Tag Archives: ARC review

Early Review: Never Let Me Go by Monica Murphy

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by

Never Let You Go by Monica Murphy

Never Let Me Go by Monica Murphy
Series: Never Tear Us Apart #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: May 3rd 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The second novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love.
 
The truth hurts, they say—and my pain cuts deep. While I was falling for Ethan, he was deceiving me the entire time. He held a huge secret, protected by his lies. When I discovered what he was hiding, the truth shook my world, threatening to ruin us forever. Ruin me. But I soon realized that what we share can’t be destroyed.

The connection between us is too strong. It always has been. I can’t deny him any longer. And I can’t deny my truth: I’m in love with Ethan.

I don’t want to let him go.

While we’re trying our best to make this relationship work, other forces are fighting against us. My family, who wants to keep me safe. The media obsessed with my tragic past. The public that feeds off of it. Even Ethan’s father—the man who nearly destroyed me all those years ago. He’s doing his best to finish the job.

Despite my love for Ethan, the doubts creep in, clouding my mind. Is he worth the pain? Will our love survive, or will we have no choice but to end it—end us—once and for all?

Never Let You Go was a highly anticipated release of mine – I was dying to read this book after the cliffhanger in Never Tear Us Apart!! Never Tear Us Apart (my review here) was a heart-pounding, intense, unique read, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel. Unfortunately, I didn’t love it as much as the first book. I liked seeing how Katie and Ethan ended up, but overall, Never Let You Go was just an okay read. Monica Murphy’s writing is wonderful as usual, but the story just didn’t grip me like the first book did.

Katie finally knows the truth of who Ethan is – and with this betrayal of trust, she wants nothing to do with him. Ethan, on the other hand, only wants Katie to be happy, and though he’d rather her be happy with him, he’s backed off to give her time to herself. There’s a lot of this back-and-forth for Katie – one moment, she needs him, the next she’s pushing him away. I was amazed at the patience in Ethan, but I did get a little frustrated at this because the story didn’t move forward fast enough. Still, whenever Ethan and Katie are together, they’re so sweet and wonderful. If this book had nothing but their romance, I would’ve loved it so much more!

Being with Katie makes me feel complete. Whole. Comfortable in my own skin, when I’ve moved through my life uncomfortable as hell with just about everything I’ve ever done.

Tragic events put these two characters together at a young age, but it seems like the present is trying to tear them apart. The media won’t stop hounding Katie and Ethan, and they’re even accusing Ethan of being a part of Katie’s kidnapping, rather than being her savior. This part of book was a little too dramatic for my taste. The media is overwhelming at times, and it seemed to overshadow the main characters and their relationship. I wanted a little less of it, but I understand how the author wanted to use the media in conjunction with Ethan and Katie overcoming their past.

Still, even with my annoyances with the book, I really did enjoy seeing how Katie and Ethan’s relationship turned out. I was rooting for them from the very first book, so I was happy with the events in this conclusion. If you liked Never Tear Us Apart, hopefully you’ll enjoy this sequel! The romance is slow and sweet, but everything else is just a little mediocre compared to the first book.

The boy of my past. The man of my future. The one I can never, ever let go.

3 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Never Tear Us Apart series

Never Tear Us Apart by Monica Murphy Never Let You Go by Monica Murphy

#1 ~ Never Year Us Apart: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Never Let Me Go: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads (May 3, 2016)

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Release Day Review: Settling the Score by R.S. Grey

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Settling the Score by R.S. Grey
Series: The Summer Games #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: May 2nd 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

As an Olympic rookie, Andie Foster has spent far more time in her cleats than between the sheets. For 21 years, her Friday nights have consisted of blocking shots rather than taking them. But now that she’s landed in Rio, she’s ready to see for herself if the rumors about the Olympic Village are true:

  • The athletes are all sex-crazed maniacs…
  • The committee passes out condoms like candy…
  • The games continue long after the medals have been handed out…

As Andie walks the line between rumor and reality, she’s forced into the path of Frederick Archibald, a decorated Olympic swimmer and owner of a sexy British accent–too bad he’s unavailable in a way that “it’s complicated” doesn’t even begin to explain.

In other words: off limits.

It doesn’t matter that he has abs that could bring peace to the Middle East and a smile that makes even the Queen blush; Andie fully intends on keeping her focus on the soccer field. But the Village is small. Suffocating. Everywhere Andie goes, Freddie happens to be there–shirtless, wet from the pool, and determined to show her a whole new meaning of the phrase “international affairs”.

I’m a sucker for sports romances!!! I absolutely adored R.S. Grey’s previous one, Scoring Wilder, so when I heard there would be a spinoff, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! And then I saw the gorgeous cover and needed it even more. Settling the Score is the first book in the brand new The Summer Games series, and I have to say, I think it might be my favorite R.S. Grey book yet. There was something so fun and fresh about it – I started it early one morning and finished it hours later the same day, I was THAT hooked onto it. If you love sports romances or if you loved Scoring Wilder, I highly recommend you give Settling the Score a try!

Soccer goalie Andie Foster has made it to the top – she’s playing for Team USA in the Olympics, and she’s dying to win the gold. She has no time for men, wanting to focus on her soccer career, but on her very first day in Rio, she sees the gorgeous Frederick Archibald. He’s British, the most decorated Olympic swimmer, a duke… and did I mention gorgeous? Andie tries to stay away from him, because she knows he’ll be a terribly good distraction, but as their paths cross again and again, their chemistry gets hotter and hotter, and soon enough, they can’t resist each other. Except there’s one pesky thing… Freddie is supposedly engaged to someone already.

Freddie was thrust into dukedom when his older brother died, and he’s been trying to hold off on all responsibilities ever since. His mother also forced an engagement on him, one he’s hasn’t accepted and won’t to go through with, and that decision only solidifies when he gets to know Andie. She’s unlike any other woman he’s ever met – she’s easy-going, adorable, and so dedicated to her sport. They have a wonderful connection that makes it so easy to fall for one another, even when they shouldn’t.

To the world, she was Andie Foster, beautiful American girl ready to take on the world. … To me, she was more.

I. Loved. These. Two!!! Freddie and Andie are ridiculously sweet and adorable together. There’s so much tension between them since they can’t really be together, but when they ARE together, it’s the most heart-warming thing. I fell so hard for their characters and their lovely romance – these two are definitely meant to be together, and I was rooting for them so hard even when things turned sour.

Andie is a wonderful heroine, strong, independent, and hilarious. If you’ve read Scoring Wilder, then you should know that Kinsley, Becca, and Liam play a big role in Andie’s life. Kinsley and Becca are also HILARIOUS – this book isn’t as funny as Scoring Wilder, but I still giggled a bunch whenever the soccer duo appeared on the page. And Freddie – oh my god. He’s perfect. He’s not a manwhore, he’s not ridiculously alpha – he’s just a dedicated athlete who’s thrust into a role he never wanted to be a part of. Then he falls SO hard for a girl, and I swooned every time he opened his mouth. I loved the way Freddie was with Andie!

I stood and dragged my hand over her chest and pressed it down against her rapidly beating heart.
“This heart, Andie…”
She let go of her bottom lip and inhaled a shaky breath.
“I want this heart all for myself.”
“Freddie…”
I didn’t give her time to push me away. “This smile. This is what unwound me. I’m powerless when it comes to this smile.”

R.S. Grey wrote the perfect balance of sports and romance in Settling the Game. I loved that it was dual POV and that we get both Andie and Freddie’s perspectives. I really have no complaints about it, besides the fact that I hated Freddie’s ‘fiancée.’ Seriously, this book is just wonderful! Fun, flirty, and sexy, it’s definitely a top rec for sports romance lovers. Now I’m dying to read the next Summer Games novel!

