Category / Toe Curler!!

by mvbookreviewer

Review: Bought for the Greek’s Revenge by Lynne Graham

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Third Person, Dual
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Hero: Nikolai Drakos
Heroine: Prunella Palmer
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: May 19, 2016
Started On: November 14, 2023
Finished On: November 18, 2023

Bought for the Greek’s Revenge by Lynne Graham plunges readers into the chaotic world of the main protagonists— a passionate whirlwind of revenge, redemption, and sizzling high-octane chemistry. The story centers around Greek tycoon Nikolai Drakos and his ruthless pursuit of Ella Palmer (Prunella Palmer) for his revenge. Published in May 2016, this is everything fans of Ms. Graham expects from a romance penned by her—fierce, dramatic, and simmering with emotional and sexual tension.

Nikolai is a man on a mission, bent on avenging himself against his archenemy, whom he despises with every fiber of his being. It is the unassuming Ella who inadvertently becomes the pawn in his game of retribution and gets caught in the crosshairs as Nikolai attempts to get to his enemy through her. Nikolai, relentless in his pursuit, buys out Ella’s family debts, coercing her compliance with an offer she can hardly refuse—her family’s financial freedom in exchange for becoming his mistress.

Ella’s predicament is impossible, but she bravely steps into Nikolai’s world, initially agreeing to his terms with little choice. Her character, an alluring mix if innocence and tenderness, has a powerful impact on Nikolai, who soon finds his motivations shifting in unexpected ways. As the story progresses, Nikolai’s hardened exterior cracks, revealing a man who, despite his ruthless ambition, feels a growing protectiveness and attraction toward her. What starts as a vengeful transaction morphs into something altogether different, as Nikolai realizes that the ultimate victory might not be revenge, but claiming Ella as his bride.

Nikolai is the type of hero that Ms. Graham crafts so perfectly. His dark past—marked by neglect and a childhood burdened with emotional scars—makes him both aloof, powerful, and yet deeply wounded, with the untimely loss of his sister having left its mark on him. Ella on the other hand has her own insecurities to contend with, having being engaged once to a man whose rejection of her has left deeply ingrained scars on her psyche.

It is amidst all this that Ms. Graham masterfully crafts a romance that is as complex as it is intense. The relationship between Nikolai and Ella grows with each encounter brimming with heat and emotions, with neither character losing the very qualities that draws readers to them in the first place. Nikolai’s transformation—from a man bent on vengeance to one who learns to love—gives the story depth, as his icy demeanor softens, and the vulnerability he allows Ella to see speaks for itself.

I loved the modern twists and how Ms. Graham balanced intense passion with deep-seated emotional growth. I loved Nikolai and Ella individually and together, and that is in essence half the job done when crafting a romance novel.

For fans of Lynne Graham, Bought for the Greek’s Revenge delivers all the elements of a classic Mills & Boon novel with an extra dose of fire and emotional punch. Nikolai’s relentless passion and Ella’s quiet strength creates a dynamic that keeps the pages turning.

Recommended for fans of Harlequin romances and especially fans of Ms. Graham.

Final Verdict: Bought for the Greek’s Revenge is a must-read for lovers of high-stakes, emotionally charged romance with a fiercely possessive hero and a heroine who finds her own strength amidst the storm.

Favorite Quotes

‘It would take an avalanche to crush your ego, wouldn’t it?’
‘If I was modest you would walk all over me with pleasure.’ Nikolai was entranced by the glorious green of her eyes against the smooth, fine grain of her porcelain skin. ‘But that’s not what you want from me, is it? You’d much prefer me to take your choices away and give you the excuse to be with me.’

‘I really hate being shouted at,’ Nikolai confided a split second before his hard, sensual mouth claimed hers.
And for that same split second it was as though Ella’s world stopped turning and she was jolted off course, sent breathless and spinning into the unknown. Heat surged up through her like an invasive weapon. He eased her out from under him but kept her trapped in his arms. Irritation flamed through her because inexplicably she had liked his crushing weight on hers. Her fists struck at shirt-clad shoulders as unyielding as rock. The tip of his tongue flicked inside her mouth and she shivered violently, the clenching at her secret core almost painful in its intensity. He nipped at her lower lip, sucked and soothed it with his tongue. She wanted more, she wanted more so badly it hurt to be denied and the rushing tide of that hunger shocked her back into her mind again.

Nikolai bent his head and kissed her. It was a slow claiming as the tip of his tongue traced the lush fullness of her lower lip and then delved gently between. A breathy little gasp erupted from her parted lips and she stepped closer. His arms snapped round her and it was the work of a moment for him to swing round and press her back against the car, his sensual mouth driving down hard on hers, his lean, powerful body crushing her against the unyielding metal.
Her every skin cell seemed to erupt into life as heat raced through her bloodstream and a bolt of naked yearning surged from low in her pelvis. His mouth was all she cared about. She couldn’t get enough of him, was convinced she would never get enough of him. She gloried in the thrust of his arousal against her, the knowledge that Nikolai Drakos wanted her and couldn’t hide the fact.

A kind of frenzy gripped her muscles and she shook, feeling ecstasy within her grasp and snatching at it. And it ran over and through her, a rolling white-hot wave of convulsive delight and fulfilment that left her drained and limp.
Ella was convinced that she would never move again, and then Nikolai moved when she didn’t want him to and she rolled over and rested her head on his chest instead, her arm wrapping round his narrow waist.
He dropped a kiss on her damp brow. ‘Thank you,’ he rasped breathlessly. ‘That was amazing.’

‘Stop talking,’ Ella told him. ‘Being thrown on the bed works for me. Seeing you a little out of control is more real than some plan of slow seduction.’
‘Blame yourself. You’ve been wrecking my plans all day,’ Nikolai asserted, swiping the package off the dressing table and returning to the bed. ‘First you blew my mind on the flight and then you flaunted your gorgeous self in boots and stockings and a garter and I was lost…’
‘Is that a complaint?’
‘No.’ A wicked charismatic grin slashed his lean, darkly handsome features. ‘That was an “any time you want me, I’m yours” speech,’ he teased.
‘You can be yourself with me, you know,’ she whispered feelingly. ‘Just do what you feel like.’

He eased over her, rearranged her to his satisfaction, slowly surged in and she shut her eyes tight, every nerve screaming for the satisfaction only he could give. Inch by agonising inch he entered her and when he was finally fully seated she loosed a sound of pleasure she couldn’t hold back. She could feel how damp, how ready she was and his sheer strength as he lifted her up to him, muscles bulging in his forearms, left her weak with longing. He slid back and then plunged, his speed picking up. Excitement detonated inside her and she wrapped her legs round him. As she bucked he pinned her to the mattress and thrust into her fiercely with a primal grunt of pleasure. It went on and on and on until she was sobbing with excitement and the band of tension at the centre of her body was tightening and tightening. Release came in a rush of feral fire, lighting up every nerve and skin cell, and she cried out, her nails raking down his back in an ecstasy of pleasure.

