Happy #BookBirthday to The Silence of Monsters by Jay Crownover

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Jay Crownover is LIVE!!! Fans of billionaires, enemies to lovers, rich boy/poor girl vibes, and a creepy haunted house thrown in, this is the book for you! 

About the Book

The Silence of Monsters
The Monsters Duet #1
by Jay Crownover
Format 306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2024 by Jay Crownover LLC
ISBN 9798990720800

Win Halliday lives an extraordinary life.
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When he moves, the rest of the world moves with him. As the heir to the Halliday name and fortune, Win’s entire life has been carefully orchestrated from the moment he came into the world. He’s never been allowed to aspire for anything outside that plan, including love. After the tragedy that followed his younger brother chasing his foolish heart, the Halliday Matriarch insists on picking a bride that’s up to her outrageously high standards.
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Unfortunately, for all the eager bachelorettes, the only woman Win would ever consider marrying isn’t found anywhere on his mother’s list.
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He’s got his eye on the exceptionally ordinary, Channing Harvey.
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There’s so much history and hatred between the two of them, that a happily ever after is impossible. Win doesn’t need forever, he just needs to get his tyrannical mother off his back.
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Channing’s not interested in his millions or his ridiculous contract marriage offer, but she’s about to learn that Win Halliday is relentless. This is the first decision Win has made with only himself in mind, and nothing’s going to stop him from getting what he wants.
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They're getting married, and God help whoever gets in Win’s way — including his very reluctant bride-to-be.
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The only monsters found within this novel are of the human variety. But they’re still scary!

AMAZON | B&N 

#Spotlight on Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert

The next novel in Katee Robert's high seas adventure is here! 

About the Book

Blood on the Tide

Crimson Sails #2

by Katee Robert

Format 336 pages, Paperback

Published May 14, 2024 by Berkley

ISBN 9780593639108 

Set sail for adventure and love in the next spicy fantasy romance from Katee Robert, the New York Times bestselling author of the TikTok smash hit Neon Gods .

As a bloodline vampire, Lizzie has never had a problem taking what she wants, and right now what she wants are the family heirlooms that were stolen from her and a portal home. Too bad even that short list is impossible to accomplish on her own—and her allies have bigger things to worry about.

When they rescue a selkie from captivity, it’s the perfect solution to her problem. Lizzie needs a guide through Threshold and the selkie needs someone to help her get her skin back.  Maeve didn’t choose to give up her skin—it was stolen from her. Now she’s in an uneasy partnership with a dangerous woman who seems more apt to kill than to share a kind word. It’s terrifying…and a bit alluring. Even though she knows it will end in heartbreak, Maeve can’t help being drawn to Lizzie and her all-too-pleasurable vampire bite. 

Unfortunately, the danger to Maeve’s heart is the least of her worries. The ship Lizzie’s chasing belongs to the Cŵn Annwn, and they don’t take kindly to people who steal from them. Not even Lizzie’s viciousness or Maeve’s selkie strength will be enough to save them if the Cŵn Annwn seek retribution…

AMAZON | B&N 

Happy #BookBirthday to This Woman Forever by Jodi Ellen Malpas

This Woman Forever by Jodi Ellen Malpas is now live! 

About the Book

This Woman Forever

This Man - The Story from Jesse #3

by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Format 586 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024 by Jodi Ellen Malpas

ISBN 9781957597072 

Living a life free of demons and finding forgiveness had always seemed unattainable to Jesse Ward. And yet Ava O’Shea offered him a chance of happiness, the possibility of a happy ever after. Their affair has been an intense whirlwind, full of highs and lows, and now Jesse’s finally on the cusp of realizing what he always thought was impossible.

Love. Marriage. Acceptance.

Redemption.

Except for one very important thing. The final part of Jesse’s past that he’s kept from the woman of his dreams. Because surely Ava will walk away if she knows about the most damaging skeleton in his endless closet.

As Jesse navigates his wild, infinitely passionate relationship with Ava, the demons stir, threatening to damage their love and trust. His domination and fierceness inevitably intensifies, ensuring he’s constantly straddling the line between bliss and complete irrationality.

His past is pursuing him.

His forever with Ava is uncertain.

And Jesse’s faced with the inconceivable reality that by simply bringing Ava into his world, he’s ultimately risked her life.

AMAZON | B&N 

#Spotlight on Rising Sun by Donna Grant

This first book in a brand new fantasy romance series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant releases tomorrow, May 14th! 

About the Book

Rising Sun
Elven Kingdoms #1
by Donna Grant
Format Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
ISBN 9781958353301

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant introduces a wickedly seductive new series with a ruthless, jaded elf and a bewitching human hiding a powerful secret—unlikely soulmates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

Nothing could make Yasmin return to Shaldorn, the place of nightmares. But when she’s caught stealing, she’s given an ultimatum: take Ravi over the Dangerous Peaks to the stronghold or face imprisonment.

