The Girl Who Jumped

It’s almost the weekend, friends! I come to you with a treat. Enjoy a little comedy with your dom/sub romps? Want a dash of the forbidden in the search for Mr. Right Now? Look no further than The Girl Who Jumped by Matilda Swinney.

• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• Steam Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Tilly is a twenty-five-year old aspiring actress who’s ready to get back on the dating scene after a relationship that crashed and burned. Her friends push her to live out her deepest sexual fantasies and seek out a man to help her online. It doesn’t take long for her to find the perfect one; tall, blue-eyed, older, generous, and ready to dominate her.

“Sir” knows just how to care for his sub, and it isn’t long before Tilly’s living the high life on the weekends between following her acting dreams and spending time with her bffs and mother. But after the trips to Prada and endless nights of blindfolds and hotel suites, the line between “the game” and real life begins to blur.

As they begin to entangle themselves in something more than the no-strings-attached fun they agreed on, will they be able to stick to the rules or will they both have no choice but to take the leap?

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I loved this book. It was hot but also hilarious. I mean, the first two lines are “I had an eighty percent chance of being murdered. Mum would have a heart attack if she knew.” And as a fan of true crime and knowing when I might end up as the subject of a Dateline special, that tickled me. Throughout the book, Tilly is a hilarious narrator that lets us readers know every delightful thought that flows through her mind.

The relationship between Tilly and Sir also had great growth from contracted lovers to a couple that really might have a shot at things. Though sometimes I wanted to shake both of them, since they each seemed to enjoy pretending their current arrangement wasn’t evolving before their eyes. But that’s the hallmark of a solid romance…when you’re invested in the couple, right?

Overall, I found The Girl Who Jumped to be a wonderful blend of Bridget Jones’s Diary and a healthier version of 50 Shades. It’s great for all romance readers, even the ones new to the BDSM scene between the pages.

Father of Monsters

I love history, legends, and retellings most of all when it comes to a well done tale of magic and otherworldliness. I found that in Father of Monsters by A.B Frost.

• Genre: Myth Retelling
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 5/6 Glass Slippers

The Poetic Edda gives us the bases for the gods and goddesses we know best from Norse mythology. They tell of heroes journeys and tricks played by immortals, of seer women and all of mankind. While Loki plays a small part in those, Frost has given him a true voice in Father of Monsters.

Witty and well-researched, this novella gives Loki a chance to tell his own tales as he regales readers with accounts of his mistakes and choices, and the ways he often tries to rectify them. It doesn’t read like Marvel fanfiction, as some Loki stories I’ve read have. Instead, we get a book more in line with the original story of the trickster god. He’s given layers and a certain sass I feel is very fitting.

Overall, I recommend this book for fans of north mythology, and even those who enjoy the Marvel version we all know and love.

Cosplay Worthy

I can never say no to an adorable cover, so when newly minted author Quiana Glide introduced me to her debut novel Cosplay Worthy, how could I say no at first glance?

• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 5/6 Glass Slippers

Layla Bennet loves the nerd scene. She can make cosplay costumes out of anything and knows all there is to know about her top super heroes. When she has the chance to meet her all time favorite comic author at a convention, she’s ready to let her fan girl side fly. Although it flies a little too high, and when face to face with famous writer Vic Williams, it’s hard to concentrate on anything more than her own excitement.

When she bumps into Vic later at the hotel bar, all embarrassment is forgotten as they bond over cosplay and her dreams to be a comic book artist. A chance encounter turns into Facebook friend requests and midnight texts when the weekend’s over. Soon the long distance friends become lovers and learn how to navigate their dreams, jobs, and the expectations of those around them. Until the stress of it all becomes a little too much to bear.

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I loved Layla, and the fact that she was from Philly made me love her all the more as a South Jersey girl. She’s creative and bubbly, even if a bit awkward. She’s embodies the best the nerd fandom has to offer and really knows how to have fun. While she sometimes felt like she didn’t deserve a star like Vic, I was rooting for her to get the man and more.

For a debut novel, it was fantastic. Funny and steamy, it was an easily enjoyable book I was glad I had the chance to read. It did slow a bit in the middle, but sometimes some low bits make the book more lifelike. Glide should be commended for her first foray into publishing.

I recommend this book to all readers who like a little cosplay and a dash of steam with their romance.

The Fae Warrior’s Princess

It’s no secret that the Between Dawn and Dusk series by Jamie Schlosser is one of my favorite fantasy romances of all time. It’s good luck that it’s 20 degrees in New Jersey and The Fae Warrior’s Princess has just come out! While nothing can compare to the tale of Kerian and Quinn, each couple in this series is always a delight.

• Genre: Fantasy Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Princess Dani of the Night Realm knows why her father’s best warrior, Torius, left to go on an assignment in the human world. As fated mates, he feared what his king and best friend would think if he told him he was fated to be with his only daughter, the future queen. While the Fae aren’t considered old enough to wed until they’re 21, Dani decides 19 years is long enough, and hunts Torius down in the human world, looking to cement their bond once and for all.

Torius is overjoyed to see his mate and complete their bond…until he learns she’s not yet 21, making their joining a punishable offense. He reluctantly agrees to stay in the human world longer with her until everyone in the Night Realm forgets the pesky law that Dani calls antiquated. But a day in the human world is a year in the Fae one, and it doesn’t take long until someone comes to find them. But it isn’t to punish them, it’s to bring a warning.

The plague that once killed most of the young female Fae is back with a vengeance. Highly contagious and deadly, it also brought darkness with it that killed the crops. The curse is hard to break, nearly impossible, but the Night Realm king knows Torius can help end it. Now it’s more important than ever to keep the meeting bond a secret.

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Torius has the ever popular “I’ll kill anyone who touches her” vibe I enjoy in my romances. I like when the male lead is completely and utterly devoted to his partner…and has many killed a few people, but you know how that is! I was also initially worried how the fated mate at birth scenario was going to shake out. If it was anything as terrible and awkward as the whole Jacob and Reconciliation mate thing in Twilight, I was going to cry. But lucky for me, Schlosser gave the pair literal worlds between them until Dani was old enough.

This book hits the ground running in a way the others before it haven’t. Not to say the others in the series weren’t fantastic. But we dive right into the heat, and the drama swiftly follows, giving us a lot to keep us hooked until the very end. Seriously, I read it in one sitting.

Overall, I call this another win for the fantasy romance lovers. Snag your copy of The Fae Warrior’s Princess asap so you don’t miss out on the fun.

The Fae Warrior’s Princess

I was only five months old the first time I looked into my mate’s eyes, but it took less than a second for my soul to recognize Torius as my other half. Then, without a word, he walked away from me and never came back. The sharp sting of rejection left me inconsolable for days, and in the years following, I sensed his absence like my own heart was missing.

At first, I didn’t understand Torius’ reasons for avoiding me. I didn’t know he’d been my father’s best friend since they were kids or that revealing our connection too soon could have consequences.

Just to make sure we never crossed paths again, Torius’ brilliant solution was to run off to the human realm. He thought he could hide from me until I’m old enough, until he’s ready to face our fate and my father.

I’ve always known he’d come back to me someday.

But not if I find him first.

My plan is playing out perfectly until we’re called back to Valora, where our relationship is still a secret. Where our world is changed, ridden with curses and darkness, and Torius is our only hope. It’s up to him to save our home.

Well, it’s up to us.

The Fae Warrior’s Princess is the fourth book in the Between Dawn and Dusk series. Although this story can be enjoyed on its own, it’s recommended that the books in this series are read in order.

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In The Series: Kindle Unlimited

The Fae King’s Curse

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The Fae King’s Dream

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The Fae King’s Prize

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Jamie Schlosser writes steamy new adult romance and romantic comedy. When she isn’t creating perfect book boyfriends, she’s a stay-at-home mom to her two wonderful kids. She believes reading is a great escape, otters are the best animal, and nothing is more satisfying than a happily-ever-after ending.

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Website: www.jamieschlosser.com

The Cowboy Says I Do

He needs her to say I do…

When professional rodeo cowboy Beck Ballantyne returns home to Marietta, Montana, nothing goes as planned. His granddad, flanked by his three determined daughters, announces his plan to sell his legacy ranch after the rodeo. Hoping he’ll reconsider, Beck and his two cousins launch the Rodeo Bride Game. Beck initially has the advantage as he has a long-time girlfriend—except she’s just called it quits.