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | eBooks | HQ | Apple

by mvbookreviewer

Review: Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: First Person, Dual
Series: Same Time Next Year, #1
Publisher: Self-Published
Hero: Sumner Wade Mayfield
Heroine: Britta Lark Mayfield
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: December 01, 2023
Started On: November 13, 2023
Finished On: November 14, 2023

Britta Lark Mayfield is an ambitious 26-year-old waitress at Sluggers—a favorite hangout for the local hockey team, the Bridgeport Bandits. Sumner Wade Mayfield is a 27-year-old defenseman who is on the edge of NHL success, but faces deportation unless he finds a way to stay in the U.S. Britta, who has got a no-dating rule when it comes to hockey players, is still irresistibly drawn to Sumner, even though her commitment fears keep her from acting on it.

While Sumner has always crushed on Britta big time, Britta has never given into it, no matter how ever much she might be tempted. However, when push comes to shove and Sumner’s teammates urge Britta to be the person who saves Sumner’s career as a hockey player, she finds herself moved enough to take the plunge. Thus begins a “marriage of convenience” in a very modern set-up, while Britta fights the losing battle of staying away from her delectable husband.

While there were elements to the story that worked, Same Time Next Year turned out to be too sweet and saccharine for my tastes. While Sumner’s patience with Britta was endearing, his devotion felt a bit too much at times—if there could be anything as such. This is a slow burn in comparison to some of Ms. Bailey’s novels I have enjoyed—she is the queen of dirty talk for a valid reason; but I found myself not feeling all that moved through the scenes of passion in this little number.

Recommended for readers who love a hero willing to wait as long as it takes and enjoys a romance that is overly sweet.

Final Verdict: Same Time Next Year is a romance that is easy to enjoy if you are in the mood for an overly sweet, slow-burn love story.

Favorite Quotes

“You’re gorgeous,” she blurts, sitting up slightly, curling a fist in my waistband and tugging me down on top of her, which takes very little encouragement. “You’re so, so gorgeous, Sumner,” she murmurs, those words ending on a moan when I settle my weight fully on top of her, and we start to kiss, my hips rolling forward between her thighs, her fingers tracing the slopes of my shoulders, the hockey-sore muscles of my back.

“Sumner, you’re going to do these things with me . . .” She wets her lips, her words releasing in a harsh exhale. “Because if you do them to someone else, I will have to murder them with my bare hands.”
At first, I’m not sure I heard her correctly. But . . . did I?
I did.
My wife is possessive.
Part of me wants to laugh out loud because the very idea that I could even consider another woman is so far outside the realm of possibility, she has no idea. What women? Where? I’m blind to every last one of them. There’s only Britta.

Purchase Links: Amazon | Apple

by mvbookreviewer

Review: Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E. Ann

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: First Person, Dual
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Self-Published
Hero: Elijah Alexander Hawkins
Heroine: Dorothy Mayhem
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: September 25, 2019
Started On: November 05, 2023
Finished On: November 08, 2023

In Perfectly Adequate, true to the sensation that Jewel E. Ann is as an author, has crafted a novel that is as unconventional as it is heartwarming. The story delves into the complexities surrounding a female protagonist who is neurodivergent and the flood of emotions that only an author like Ms. Ann can subject her readers to.

Elijah Alexander Hawkins (Eli), a 38-year-old pediatric oncologist, finds his life upended with the sudden departure of his high school sweetheart, wife, and mother to his son. Eli’s unresolved feelings towards Julie even months after their divorce continues to haunt him. It does not help being witness to Julie’s drastic transformation and constantly being subjected to her presence as they both work at the same hospital.

30 year old nursing student, Dorothy Mayhem would be the most unlikely of prospects when it comes to catching the attention of someone like Dr. Eli, a legend who is well respected amongst his peers. Dorothy knows that she is different from the rest, though she tries hard to be “normal”, as much as it takes a toll on her. Her sense of curiosity, her unique perspective on matters, and straightforward nature brings Eli out of the funk he has been riding since the divorce.

It is Dorothy’s life that is the most fascinating aspect of the novel, and writing this must have been as challenging as it was reading this novel in my opinion. For Dorothy, the way her mind works is what is normal for her. Organized and passionate about her work, with aspirations to join the plastics field, her admiration for Dr. Julie adds an intriguing layer to the story as she navigates her newfound relationship with Eli. Her methodical approach to life and using journals to manage her emotions and daily challenges speak volumes.

The relationship that buds to life between Eli and Dorothy is at times awkward, humorous, and passionate. While Dorothy knows not to be cautious and reserved as is Eli, her forthrightness and unfiltered honesty continues to astound and rouse Eli from the stupor he was in until Dorothy filled his life with much needed color. Their bond as it deepens, is difficult to discern from Dorothy’s perspective, even though the story is told from dual points of view in first person.

When ultimately push comes to shove and Eli is forced to choose between his ex-wife whose departure from his life had nearly destroyed him, and Dorothy, the woman who confuses, exasperates, and makes him want in a way that is foreign to him, it is perhaps the most difficult call in his life that he has to make, adding the angst factor to this story.

There is much to reflect upon when it comes to this novel. Most of Ms. Ann’s novels that I have read to-date have a way of forcing me to think and go to places where I might not even have thought of going. While I myself is familiar with depression and its impact on one’s life, Ms. Ann explores what it is like to lose own self in this destructive spiral, giving voice to millions who battle through this condition. While some fight to claw their way back out of it just to feel human, rest tend to give in. Mark my words, none of the two paths is easy by any means – humans were not created for isolation, nor were we created to get lost in the labyrinth of our minds, but that is often what depression feels like, and the more chronic the condition, the harder it becomes to feel a sense of normalcy and emotions on the spectrum that most of us take for granted.

When Eli finds out the reality behind Julie’s departure and how she struggled to find her own self-worth in this destructive cycle, it all made sense. Post-partum depression is something that the world is coming to increasingly come to accept, but it is still an excruciating journey for the person who suffers through it, and perhaps that is Julie’s story as well.

While Julie and Eli’s history goes way back, from being high school sweethearts to marriage and parents to an adorable son, does not mean that they are set for life. Marriage is a relationship that continually evolves and shifts as we navigate through life, growing both individually and together. It is our ability to adapt to those changes and grow together that often is the key to a long-lived marriage, and ofttimes that may not mean that two people are happy together.

Julie’s departure from Eli’s life perhaps was a signal to that effect; while her depression had to do with a lot more, perhaps it was the jolt that was needed to shake things up, to show to both of them that while their past would remain a significant part of who they are, that there was no going back. Or perhaps, it is also indicative of how in the throes of depression, we tend to draw in on ourselves and lose sight of those who hold us most dear, who can actually help us pull through – which perhaps is the most destructive effect of the disease because when you finally come out of the haze, you realize that you have effectively destroyed life as you knew it, and that there is no going back.

