mags_louise's reviews
3681 reviews

The Grief We Hold by Scarlett Cole

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dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Scarlett Cole writes the best MC romance and once again delivers with this exceptional new chapter in the Iron Outlaws MC series. 

This one is set in a small town in Colorado and featuring a whole new group of complex, gorgeous cowboy bikers to swoon over.

Starting with the sexy, grief-stricken sergeant at arms Wraith, who suffered an unimaginable loss two years ago when his wife Hallie and three-year-old daughter Lottie were murdered. 

And since that day, Wraith has become a shell, functioning with only one purpose in mind: to kill everyone involved in their deaths. To the detriment of himself and the MC. 

However, things start to change when he meets new to town Raven and her son Fen and receives a little advice from a familiar face.

Although Wraith does desperately try to keep his distance from Raven and Fen. But something about them calls to him and when danger strikes the outlaws. Wraith's first thought is to keep them safe much to the annoyance of his mother-in-law Margie and a few of his fellow outlaws. 

But Wraith is also fighting his feelings and struggling with guilt, until another attack has him realizing it's time to move on and build a future with Raven and Fen.

Yet, danger is never far away when you're an outlaw, and all Raven wants is to do is live peacefully and keep Fen safe. 

But is that really possible when you fall in love with a one percenter? 

And with really likable characters, emotion, angst, danger, humour and off the charts sex. The Grief We Hold is a beautifully raw, real, relatable and captivating read. That I absolutely devoured and would happily recommend to all.

My thanks to Scarlett Cole & Wildfire Marketing for the opportunity to read an early copy Of The Grief We Hold. ☺️
When I Disappear by Amanda McKinney

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Twenty years ago, Sylvia Stone's mother Marjorie was brutally murdered in her own home, and carpenter Rhett Cohen was convicted of her murder. However, he has always maintained his innocence. Now he's out on parole and determined to find out who set him up.

Meanwhile, Sylvia has received a series of threatening and anonymous letters, and she's determined to find the person behind them, hopefully with Rhett's help. But shortly after she receives the last letter Sylvia disappears

So Rhett, not wanting to be blamed and determined to get to the truth goes searching for answers.

But in a town full of secrets getting to the truth is no easy feat.

And with plenty of jaw dropping twists, multiple points of view, lots of potential baddies, and a gratifying ending. This was a dark, enjoyable and extremely engaging thriller. That I happily recommend to others.


Savage by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Meet the seven most powerful heirs to empires ruling Manhattan from their thrones on Park Avenue. 

By day, they're the elite, untouchable and more connected than you could ever imagine. By night, they revel in the darkness of their secrets pulling strings that make the city bow to their whims.

They are ruthless and dangerous. They are the Park Avenue Kings. And Lachlan Stone is the shadow. The one they send to make problems disappear and it's a role he thrives in ruling with a savage power. As the most lethal of them all.

Which he proves when he inadvertently saves the life of journalist Cooper Patterson. After a mission takes an unexpected turn. 

Cooper, who is new to the city and determined to find out who is supplying a new drug that killed his friend and write a story exposing them. What he doesn't expect is to stumble into a dangerous situation where he ends up being saved by a masked vigilante.

Who doesn't he stop thinking about and one who appears at his window a couple of days later and rocks his world.

But then he meets Lachlan who offers his help if Cooper ever needs it. 

Which he soon does and Cooper finds himself introduced to a world he never imagined.

A world ruled by a king, a prince and so much more.

And the more time Cooper spends inside the walls of Libertine the more questions he has and the more he starts to fall for Lachlan and vice versa.

But Lachlan is a guy who has far too many secrets to fall for a journalist no matter how sexy he is. But then again he does like breaking the rules.

And with action, mystery, great characters, spicy moments and a storyline that hooks you in from the start. Savage is the perfect introduction to this new series and I can't wait to read more and I'm super excited to see who's book is next!! 

I would happily recommend Savage to all.

M thanks to Foreword PR, Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine for the opportunity to read an early copy of Savage. ☺️

Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Sheriff Bree Taggert returns in a cracking story. That sees her and boyfriend and part time investigator Matt Flynn search for the killer of Shelley and Josh Mason. Who have been shot and killed in their own home in what appears to be a burglary gone wrong and found by their seventeen-year old daughter Claire.

Who Bree immediately connects with, having lived through a similar trauma as a child.