She has no choice but to agree, though she intends to escape the elf as soon as she reaches the mountains. Yet, as they battle nature itself, the two enemies find common ground—and an all-consuming passion.

Can they prevail in their dangerous heist, or be torn apart by a betrayal?

AMAZON | B&N 

#Spotlight on Chasing Wild by Kristen Proby

Chasing Wild by Kristen Proby is now live! 

About the Book

Chasing Wild

The Wilds of Montana #2

by Kristen Proby

291 pages, Kindle Edition

May 9, 2024 by Ampersand Publishing

Summer Quinn’s life changed five years ago when she walked in on her boyfriend and her best friend in bed together. She silently left, ghosting both of them, and never looked back. She came to Bitterroot Valley, looking for a fresh start, and that’s exactly what she got.

After purchasing the local floral shop from her eccentric aunt and finding herself again in the absolute delight she brought to the community, Summer feels welcome and safe in her new home.

But things have started to happen. At first, she could blow it off as bad luck, or kids starting trouble. But then the bad luck turns into serious, life-threatening incidents that can’t be ignored.

Bitterroot Valley is Chase Wild’s town. His family settled the area almost a hundred and fifty years ago, and as a police officer, Chase takes pride in keeping his community safe. Sure, he’s had his eye on the gorgeous florist since she moved to town, but he’s kept his relationship with her strictly professional.

Now, someone’s trying to scare Summer. She claims she doesn’t know why, but Chase is determined to get to the bottom of it and drive the danger out of his town. As time passes, and the more he gets to know Summer, the harder it is to keep his hands off of the beautiful woman. With their connection growing, he’s falling in love with her and will do anything to keep her safe.

As Chase learns the truth of who is threatening Summer, will he be able to protect her, and will their love withstand the challenges ahead?

Chasing Wild is a standalone, contemporary romance novel, and book two in the picturesque Wilds of Montana series.

AMAZON | B&N 

#Spotlight on Skies Over Caledonia by Samantha Young

Skies Over Caledonia by Samantha Young is now live! 

About the Book

Skies Over Caledonia

The Highlands #4

by Samantha Young

342 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2024

He’s a down-to-earth highland farmer. She’s the rebellious daughter of Hollywood royalty. They might seem like they’re from different worlds, but that won’t stop them from engaging in a marriage of convenience…

It’s been five years since Jared McCulloch’s grandfather Collum passed away and he inherited his farm in the Scottish Highlands. After his grandad saved him from his past life, Jared is determined to honor Collum’s legacy. But not only has a series of bad luck put him in danger of losing the farm, his estranged father is disputing the will. In a desperate situation, Jared realizes he’ll do just about anything to save the land.

Even marrying Allegra Howard, a woman he’s avoided at all costs.

A woman who tempts him beyond reason.

There’s only one place that makes Allegra Howard feel safe; one place that feeds her artist’s soul. Allegra wants to settle down in Scotland and expand her business. But there’s a hitch: immigration intends to return her to US soil.

Panicked, Allegra finds the one person just as desperate as she is. The same person she’s lusted after for years. In exchange for marrying her, she’ll invest financially in Jared McCulloch’s farm.

However, living together only forces them to acknowledge their searing mutual attraction. And with it comes an undeniable emotional connection Jared’s not sure he’s ready for.

Yet, blurring the lines of their arrangement is the least of his concerns when someone begins terrorizing the farm.

Allegra and Jared came together to save what matters most and now that might just be each other. And unless they can figure out which of their pasts has returned to torment them, they could lose their chance at a real future together...

AMAZON | B&N 

 

🍷🍷.5 #Review of Capture the Crown by Jennifer Estep

Title: Capture the Crown
Series: Gargoyle Queen
Author: Jennifer Estep
Format: 433 pages, Paperback
Published: First published July 6, 2021
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 
Source: First published July 6, 2021
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating:  🍷🍷.5  

Best-selling author Jennifer Estep returns to her Crown of Shards world with an all-new trilogy and a bold new heroine who protects her kingdom from magic, murder, and mayhem by moonlighting as a spy.

Gemma Ripley has a reputation for being a pampered princess who is more interested in pretty gowns, sparkling jewelry, and other frivolous things than learning how to rule the kingdom of Andvari. But her carefully crafted persona is just an act to hide the fact that Gemma is a powerful mind magier - and a spy.

Gemma is undercover, trying to figure out who is stealing large amounts of tearstone from one of the Ripley royal mines when she encounters Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta - her mortal enemy. Gemma tries to steer clear of the handsome prince, but when she finds herself behind enemy lines, she reluctantly joins forces with Leo. Also coming to Gemma’s aid is Grimley, her beloved gargoyle.

