#BookReview #HistoricalRomance #GoldenAngel

30th Apr 20225th Jun 2022 Louise H4 Comments

A Season for Smugglers
Deception and Discipline, #3
by Golden Angel

This is the first book I’ve read from this series, so I would state that it can be read standalone. Clever writing meant that I was provided all the details necessary to understand the story arc that spans all four books without it feeling like an information dump. A Season for Smugglers is a historical romance containing scenes of an adult nature, including some spanking and BDSM activity.

The author manages to convey a historical feel to the story through dialogue, social expectations and world-building. Her characters are eminently likeable, complex and realistically imperfect. and I soon found myself falling in love with both Nathan and Lily. There is a good cast of supporting characters who provided extra colour to the reading experience.

The story moves along at a good pace and it held my attention from start to finish. Whilst I would have preferred a little more depth I still very much enjoyed the book and am intrigued enough that I’m planning on reading the rest of the series.

Overall Rating

Plot ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 🤍
Characters ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 🤍
World Building ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 🤍
Writing ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 🤍
Heat Level 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

Historical Romance

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58721588-a-season-for-smugglers

Synopsis
Will his daring debutante rescue reveal the traitor to the crown?
Lily Davies’ first—and final, if she has anything to say about it—Season in London is mercifully coming to an end. Exhausted by the parade of balls, importuning gentlemen, and the endless dismissal of her suspicions about a certain captain, Lily wants nothing more than to return to her quiet life of country walks and intensive study. Unfortunately for this bluestocking, she is besieged en route to Derbyshire and kidnapped by a highwayman.
In London to assist his brother, the brand new Earl of Talbot, Captain Nathan Jones is on the hunt for the traitor to the crown. But when it becomes clear that Miss Davies’ life is very much in danger, Captain Jones is dispatched to ensure the reluctant debutante travels safely. Escorting her safely home will also give him the perfect opportunity to question Miss Davies about the highly dubious gifts she’s been receiving from the French.
As Captain Jones becomes the unlikely hero to a very uncooperative damsel in distress, he quickly learns that rescuing Miss Davies is only the beginning of his troubles. One unfortunate compromise leaves this pair with no choice but to head for the altar, and the unnecessary distraction just might ruin his opportunity to uncover the identity of the traitor once and for all.

Book Review

#BookReview #EroticRomance #JoeyWHill

27th Apr 20225th Jun 2022 Louise H2 Comments

Ice Queen / Demons
Nature of Desire #3 / #4
by Joey W. Hill

Ice Queen
This book has completely stolen my heart and I would not, could not put it down until I reached The End. The storytelling is so strong, the characters utterly captivating, the emotion soul-tearing. On reaching the last few pages, I felt as though I’d been caught up by a tsunami, tumbled around and tossed furiously by the raging waters, pummelled, battered and bruised by its deadly power. I can’t find adequate words to explain why exactly this spoke to my very soul in the way it did, all I can tell you is that when I got to the end and realised there was a part two to the story I one-clicked it immediately and without hesitation.

Some moments didn’t quite sit right with me, though somehow the author always led me eventually to a place of acceptance for them all. Tyler, a very respected and experienced Dom, ignored an agreed-upon rule, didn’t give Marguerite a way to safeword in one scene and relentlessly pushed someone who was unquestionably damaged. Each time I felt the author had let me down, had ignored the very tenets of SSC and RACK, sometimes he, but more often she (Marguerite) explained why that was the very thing needed at that moment.

A gripping story where I didn’t really ever want to like Tyler, I am #TeamMarguerite all the way. He needed to earn my approval, my trust, my regard and damn if his utter devotion to our Ice Queen Domme didn’t do just that. This is a substantial book, it had several detailed and well-described BDSM scenes to slake the thirst and fire the loins of any fellow smut lover. However, it also had a great plot and fantastic writing that took the book to another level. I really can’t recommend this one enough.

Mirror of my Soul
Having been utterly mesmerised by Marguerite and Tyler in Ice Queen I jumped straight into this book to finish their story. I loved Mirror of My Soul even more than Ice Queen, with its powerful storytelling and excellent character growth.

There were so many times the author eschewed the clichés other similar books fall into. I found myself surprised by the direction the story took on more than one occasion, the author kept her characters steady and honest in a way many others do not. My heart sang when Komal made it clear where her loyalties lay and she wasn’t immediately bowled over by Tyler. There were so many times the book danced to the beat of its own drum rather than brainlessly following the herd. That fearlessness by the author produced an amazing tale that I lived and breathed with the protagonists.