It was also quite something to see things from Dorothy’s perspective. To see her take on the role of being Eli’s lover while neither of them are able to give voice to the ties that were deepening between them, to Dorothy’s sensory experiences and sexual assertiveness, the narrative set forth does show to readers the continued struggles that someone like Dorothy undergoes in navigating what we call life. It is perhaps only someone like Eli who has a heart that can take more than most, empathetic, and has the ability love without reservations that can accept all that is Dorothy – maddening, fierce, independent, and fully his in every sense, minus the lines of grey that made Eli question his own self worth when it came to Julie.

Recommended for those who appreciate a story that challenges conventional romance tropes and dives deep into the complexities of human connections; Perfectly Adequate is THE novel that you need to read.

Final Verdict: Perfectly Adequate is a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, throwing readers into frustration & heartwarming moments, ultimately leaving us with a sense of acceptance and hope that is unwavering.

Favorite Quotes

“Is that code for I’m talking too much?” He chuckles.
“No. It’s not code for anything. Talk all you want, just don’t tell me everything I was going to ask you before I get a chance to ask it.”
“Dorothy …” He scratches his chin. “You are … unexpected. Like balloons, flowers, and winning lottery tickets.”

Dr. Hawkins presses his hand to my neck and slides it up to cup my jaw, taking the kiss to the next level with a little tongue. French kissing isn’t usually my thing. Too much saliva. But he’s not salivating like a dog, or suffering from a painful case of dry mouth, so the kiss is acceptable. Such a Goldilocks moment. Dr. Elijah Hawkins is my just right.

“Eventually,” she whispers, brushing the pad of her thumb along my eyebrow.
I squint.
Her lips form a faint smile. “Eventually I’ll be okay. And so will you.”
A goodbye.
This is goodbye. A redo because the one in my office was horrible. But nonetheless, it’s goodbye. I don’t know if saying goodbye to Dorothy Mayhem can ever be anything but horrible.
I nod because all words remain congested in my throat.

Purchase Links: Amazon | Apple

by mvbookreviewer

Review: Hugo and the Maiden by S.M. LaViolette

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Historical Romance
POV: Third Person, Dual
Series: The Seducers, #3
Publisher: Crooked Sixpence Press
Hero: Brian Dinwiddy (Hugo Buckingham)
Heroine: Martha Jane Pringle
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: May 29, 2021
Started On: November 02, 2023
Finished On: November 04, 2023

“Good afternoon, Mistress Pringle.” His lids lowered and the smile that curved his thin lips made something low in her belly—something beneath her belly, truth be told—tighten, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through her body.
His nostrils flared as he watched her, almost as if he were scenting something.
Martha suddenly knew—she just knew—that he was aware of what his suggestive, naughty looks did to a woman. Did to her.

Hugo and the Maiden by S.M. LaViolette, the third installment in The Seducers series, is a story I pinned a lot of high hopes on given the nature of the male protagonist in the story. Irrespective of whether those expectations were met, it was still a compelling and provocative romance, as is the norm by almost any novel that Minerva Spencer aka Ms. LaViolette brings to her readers. Featuring Hugo Buckingham as the hero and Martha Jane Pringle as the heroine, this novel delves into the gritty realities of 19th-century London and the isolated life far removed in the island of Stroma, the harsh lived realities of life for most, and to some extent, class difference.

Hugo, a bisexual courtesan, is a hero with a colorful past and a wealth of scars that he hides behind the facade that he presents to the rest of the world. He is an ambitious man, made so by the abject poverty that he had been subjected to when he had been sold by his father at the age of fourteen. His current status as the co-owner of London’s most expensive brothel marks a hard-won success that is abruptly shattered when he is betrayed by his business partner. Hugo finds himself aboard a ship as a convict, bound to the desolate island of Stroma, where his life takes a 180-degree turn.

On the island, Hugo meets the virginal daughter of the island’s vicar, Martha Jane Pringle bringing him face to face with the woman who would be his undoing. The island’s harsh climate and its isolation from the rest of the world provides a stark contrast to Hugo’ previous life, where material wealth had put Hugo in the midst of opulence, his heart never full for his need of material wants and desires, even as his heart and soul had become encrusted in reinforced steel over time.

Martha, with her no-nonsense attitude, compassionate nature, and plain looks is the direct opposite of Hugo in every sense and not the kind of woman who would make Hugo sit up and take notice. However, none of that stops Martha’s dormant senses from awakening in Hugo’s presence, and Hugo from sensing his own vulnerabilities in the face of Martha, to his annoyance. Martha, who is on the verge of being betrothed to a man who brings her no joy, finds herself enamored by Hugo, even as she fights the attraction with every weapon in her arsenal, until she realizes that there is no stopping the tide when it comes to what fate has in store for her.

Their relationship as it develops therefore, is not an easy one. Hugo who at first, tries to use his skills as a seducer to his advantage to get off the godforsaken island, finds himself in the position of feeling ashamed for the very first time in his adult life, as a result of which, his innate kindness and the reluctant hero that resides in him starts to emerge. Martha who understand Hugo perhaps better than he does himself, finds in Hugo a man worthy of her unending love, and the weight of that love is what Hugo shies away from, a man who has never understood what it is like to be accepted for who he is.

As the story moves deeper into exploring the complexities of Hugo, who is a fascinating character of contrasts, his struggles to open up emotionally to Martha was indicative of his deep vulnerabilities that he hides so well. Martha, who is the beacon of strength, love, acceptance, and kindness is the balm to every ache in Hugo’s soul, and when Hugo and Martha finally accept that there is no stopping the tide of desire and want between them, it opens up Martha to a world of sensuality and desire that allows her to finally break free from the shackles that has bound her.

While I expected this to be a five-star read because of Hugo, him being the kind of hero that would give a romance its weight in gold, I found that the story failed to fully explore the potential of Hugo. I understood why for a character like Hugo, who switches his roles so effectively when it comes to sex that is meaningless, it had to be different with Martha. But at the same time, I wanted Hugo to embrace the full extent of his reserves of sensuality with Martha and for their union to reach new heights in passion which would have given greater meaning to their bond.

I also found that while the story excels in character development and themes explored, some plot resolutions were a bit too convenient. The story’s pacing occasionally stumbled, particularly when it comes to the resolution of Hugo’s past and his abrupt realization of love for Martha which I wanted more out of.

One of the best aspects of the novel was its rich tapestry of secondary characters, from the adorable Celubion to the antagonistic Robert Clark, each adding depth to the narrative. Martha’s father, the vicar, embodies kindness and moral steadfastness, and becomes pivotal in shaping Hugo’s journey towards redemption and finding in Martha the salvation he had been searching for, even without realizing it himself.

Recommended for fans of Ms. LaViolette, fans of historical romances, and fans of richly textured romances that navigates the complexities of love and redemption in all its glory.

