Twisted Fate by Becca Kane

What I liked most about TWISTED FATE is that Damian was a true dark, sinister mafia prince. Emotionless, threatening, and deadly. Alina was the only one that would get to see him. She was tested and that is most of the compelling drama in the story. I’ll definitely read Book 2.

By His Vow by Tracy Lorraine

I read the entire story, BY HIS VOW, and I actually liked the story a lot, but was frustrated with the FMC for always having to be difficult - that gets tiresome, not cute. I also thought there was a lot of repetition of this “one step forward, two steps back” romance.

The first overused thing was the constant reminders that 1) Marriage was for 1 year, and 2) Best friend’s sister involved. The second overused thing was the pattern of something going well, people get drunk, adult activities take place, next day regrets occur and period of miscommunication/self flagellation/reminders of overused thing 1 take place.

So, now I am wondering if Lori and Kian’s story will be more of the same. I want to read it, but I if it shapes up similarly, I won’t persevere.

A Twisted Gift by E. Firethorn

A TWISTED GIFT is for the fans of the dark, gothic romance and just happens to add some holiday spirit, possibly sinister, at the same time.

What I liked about it is the unrequited love between Raina and Erik after they had been torn apart as children by an evil, abusive parent. Erik never gives up trying to get back to Raina to rescue her.

I can recommend this dark novella after reading an advance copy if you are intrigued by the dark motivations to protect loved ones. Good story.

I Won’t Be In On Monday by J.S. Cooper

I enjoyed I WON’T BE IN ON MONDAY enough to read the whole book, but I think I kept expecting it to get me in the feels at some point but it never really did. The characters are okay, but too inconsistent. If we see a gradual change in a relationship based on whatever is going on in the plot, I can get on board. That and the fact his daughter was always an afterthought just kept this book from hitting the right notes for me.

Bourbon Lullaby by Walker Rose

As a series starter, BOURBON LULLABY had the difficult task of introducing us to the quite large Bailey family. I always find that daunting in a series when romances tend to focus on a few important characters.

The romance in this one was as difficult as they come. Secrets, lack of communication, and just plain old nasty relatives made it hard for Myles to believe in his worth. Wynn had her own issues but the love of her family to shore her up. I am going to enjoy more of the Bailey-Kerrigan- Foster family saga.

That One Regret by Carrie Elks

THAT ONE REGRET is a forbidden romance, age gap, and pretty much an instalove, too. If you love a good romantic story with the drama of sneaking around to avoid the ire of family, you will love this book.

The Charming Billionaire by Samantha Skye

THE CHARMING BILLIONAIRE has the advantage of being rather unique in that it takes place in the world of politics. But I enjoyed it for the scorned “ex”, the nasty mother, and the close knit brothers that all made compelling characters.

There is loads of spice in this book. It’s got a lot of good elements, but the scenes are too long.