Ashni Singh has loved Beck since high school, but she’s done living out of a suitcase on the rodeo tour. She’s ready to put down roots and build her own career. Learning she’s unexpectedly expecting makes her even more determined to make a new life. So when Beck dutifully proposes, she does what any self-respecting, career-oriented, educated woman at the end of her patience would do. She says no.

The Rodeo Bride Game may have started as a fun challenge, but Beck has never been more serious about winning Ash’s heart and her hand.

Start reading The Cowboy Says I Do on any of your favorite platforms HERE

The Cruel Prince

I’m a few years late on The Cruel Prince train, but it’s better late than never when it comes to The Folk of the Air series by Holly black.

• Genre: YA Fantasy
• Heat Level: ❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Jude and her sisters lived a normal human life until a man broke into their home one day, killing their parents and taking them away to a land across the water that they’ve only dreamed of. The man, Madoc, is a fairy, and her oldest sister Vivienne’s real father. He raises Jude and her twin sister as his own, but there’s no place for humans in the beautiful, dangerous world of Elfhame.

As Jude fights to earn her place as one of the royal knights, she also fights the young Prince Cardan and his friends, who delight in torturing mortals. But as much as her mortality is a curse, it’s also a benefit when the elder prince Dain, next in line to the throne, welcomes her into his underground network of spies. After all, humans can lie, making her mortality a very useful thing to have.

Jude longs to fit in and finally find where she belongs, but even her own family seems to work against her. As she unravels court secrets and tries to keep herself alive, it seems she might belong in the fairly world after all.

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I wasn’t sure how I would like this book. I’ve heard mixed reviews and didn’t know how the book being YA would affect my score. But I was pleasant surprised by how much I enjoyed it, even without the dramatic romance I was promised. That is literally the only thing I felt was missing, but it is a YA book, so I didn’t expect Jude and Prince Cardan to get freaky in fairy land right off the bat.

The world building was amazing. I grew up on books like The Hobbit, Abhorsen series, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, so I appreciate the level of care and creativity Black put into this book. But it’s clear she also did her research into real fairly lore to build her characters and the rules by which they live by. She showed the fae as beautiful but dangerous, tricky and deadly. Perfection.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and have already begun book two. I recommend it to all fantasy fans who love strong female characters, lovely world building, and court intrigue.

Almost Christmas in July!

Sure, it’s summer and we’re largely more interested in barbecuing and slipping into some new swimwear then worrying about Christmas trees… okay, maybe we’re a little worried about Christmas trees. What better way to beat the heat than to sit by the water with a snowy, sweet romance that takes place during one of the most beloved holidays? As a long time reading and writing friends know, we have written two Christmas romance novels together!

When mistletoe is not enough…

With her only son still single, Mrs. Claus is rolling up her red sleeves and playing matchmaker. With a little advice from Cupid and a list of potential brides, she’s convinced a dash of magic will get the snowball rolling. There’s just one problem, Nick isn’t looking for love. All he wants to do is fill his father’s boots as he prepares to take over as Santa Claus.

While Mrs. Claus is scheming away, Nick meets Heather, a charming artist with a giving heart and a loving smile. Preparing for her first Christmas alone, Heather is looking for adventure. Nick becomes a kindred spirit as they both remember what it’s like to live in the moment. Just as they think they found a fairytale romance, Nick discovers his mother’s magical meddling.

With Christmas Eve quickly approaching, Nick must decide if his love for Heather was the real magic all along or if it was just the work of Cupid Claus?

Order your copy of Cupid Claus in ebook or paperback HERE

A seat on the throne or a place in her heart?

Greyson Montgomerydreams of a simple life, but as the crown prince of Aldora, simple is not in his future. Before ascending the throne on Christmas Eve, Greyson is given one month to explore how the other half lives. Armed with a few hundred dollars and a fake backstory, Greyson flies to Savannah, Georgia, to see if he has what it takes to chase the American Dream.

Scarlett Calhoun is a Southern Belle with a heart as big as a Georgia peach. When she meets the charming construction worker, Greyson, it isn’t long before she is embracing the holiday cheer. Soon, she’s teaching him how to cook, falling for his exotic accent and soulful eyes, and joining him on picnic lunches where they talk for hours.