Final Verdict: Fans of historical romance will find much to admire in LaViolette’s nuanced characterization and the evocative setting explored in Hugo and the Maiden, making this a page-turner.

Favorite Quotes

His stern expression shifted into a sweet, gentle smile that Martha wouldn’t have believed his wicked lips capable of forming. “A kiss for luck.”
And then he lowered his mouth over hers and physical sensation swamped her. His lips were warm and firm; his scent was an earthy mix of male sweat and fresh air; and his body felt huge and hard against hers.
The tip of his tongue, soft and slick, flicked over her tightly pursed lips and she relaxed under the gentle caress. He made a low rumbling sound in his chest and then pulled away. Martha swayed toward him, her body following his.

“Martha,” he whispered, giving a slight, wondering shake of his head. “You need to understand what you will be getting. What you saw me doing that night? Fisting myself? That’s me, Martha. I’m crass and earthy and I like being that way. I’m not a gentleman—I’m not … couth. I don’t like furtive trysting in the dark—I like fucking in all its forms.”
She gasped.
Hugo nodded, as though she’d said something. “And I like saying the word fuck—and cruder words besides. I won’t be the kind of husband to visit you weekly and mount you in darkness. I want to know every part of your body, intimately, and I want you to learn all about mine.”

Martha had been dreaming of touching him for weeks—never had she expected the astounding silky softness of his skin. Or the heat of him.
He closed his hand around hers and gave a low growl of approval. “Just like that, darling—tight.” He released her hand and palmed her mound, gently squeezing her sex. “Mine.” He pushed two fingers inside her, working her with languid pumps. “All mine.”

“Tell me you want it,” he asked as he withdrew slowly, inch by inch. “Beg for it.”
“Please, Hugo, I want—”
Her words were the proverbial match to a fuse. “Take it,” he grated, slamming into her hard enough to move her up the bed.
Martha groaned. “More, please.”
“Take it all,” he growled, giving her his full length with each savage stroke.

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Apple

by mvbookreviewer

Review: The Secrets She Carried by Lynne Graham

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Third Person, Dual
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Harlequin
Hero: Cristophe Donakis
Heroine: Erin Turner
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: January 01, 2012
Started On: October 27, 2023
Finished On: October 27, 2023

‘You know that you want me just as much,’ he argued with unashamed assurance. ‘When we burn, we burn together.’

Craving for a story from Lynne Graham, the Queen of Harlequin Romance, I found myself with the novel In The Secrets She Carried, a story that delivers a tale brimming with intense emotions, misunderstandings, and the inevitable pull of an unfinished love story. The story brings to readers 30-year-old Greek billionaire Cristophe Donakis, whose life is marked with the scars left behind from significant events in his past. Orphaned at five and scarred by a bitter divorce, Cristo’s view of women remains jaded, and his expectations low.

25-year old Erin Turner is the heroine who changes all that, who is strikingly beautiful and ends up being the proverbial thorn on Christo’s side. Erin is an impressionable 21 when she initially meets Cristo and ends up having the most intense and passionate affair of her life. She had been no match for the relentless pursuit that Cristo had mounted to make her his, and when their affair ended abruptly leaving Erin bewildered and pregnant and Cristo bitter and more distrustful than before, this sets the stage for their reunion nearly three years down the line.

When Cristo encounters Erin at Stanwick Hall Hotel, her place of employment for the past couple of years, it stirs to life the ugly memories from before. Erin who is now 25 years old and a single mother to twins, struggling to secure a stable future for herself and her kids, has neither the time nor the energy to face the tumultuous truth of her past with Cristo, something she would rather forget altogether, if it were not for the truth of the paternity of her beloved twins.

With the fate of the hotel hanging in a balance, Erin is anxiety personified and having Cristo in this volatile mix, does not put her at ease. Cristo finds himself being led by his unresolved feelings for Erin in his bid to close the deal in acquiring the hotel, marking the reunion between Erin and Cristo one that is charged with mutual distrust. Cristo stands firm in his belief that he is the aggrieved party while Erin knows that she never had a chance when it came to Cristo given the vast differences in their social standing.

As their past unravels and entwines with the present, Cristo finds himself having to face some uncomfortable and jarring truths about their shared past, the one that had marked him to an extent he refuses to acknowledge. However, the truth emerging does not really change Cristo’s perception of Erin as it should, but rather it is as if he fights a battle with himself to gain supremacy over his emotions when it comes to Erin.

Erin’s strength as a character shines through as she navigates the treacherous waters that surrounds her and Cristo, infested with sharks willing to destroy her once again. Cristo’s reaction to every truth regarding their relationship from before is striking and contrasts vividly with that of how Erin harbors love of the kind that is willing to forgive. The knowledge that he is now father to two rambunctious twins itself comes as a form of “betrayal” to the man who chose to cut off all ties with Erin rather ruthlessly, without examining too closely what was happening around them.

Needless to say, their road to reconciliation is one fraught with tension and angst – something I love in my novels, and one main reason why I adore novels by Ms. Graham. She does an excellent job in the portrayal of the intricate dance of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption that takes place between Cristo and Erin which is central to the story. It is Erin’s emotional maturity which I believe made this story while Cristo’s inability to properly accept his wrongdoings and apologize nearly proved to be the undoing.

Cristo was definitely an unusual hero under most circumstances, having chosen to marry someone else right on the rebound from his relationship with Erin. Most readers would perhaps see that as a “betrayal” in itself, but what truly made it difficult for me was how Cristo came off as a hero who seems to have perfected the art in the non-apology department.

Recommended for fans of category romances that delivers on tension wrought journeys towards happily ever after.

Final Verdict: It is only an author like Ms. Graham who can make a story such as The Secrets She Carried work! Compelling in its narrative, this is a tale that tests the reader’s ability to forgive alongside with that of the heroine!

Favorite Quotes

‘Miss Turner?’ a sleek cultured drawl with the suggestion of an accent purred. ‘I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Your boss speaks very highly of you.’
Erin flinched as though a thunderclap had sounded within the room without warning, that dark-timbred voice unleashing an instant ‘fight or flight instinct she had to struggle to keep under control. She would have known that distinctive intonation laced with command had she heard it even at a crowded party. It was as unforgettable as the male himself.

The pulse in Erin’s neck was beating like crazy as she hovered by the bedroom window, refusing to look outside while her tummy twisted into knots. She had heard the helicopter landing, knew Cristo liked to fly himself, and knew it would be him and that within minutes he would walk through the bedroom door. She clasped her hands tightly together, willing back her nerves, striving for calm and cool.
And then the door flew open, rocking back on its hinges to frame Cristo, brilliant black diamond eyes snaking across the room to rest on her, his tall well-built body casting a long shadow in the lamp light. And there she was, silvery pale hair tumbling round her shoulders, something pretty and blue swirling round her petite little body, waiting for him just as he remembered from times gone by. Erin. He savoured her, noting the glow of self-consciousness that coloured the beautiful delicacy of her features. He experienced such a charge of hunger at the first glance that a predatory smile crossed his mobile male mouth.
‘Cristo…’ Erin contrived to enunciate with admirable clarity, only the breathy quietness of her voice letting her down.
‘Erin,’ he breathed thickly, closing the distance between them and hauling her straight into his arms.