Despite the fact that Andvari and Morta are old, bitter enemies, a dangerous attraction sparks between Gemma and Leo. Further complicating matters is Leo’s murderous family, especially Queen Maeven Morricone, the mastermind behind the infamous Seven Spire massacre.

The closer Gemma gets to the stolen tearstone, the more deadly plots she uncovers. Everyone is trying to capture the crown, but only one queen can sit on the throne...

Crystal's Thoughts:

🍷🍷🍷 #Audiobook #Review of Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas

Title: Kill Switch
Series: Devil's Night, #3
Author: Penelope Douglas
Format: Audiobook
Published: Published July 24, 2019
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating:  🍷🍷🍷 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

WINTER

Sending him to prison was the worst thing I could’ve done. It didn’t matter that he did the crime or that I wished he was dead. Perhaps I thought I’d have time to disappear before he got out or he’d cool off in jail and be anything but the horror he was.

But I was wrong. Three years came and went too fast, and now he’s anything but calm. Prison only gave him time to plan.

And while I anticipated his vengeance, I didn’t expect this.

He doesn’t want to make me hurt. He wants to make everything hurt.

DAMON

First thing’s first. Get rid of her daddy. He told them I forced her. He told them his little girl was a victim, but I was a kid, too, and she wanted it just as much as I did.

Step two… Give her, her sister, and her mother nowhere to run and no fuel to escape. The Ashby women are alone now and desperate for a knight in shining armor.

But that’s not what’s coming.

No, it’s time I listened to my father and took control of my future. It’s time I showed them all—my family, her family, my friends—that I will never change and that I have no other ambition than to be the nightmare of their lives.

Starting with her.

She’ll be so scared, she won’t even be safe in her own head by the time I’m done with her. And the best part is I won’t have to break into her home to do it.

As the new man of the house I have all the keys.

Crystal's Thoughts:

"I need her to hurt me, because pain covers up pain, and if I feel one, I won't feel the other."

🍷🍷🍷🍷 .5 #Review of Twisted Palace by Erin Watt

Title: Twisted Palace

Series: The Royals #3

Author: Erin Watt 

Format: 400 pages, Paperback

Published: November 21, 2023 by Berkley

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

Source: November 21, 2023 by Berkley

Reviewer: Crystal

Rating:  🍷🍷🍷🍷 .5 / 🌶️🌶️

The TikTok sensation Twisted Palace , the third in the #1 New York Times bestselling The Royals series, now in a new special edition with bonus material!

From mortal enemies to unexpected allies, two teenagers try to protect everything that matters most.

These Royals will ruin you…

Ella Harper has met every challenge that life has thrown her way. She’s tough, resilient, and willing to do whatever it takes to defend the people she loves, but the challenge of a long-lost father and a boyfriend whose life is on the line might be too much for even Ella to overcome.

Reed Royal has a quick temper and even faster fists. But his tendency to meet every obstacle with violence has finally caught up with him. If he wants to save himself and the girl he loves, he’ll need to rise above his tortured past and tarnished reputation.

No one believes Ella can survive the Royals. Everyone is sure Reed will destroy them all.

They may be right.

With everything and everyone conspiring to keep them apart, Ella and Reed must find a way to beat the law, save their families, and unravel all the secrets in their Twisted Palace.

Crystal's Thoughts:

"These Royals will ruin you."

🍷🍷🍷 #Review of Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert

Title: Hunt on Dark Waters

Series: Crimson Sails, #1

Author: Katee Robert 

Format: 320 pages, Paperback

Published: November 7, 2023 by Berkley

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

Source: NetGalley/Publisher

Reviewer: Crystal

Rating:  🍷🍷🍷 / 🌶️🌶️

Sail the magical high seas with this first book in a new sexy fantasy romance series from Katee Robert, the New York Times bestselling author of the TikTok smash-hit Neon Gods.

Evelyn is a witch with a perfect storm of impulses: terrible taste in bed partners, sticky fingers, and a lust for danger. After she steals from her vampire ex and falls through a portal to another realm, she’s fished out of the waters by a band of seafarers and their telekinetic captain. She’s immediately given a choice—join their group or die.

Bowen has no memory of his life before he became one of the Cŵn Annwn. He and his pirate crew are bound by vow to patrol through Threshold, the magical sea in between realms, keeping the portals to other worlds safe. When he rescues Evelyn, he doesn’t expect to be attracted to the unflappably brassy pickpocket. The longer he spends in her presence, the more he begins to question if his heart is the next thing she’ll steal.

But as tension heats up between Bowen and Evelyn, danger escalates as well. Because Evelyn has no intention of keeping her vows to the Cŵn Annwn, and if she betrays the crew, both she and Bowen will pay the ultimate price....

Crystal's Thoughts: