Protective Instinct by Tricia Lynne

 

If NFL player Brody Shaw wants to retire from his hometown team, the Dallas Bulldogs, he needs to keep his head down and his nose clean. When the stray dog he rescued bites the pet sitter, it sets off an avalanche of bad publicity, and it’s time to bring in a professional.

Dog-trainer Lily Costello has no intention of training Brody’s dog, CC—football players are bad news, and Brody Shaw is a player if she’s ever met one. Then she sees the brand on CC’s stomach. She came from a puppy mill—the very one Lily is trying to find and shut down.

Brody is all in to help the curvy trainer, and with his clout and connections, Lily finally has a lead. But it’s not long before they attract the wrong kind of attention. When someone makes it clear that they’ll stop at nothing to halt the search, it’ll take everything Brody and Lily have to escape with their lives…

The Unlovabulls

Book 1: Protective Instinct



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I am all in my feelings about this story. If you are a sports romance fan this is for you. If you are an dog lover, this is for you. If you like a friendship to lovers book, this is the story for you. 

This is set around the Dallas Bulldogs football team and one of their star players, Brody Shaw. Brody, has earned the spotlight on the field and hated it off the field. Portrayed as a notorious playboy his luck has finally caught up to him. The teams bosses are not happy with Brody, and have given him a 3 strikes order and Brody, is on his last strike. Strike 2 came with his rescue dog bites the dog sitter and bad press follows . 

Lily Costello, is the daughter of one of the best football players to have ever played on the Dallas Bulldogs. She is also the step daughter of the GM of the team. Lily has ZERO interest in having anything to do with the team and that includes Brody Shaw. But when she gets the call to train a dog with a bite history, she is shocked to see Brody. One look at his beautifully damaged dog Lily knows she has to help. 

Lily and Brody have a chemistry that is undeniable and they both know it and both know NOT to act on it.  Lily has a job to do, get Brody and his dog CC, to a level of trust, but spending all this time with Brody is turning out to be more than Lily bargained for. 

With pressure for her mother and step father, Lily is thrown into a web of lies and manipulation to get what they want. Lily, has only one goal in mind, get a no kill dog shelter set up to help as many animals as possible. Is she willing to sell her soul to accomplish  ? Will Brody get his 3rd and final strike and be sent packing from Dallas. Will Lily and Brody more from friends to lovers? 

This story has so much heart at the root of it. Lily and her love of dogs and their well being is felt on each page. There is an underlying sexiness that you feel with Lily and Brody are together and you want them to just give in. Brody is just so swoon worthy and you can't help but fall in love with him. 

There is drama on and off the field and I am so excited for more to come. 




Protective Instinct 
by 

Tricia Lynne
5 Clocks

Review based on book Provided by NetGalley

The Prince's Bride 2 by JJ McAvoy

 

Book 2 of The Prince’s Bride duet.

Odette Wyntor has a choice.

Stay or Run.

Royalty is not for the weak of heart.

I just finished The Prince's Bride part 2 and I am in MY FEELINGS!

First off book 1 is the "wooing" book. It is sweet, funny and romantic, all the things that do not necessarily have to happen for me to enjoy a story, but I really enjoyed it .

But this one, this story is so thought provokingly good. I had a reaction, like I hurt for these characters. This story is so relevant, current and important! NO it is not heavy in the sense that it is weighed down by constant drama, but there is drama. The romance between Gale and Odette, is beautiful to watch blossom. There are so many things I want to tell you but it would just spoil you getting to experience the magic of 

JJ

 's writing.

A story about love overcoming everything stacked against you while the world is watching. Do rise or do you crumble? It really is a terrific story and so worth your time.

I am a super picky reader and it takes a lot for me to be impressed, but this one, it hit me right in the heart . 

5 Cocks for 
The Prince's Bride 2
by
JJ McAvoy

Review based on book provided by the author.

Impossible Odds by Jill Ramsower

 

I stole from him.

 The object was inconsequential, only worth a handful of dollars.

I didn’t do it for the money; it was about making a statement.

 I went back home thousands of miles away without giving him a second thought until I spotted those quicksilver eyes glaring at me across a busy nightclub.

 It was too impossible to be a coincidence.

Yet, there he was, seething with a violent promise of retribution.

 He thought he’d intimidate me.

Hunt me down and make me pay.

What he didn’t realize was I don’t scare easily.

 My name is Giada Genovese, and I’m a goddamn mafia princess.

~Review~


I am a BIG fan of mafia stories so when I saw this I knew I had to jump on it. Primo and Gia are FIRE!!!! I had never read this author before so I didn't know to read book 1.  It was fine, I was not lost. I would however recommend reading in order just so you know all the players. 

Gia, is a Mafia princess and Primo is the muscle for Naz, a cartel boss from Mexico. When Naz decides he wants access to ports the Mob has he plots to kidnap one of the Don's daughters as leverage. Well, this is where Primo changes the plan and starts to watch Gia. Both in Vegas at the same time Gia, plays a little game of cat and mouse with Primo not knowing just what she is in for. 
There are times when the story just flies and you are completely drawn in. But, there are a few moments that it does tend to be a bit much. I will tell you, this author can write a evil man that you just want to die or suffer. I hated Naz and was just waiting for his demise. I really enjoyed watching Primo, come  into his own and realize that things were not always the way they seemed. Gia, became a real heroine in my eyes. Her character development was really great to read. 

This story takes you on a ride full of twists and turns. You think " how romantic or That's HOT, " and then you are led down the path of Primo, doing his job and Gia, being a pawn. 

I really enjoyed this story and will be back for the rest. 

Impossible Odds

by 

Jill Ramsower

4 Clocks

Honest review based on book provided by NetGalley

Lord of London Town (The Adley Firm Series) by Tillie Cole...................................................Review by Dawn

 

~Blurb~

Cheska Harlow-Wright was born into a life of luxury and privilege. She has never wanted for anything. A comfortable future as a married London socialite ⁣awaits her. But since the age of thirteen, Cheska has harboured a secret—an unshakeable fixation on a boy who could never offer her anything close to ⁣comfort. A boy steeped in sin and draped in depravity. A boy born into the possessive embrace of darkness. ⁣

⁣When Cheska’s seemingly perfect world is ripped apart by an unknown but deadly enemy, there’s only one person she can run to. One person in the world ⁣who has the power to keep her safe. The one person her weak and shattered heart craves. ⁣
⁣
Arthur Adley. The new head of the most feared crime family in London. ⁣
⁣
Forced too young to take the helm of the Adley firm, Arthur has become even more ruthless, formidable, and cold than ever before. His enemies are circling, and he must fight—and kill—to maintain his family’s place at the top of the London crime underworld. There is no room for weakness, emotion, or loss of control.⁣
⁣
But then Cheska smashes back into his life with the force of a wrecking ball. She has no place in this dark, vicious, and bloodthirsty world. And worse, she is the solitary chink in his impenetrable armour. He’s already pushed her away once, but this time she desperately needs him. She’s broken, lost, and in danger, and he is the only one who can help.⁣
⁣
Arthur must protect her. He must destroy those who dare to threaten her, hunt down those who would take what is his. He would raze all of London to the ⁣ground to keep her safe… but can he also protect himself?⁣
⁣
The infamous Dark Lord of London Town faces his most brutal battle yet—the crippling weight of the past, the unrelenting enemies lurking in the shadows… and the havoc that Cheska’s presence is wreaking on the granite fortress that was once his heart.⁣

Review

Mark the date, it was 10/28/2020 when it happened. I opened the pages of Lord of London Town by Tillie Cole and fell into my top (as of now) read of 2020! I read the first 13% stopped and immediately  started texting book friends, insisting that they go get the book NOW! 13% PEOPLE!  I knew it was going to rock me and it did, down to the last page.  I neglected my house, my husband and my teenage son and I have ZERO regrets.  I have come to the realization that one does not simply read Tillie Cole, one LIVES her stories. The vivid pictures she paints with her words is just, magic. 

I am not one that normally falls for a book from reading the blurb, not until LOLT. I read that and was like "well, yes please." I saw where Tille Cole had said this story took on the style of The Scarred Souls series and I couldn't hit "one-click" fast enough.  I often tell my husband about books that I love and tell him what I am going to write in my review, this one I was going a mile a minute. There is something to be said for finding a new and up an coming author, I am not taking anything away from them. But when a seasoned author is STILL hitting it out of the park, story after story. THAT is something that brings me back every time she hits publish. 

This is a dark, unapologetic in your face story. Cheska, is perfectly high class and Arthur, is from the wrong side of London. When a chance encounter happens at age 13, they both are left with the lingering thoughts of one another for years. Again, a chance meeting and a swift rescue by Arthur, leads to one night that changes both Cheska and Arthur forever. The years that we are left between their chance meetings are filled with Arthur being brought into the fold of The Adley Crime family. He and his cousin's and men who are like brothers to him, take their places in the family. While Cheska, is getting her education and is engaged to the perfect guy that her father has picked out for her. She is doing the right thing but harboring a deep longing for the one she can't have. Events unfold that once again drive Cheska to Arthur needing rescued again. This time it has been over a year since their last time together and Cheska is about to be married. But when a dangerous unknown syndicate steps in and threatens her, Arthur is the only man more dangerous and willing to kill anyone that attempts to hurt Cheska. 
Arthur lays it all out for her, letting her know that he is not a good man and that she should be very afraid, not only from the outside threat, but from him as well. Cheska has changed, she has witnessed things that have permanently damaged her.  She is not the innocent little Chelsea girl that she once was. But is she ready to take on the devil himself? Arthur is ready to see how far she will bend before she breaks. But who breaks first?
The sub characters are just as intriguing as Artie and Cheska. There is not one character that I do not want to know more about, down to Grandma! The character development and depth of each character is nothing but fantastic! When you can make an imaginary person, seem real, that is true storytelling, a gift if you will.   
If you love dark with danger , blood spilled in the name of family and revenge. A love story that is not sugary sweet and sometimes pushing the limits, then Lord of London Town is for you!!! I will be back for every book in this series, book 2 will be out in 2021 and anything else Tillie Cole writes. 
Again, this is the one to beat for 2020 for me!!! 

Lord of London Town (The Adley Firm Series)

by

Tillie Cole

5 (is not enough ) Clocks

Ignite (Men of Inked, A Heatwave Novel book 5) by Chelle Bliss......................... Review by Dawn

 

Bossy, protective bad boy biker Mammoth Saint always thought he’d be a member of the Disciples MC…until he laid eyes on her.

Tamara Gallo has always been headstrong, sassy, and never afraid to speak her mind, even when it comes to her hottie biker boyfriend and his brothers in the MC.

But when Mammoth’s ready to sever ties from the club for good, choosing love over the brotherhood, until someone from his past shows up and needs his protection, threatening his freedom along with their future.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once again we get to see my favorite fictional family, The Gallo's. This is a continuation of Mammoth and Tamara's story, Wildfire being their story as well. 
Tamara showed so much growth and matured in a way that made her so much less bratty and I appreciate that so much. She is always a good read with her smart mouth and sticking her nose into club business. The interactions between Gigi and Tamara, always have me laughing out loud. I love the family dynamic so much. 
Mammoth, was sort of a mystery but one thing we all know is he wanted out. Out of the MC life for him and Tamara. He wants a legit business that can set up a good life for them . I really liked seeing him hold his ground with the MC and making them see he needs this. Now, I did not see his mother coming into play. 
I feel like this book was about woman "handling their business" and that was great to read.  When she had enough she took matters into her own hands and the fall out lands at the steps of the MC and the Gallo's.

This is a feel good book and we get to see Lily and Jet become parents and that in itself was hilarious! The visual Ms.Bliss gave us were exactly how I expected Gigi and Tamara to act. It was priceless. 
I am ready for Spark!!!!

Ignite (Men of Inked, A Heatwave Novel) 

by 

Chelle Bliss 

 

Review based on book provided by the author

WATCH ME ( A Phoenix Novel) by Stacey Kennedy...... Review by Dawn

 In the Phoenix club, there is only one rule; watch, don't touch, until the powerful owner falls for his new star in this deliciously intriguing romance from USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy.