And it took no thought to do any of those things and she was shaken by the instinct driving her at a level she didn’t understand. Her fingers curved to one high cheekbone as she struggled to stay upright with her heart slamming against her breastbone as hard as though she were in race. Her legs felt weak, insufficient to support her and she was fiercely aware of the empty ache in her pelvis and the swelling tightness of her breasts as he spread his big hands over her buttocks and crushed her into his hard erection.
‘I’m burning alive for you,’ Cristo growled almost accusingly, spinning her round to find the zip on her dress and taking care of it with efficiency.

‘I didn’t intend to fall on you like a wild animal the minute I came through the door,’ he volunteered impatiently. ‘I was planning on having dinner first.’
Erin averted her gaze, the victim of unwelcome memories of a passion that had never gone off the boil. ‘You were never very good at waiting. It was always like this for us—’
‘There is no “us” any more.’

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | HQ | Apple

by mvbookreviewer

Review: Hyacinth by S.M. LaViolette

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Historical Romance
POV: Third Person, Dual
Series: The Bellamy Sisters, #2
Publisher: Crooked Sixpence Press
Hero: Sylvester Derrick
Heroine: Hyacinth Mary Bellamy
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: February 28, 2023
Started On: October 22, 2023
Finished On: October 25, 2023

“Your mouth has been tormenting me and giving me… ideas.”
Hy wanted to beg him to describe those ideas, but she couldn’t make herself speak.
“I want to do unspeakable things to you… Hy.”

In Hyacinth, S.M. LaViolette crafts a deeply engaging tale set against the opulent and yet at times suffocating backdrop of London’s high society. The novel revolves around 36 year old Sylvester Derrick, the eighth Duke of Chatham, a man whose rugged exterior and cynical demeanor mask the scars of a tumultuous past. Haunted by the loss of his wife Mariah a decade prior, Sylvester is a complex hero—embittered by life’s harsh realities and yet unexpectedly stirred by the unusual 22 year old Hyacinth Mary Bellamy.

Hyacinth, or Hy, is anything but ordinary. As the second daughter of the Earl of Addiscombe, her striking orange hair and spectacles sets her apart from her conventionally beautiful siblings. But it is her bold choice to cross-dress as “Hiram” for nightly escapades that truly makes her character stand out, first out of a need for independence and later to alleviate her family’s financial burdens.

The novel deftly explores the stark contrast between Sylvester’s aristocratic world and the darker, illicit corners of the city that Hy and Sylvester converge. Their interactions are fraught with a simmering tension, as Sylvester, oblivious to Hy’s true identity, is drawn to her intelligence and charm, unknowingly flirting with the very essence of what he has long denied: love and vulnerability.

Ms. LaViolette masterfully intertwines themes of loss and regret, allowing Sylvester’s emotional scars to surface as he grapples with his burgeoning feelings for Hy. Hy is a wonderfully crafted neuro-divergent heroine, whose mind works distinctively differently from her peers. The scars that she carries, especially due to her mother who had found her tiresome in the extreme is one that makes your heart break for the younger version of Hy. It is also this very essence of her character which allows her to compete with men at high stake games of gambling at which she excels.

The gradual build-up of romantic tension between Hy and Sylvester evolves beyond mere physical attraction, culminating in a profound connection that highlights the strength of two seemingly disparate souls coming together. Their conversations reveal insecurities and desires, rendering their relationship not just a romantic entanglement, but a journey of self-discovery for both. It also leads Sylvester to gradually reevaluate his life, bringing him to conclusions about his past actions that does not sit very well with him and makes him understand how they could have hurt the very people who are important to him.

I loved both Sylvester and Hy. Sylvester because he was unabashedly male in a way that was breathtaking. Bored with his lot in life as it happens to most amongst the peerage with their excesses, Sylvester finally finds the solace and excitement that he seeks in Hy. It is only someone like Hy, who can stir his heart, body, and mind that would do for Sylvester and that is exactly what happens.

As mentioned earlier, Hy is an unusual heroine in many aspects. Her sense of curiosity and her lack of self-consciousness are perhaps the most alluring. It is most often our self-consciousness regarding what society demands and expects from us, that makes women hesitate most often when seeking our rightful place in society. While Hy knows her own mind and is fully cognizant of what she wants, a long-term relationship and marriage, especially to a Duke is not something she believes she is suited for. But of course, Sylvester is more than well suited and able to change her mind, with persuasive reasoning that proves to be Hy’s undoing.

Ms. LaViolette is an amazing writer and every single book she has penned to-date serves as a testament to that fact. The writing in this book too, is lush and evocative, painting vivid scenes that lives rent free in my head. One other factor when it comes to Ms. LaViolette’s writing is how rich her vocabulary is, and I always end up noting down a ton of words which I look up and learn from. This story is special for one other reason; the fact that Ms. LaViolette herself is touch averse as is Hy, and I believe her own experiences too have helped shape this book into what it is.

Hyacinth is a novel that ends up being more than just a romance; it is a profound exploration of identity, duty, and the transformative power of love. Sylvester and Hy are two halves of one soul, each challenging and complementing the other in ways that resonates deeply with the reader. Ms. LaViolette’s skillful storytelling and rich characterization makes this novel standout, making this a great second installment to The Bellamy Sisters series.

Recommended for fans of historical romances and for those who enjoy emotional depth and nuanced character dynamics in their romances.

Final Verdict: Hyacinth is a story that offers a refreshing perspective on the complexities of the human heart and mind, with characters that are deeply flawed and all too real!

Favorite Quotes

Ever so gently she caressed the thick fan of lashes that rested against his cheeks before lightly grazing the bony hardness of his nose, the velvety softness of his eyebrow, and the pulsing blue veins beneath the thin skin of his temples, not stopping until her fingers carded the fine, soft hairs near his ears. She was interested to discover that the gray hairs were slightly rougher than the glossy brown ones.
Hy saved the scar until last, careful not to touch the baby-soft skin too roughly.
She tried to imagine what he must have looked like before the injury but found that she could not picture him without the scar. It seemed so much a part of who he was. Had it changed him as much inside as it had externally?
How could you ever ask a person such an intimate question?

“My God you feel good.” His eyes closed as he took a moment to allow her to adjust, the pulse at the base of his throat throbbing so hard she couldn’t resist tonguing it.
He groaned as she licked him again and again. Hy lowered her mouth over the thin skin and sucked.
He gave a low chuckle. “Are you going to leave your mark on me?”
She nodded, using her teeth to graze the skin. When she pulled away, she smiled at the purpled, swollen skin.
“Proud of yourself?”
“Yes.”