5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: The Summer Games series

 

#1 ~ Settling the Score: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Out of Bounds: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

The Summer Games is a spinoff of Scoring Wilder, whose main couple are secondary characters in Settling the Score. Check out Scoring Wilder for another fantastic standalone soccer romance – featuring Kinsley and her coach/forbidden love Liam!

Scoring Wilder: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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Blog Tour + ARC Review & Excerpt: Z by Larissa Ione

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Reviews by

Z Tour banner

Welcome to today’s stop on the Review & Excerpt Tour for Z by Larissa Ione!

Z by Larissa Ione
Series: Demonica #11.7 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 26th 2016
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Zhubaal, fallen angel assistant to the Grim Reaper, has spent decades searching for the angel he loved and lost nearly a century ago. Not even her death can keep him from trying to find her, not when he knows she’s been given a second chance at life in a new body. But as time passes, he’s losing hope, and he wonders how much longer he can hold to the oath he swore to her so long ago…

As an emim, the wingless offspring of two fallen angels, Vex has always felt like a second-class citizen. But if she manages to secure a deal with the Grim Reaper — by any means necessary — she will have earned her place in the world. The only obstacle in the way of her plan is a sexy hardass called Z, who seems determined to thwart her at every turn. Soon it becomes clear that they have a powerful connection rooted in the past…but can any vow stand the test of time?

Buy Links:
Amazon Ebook • Amazon Paperback

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The Demonica series is one of my favorite PNR series ever. Larissa Ione writes every book in the series with the perfect amount of humor, action, intensity, and sexiness. Z isn’t my favorite of the series, but it’s an enjoyable read nonetheless. If you love the Demonica series, you’ll no doubt have fun with Zhubaal and Vex!

Zhubaal gave up his wings in order to follow the love of his life when she fell from Heaven. Laura died before he could save her, but her soul was reborn onto Earth, and for the past century, Z has been trying to look for her. He even took on the job from Hell (literally), becoming the Grim Reaper’s assistant so he’d be able to see if his love’s soul ever passed through Sheoul.

Vex is an emin, born from two fallen angels, which is unfortunate because both angels and fallen angels will stop at nothing to kill her. She has a special ability to capture loose souls into her body, and she’s been able to sell those souls in the black market, until the market crashes. Now, her only chance at making any money and surviving is to make a deal with Azagoth, the Grim Reaper. And it’s in Sheoul that she meets Z, who she has a mysterious connection with.

Vex had never believed in soul mates, but as her soul touched Zhubaal’s, she knew the truth.
They belonged together.

This book should’ve been the most romantic of the series – the hero stayed faithful his whole life to the woman he loved, and never stopped searching for her… but I found I never really could connect with either Zhubaal or Vex. Z frustrated me at times because of how much he wanted Vex to be his lost love, and it takes a while for him to accept Vex as she is. Still, other than these annoyances, I had a fun time reading Z. I just can’t NOT enjoy a Larissa Ione read! Her sense of humor and her characters always crack me up without fail. I’m glad we get the chance to read Z’s story – now I’m really hoping that we one about Jim Bob!

“You’re mine,” he rasped. “Finally, you’re mine.”

3.5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Now here’s an excerpt from Z! ❤

excerpt button

“What’s your name? And what is your business with Azagoth?” Stepping closer, he lowered his voice and looked down at her from his extra foot of height. “And keep in mind that I’m his gatekeeper. You will tell me or you won’t get off this platform.”

She coyly fingered the plunging neckline of her top and batted her jewel-toned eyes. “I’m Vex, and I have a proposition for your boss.”

“I’m Zhubaal, and I need a little more than that.” He narrowed his eyes, refusing to be charmed or seduced. But damn, she really did have nice breasts. “What kind of proposition?”