It's her choice to play his game. If she says yes, there will be more on the line than just her pleasure.

Zoey Parker has a three-step plan for revenge. First, gain entrance to the ultra-exclusive, upscale sex club, Phoenix. Second, act out her wildest fantasy in front of powerful old rivals, proving that they didn't break her. Third, disappear and never return. The only kink in her plan? Rhys Harrington, the owner of Phoenix and the one man she needs to stay away from...

Rhys' high-end clients pay extravagant amounts to watch his stars indulge their desires. Rhys' only rule? Watch, don't touch. But one look at Zoey and Rhys decides to participate in the show himself. And when an undeniable passion ignites between them, Rhys knows he wants more. Except Zoey is determined to run... and he is determined to find out why.

When Rhys discovers Zoey's secret, he shocks her by offering his protection... and a no-strings-attached relationship. But Zoey knows there will be more on the line than just her pleasure. Because Rhys' sizzling touch doesn't only capture her body, it also commands her heart.

This had a super intriguing blurb and I knew I just had to read it. What I was not expecting was the strength of Zoey. Her constant state of "the victim," was destroying her life. She was done and had a plan. Surrounding herself with friends that had her back 100% and were intertwined in her plans. The plan is set; get in, show them they didn't break her, then get out and never come back. Seems simple, that is until Rhys Harrington, is an unknowing participant. Owning the exclusive club, he has a set of rules Look but don't touch, until he lays eyes on Zoey.  Little does he know her plan is in full swing when he decides to take matters into his own hands. Once was not enough for Rhys, he is going to find out about Zoey, secrets and all. 

I thought I would have a hard time with her being so willing to go to a sex club with her assault past, but the author gave us a time gap that worked so well. The relationship that developed between Ryhs and Zoey was one out of respect and wanting to make sure she was supported in her decisions when it came to the assault. Rhys really was the bright spot for me. He wasn't pushy or dominate over Zoey, he went at her speed and that was so refreshing. Zoey, regardless of her feelings for him, Zoey is leaving and going back to California to reclaim her life. The one thing standing in her way of happiness, is New York. It holds too many bad memories, even if lately she is seeing a new side and she wants as far away as possible, Rhys or not, she has to go. 

I enjoyed this story and will be back for more.   

Watch Me

by 

Stacey Kennedy 

Honest review based on book provided by NetGalley

BULL: Kings of Mayhem MC #6 by Penny Dee....... Review by Dawn

 

She could be the end of me

BULL

I lost my wife on a rainy night almost two decades ago.
Since then, my heart has been a barren wasteland.
It only knows love for family and the club.
And for revenge.
Then I meet Taylor and I know I’m doomed.
Because she’s everything I didn’t know I wanted.
Everything I’ve denied myself for years.
But my club is about to storm headfirst into a war and I can’t afford the distraction.
Yet I can’t get her out of my head.
We both say we’re not interested.
But we are both liars.

TAYLOR
For years we’ve been running from my past.
My kid brother and me.
Hiding in the shadows.
Now we have a chance for a new life in a new town … far, far away from trouble.
I crave freedom and a quiet, simple life for us both.
The last thing I expect is to fall for the enigmatic biker king, Michael “Bull” Western.
He is magnificent.
White-hot and scorching.
With the touch of an angel and eyes of the devil.
He could be the love of my life.
But I have a secret.
A very big secret indeed …

Bull is book six in the Kings of Mayhem MC series

LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT BULL AND TAYLOR!

The passion, the roller coaster of emotions, the major PLOT Twist!!!!!
This lived up to everything that I wanted for the final book in the series.
I am so happy it ended on a high note and gave me the satisfaction that I wanted!!!!!
Bull and Taylor, had chemistry in spades. Individually they both had painful pasts and that made them even more enduring to me, yes I love the suffering. Together their banter was so on par, they had me laughing and swooning all at the same time! 
Will I miss this MC? Yes but I also know this author is going to do bigger things and I am 100% here for it!!!

5 Clocks for 

BULL (Kings of Mayhem #6)
by
Penny Dee