He hissed, his jaws clenching and nostrils flaring as his eyes lowered to her lips. “I’ve dreamed about your mouth,” he said, his voice hoarse with desire.
Hy lowered her head until she could reach the slit in his crown with her tongue.
His body shook as she probed the tiny opening with the pointed tip of her tongue, teasing him until several vulgar, desperate words slipped from his lips.
Not until he whispered, “Please,” one more time did she take the fat head in her mouth and commence to wreck him.

Sylvester flung open the door to the connecting room and then grabbed Hy, who was in the process of shrugging out of her coat, by the upper arms and pinned her against the wall.
He claimed her mouth like a starving man falling on a banquet, more than a little pleased when she responded with equal hunger. She shoved her fingers into his hair, knocking off his hat and tightened her hands into fists.
“Mmmm,” he groaned, relishing the oddly pleasurable pain as she flexed her fingers, tugging hard enough to pull out more than a few hairs. “I thought the evening would never end,” he said when he came up for air.
“I noticed your playing was off tonight, Your Grace. Were you distracted by something?”
He nipped her lower lip. “You find that amusing, do you?”
She gave a throaty chuckle as Sylvester bit her chin.

Sylvester studied her from beneath lowered lashes, a sudden ball of anxiety pulsing in his belly.
She was clever, resourceful, loyal, sensual, adventurous—and more.
She was perfect for him—not just the perfect lover or companion, but the perfect person to share the rest of his life.
Perfect except for one, single, insurmountable obstacle: she was a stablemaster’s niece.

Purchase Links: Amazon

by mvbookreviewer

Review: Loving the Wounded Warrior by Adriana Anders

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: First Person, Dual
Series: Love at Last, #2
Publisher: Self-Published
Hero: Kurt Anderson
Heroine: O’Neal Jones
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: June 14, 2018
Started On: October 22, 2023
Finished On: October 22, 2023

Loving the Wounded Warrior by Adriana Anders, the second installment in her Love at Last series, is a short length novel that I wanted more out of. Featuring the rugged yet deeply scarred Kurt Anderson and determined reporter O’Neal Jones, this novel weaves a tale that had many elements that worked for it, while at the same time there were missing aspects to it to make the story more wholesome.

Kurt is a man struggling to find his footing after life deals him several harsh blows. Once a promising football player, a career-ending injury pushes him into the Marine Corps, where he faces the brutal realities of war. The physical and emotional scars are compounded by guilt and trauma of losing his closest friend while in the military, making the label of “wounded warrior” an apt description of the man he is.

In comes O’Neal Jones, a tenacious reporter for the Daily Dispatch, who is sent to cover a controversial event in Washington State’s North Puget Sound region. Her reckless driving nearly results in a deadly accident, bringing her face-to-face with Kurt, her brother Jared’s best friend, also her long-term crush while in high school.

An article that O’Neal writes with the best of intentions, ends up being the reason behind the wedge that drives Kurt away from Jared, and puts the nail in the coffin of his promising career in football. Kurt’s resentment towards O’Neal is palpable, which adds to the emotional intensity of the story. As O’Neal learns the full extent of her article’s impact, the feelings of guilt that she herself has to contend with, proves to be the undoing for someone like herself who does not do emotions.

While the dynamic between Kurt and O’Neal keeps the pages turning, it is Kurt’s character that gives the emotional punch to the story. Behind his rough and tough exterior lies a vulnerable heart, a man who has suffered much, both in professional and personal capacity. While O’Neal comes off as more tenacious, she shies away from exposing herself to emotional vulnerability, which perhaps makes her in fact, the more vulnerable of the two.

While the sexual tension and delivery was done well, I found that the novel’s pacing and character development left much to be desired. The story feels rushed, and the lack of depth in characterization detracts from the overall impact. The intense emotional themes and potential for deeper exploration are not fully realized, leaving readers yearning for more.

Despite these shortcomings, the novel does manage to capture Kurt’s struggle with his sense of self and O’Neal’s internal conflict between her professional instincts and personal feelings. Their relationship is a delicate balance of physical desire and emotional intimacy, pushing O’Neal to confront her usual approach to relationships and embrace a deeper connection with Kurt.

Recommended for fans of shorter novels featuring intense heroes that seeks deeper emotional ties with the heroines they fall for.

Final Verdict: In Loving the Wounded Warrior, Adriana Anders presents a heartfelt story that resonates with themes of forgiveness and rediscovery, making it a worthwhile read for fans of emotionally charged romances.

Favorite Quotes

It took just a slight shift for me to turn it into a hug. His head settled onto mine, and we were entwined. Not quite lovers, but more than two strangers comforting each other. Our parkas made a slithery sound, while the stuffing kept us from getting too close.
He inhaled, possibly sniffing me the way I’d done him, and I sank into his body, heavier, deeper, more relaxed and easy.

Lovers. That was what I wanted him to be. My lover, or…something.
Love.
Crap crap crap, O’Neal.
Yeah, so I’d fallen for the most emotionally unavailable man I’d ever met.
And I’d fallen hard.

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Apple

by mvbookreviewer

Review: Overkill by Sandra Brown

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary
POV: Third Person, Dual
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Hero: Zach Bridger
Heroine: Kathryn Cartwright Lennon
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: August 16, 2022
Started On: October 19, 2023
Finished On: October 20, 2023

In Overkill by Sandra Brown, readers are thrust into the chaotic life of Zach Bridger, a former Super Bowl MVP quarterback whose life takes a turn for the worse when he receives news of his ex-wife, who has been placed on life support following a violet assault. His high profile marriage to Rebecca Pratt had ended bitterly five years prior to the events that takes place in the novel.

When Zach is notified that he still holds her Medical Power of Attorney, he is thrust into making life-altering decisions on behalf of her – a responsibility which he does not want and struggles to cope with, especially with Rebecca’s family breathing down his neck. The media’s relentless scrutiny and the Pratt family’s accusations only add to his torment.

The story picks up four years later, with Zach having walked away from making that difficult decision, leaving it up to the Pratt family. At the same time, the man who was held to account for Rebecca’s condition gets an early release from prison, which reeks of favoritism and cards being pulled by his wealthy family’s influence, which does not sit well with Kathryn Cartwright Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor.

Kate, whose own past is tainted by darkness is adamant that the perpetrator be tried for murder if Rebecca dies. Once again, Zach is thrust into the midst of it all, amidst the legal and moral quagmire of which he finds an unexpected ally in Kate. Together, as they navigate the treacherous waters infested by the perpetrator and their unhinged actions, there forges to life an unexpected connection between Zach and Kate. Their relationship, though initially fraught with tension, evolves into something profound, providing Zach with the solace that he desperately needs.

