawson; and Governor Perry’s daughter Wren.

THE PUCKS WE FREEZE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and threats, investigations and mystery, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are desperate and determined. THE PUCKS WE FREEZE ends on a happily ever after-for now-there is more story to tell. The conflict has yet to be resolved.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O’Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult and contemporary romances.

She believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.

If Brooke’s not writing or reading, she’s probably spending time with her family, binge-watching the latest crime documentary, indulging in chocolate, or watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball.

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrookeobrien

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrookeo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorbrookeo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrookeobrien

Website: https://www.authorbrookeobrien.com

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Wicked Ends (Hellions of Hade Harbor 4) by Mila Kane-review tour

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🏒Wicked Ends (Hellions of Hade Harbor 4) by Mila Kane-review tour🏒

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2025

My class… His rules.
Hade Harbor was supposed to be my clean slate–a quiet, hockey-obsessed Maine town where I could disappear.
Then I walked into my first lecture and saw him.
The bartender from last night.
The one I should’ve never touched.
Marcus Bailey isn’t just another college jock–he’s an Ice God.
Goalie for the Hellions. Arrogant. Vicious. Addicted to winning.
And now? He’s set his sights on me.
He’s not interested in boundaries. Not when he could break them.
Not when he could break me.
He could have me fired. Exposed. Ruined.
And he knows it.
Every rule I make, he shatters.
Every line I draw, he crosses.
Because Marcus doesn’t want obedience. He wants obsession.
And I’m exactly what he craves.
But my past isn’t finished with me.
It’s dangerous, it’s catching up, and when it hits–I won’t be the only one destroyed.

•••

REVIEW:The Hellions of Hade Harbor are baby and worse than ever! At book four in the series we know these guys well, in this installment we get Marcus and Ari’s story. As always, I recommend reading the series in order, but each can be read as a standalone in the interconnected series.

Ari is looking for a fresh start and a safe place to land, and Hade Harbor seems to fit that bill just fine. With a past that is still haunting her, a new job looming on the horizon, a stiff drink sounds pretty darn good. After making her way into the small town’s dive bar; The Clutch, Ari hits it off with the hot as sin bartender. Marcus isn’t just hot, he’s off the charts in every way and definitely not someone she was expecting to cross paths with. After their one night stand together, Ari thinks that’s the last she’ll see of the man that she can’t get out of her mind.

Too bad she’s in for a surprise. Said bartender is sitting front and center as one of her university students on day one. Marcus can’t forget about Ari, he’s obsessed, and when he gets that way, nothing will stop him from getting what he wants. There one night together has him needing more, but it’s not just how hot the sheets were, it’s Ari herself. Their chemistry is a wildfire that he wants to get lost in. Marcus is the star goalie for their university and used to fighting for what he wants, and now what he wants is Ari, and nothing is going to stop him from claiming her.

‘Sizzle’ Hot darn this book was a kicker! Marcus and Ari are a fantastic read. Ari is a sweet person just trying to get out of a bad situation, and Marcus, bless his heart, just wants to help. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a total alpha the entire time, but he wants to love and care for Ari as well. The two are both missing a few puzzle pieces, but together they make a new piece of art together, one that is even more beautiful. The plot is quick and easy to keep up with, with enough suspense to keep the reader engaged and waiting for more, the spicy bits of course are 🥵, but the characters are what make Wicked Ends worth the read.

🏒 Reverse Age Gap

🏒 Student/Teacher 

🏒 Hockey Romance

🏒 He falls first (and harder)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

I’m obsessed with cats, coffee, and anti-heroes just the right side of insane.

I write dark and dirty romance with the alpha-holes of your most filthy nightmares.

While I like my heroes obsessed and powerful, I like my heroines smart and independent. My headstrong, capable women will bring their own personal demons to their knees, and capture their hearts at the same time.

I only write SAFE stories, there is never a place for another woman in my hero’s sights, once he’s caught the scent of the heroine, and there will always be, no matter how dark and twisted the story might be… a HEA guarantee xx

 

Connect with Mila

Website | https://www.milakane.com/   

Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09V3856QQ    

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/MilaKanewrites     

Facebook Group |  https://www.facebook.com/groups/434068325513060     

Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/milakanebooks/     

Pinterest |  https://www.pinterest.co.uk/MilaKaneWrites/      

 

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Lucifer’s Mirror / Mirror of Lies by Nina Croft -reviews

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Lucifer’s Mirror / Mirror of Lies by Nina Croft -reviews

Lucifer’s Mirror
Lucifer’s Mirror 1
by Nina Croft
Genre: new adult, paranormal/fantasy, adventure

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2025

My name is Amber, or at least that’s what they decided to call me when I woke up from a coma three years ago with no memory of who I am.Since then, my life has been pretty ordinary—yeah, I’m your typical nineteen-year-old who doesn’t have a clue who I am. But maybe that’s about to change when I crash headfirst into Khaosti the most stunningly gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen. Oh, and he can change into a freaking great wolf, which is useful when you’re being chased by scary, red-eyed monsters.

