REVIEW - GHOST HUNTED - Grippingly haunting

Ghost Hunted by BL Maxwell

Date read: 31st October 2021

My rating: 3.5*
Genre I reckon: M/M Paranormal Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Aww, poor Wade - he's not really into ghost hunting (something he tells the reader over and over!). But nonetheless, he follows his best friend, Jason (who he has a crush on), into The Vineyard House for a weekend of investigation. 

What they discover is more than they could ever have imagined. 

There's a really sweet love story AND a spooky ghost tale here. 

I did knock off a little bit of star because of the repetition, I have to say.

But, that aside, I really enjoyed reading this book. 

The characters are well-developed and I really did feel quite scared in places. It was a real page-turner. 

This has been on my TBR for ages - oops! But I'm so glad it finally made its way to the top so I could read it.

If you like those paranormal shows on TV (as I do) with a bit of romance too then this is the book for you.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - US - top marks!

Us by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

Date read: 15th October 2021

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: MM Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

So, I was missing Wes & Jamie - OMG, these guys!!!

If you've not read book 1 (Him) yet, do so before reading this review. 

Having gotten over the hurdles to enter their gorgeous relationship, including Jamie facing he's bisexual... this wonderful pair are living together in Toronto. Only, they're having to keep that quiet as Wes tries to reach the end of his rookie year. But life has a way of throwing curve...pucks! 

This story is even more delicious than the first. I need more stars!! 

Seriously. So well written. Just enough angst to make it a real page-turner, but with so much loving sweetness between these sturdy guys that it'd melt the ice they skate on. 

There's a host of characters, and they're all fab.

Just awesomeness! 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - VARIANT LOST - various thoughts...

Variant Lost by Kaydence Snow

Date read: 13th October 2021

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: NA Reverse Harem

Buy link: Amazon 

Hmm... so, I read this as a polyamorous book. It's more reverse harem; one girl with multiple males. 

But, given the age of the characters, it's more New Adult as a category but it's written with a very YA feel. There are several scenes which build up steam but the old interrupt routine kicks in, which given my expectations, is disappointing. 

But, it does have plenty of excitement. Eve, who's been on the run since before she can remember - pretty much isolated with her mum as they moved from place to place. But then disaster strikes. 

Talk about finding yourself!

Poor Eve is put through the wringer as she discovers more and more about who she truly is. 

I love most of the characters. Oddly, Eve isn't really one of those; I just didn't warm to her. Given her upbringing, her reactions are understandable. But, meh, I don't know, she's just a bit of a contradiction. 

I did really enjoy Gabe's character - so reserved but bubbling beneath the façade.

And Ethan who's loveable underneath his playboy exterior. 

And Josh - just auugh; gorgeous! 

Sorry, but Alec is just an ahole! I love a bad boy, but he's not quietly brooding. Alec is just a hurtful, spiteful git! There is no excuse for his actions. 

And there's lots of things unanswered, but then it's the first of a series, so maybe those answers will come later.

Don't get me wrong, it was a thrilling story with plenty of action. I actually enjoyed it, hence my rating. I dug the X-Men vibe with a difference. And I'd recommend to a friend. I just think it could've been...more.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - A LADY OF ROOKSGRAVE MANOR - monstrously smutty

A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon

Date read: 4th October 2021

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Monster Gothic Erotica

Buy link: Amazon 

Spooky season is upon us, so a novel with sexy monsters seemed a good way to kick it off. 

Every so often, a girl has to read a good dirty Gerty book. And this is such a one. 

Classic reverse harem in a very unconventional setting!

Esther, according to society, is a wanton girl. 

Turns out, there's a place where that is not only not a problem but is outright encouraged. 

Rooksgrave Manor is a very unusual 'house of ill repute'. 

I want to say the setting is Victorian England, but we're not really told specifically. 

I love how Esther is "just a girl who likes f'ing" and grows into her nature. 

A host of gentlemen assist with this development. But they're not quite human. 

Varying in appearance a great deal, our girl isn't fussy.

But they all adore her. And maybe each other? 

- not gonna lie; I probably wouldn't kick them outta bed! ;) 

But, as Esther blossoms and blooms, she also influences her gentlemen in turn. Their relationship/s become symbiotic. 

There's scene after scene of "depravity". Awesome!! 

But some really sweet love threads too. 

And then there's a baddie! Oh, the danger sets the thermometer sky-rocketing even further. 

And there's more, apparently. This book is the start of a series. Yay! 

4.5* - if you like PNR and erotica then give this a read.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - HADES - hot as hell?

Hades by Carly Spade

Date read: 1st October 2021

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Greek Godly Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Well, what can I say? I really like that this Hades matches my own idea of him just doing a job and not really relishing it. After all, evil doesn't punish evil, right? 

And this Hades is beaten down and suffering. Understandable when his long-term wife's left him and everyone has always told him how worthless he is. 

But of course, as any good romance would have, there is a heroine who can save our tortured hero. And she's her own kind of hot mess. 

The steam takes a long time to build, but one is rewarded with a fiery scene worthy of the wait. 

I'll be honest; I wasn't expecting so much sweet and tame given the God of the Underworld is involved. But it was a nice surprise. Just not quite as hot as hell.

I would have liked more of the Underworld. More danger. More adjusting. 

The Dirty Dancing and 80s music bits were fun. 

Hades as Sawyer from Lost was quite pleasing too (*innocently whistles*).

A fun story that Greek mythology retelling lovers will enjoy. 

Always in love and light,

TL