As the story reaches its ultimate climax, the shocking twist does not come from the aspect of the perpetrator as is usual for novels of suspense, but rather from Rebecca’s father, who harbors a secret that shatters Zach to the very core. The subsequent events showcases Zach’s capacity for forgiveness and compassion, making him a truly compelling hero.

I found Overkill to be an interesting read; the concept that is explored, the ethical, moral, and religious dilemma posed by the decision that Zach has to take is something all too real in the world that we navigate today. Rather than leaving the action of taking one’s life up to God as society moves away from religion and the principles and ethical boundaries it dictates, communities are moving towards an ideology where ending one’s suffering early on is better than letting fate dictate their last moments on Earth.

As an individual, I can truly empathize and understand the appeal of such a route of escape. It is hell on earth to witness your loved ones suffering, being helpless to do much to ease their pain. For those suffering long-term, chronic conditions that makes their existence synonymous with debilitating pain, not to mention those who are counting their last days on earth following shattering news of diseases in their last stages eating away at their life expectancy, a way out of their pain would seem like Godsend.

With healthcare becoming costlier as the world advances in technology and development, putting affordable quality palliative care out of reach for most, the “solution” of pulling the plug becomes more attractive, given the choice. It is I believe, an equation that would continue to be debated, and moral boundaries pushed to the limits in the years to come.

The interesting moral questions aside, Overkill does have its predictable moments and deviates I would say, from the norm that is a Sandra Brown novel. The sizzle factor between Zach and Kate while present, feels slightly off, and their connection doesn’t quite reach the usual level of enchantment I have come to expect when I indulge in novels by Ms. Brown. Nonetheless, the unexpected twist towards the end does sort of make up for it.

Recommended for fans of Sandra Brown. This is definitely one of those novels that makes you think.

Final Verdict: Overkill is a page-turner that explores the complexities of human relationships and the moral dilemma of having to make life or death decisions. While not without its flaws, it remains a gripping tale that keeps you hooked until the very end.

Favorite Quotes

Braced above her, he looked into her face. His was flushed and taut. His eyes glinted with firelight and lust. His body radiated more heat than the flames licking at the logs.
Beneath him, she stirred. A slight lifting of her hips. A subtle grind. He hissed, “Christ, Kate.”
He pressed deeper and, lowering himself, took her mouth in a passionate kiss as he began to move. Her body fell into a rhythm of expansion and contraction. She wanted to clench him tightly and hold him deep, but his slow withdrawals and rapid stroking felt so good that she gladly gave herself over to the tempo he set.
As it escalated, he nestled his face against her ear and spoke in a rushed litany. The words ranged from romantic to earthy, sometimes profane, and often unintelligible.
But when an orgasm seized her, he also came, and his gruff whisper was clear, dear, and unmistakable. “It’s you, Kate.”

He pulled her to him and held her, his chin resting on the top of her head. He ran his hands down her back, over her smooth, shapely bottom. He couldn’t get enough of touching her, but eventually, he eased back and checked the water level in the tub. “If it fills up any more, it’ll be over your head.”
She took his hand and raised it to her lips. She kissed the bumpy knuckle of the index finger that had been broken three separate times by big-footed linemen. Tilting her head back to look into his face, she said softly, “I’m already in over my head.”

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | eBooks | Apple

by mvbookreviewer

Review: Out of Nowhere by Sandra Brown

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Third Person, Dual
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Hero: Calder Hudson
Heroine: Elle Portman
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: August 01, 2023
Started On: October 14, 2023
Finished On: October 19, 2023

Sandra Brown once again proves her unparalleled prowess in creating heroines of class and sensuality, coupled with smoldering heroes that set the pages ablaze. Out of Nowhere, first published in August 2023, is a testament to Brown’s superiority in weaving a spellbinding tale of romantic suspense, with romance and suspense delivered in equally tantalizing doses.

Out of Nowhere thrusts readers into the lives of Calder Hudson and Elle Portman, whose paths intertwine under the most tragic of circumstances. A visit to a county fair ends in disaster, when Elle finds herself grieving for the loss of her two-year old son. Elle, a children’s book author who chose to be a single mother, faces the worst possible calamity that would befall any parent – the untimely demise of their children.

The shooting incident itself is a gripping brain twister, with Ms. Brown keeping the readers guessing until the very end. While little headway is made in identifying the shooter, there are elements at play that leaves a bad taste in Calder’s mouth; his worst fear being that somehow he is the reason behind the shocking and unfortunate deaths of so many people. This twist adds flair to the mystery elements that only an author like Ms. Brown can bring to her stories, and that remains one reason why I always come back for more where her books are concerned.

As things escalate on all fronts, Calder finds himself unable to turn away from Elle, the woman who makes him feel alive and also at peace at the same time. It takes an extraordinary writer to be able to juggle an atrocious event such as a mass shooting, with the heroine facing an immeasurable loss which also results in her coming face to face with the man who undoes her, a bond that is heartfelt and poignant at its very core.

The sensuality between Calder and Elle is once again, classic Ms. Brown. Elle, the beautifully tender and strong heroine who brings Calder to his very knees, and Calder who is just effortlessly carnal in ways that pushes all your buttons. With a searing touch here, and a scorching glance there, Ms. Brown is often able to bring to life imagery of the kind that even the most hardcore erotica is unable to pull off. The earthy sexuality that resonates through the pages warmed the heart of the romantic deep in me, while the killer who remained at large left chills creeping up and down my spine.

Needless to say, I loved everything about the novel, from Calder in whose past lies the key to mystery that unfolds in the story to Elle who was undoubtedly the star of the story. Readers won’t remain untouched by all that she is – good-hearted to the very core, resilient in a way few of us can only ever hope to be, and elegant without even trying to be.

Recommended for everyone who loves a good romantic suspense. There are few authors who can compete with Ms. Brown in pulling one off!

Final Verdict: Out of Nowhere is a compelling and emotionally charged romantic suspense with a masterfully executed whodunit plot, carving into stone Ms. Brown’s reputation as a master storyteller.

Favorite Quotes

He eased his mouth down to hers, giving her time to protest, praying she wouldn’t. He tried a different slant, and this time her lips were more pliant. Their tongues touched. When his slid into her mouth, she gave a purr of permission.
He lowered his hands from her face to her waist, drawing her against him as he had when he’d embraced her the night before. This time, however, as though her form had been sculptured onto him, adjustments were unnecessary. On contact, they fit together so familiarly and perfectly, they breathed sighs into each other’s mouths.
He deepened the kiss, slipped one hand under the roomy sweatshirt, and splayed it over her bottom, lifting her against him until he filled the notch of her thighs. Filled it well.