I was gladdened that Tyler accepted, explored and encouraged Marguerite’s Dominant side, that the author didn’t have this strong, independent woman become weak and simpering over a man. It made this story feel so much more realistic, so much more tenable and so much stronger as a result. Marguerite’s battles with her past, her fears and her ongoing issues held more than a ring of truth, again drawing me into the story and making me feel one with the characters.

The paranormal/”religious” aspect at the end was a little out of character with the rest of the book, but it wasn’t enough to dim my enjoyment of this wonderfully written story.

Overall Rating

Plot ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Characters ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
World Building ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Writing ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Heat Level 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

BDSM Romance

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58696319-ice-queen

Synopsis
“Hill always brings you the beauty of the human heart, and I love her for it. She writes hope.”
They call her the Ice Queen. At the exclusive BDSM club known as The Zone, Mistress Marguerite is a legend. Tyler Winterman is her male counterpart, one of the club’s most powerful Masters. Though he respects the hell out of Dommes, he’s convinced Marguerite is a “switch,” her soul aching to submit to the right Master.
Uncovering the truth will strip their souls, revealing needs deeper than either expected. But Tyler will risk body and soul to give his troubled angel everything she needs.

Contemporary Erotic Romance

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58696337-mirror-of-my-soul

Synopsis
“…a heart wrenching look into the soul…mind blowingly awesome…”
Tyler has pushed past Marguerite’s shields, and now he faces the terrible secrets behind them. When the dangerous truth brings peril into their lives, Marguerite proves she possesses a terrifying courage that surpasses anything he’s ever witnessed.
However, her soul is far more fragile.To keep it from being shattered forever, she’ll need a Master whose strength and courage matches her own.

[Note: Mirror of My Soul is the Part Two conclusion of Tyler and Marguerite’s story, so Ice Queen is recommended as prior reading.]

Book Review

#BookReview #DarkRomance // Prey Island by Sorcha Black

14th Feb 20225th Jun 2022 Louise H6 Comments

Prey Island

by Sorcha Black

Heavens to Betsy, pass me some pearls to clutch! This book doesn’t just fall down the rabbit hole, it jumps in head first, kicking, screaming and biting the whole way. Sorcha Black has an unparalleled knack for writing a story that teeters on the edge of consent, bringing us a scorching hot tale full of threat filled, violence edged, debauchery. Be prepared for a story that will push your boundaries to their limits whilst hitting all the right places too.

Lane is a wonderful mix of naïve, trusting, wary, determined and sweet. The story is told entirely from her POV but excellent writing allowed me to not only get a feel for Ajax and Calder but also to utterly fall for this pair of degenerate reprobates. They may love consensual non-consent but these guys always kept on the right side of the law … just, maybe, kind of, ish. No matter how rough, how seemingly cruel and thoughtless their words, actions and deeds appeared to be, everything they did was underpinned by care.

Desperate for a way to fund her sister’s education, Lane heads off to a remote island having wilfully ignored just what exactly she was agreeing to. Oh boy is she in for a rude awakening, along with a rude introduction to kinks and sexual acts she could never have even imagined (I’m slightly concerned that the author imagined them though 😂😂😂). I’m equally concerned about my own moral compass after finding those very same scenes incredibly hot to read about.

Be very warned, Prey Island is not for the faint of heart. Chock full of potential triggers from venturing into dubious consent territory, this book had me spellbound. The only issue I had was that I really, really, really, couldn’t read it at work despite how much I wanted to, it really was a struggle to put the book down! This is perfect for the reader who loves edges of darkness, MMF scenes, rough scenes and two loveable heroes with haloes so tarnished they are in dire need of a good buffing.

Overall Rating

Plot ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ 🤍
Characters ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
World Building ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Writing ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Heat Level 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Trigger Warnings – LOTS!!!

Fannce

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60234024-prey-island

Synopsis
In this tropical paradise, the games are rough and the women never win. Signing a one-month contract allowing rich, brutish men to prey on me isn’t a wholesome way to earn a scholarship for my sister, but desperate times call for reckless measures.
Keeping a low profile is no longer an option when Ajax and Calder start targeting me. Sure, they’re hot, but they’re also twisted and mean, and won’t leave me alone. To make matters worse, every time they claim me for themselves I learn something new and shameful about my deepest, most deviant fantasies.
But they’re not the only threat on this island.
Sacrificing my body may be inevitable, but sacrificing my life wasn’t in the contract.

Book Review

#BookReview #Romance #Psychological // What Love by Willow Madison

3rd Nov 20215th Jun 2022 Louise H4 Comments

What Love
Existential Angst #2
by Willow Madison

I think Willow Madison broke my brain and I’m not sure if I will ever recover.