However, the burglary theory is soon dismissed and as lawyers who worked from home, disgruntled clients are an obvious next choice.

But then a member of the investigation team comes across some shocking information that turns the case on its head and the investigation heading in a whole other direction and leaves Bree questioning everything. 

Meanwhile, she also has to contend with calls about an alligator and the appearance of a wolf cub. That may or may not be connected to the Mason's murder.

And with twists you won't see coming, a murderer I did not anticipate or expect, red herrings, wild animals and an edge of your seat ending. Track Her Down was a brilliant read and one I found hard to put down. Which is why I would happily recommend it to all.
Crossing the Line by Kelly Jamieson

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Crossing the Line is a super engaging, angsty, opposites attract hockey romance featuring Mabel and Ben. 

Who ends up living together as roommates. When Mabel leaves a toxic relationship and temporarily moves in with her brother Smitty.

Only to find out that he already has a roommate. None other than his teammate Ben. The boy who Mabel had a significant crush on during high school. 

And Ben and Mabel soon come to rely on each other. 

As Mabel may be both outgoing and quirky. But her ex-Julian has dented her confidence, and it doesn't help that Smitty and her parents think she made a mistake by dumping him.  And Ben, well, he's an introvert and the only time he really lets loose is when he's on the ice. However, he wishes to alter that and feel more at ease in social settings. So he takes the opportunity to hire Mabel as his confidence coach. 

And the more time the two spend together, the harder it becomes to resist the attraction between them, and soon they find themselves getting hot and heavy.

But Mabel is hesitant to engage in anything serious. As she feels that her judgment is not reliable when it comes to men. After all, they may start out nice with compliments, flowers, and kindness, but it never lasts and they soon reveal their true selves.

However, Ben's not like that and he'll prove it one terrible poem at a time.

And with the perfect amount of sweetness, spice, and angst Crossing the Line was really enjoyable to read. Not to mention well-written with plenty of character development and likable secondary characters, and I am eager to read more in the future.

I would happily recommend Crossing the Line to all.
Sweet Escape by Meredith Wild, Jillian Liota

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Sweet Escape is a one-night stand romance. Situated in the heart of wine country. That quickly transforms into a whole lot more.

As singer-song writer, Vivian Walsh needs an escape from life in LA and finds it on her friend Murphy's family vineyard.

But what Viv doesn't expect is Murphy's brother, Memphis. Who is struggling to keep the family business in the black, and who has no time for a relationship, romance, or a woman like Viv. Whom he has absolutely nothing in common with.

Yet, that's the reason why they're such a perfect match.

As they may flirt and bicker constantly. But underneath there's a pull that neither can ignore and as the story unfolds the pair realise their connection is more meaningful and real than either could have ever imagined.

And with a wonderful setting, lots of lush detail, likable characters and a great blend of sweetness, spice, charm and emotion. Sweet Escape is the perfect book to read. Especially during this time of year, while curling up under a blanket and enjoying a glass of wine.
Forbidden Dreams by Natasha Madison

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Natasha Madison delivers a stunning and heartbreakingly real story. As she returns readers to Montgavin Township for the second in the Dreams series.

This time featuring Harmony Cartwright. Who has finally saved up enough money to leave her vile, cheating, drunk husband Winston.

But Winston is not letting her go easily and with his families backing he is making Harmony and his seven-year-old son Wyatt's life hell. So much so they've had to move several times, and Harmony hasn't been able to get a job or retain a lawyer who will actually act in her best interests.

That is until Harmony out of options rents the house next door to Brady Thatcher. Who it's fair to say is an enemy of the Cartwright family and wants nothing to do with Harmony or her son. And can't believe she has moved into the wreck next door.

Yet, he soon realises she had little choice. Especially when Winston turns up in the middle of the night drunk, shouting abuse and demanding to see Wyatt. 

And when Brady learns Harmony is desperately searching for a job. He and his sister Autumn reluctantly employ her knowing at least the Cartwrights won't set foot in the bar to complain. 

But, as Harmony starts to open up Brady, Autumn and Charlie realise just how dirty the Cartwrights are playing. However, they are more than willing to have her back. Especially Brady, who can't stop thinking about how gorgeous Harmony is and how he's misjudged her all these years.

Yet, a romance is the last thing either of them need. Especially with each other. Given the circumstances they find themselves in.

And with such incredibly written characters, and the perfect amount of angst, sweetness and spice. Forbidden Dreams was a story that captived and enthralled and I would happily recommend it to all.