Khaosti doesn’t know who I am either or why the monsters were chasing me. But he does know my life is in danger and that I’m supposed to find something called Lucifer’s Mirror, whatever that is. Apparently, only I know where it is—and guess what—I’ve forgotten, along with everything else from my past. So together we’re off on a quest to find my missing memory and then hopefully, the hidden mirror. How hard can it be?

Except there’s one little problem. It’s Lucifer’s mirror. And he wants it back.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: LUCIFER’S MIRROR is the first instalment in Nina Croft’s contemporary, young adult, LUCIFER’S MIRROR paranormal/fantasy series focusing on nineteen year old Amber and wolf shifter Khaosti aka Khaos.

SOME BACKGROUND: Three years earlier our heroine was found injured without a memory of who she was, or where she came from. Tossed into the child welfare system, Amber went from home to home where she would meet her best friend Zayne, and eight year old Josh until the night everything begins to spiral out of control.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Amber and Khaosti), LUCIFER’S MIRROR focuses on Amber as she must come to terms with a life she never knew. Amber believes she has lived most of her life in the child welfare system, a system with its’ fair share of pain and abuse but a need to run lands Amber in the custody of a man named Khaosti, a man with the ability to shift into a wolf. On the run once again, Amber comes face to face with the evil shadowguard, leaving her best friend Zayne struggling to survive. A message from the past, via our story line hero, claims Amber must locate ‘Lucifer’s Mirror’, a mirror only Amber has the ability to find. A portal to another world takes Khaosti, Amber and Zayne on a quest for information, information that reveals there is more to Amber than anyone knew.

The colorful and often questionable secondary and supporting characters include Amber’s BFF Zayne; Hecate, the old crone, Thanouq the Griffin, and Khaosti’s best friend and second Trystan.

LUCIFER’S MIRROR is a detailed, complex and fast paced story of secrets and lies, magic and power, fantasy and seduction. The premise is intriguing and enchanting; the characters are magical and secretive; the romance has barely touched the surface of a possible love but three men have fallen for our story line heroine, a woman who has fallen for only one. LUCIFER’S MIRROR ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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MIRROR OF LIES
Lucifer’s Mirror 2
by Nina Croft
Genre: new adult, paranormal/fantasy, adventure

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 7, 2025

I got my memories back.
Turns out… I kind of wish I hadn’t.
And I found Lucifer’s Mirror—yeah, also regretting that one.
Now I’m back on Earth, pretending everything’s fine. Spoiler alert—it’s not.

Khaosti, my maybe-boyfriend and my betrayer, is trapped in another realm, held prisoner by his father—king, self-proclaimed god, and the guy who’d really love to see me dead. I have to go back and rescue Khaos. But returning means facing the truth about who I am… and the destiny waiting for me.

Because there’s a war coming. And I’m the only one who can stop it. But the more I uncover about my past—and the terrifying power waking inside me—the more I start to wonder:

What if I’m not the hero of this story?
What if I’m the monster?

••••••

REVIEW:MIRROR OF LIES is the second instalment in Nina Croft’s contemporary, new adult LUCIFER’S MIRROR paranormal, fantasy romance series focusing on nineteen year old Amber, and wolf shifter Khaosti aka Khaos. MIRROR OF LIES should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one LUCIFER’S MIRROR. If you have not read Lucifer’s Mirror , there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: Three years earlier our heroine was found injured without a memory of who she was, or where she came from. Tossed into the child welfare system, Amber went from home to home where she would meet her best friend Zayne, and eight year old Josh until the night everything begins to spiral out of control.

NOTE: If you have not read book one LUCIFER’S MIRROR, there may be spoilers in my review

Told from dual first person perspectives (Amberr and Khaosti) MIRROR OF LIES focuses on rescue and recovery of Khaosti following his imprisonment by his father, Khronus, the King of Astrali but his rescue is just the impetuous for our heroine to claim her birthright and prepare for war. Amber is the only being with the knowledge as where to find Lucifer’s Mirror, a magical portal that must remain closed lest Lucifer himself escapes from H*ll but the deeper Amber begins to search for the truth, the number of betrayals grows with each level of discovery and acquisition of her previously hidden powers.

The world building continues to be complex and detailed as Khaosti’s own dysfunctional family history plays into the impeding wars. As Amber struggles with the secrets that could very well destroy everyone she loves, Khaos must come to terms with what he lost, and what he will gain in the process.

The relationship between Khaos and Amber is an enemies to frenemies to lovers but there is more than one man willing to sacrifice himself for the love of our heroine. Destiny has determined the descendant of the goddess Selene is a bonded mate to the man who will be bestowed the powers of the Vortex but is Khaosti the man blessed by the gods. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, magical and questionable secondary and supporting characters including Amber’s BFF Zayne who is now a power unto himself; Hecate, the old crone, Thanouq the Griffin, and Khaosti’s Khronus, as well as Lucifer, and Grimlet the gargoyle. The requisite evil has many faces.

MIRROR OF LIES is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, magic and power, family and deception, acceptance and love. The premise is action packed, intricate and enchanting; the characters are numerous, otherworldly and mythical. MIRROR OF LIES ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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