With Christmas Eve nearing, Greyson must fly back to Aldora and either abdicate the throne, or take his rightful place as king. Will he ignore his birthright to remain with Scarlett or will she be royally abandoned?

Order your copy of Royally Abandoned in ebook or paperback HERE

Ice Planet Barbarians

That’s right, I gave into Booktok peer pressure and read what’s basically being called the biggest book of 2021…although it came out years ago. Ice Planet Barbarians is in a class of its own, and with more than twenty books in the series, I’m still not entirely sure what to think…though for some reason, I can’t stop reading.

• Genre: SciFi Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 4/6 Glass Slippers

Georgie awakens in the cargo hold of an alien ship with several other women. They’ve all been kidnapped in the dead of night by orange headed aliens who plan to sell them on the intergalactic black market as slaves. The women are scared, tired, and confused, feelings that get worse when the ship crashes into an ice covered planet. Georgie is tasked with looking for help and seeing where exactly they are, but her journey doesn’t last too long.

Vektal is huge, strong, horned, blue, and the chief of his people. While out hunting, the last thing he expects to find is a strange, pink creature who speaks a strange language and has no idea how to keep herself alive. But the pull he feels towards her is full animal magnetism and he knows he’ll do anything to keep her alive and with him.

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So the main themes in this book are obviously aliens, but also soulmates, and breeding. I enjoy a good instant soulmate troupe when reading fantasy and sci-fi, so that was easy for me to enjoy. The breeding? Well, as someone who literally just had a baby, the idea of getting pregnant right now has me wishing for intergalactic condoms for Georgie’s sake. But the themes paired well together, making it an easy read. If you’re into breeding, I’m going to say this entire series is for you!

I also enjoy a good “himbo” main character. Give me muscles, a chiseled jaw, and an obsession with their love interest, and I’m happy. Vektal gave me George of the Jungle vibes which I thought was fitting, given Georgie’s needs. They paired well together, making the soul mate connection more believable. Something endearing about these aliens is that they worship women, almost literally. Sure, you’re going to live in a cave or hut, with no running water, but your mate will cut off their left arm if you asked.

As I’ve said, there’s more than twenty books in this series, but I’m not sure if I’ll review each one. Although a trip to NotHoth/Icehome is a nice change of pace when it comes to romance. They’re fast reads that work with a formula that makes them predictable, but not in a bad way. I will say I wished for more depth when it comes to background and history of the clan, but since I’m only a dozen books in, who knows what’s next? While I’m not saying this is the new great American novel, it’s worth a read if you’re into breeding, worship, and rugged living.

Foreplay on Words

Who needs summer when you have a book that really knows how to bring the heat? E.L Koslo’s debut novel Foreplay on Words doesn’t disappoint.

• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Chase Rodgers, also known as Chastity Rose on the romance novel scene, has just added something new to her schedule, helping a fellow author work on their sex scene writing game. They’re in a bit of a slump, and although Chase doesn’t feel like babysitting someone through their romance novel, her editor knows how to get her way.

Evan Stineman, pen-name Stone Evans, isn’t new to the writing world. With a few Time’s bestsellers under his belt, he’s well respected. But he doesn’t really know romance, mystery being his genre of choice. Though he knows exactly which romance novelist can help him through the sex scene slump.

Sparks fly between them as they put words to paper, but writing someone else’s love story is always easier than living your own. Is what the pair feeling really something more, or are the two authors just wrapped up in crafting the perfect romance?

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As a reader (and writer) of romance, I was really interested in the premise of this book. It’s so easy to invest in characters and their emotions when writing, so I could see how Chase and Evan might get fiction and reality twisted. But as we all know as readers, sometimes the couple that doesn’t get along at first make for the best stories.

I loved the witty banter and sarcastic one liners that filled this book. Chase really knew how to dish it out and hold her own against anyone. And the heat jumped off the pages. The chemistry between Chase and Evan made for amazing sex scenes that Evan took more than a little inspiration from…not that I blame him!

Overall, I think this book would be enjoyed by all romance lovers who seek a little spice.