For a long moment she stared up at him, her ruby lips pressed together in a stubborn line of silence. Just as he was about to send her back to whatever realm she’d come from, she gave up the seductress BS and held out her right arm.

“See these glyphs?” She traced the outline of one of five squiggly black circles with the tip of one amethyst-painted fingernail. “Touch one.”

“If this is a trick––”

“How stupid do you think I am?” she snapped. “If Azagoth is really the Grim Reaper, he’s one of the most powerful beings in the universe. Do you honestly think I’m here to piss him off by screwing with one of his griminions?”

Well, that was insulting. “I’m not a griminion,” he ground out. “Griminions are ugly little freaks who collect souls when a demon or evil human dies. I’m just your standard everyday minion.”

She rolled her eyes. “I know. I was being funny. You’re the Grim Reaper’s minion. Griminion.” She nudged him with her arm. “Come on. Touch me.”

Anxious to be rid of this obnoxious female, he gripped her wrist and pressed his fingers against two––or maybe three––of the circles.

He had no idea how many of the things he touched because the moment his skin came into contact with them, the powerful burn of sheer evil shot through him and knocked the breath from his lungs. Holy hell, what were those glyphs? Malevolence seared his skin and forced superheated blood to flow like lava through his veins as he released her and stumbled backward, his head spinning.

“They’re souls,” Vex said, her voice cutting through his agony. “That’s what you’re feeling. They attached themselves to me, and I think Azagoth might want to take them off my hands.”

Reading Order: Demonica series

  
  Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione Reaver by Larissa Ione Azagoth by Larissa Ione
Revenant by Larissa Ione Hades by Larisas Ione  

#1 ~ Pleasure Unbound: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Desire Unchained: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Passioned Unleashed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Ecstasy Unveiled: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Sin Undone: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Eternal Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Immortal Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ Lethal Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#9 ~ Rogue Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ Reaver: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10.5 ~ Azagoth: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#11 ~ Revenant: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#11.5 ~ Hades: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#11.6 ~ Base Instincts: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#11.7 ~ Z: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

about the author button

Larissa IoneLarissa Ione is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. An Air Force veteran, she traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her U.S. Coast Guard husband, her teenage son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhound, a King Shepherd named Hexe.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Newsletter • Pinterest • Goodreads

Follow the Tour

April 27th
A Fortress of books – Review
What Is That Book About – Excerpt
Booklovers For Life – Review & Excerpt
Queens of the Darkside – Excerpt

April 28th
Milky Way of Books – Review
Extreme Bookaholics – Excerpt
Nice Ladies, Naughty Books – Excerpt

April 29th
Collector of book boyfriends – Excerpt
Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews – Review
I Smell Sheep – Review
Oh My Shelves – Review

April 30th
Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt
Smokin’ Hot Reads Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Barbara Book Reviews – Excerpt

May 1st
Angelika blogja – Review
Sultry, Steamy Reading – Review & Excerpt
Deluged with Books Cafe – Review & Excerpt
Coffee-Books-Life Blog – Review & Excerpt

May 2nd
Bridget’s Book Bungalow – Review & Excerpt
That’s What I’m Talking About – Review
Books-n-Kisses – Review & Excerpt

May 3rd
Reads All the Books – Review & Excerpt
Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews – Excerpt
Diane’s Book Blog – Review
Alpha book club – Review & Excerpt

May 4th
The Romance Reviews – Review
Ashley Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Romancing the Readers – Review
KatyaRath – Review & Excerpt

May 5th
Hike2Forty and beyond – Review & Excerpt
KT Book Reviews – Excerpt
A Hopeless Romantic’s Booklandia – Review & Excerpt
SnoopyDoo’s Book Reviews – Excerpt

May 6th
Hart’s Romance Pulse – Excerpt
Book Lovin’ Mamas – Review & Excerpt
Angel’s Guilty Pleasures – Excerpt
Evermore Books – Review & Excerpt

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Release Day Review: Ladies Man by Katy Evans

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Ladies Man by Katy Evans

Ladies Man by Katy Evans
Series: Manwhore #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 26th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

TAHOE ROTH.
Irreverent, cocky, playful and naughty.
He’s not the guy you date.
He’s the one night stand.
The one your mother warned you about.
The one your body craves.

