A Mafia Romance

It Shouldn't Be You by Shannon Jade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"It Shouldn't Be You" by Shannon Jade, the second installment in the Four Points Mafia series, is a gripping tale that masterfully combines intense drama, raw emotions, and forbidden romance. The story follows Logan, a character driven by a desperate need to escape his past and the twisted legacy left by his father. Logan's journey is complicated by his involvement in an arranged marriage with Abigail, a mafia princess who has resigned herself to a loveless union.

From the outset, the tension between Logan and Abigail is palpable. Abigail, initially wary and guarded, finds herself slowly drawn to Logan's complexities and vulnerabilities. Logan, in turn, is torn between his growing feelings for Abigail and his dangerous life. Their relationship evolves from one of mutual suspicion to a deep and consuming passion, making readers root for their love to prevail against all odds.

Shannon Jade's writing is both evocative and immersive, capturing the dark allure of the mafia world while also delving into the emotional struggles of the characters. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Themes of redemption, resilience, and the power of love are woven throughout the novel, offering a poignant exploration of how two flawed individuals can find solace and strength in each other. "It Shouldn't Be You" is a compelling read that will leave fans eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

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FUMBLING IN THE DARK

Fumbling in the Dark: Vegas After Dark by Nichole Ruschelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"What happens when love, secrets, and the spotlight collide? Discover the irresistible charm of Nichole Ruschelle's 'Fumbling in the Dark,' where a football star's heart meets its match."

Nichole Ruschelle's "Fumbling in the Dark" is a captivating romance that delves into the complexities of love, fame, and the secrets we keep. The story follows a newly drafted NFL star who finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with a recent breakup just as he steps into the limelight with the Las Vegas Vipers.

Amidst his heartache, his best friend and teammate plays matchmaker, setting him up on a blind date on Valentine's Day. Enter the grumpy, enigmatic woman who captures his heart from the moment she walks in. As their connection grows, he decides to keep his identity as a famous football player a secret, hoping she will fall for the real him.

Ruschelle masterfully weaves a tale of passion, humor, and authenticity, exploring the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with genuine human connection. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the plot twists keep readers hooked until the very last page.

Themes of trust, self-discovery, and resilience are at the heart of this delightful romance, making "Fumbling in the Dark" a must-read for fans of contemporary love stories. With its relatable characters and engaging narrative, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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WHO WE WERE

Who We Were: The Torn Omega duet: Book 1 by Y.V. Larson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dive into the dark and compelling world of "Who We Were" by Y.V. Larson, where trauma and resilience intertwine in an unforgettable Omegaverse tale.

"Who We Were" by Y.V. Larson is a gripping entry into the Omegaverse genre, introducing readers to Amaya, an Omega who has endured significant trauma. The narrative delves into her journey of recovery and self-discovery after being rescued from the oppressive Premium Designation Academy. The story is rich with themes of trust, resilience, and second-chance romance, all set against a backdrop of dark and intense moments.

Larson's writing is immersive, drawing readers into Amaya's world and the complexities of her relationships with her childhood friends turned mates. The multiple points of view add depth to the characters, making their struggles and triumphs feel personal and relatable. The slow-burn romance and the intricate dynamics of the Alpha/Beta/Omega hierarchy are well-executed, providing a fresh take on familiar tropes.

Ready to embark on an emotional journey of redemption and healing? Just immerse yourself in this heart-wrenching tale today!

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Timeborne

Timeborne ( Blade of Shadows Book 1): Revamped Edition 2025 by Sara Samuels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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📖 Timeborne by Sara Samuels – A Thrilling Time-Travel Fantasy You Can’t Miss! ⏳🔥

What if your past wasn’t just history—but your destiny? Timeborne, the first book in the Blade of Shadows series by Sara Samuels, takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through time, blending romance, action, and mystery in a way that keeps you hooked from page one.

Olivia James is no ordinary heroine. Haunted by her mother’s murder and trained to be a fighter, she’s thrust from modern-day Seattle into ancient Rome—a world of ruthless gladiators, imperial intrigue, and dark forces hunting her across time. With her only ally being Roman Alexander, a former gladiator with secrets of his own, Olivia must uncover the truth about her Timeborne abilities before history swallows her whole.

Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Fast-paced & immersive – perfect for fans of ACOTAR & Fourth Wing
✅ Sizzling romance – enemies-to-lovers tension done right! ❤️‍🔥
✅ Time-travel meets dark fantasy – an epic twist on historical fiction
✅ Cliffhanger ending – you’ll be grabbing book 2 ASAP!

If you love fierce heroines, powerful warriors, and a plot packed with twists, Timeborne is your next binge-read. Don’t miss out—grab your copy today and step into the past where the future is at stake!

📚✨ Have you read it? Drop your thoughts below!

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The Thief & The Marquis

Shilling & Florin Book Two: The Thief & the Marquis: A Shilling & Florin Mystery by Kate Haley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Join Shilling and Florin on their perilous journey! 🕵️‍♂️💖

In the esteemed follow-up to the enthralling "Jack of Hearts," Kate Haley weaves a tapestry of intrigue and romance in "The Thief & the Marquis." Amidst the shadowed alleys of London and the grandeur of French châteaux, the indomitable Charles Shilling and the astute Doctor Amelia Florin find themselves ensnared in a web of deception and peril.

Shilling, ever the paragon of chivalry, vows to shield Florin from the nefarious forces that loom. Their quest for justice takes them across the Channel, where the elusive thief's trail grows ever colder. Yet, within the labyrinthine corridors of power and mystery, a fire kindles between the protagonists—a slow-burn affection that defies the conventions of their time.

Haley's prose is a veritable symphony of historical authenticity and modern sensibilities. Her characters are etched with depth and nuance, their trials and triumphs resonating with the reader's heart. As secrets unravel and truths are laid bare, the reader is transported to an era where honor and love dance a delicate waltz.

Verily, "The Thief & the Marquis" is a masterful blend of mystery and romance, a testament to Haley's prowess as a storyteller.

Question of the Day (QOTD): If you were thrust into the world of "The Thief & the Marquis," would you choose to be the cunning thief or the gallant protector?

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The Therans - Mesmerizing Young Adult Fantasy

The Therans: Secrets Beneath Scars by Cyndi Brec
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

📚 Uncover Hidden Mysteries and Enigmatic Realms! 📚

Dive into "The Therans: Secrets Beneath Scars" by Cyndi Brec, a mesmerizing young adult fantasy that will immerse you from the very first page! 🌟

This spellbinding tale delves into supernatural intrigue and the depths of trauma. Meet Callie Tresham, a sixteen-year-old grappling with the violent loss of her parents—a tragedy she saw coming but couldn’t prevent. Her journey of healing and discovery will tug at your heartstrings!

Cyndi Brec masterfully crafts a gripping narrative filled with emotional intensity as Callie navigates the challenges of high school while concealing her extraordinary powers. The world-building is intricate, creating a dazzling backdrop for the unfolding drama. Witness Callie’s remarkable evolution from a quiet, fiercely loyal girl into a powerful, resilient heroine.

The tension is palpable, with a slow-burn romance that adds layers of complexity to Callie's life. Brec's evocative writing paints vivid images, pulling you deeper into the story. Themes of loss, survival, and the quest for identity resonate throughout, explored with heartfelt sensitivity and depth.

If you crave fantasy, mystery, and romance, "The Therans: Secrets Beneath Scars" is an absolute must-read! Cyndi Brec has woven a tale that will linger in your thoughts long after turning the final page.

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THE BREAKS - A REVIEW

The Breaks by Ellen Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

✨ Ever wondered what happens when life throws you the most unexpected curveballs? Dive into Ellen Barker's "The Breaks" and uncover a heartwarming journey of friendship and resilience. 🌟

📖 In "The Breaks," Ellen Barker masterfully intertwines the lives of two women, Marianne and Stephanie, who meet under the most unconventional circumstances. Marianne's life takes a sharp turn when she finds herself in an emergency room with a broken arm after a date gone wrong. This twist of fate leads her to a favor for a nun—picking up Stephanie, an ex-convict, from a women's prison.

As Marianne and Stephanie navigate their individual challenges, they form a heartwarming and inspiring bond. Barker's storytelling shines through her vivid character development and the deep, emotional connection she creates between the reader and the protagonists. The novel beautifully explores themes of community, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection.
Barker's narrative is a testament to the strength found in the most unexpected places and the friendships that blossom when least expected. If you're a fan of contemporary fiction that tugs at your heartstrings, "The Breaks" is a must-read. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most significant breakthroughs come from the breaks we endure.

✨ Don't miss out on this incredible journey! Grab your copy of "The Breaks" by Ellen Barker today and let Marianne and Stephanie's story inspire you. 📚💫

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BREAKS

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Breaks (a Novel) by Ellen Barker
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  310 pages
Genre: Literary Novel
Publisher: She Writes Press
Release date:  February 2025
Content Rating:   PG-13 +M:  I'm not sure if this book should be PG-13 or PG-13+M. The book contains little profanity, no sex or violence, and no abortion, suicide, adultery, sexual or physical abuse. It does deal with wrongful conviction and women leaving prison, which may be unsuitable for under 13. 

Book Description:

Waking up in the emergency room with a broken arm was not one of the ways Marianne imagined her first date with Carl, if it is a date, ending up. Nor was driving up to the entrance of a women’s prison a few weeks later anywhere on her radar. But here she is. At least I’m on this side of the gate. She picks up newly released Stephanie, as a favor to a nun she barely knows, returns to her East of Troost home, and finds herself immersed in a whole new drama.

East of Troost is Marianne’s childhood neighborhood, downtrodden by decades of redlining and a wide swath of destruction to make way for an expressway. Marianne moved back there after a reversal of fortune limited her options. She’s had to repair the house and deal with a couple of “incidents” – hence her acquaintance with Officer Carl. 

Meanwhile, Sister Colette has bought the house behind her and is taking in women who, in her words, need to learn to “just live.” As Stephanie helps Marianne cope with her broken arm, she gradually comes out of her shell and teaches Marianne a thing or two about "just living."

BUY THE BOOK:
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Meet the Author:

Ellen Barker grew up in Kansas City during a period of demographic upheaval, and she returns there in her novels. She has a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Washington University in Saint Louis, where she developed a passion for how cities work, and don’t. She began her career as an urban planner, then spent many years working for large consulting firms, first as a writer-editor and later managing large data systems. Her volunteer work involves years of pet-assisted therapy with children in “the system,” both foster care and prison. She is the author of East of Troost, which introduced readers to the neighborhood where The Breaks takes place, and Still Needs Work, which takes place in the same area. She now lives in Los Altos, California, with her husband and their German shepherd, Boris, who is the inspiration for the dog in this novel.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~  bookbub ~  goodreads

EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE-A SPORTS ROMANCE

Every Move You Make by Sloan Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sloan Spencer's "Every Move You Make" is an electrifying romance that captivates readers from the first page. The story is a beautifully woven tapestry of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Isaiah Johanssen, a charming and dedicated professional rugby player, has secretly harbored feelings for his best friend, Robyn Cassidy, for years. Robyn, a spirited and determined woman, is oblivious to Isaiah's love as she embarks on a journey to win his heart with the help of her personal trainer, Del.

What makes this novel stand out is the raw, unfiltered emotions Spencer brings to life. The chemistry between Isaiah and Robyn is palpable, and Del's unexpected feelings add a thrilling twist to the narrative. The author masterfully explores the complexities of love triangles, unspoken desires, and the courage it takes to risk everything for love.

Spencer's writing is as dynamic as the sport her characters play. The romance is steamy yet tender, the dialogue is witty and genuine, and the plot is refreshingly unpredictable. This book is more than just a romance; it's a testament to the power of friendship and the transformative power of love.

Don't miss out on this must-read romance! Order your copy of "Every Move You Make" today and be one of the first to dive into this heartwarming and exhilarating story. Your next favorite read is just a click away!

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Happy reading! 📚💖



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Shots Fired: A Sapphic Mafia Romance by K.G. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Sapphic Mafia Romance by K.G. Smith is a high-octane rollercoaster of violence, betrayal, and forbidden love. In a world where power is taken, not given, two women stand at the crossroads of passion and destruction. This book is a gripping and passionate novel that delves into the complexities of forbidden love set against the backdrop of organized crime. The story centers around Chiara Bianchi, the powerful Donna of the Bianchi Famiglia, who finds herself caught between her loyalty to her family and her deep, unyielding love for Emilia Moretti, her childhood best friend.

🔫 The brutality of the mafia is unflinching—every gunshot, every betrayal is a chilling reminder that loyalty comes at a deadly price. Power-hungry crime lords, ruthless assassins, and a world where love is the most dangerous gamble of all.

❤️ But amidst the chaos, love refuses to die. The tension, the stolen moments, the raw passion—this isn’t just romance, it’s survival. Can love thrive in a world built on violence? Or will the mafia tear them apart before they even have a chance?

If you love:
⚡ Mafia drama with no mercy
🔥 Sapphic romance with intense chemistry
💔 Morally gray characters fighting for love & power
Then this book is a MUST-READ.

📖 Tag your dark romance bestie & add this to your TBR NOW!

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