Under her baggy sweatshirt was skin like warm satin. A scanty, lacy, see-through bra. The stuff of wet dreams, but bothersome as hell when trying to get his mouth around her nipple, already raised.
He would have been fine with the couch, the wall, the floor, but, still glued together, they’d somehow stumbled their way into her bedroom.
Clothing had been an aggravation, but she did manage to wiggle out of her leggings and underwear. He’d unbuttoned his shirt but didn’t waste precious time taking it off. Within a second of levering himself above her, he’d gotten his belt unbuckled, his zipper down, his slacks shoved past his hips.
She’d been wet, but tight, and had felt so good when he’d pushed into her that he’d shuddered and said… something. Hadn’t he? Maybe.
He’d pressed into her until he couldn’t press any farther, then began thrusting. He’d braced himself on his hands, arms straight, back arched. Her hands clutching his ass insistently. It had been hard and fast and vigorous, breath-stealing and heart-pounding, and then they came.
Jesus, it had been amazing.

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | eBooks | Apple

by mvbookreviewer

Review: My Darling Neighbor by Swati MH

Format: E-Book
Read with: Kindle Oasis
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: First Person, Dual
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Self-Published
Hero: Penn Maddux Cooke
Heroine: Sita Stewart
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Published On: May 26, 2022
Started On: October 07, 2023
Finished On: October 14, 2023

I hadn’t known she’d become my lifeline that night, my buoy in a cold and lonely ocean. But finding her here now, knowing that she stayed despite everything I put her through today, I know she’s so much more. She’s my refuge and my salvation.

Swati MH’s My Darling Neighbor delivers an intense blend of passion, emotional depth, and personal growth that hooks readers from the first page. The story revolves around Penn Maddux Cooke, a grumpy yet compelling hero, and Sita Stewart, a strong and determined heroine who knows what she wants.

Penn, at 37, carries the weight of a painful past. Losing his wife six years prior to the commencement of the story leaves its mark on him, so does the difficult marriage he had with her towards the end. This shapes Penn into someone who is guarded and reluctant to emotionally make himself vulnerable again. Yet, when 27 year old lawyer Sita ignites that undeniable spark in him, as much as he would like to, he knows that it is a losing war in which he fights.

Sita who has crushed on her neighbor for a long while, finds herself put off by his standoffish manner. However, a chance encounter puts them at crosshairs with each other, upon which Penn is finally forced to acknowledge that he has not been immune to Sita in any sense. But rather, it is Penn’s defense mechanism at work, trying to avoid especially women like Sita who reminds him of what he lost.

Sita’s character is driven by her own insecurities that stems from being an adoptee. The loss of her father has left its mark on her, and being responsible for her ailing mother stretches her thin, while handling the demands of her career. While Sita tries to tell herself that men like Penn would not want someone like her, the escalating sexual tension between the two, which Ms. Swati masterfully creates, is another reason this book stands out.

When the culmination of the build-up eventually takes place and Sita ends up pregnant, that is what sets in motion the events that brings to forth Penn’s history and his vulnerabilities. Penn’s gruff exterior that hides a sentimental side, his struggle with grief and guilt over his deceased wife all adds to the intrigue that is all Penn.

Sita’s strength shines through in many aspects, showcasing her maturity and resilience as a character. Despite the 10-year age difference between her and Penn, Sita is a woman who knows her mind and accepts herself on her terms, able to reconcile her wants and needs with handling a man like Penn with sensitivity required of her. Dealing with the gradual loss of her mother also makes her emotionally stronger perhaps, and more adapt to changing circumstances, which at times is required of her when dealing with Penn and his difficult past.

Once again, it is Ms. Swati’s ability to create a sexual dynamic that is intense, with scenes that are both explicit and emotionally charged that makes this story worth delving into. Penn’s possessiveness and dominance contrasts with his vulnerability, creating a multifaceted character that I found captivating.

While My Darling Neighbor delivers on many fronts, the angst that I expected from an enemies to lovers romance, with a grumpy widowed hero at that, left me a bit piqued. However, the maturity and depth with which Sita handles everything, especially curveballs that comes her way through Penn, make this book worthwhile.

Recommended for fans of romances featuring widowed heroes who are a bit broken on the inside and the heroines who bulldoze their way into mending them.

Final Verdict: My Darling Neighbor offers readers with a captivating blend of passion, emotional depth, and personal growth, with a complex hero coupled with a resilient heroine. Intense chemistry and rich backstories make this a page-turner!

Favorite Quotes

This guy has some nerve. I snort, trying to slide away from him when his large, warm hand wraps around my wrist. “Go to dinner with me.”
My eyes widen as my back is pressed against the wall behind me again and he takes over all the air around me.
There’s no oxygen left.
I’m going to asphyxiate.
I had my whole life ahead of me still.
My chest presses against his as he places his hands on the wall next to my head. The tip of his nose slides down my temple and every little hair on the back of my neck and my arms rises in anticipation.
In anticipation of what, I don’t know, but they’re anticipating something.
“You’re . . ..” Breathe, Sita. Fucking breathe. “You’re insane, you know that?”

“Did you finally get my flowers?” he asks as I continue my oral exploration of him.
“Yes.” My breath fans his face. “Thank you.”
His lips find my neck and his scruff scrapes deliciously against my skin. “Did you read the card?”
“Yes. Why should I apologize?”
He starts walking us back to his room and with every step, the bulge in his pajamas bumps against my heated center, creating this delicious thumping right inside my core. Even without seeing it, I know I’m going to want to ride it more than once. I haven’t orgasmed with anyone else before, but I swear, I’m headed toward that right now and he hasn’t even taken off his pants yet.
God, I need him naked right the fuck now.
Naked and ripping me right down the center with that huge rocket he’s packing.
A sweet and sizzling pain ripples across my ass as I realize he’s slapped it and I jolt. I’m about to protest when he does it again and this time, I moan. What the fuck? Why am I moaning?
“Because you’ve been a pain in my ass ever since the day you tried to start a conversation with me in the elevator about the fucking weather.”

I pull off her shorts and feast my eyes on her, completely bare to me–smooth tan skin, delicate curves, and those legs that I’m obsessed with. She’s fucking perfect, like a work of art in some gallery, really. She probably shouldn’t be touched or marked. And if I were a better man, I wouldn’t touch her. I wouldn’t mark her.
If I were a better man, that is.
Because I’m going to paint her with me. Stain her skin with my mouth and my hands. And I’m not even going to apologize about it.
I’m mesmerized taking her all in, suspended in a middle state between reality and fantasy. A fantasy I wish I’d never laid eyes on because now, all I want to do is dream all day.

His tongue pulls out and pushes back into me, and I feel like I lose consciousness, like I’ve just become one with the sky and stars. My release hits me so hard, I almost fold around him. His hands slip up to my waist, keeping me steady as he milks me for everything I have until there’s nothing left for me to give.
Laying me onto the blanket again, he waits for me to find his gaze. When I do, his smug smirk points back at me and I roll my eyes, hiding my own smile. His laugh masks any other sound on this rooftop and I bask in it, letting it descend down my chest and gather in my belly–the place I’m housing his secret.
Can you hear that, little man? That’s your dad’s laugh.

Purchase Links: Amazon