***I’m going to keep this as spoiler free as possible because whilst you need to read this – after having read What Lies of course – you also need to go in blind! So stick to the vague reviews otherwise it will kill this book dead in the water.***

At the end of What Lies I not only had reservations as to how He would be redeemed, I also had lots of idea’s of white might/would happen. Turns out those guesses were totally, utterly and completely wrong. Wrong with a capital “W”. As wrong as it was possible to be. I could never have suspected the direction Ms Madison would choose for the story, but with hindsight I can’t think of a better decision to have made. It took what could have been a “been there, read that” book to something distinctly unique and special.

Bloody hell, that first event came out of left field and I spent most of the book expecting it to be one of those “Ha! Surprise! Actually….!” twists. Wrong again! Though I could feel the portends building up and knew there was something unexpected in the pipeline. The urge to hop to the last few chapters to see just where we were heading rode me hard, but like a “good girl” I resisted, and am glad I did. This is a book with many pages, but every single one was necessary in order to slowly unwrap Larissa and reveal the monster inside.

This was such an emotional journey, a very difficult and soul bearing journey, a journey of tears, fears and trying to be free. A sensual journey and a learning journey too. Do I think there should have been more grovelling or an apology at the end for the lies told? No. Normally I would, but on this occasion, with this story and these protagonists I truly don’t think it would have felt right.

Psychological Romantic Suspense

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57741406-what-love

Synopsis
It doesn’t help to face monsters. They catch up with you no matter what.

Bars and doors aren’t what hold me captive now. It’s the hope of something more that cages me still.

“Love is a choice, even under the worst circumstances.”

It’s as if the clock has rewound, and I’m back to being the sheltered girl he’d seen in a park. The two years with him are like the books on my shelf—as faded as an unread tale.

“I want your tears, Larissa.”

Though the players have changed, it’s still a game we play, neither of us aware of any rules, or who’s winning. He treats me the way a man does when he knows exactly what he wants. And he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get it.

“Your heart never belonged in a cage.”

One word—free—eclipses everything. Nothing else matters. Turns out, though, just as many bad things happen in the light as in the dark. What was once lost doesn’t have to be all that’s found…if I can survive.

What Lies is a prequel to What Love and should be read before starting this book.

Trigger Warning: Contains explicit scenes, deep dive into trauma bonding / Stockholm syndrome aftermath, referenced self-harming, blood, a twisted dark romance, a jealous / possessive / obsessive antihero, and gripping psychological suspense. Also loads of angst (it’s in the title after all). No cheating. A well-paced, slow burn to author’s version of happy ever after.

Book Review

#BookReview #Dark #PsychologicalSuspense // What Lies by Willow Madison

7th Oct 20215th Jun 2022 Louise H4 Comments

What Lies
Existential Angst #1
by Willow Madison

It’s not often I’m at a loss for words in a review, but Willow Madison has completely effed up my brain with this book. Every single moment of this book is wrong, wrong, WRONG, but also absolutely perfect in a disgustingly degraded and beautifully broken way. There is definitely something very wrong with me for having loved What Lies as much as I did.

Gut-wrenching, horrifying and disturbingly compelling I could NOT put this book down. I felt so many emotions whilst reading this, I railed against the injustice of Larissa’s situation, I begged her to fight to the bitter end (though it wouldn’t have made for a good story, lol), I rejoiced in her strength and understood her decisions. I wanted to stab Him through the eye with a rusty fork, yet loved how utterly devoted he was to Larissa. He’s as crazy as a box of frogs and I’m still reserving judgement on what I want to happen to him.

The intensity of the story left me with a massive book hangover and I cannot wait for What Love.

Dark Romance

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25757235-what-lies

Synopsis
Taken without a trace. Held by a sadist intent on loving her.

He said I was the only perfect woman in the world. It’s why he had to have me.

“The game today, Larissa, is called pick your poison.”
He took me while I was sitting alone in my backyard. I had my feet cooling in the pool, face heating in the sun when his shadow eclipsed all happiness four days ago. I don’t remember any sounds or words, only waking up here…and his games.

“I expect you to either make a choice, or don’t.”
In this box of horrors, he wanted me to find my purpose. I thought I already had—to save my heart from pain and to hold out for freedom.

Turns out, I wasn’t wrong. Only my perceptions were. And he’s giving me a chance to choose again.

“I’m going to hurt you.”
I’ve been a monster for him, a perfect version of myself, and I don’t think I can pretend that I haven’t liked it. Whoever said knowledge is power wasn’t chained up when they said it.

What Lies is a prequel to What Love and should be read first.

Trigger Warning: Contains explicit scenes, on-page violence, the dubiest of dub con, blood, a dark captor – captive romance, a jealous / possessive / obsessive antihero, and gripping psychological suspense. Also loads of angst (it’s in the title after all). No cheating. Author’s version of happy for now.