My thanks to The Author Agency for the opportunity to read an early copy of Forbidden Dreams. ☺️
Broken Hearts by Chelle Bliss

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Chelle Bliss delivers a master class in emotional spicy romance. With Eagle and Lacey's story, and what a beautiful story it is.

As these two characters couldn't be more different. But they do have one thing in common: bruised and battered hearts, and in Eagle's case, the feeling that he has never been good enough for anyone and never will be.

Yet, the pair have been mutually lusting after each other for two years. Ever since Eagle started working security at the fancy event centre, where Lacey works.

But Eagle is sure Lacey would never look twice at a guy who is almost pushing fifty, covered in scars, tattoos, and wears the leathers of the now defunct Disciples MC.

As for Lacey, she's just trying to survive. After being badly burned by her a-hole ex-Dylan. Who also happens to be paying for the latest wedding at the event centre, and who over the weekend of the wedding won't leave Lacey alone.

Until Eagle steps in. But in doing so he learns Lacey's dark secret and her whole world comes crashing down.

And when Dylan tries to get Lacey fired Eagle is there ready to stand up for her and give her a safe place to fall and in doing so their romance starts to blossom. But trust isn't something either can give away easily.

However, with support from the Disciples and Lacey's mum. The pair are able to find their footing and embrace their true potential. Not just as a couple but as individuals and professionally too. And I couldn't have been happier about that. As I just adored these two so much. Especially Eagle, who is such a great relatable real character and the perfect foil for Lacey.

I would happily recommend Broken Hearts to all.

My thanks to Chelle Bliss for the opportunity to read an early copy of Broken Hearts
Notorious Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine return to New York and the Park Avenue Princes for one final story and talk about going out with a bang! 

As East's story is one not to be missed and not at all what I expected. As the most notorious of the princes is about to meet his match and have his hands full. When he learns Zac, the guy he is casually seeing has been fantasising about sleeping with their professor and East loving the idea of watching them sets out to make it happen.

Only professor Kingston known amongst the students at Astor as King has a whole other idea and quickly turns the tables on the pair. He also introduces them to a world they know nothing about and one his peers believe East just isn't suitable for.

But King is sure he has made the right decision. Not to mention he can't get their encounter out of his mind. So he decides to whisk the pair away for spring break and hope he can get them out of his system once and for all.

Yet, the week together changes the three of them in ways they never imagined. Even East, who doesn't share a bed, do cuddles or even relationships.

Only everything changes when they return to New York and East is faced with devastating news. But both King and Zac are there for him as are his fellow Princes and East realises that being in a relationship isn't so bad after all.

And with some smoking hot scenes and a notorious prince put in his place in the most delicious of ways. This was a perfect way to end the series and showcase what a great group of characters the princes are and I can't wait for the spinoff series to start!!

I would happily recommend Notorious Park Avenue Princes and the series as a whole to all. ☺️
Salacious Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Park Avenue Princes are back! And this time Travis gets to take centre stage in a story let's be honest we've all been waiting for. As we finally find out what his issue with Caleb is.

Caleb who btw happens to be his stepbrother. 😱

And it's a story that delights and delivers from the very first page to the last. 

As these two gorgeous, stubborn, argumentative, sexy guys. Who go out of their way to drive each other crazy. Are thrown together when their parents announce at a family dinner that because they feel Travis has no direction (big shock, I know) Caleb should leave his loft in Chelsea and move into the Towers with him.

But it's a decision that doesn't go down well with either party. Especially Caleb, who adores his space away from Astor, Travis and the rest of the Park Avenue Pricks as he calls them. Particularly, as Travis has been more antagonistic than ever lately.

However, neither of their parents is taking for an answer and once under the same roof, the pair has no choice but to confront their differences and the reason that caused them to fall out in the first place.

And I absolutely adored getting to see a softer, more vulnerable side of Travis. Who is normally quite self assured and brash especially when around Caleb and Caleb well I loved getting to know him in detail and his romance with Travis developed at just the perfect pace.

And with plenty of heat, emotion, great characters and just the right amount of input from the rest of the Princes this was a fantastic read. That I read in just a few hours and I honestly can't wait for East's story, especially after all the shit he's given his friends who have much to his disgust and horror gone and fallen in love. 

My thanks to Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine and Foreword PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Salacious Park Avenue. 😊