romance

Review: The Viper by JR Ward

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“What we had was precious and important, and it was every bit the resurrection I needed. You were never an illusion to me. You were always real.”

Holy cow! I was so not expecting Kane’s story to be like this. Talk about deceit!  But also Nadia’s story was just as horrific, just more physical.  These two somehow found each other at the most perfect time. It may have started out as patient/healer but it grew to be way more.  

Watching these two uncover the truths around them and slowly grow closer, was fun. A crazy, insane roller coaster, but fun. They were meant for each other.

I’ll admit I wasn’t sure if I was going to like hearing about the prison but the more new characters we get introduced to I’m becoming more and more intrigued. I’m hoping for Apex’s story soon. And of course I love when we see glimpses of our OG Brothers and Sisters. Makes me super excited to see what the next BDB will unfold.

If you haven’t tried this spin off series yet, I definitely want to encourage you to start. You can thank me later.

~Melpomene

Grab a copy here: https://amzn.to/3LzBJgw

Review: Making the Match

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Now there’s two sides to every story. We heard from Genny’s side now we get Tom’s side. But Tom’s side also has a twist. Someone from his past has popped up and the universe wants her to stay. 

Rika met Tom many moons ago but it was wasn’t the right time for them. Now it is. Although there’s a few bumps in the road they’re both ready to walk them together. 

I’m pleasantly surprised I enjoyed this book. I’ll admit I wasn’t too excited to read about Tom’s story. Let’s be real, he had his chance for a love story. I don’t wanna rehash his mistakes. I wanted to read about the kids. 

But alas, that’s not what we got. 

Now that this bit of drama is done I look forward to reading about the children. The next book should be interesting.

~Melpomene

Grab a copy here: https://amzn.to/3DETk4K

Review: Darius by J.R. Ward(audio original)

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Ok, let’s be real here. We know how Darius’s story ends. We knew this story was going to hurt. But we still wanted it.

I am so very thankful to receive an ARC of this book. As with all JRW books, you think you know what’s going to happen, but then she adds a little magic to the story and then shocks the crud out of you. I’m glad I didn’t have to worry about someone ruining that for me.

Without any spoilers I will say that I like the direction she chose to go with this book. The cameos sprinkled throughout had me smiling. Anne was one strong woman and she had to make some very hard decisions that I’m not sure many would be able to do.

Seeing inside Darius’s head, before the BDB stories we know, was wild. The brothers were the same, and yet different. It makes me wanna reread all the books again.

I finished this story with tears falling down my cheeks. But to be honest, I spent the last 50% of the book reading through glistening eyes. I knew what was coming and my heart wasn’t ready. Man, you’re really never ready for a story like this.

~Melpomene

Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/3MjpMKU

Review: Gossamer in the Darkness by Kristen Ashley

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I am so happy I did a Fantasyland reread last year and finally read the Rising series as well. I was primed for this book. 

The thing about the 1,001 Dark Nights is that you don’t NEED to read any other series. You can dive right in and experience this new story without feeling like to missed anything. But as with all Kristen Ashley books, I will say that I HIGHLY recommend you read the series when you get a chance. The Fantasyland series is so transporting and fantastical. It’ll make you wish that there was an parallel universe that you could transport to. 

Maxine was brought to this world and forced to make a Marquess fall in love with her. But she can’t tell him who she really is. But of course things don’t always work the way they’re supposed to. She thought her plan was simple. But then she met the man and everything changed. 

I enjoyed this story very much. Short and sweet and sexy. I love the cameos and new characters. I truly hope we get a few more stories from this world. There’s a couple of people that I’d like to see find their HEAs.

~Melpomene

Grab a copy here: https://amzn.to/3L439tU

Preview: Lover Arisen by J.R. Ward

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Ok. Can I just say that the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is one of my favorites? I was late to the party but better late than never, right? I discovered the BDB series back in 2012, with Lover Reborn. Up until 2020 I would reread the entire series before the newest book, I loved it that much. But these past few years have been rough so I didn’t have the headspace to do that. But you better believe I read each new book when it comes out, even if I need to flip the previous book to refresh my memory.

In Lover Arisen I didn’t need to refresh. I have been waiting for this one! I wanted to know about Erika and Balthazar since we first saw her. I’m intrigued with how the human police force explains all these weird happenings. We would see Butch’s ex partner from time to time, so we knew a little, but not from someone who has experienced the full force of the memory swipe and sort of knows it. That definitely messes with her as she’s tries to put the pieces together.

I had fun watching her and Balz. Their HEA was a little bit different than the past ones but I’m sure the Warden has a plan I’m just not seeing. I am happy they managed to figure out their differences and fall in love though. I’ll admit I was worried for a minute there. They obviously come from opposite sides of the law so that made things difficult to say the least.

Now I know this book wasn’t about Lassiter but I have a lot of feelings here. Some good obviously, because I love him, but there’s a great big negative that is going to bother me for quite a while. I won’t spoil it but I’m rather upset at this turn of events. I know I need to trust the author, but dang, this is hard.

And of course Davina was here as well, to cause mayhem, which she does so well. I was a bit shocked at the way her quest is working out. I didn’t see it going in that direction. But you better believe I will read the next book to see what happens there.

Speaking of the next book… I CANNOT WAIT. I’m thinking this may require a complete series reread so get the full experience.

~Melpomene 

Release day: April 5, 2022

Grab Lover Arisen here: https://amzn.to/3uvXtls

Review: Running Wild by K.A. Tucker

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Marie’s story!!!

Now, I’ll admit, I wasn’t her biggest fan when this series first started. But I also wasn’t in her head. I didn’t hate her but I just didn’t like her.

And now I do.

There is so much more to Marie than what we get from anyone else. She has hopes and dreams like we all do. She thought she was on the path to having them…and then Calla showed up. Now she’s trying to create a new one, while attempting to heal her heart.

And in walks Tyler.

Marie and Tyler’s story was fun to watch unfold. They sure didn’t make anything easy for one another but they eventually got their heads on straight by the end. This was a sweet friends to lovers romance that is a perfect addition to the Wild series. And now I wanna start it all over from the beginning.

~Melpomene

Grab a copy here: https://amzn.to/32z2pMz

Start from the beginning:

The Simple Wild: https://amzn.to/3G3qtoc

Wild at Heart: https://amzn.to/3fWd9aK

Forever Wild: https://amzn.to/3qZxlyU

Review: Dream Keeper by Kristen Ashley

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For those who really know me know that I love Kristen Ashley books. I love romance and she excels at this. But there’s something about the Rock Chicks and Dream Team that hold my heart. I’m not sure if it’s the humor sprinkled in or the fact that my hubby reads and enjoys these as much as I do. Perhaps it’s how real these people seem. I wish I live there and knew them. These crazy, fun characters would be awesome to hang with.


As with the RC series, the Dream Team follows the same group of people. So with every new book we learn more and more about each character and, buy the time Dream Keeper came along, I was SO ready for Pepper and Auggie’s story! A single mom was definitely not going to be the same as all the rest and I think I may like it even more.


Pepper was so protective of her and her daughter’s heart she didn’t see that Auggie needed a little protection as well. Not that I want anyone to have dysfunction in their lives but I don’t think anyone else, except Pepper would understand and know how to help Auggie. They were truly perfect for each other. I know it took her a while to find the confidence to take a chance on him but I’m glad she finally did it.


I love the fact that we get to see all our favorite KA characters in these books. And I REALLY hope we get more books in this series. I have few guys that I wanna see get their HEAs.

~Melpomene

Grab a copy here: https://amzn.to/2ZzXc5v

Get caught up:

Dream Maker https://amzn.to/3xAeXy9

Dream Chase https://amzn.to/3E5BCF8

Dream Spinner https://amzn.to/3D4R1UT

Review: Chasing Serenity by Kristen Ashley

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Chloe Pierce was taught to take care of everyone. The problem with that was there was no one to care for her. Now that her go-to person is gone, she’s left floundering. She’s made rash decisions, and is a bit over the top, but that’s her. She needs someone who understands that and will help her realize that she doesn’t need to be watcher but the watched.


Opposites attract they say. Well, you can’t get any more opposite than Judge Oakley and Chloe Pierce. From the first moment he sees Chloe surrounded by boxes and boxes of boots, running his workers all around, he knew she was gonna be trouble. Technically he was right, but just not in the way he thought.


These two were a blast to watch. As with all Kristen Ashley books, there’s a fair amount of drama and emotions swirling around. I mean heck, from the first moment she arrived on scene, in After the Climb, you knew she was spitfire with more going on inside than she was revealing. I truly look forward to reading more about all of them.

~Melpomene

Grab a copy here: https://amzn.to/3DY2wij

Review: Claimed by J.R. Ward

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Ok. The wolven. Since I have the memory of a gnat, I vaguely remember them being mentioned in a past BDB book once. But since then I’ve seen lots of people ask about them. So here’s the book they’ve been waiting for.


I won’t say any spoilers. I will say this doesn’t have a BDB feel, and yet it does. I’ll admit it took a few chapters to get sucked in but then I couldn’t read fast enough.


There’s a few mystical parts that had me scratching my head but somehow I get it. I really shouldn’t be surprised, since this series is a spin off of a vampire one. But it makes sense now.


This book is mostly about Lydia, so I’m still thinking she should’ve been on the cover. 😉 Her journey is one I’m curious to keep reading about. This isn’t the end of her and Daniel’s story. Usually the books are interconnected standalones but not this one. So this was an interesting introduction but I definitely need more and I look forward to reading the next book, Forever, in the hopes that it closes all the gaps and answers all the questions.

In true Warden fashion, there’s a BDB side to this story and I’m happy to say it was about someone I love. And there’s some things happening with them that we need to keep an eye out for. I can’t wait!

~Melpomene

Buy a copy here: https://amzn.to/2UNncYW

Review: After the Climb by Kristen Ashley

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I had so many feelings reading this book. I loved everything about it. There was angst. There was emotions. There was romance. Perfect combination.

I love second chance romances and this was fun. Plus having an older couple made it even more real, and sexy. Cuz we know, 20/30-somethings aren’t the only people having super hot sex. Also, the family all around made for a very fun experience. They way they all care for each other, and bond together, will make this series a definite must read.

I read this when it first released, during the crazy world shutdown, and I really liked it. It was the break from reality that I needed. I just reread this new version and I think I fell in love even more.

I highly recommend this book if you’re looking to escape the world around you. Kristen Ashley is the queen of romance and you won’t be disappointed.

~Melpomene

Grab a free copy here: https://amzn.to/3ASfDQF