You’d think the man who called me succulent would want to strip me down and spread me out on his bed—like he’s done with countless others.
But he passed on my offer….
Just like I’d once passed on his.
He’s wary, like I am.
He’s broken, like I am.
And everyone knows two broken parts can’t ever make a whole.
Tahoe and I are strictly friends.
So I distract myself with other men.
He doesn’t think my new man is good enough. This blond blue-eyed beast doesn’t think any man is—himself included.
But the more time we spend together, the more confused I feel.
I’m trying to open myself to love.
Yet I’m quickly realizing that the only man I want is Tahoe Roth.
The one man who will surely break my heart.

“Love should make you feel good about yourself and about the person you are when you’re with the one you love. Love should make you feel accepted as you are.”

I have yet to not love a Katy Evans book – she’s one of my favorite auto-buy authors, because she really never disappoints. I absolutely ADORED Rachel and Saint’s story in the Manwhore series, and Gina and Tahoe’s characters had me endlessly curious about their own possible romance. So Ladies Man was a dream come true – you don’t even know my level of excitement when I received an ARC! I dove straight into Gina and Tahoe’s story and practically didn’t come up for air for a second. And once again, Katy Evans stunned me with a powerful romance that swept me away and left me breathless for more. I did have one major problem with the book (sad face), but everything else was PERFECT. I have to admit, Ladies Man isn’t quite like the author’s other books, but if you loved the Manwhore series, you’ll seriously want to get your hands on this one.

Beast. Stud. He’s hot. Irreverent. Insatiable. Incorrigible. Pure I, I, I—cause he’s selfish too, and he’ll never care for anyone more than he cares about Tahoe.

Tahoe Roth is manwhore personified. He’s alpha, charming, cocky, flirty, and the biggest player there is. He has no shame in the number of women he beds – and why should he? He’s not in a relationship, and he’s never going to be. Which is unfortunate for Gina, who’s got the biggest crush on him, but won’t risk breaking her heart over him. She’s already been through enough in her life – she’s never been a priority to anyone, and her self-esteem has taken hit after hit because of her parents and her ex. How can she survive being brought down again if Tahoe tosses her away like he does with every other woman?

Gina and Tahoe stay firmly in the friend zone, despite the roaring attraction they have for each other. The chemistry they have – it’s sizzling. Every glance, every touch, every text, every conversation is leaden with desire. Seriously, this book is HOT. It might be Katy Evans’ hottest one, despite the fact that it’s probably got the least number of sex scenes out of all her books. The build-up and tension between Gina and Tahoe were what made this book so addicting, I devoured it in one sitting.

He’s my best friend. The only person I love to be with, want to be with, always. He’s the only man I’ve ever wanted like this.

Gina is the sweetest heroine ever. I felt terribly for this girl, for the fact that even though she’s got the biggest, kindest, most loving heart ever, no one besides her two best friends has ever cared about her the way she cares about them and everyone else in her life. She’s been left behind again and again… except with Tahoe. Tahoe, who has never once let her down when she needed him. With him, she doesn’t feel like the broken person she believes she is. And the amazing this is, Tahoe feels the same way about Gina. In Ladies Man, these two beautifully broken characters go on an amazing journey of discovering not just love, but themselves as well – and it was a joy to read.

“I love you.” He looks at me. “I love every part of you. I could be a thousand miles away from you, stay away from you my whole life, put an ocean between us, take a million other women in my arms, and you’re still the one I want, the only woman on my mind.”

The only reason I can’t give this five hearts though… is the fact that Tahoe just CANNOT keep it in his pants in the beginning of the book. I HATED that he kept sleeping with other women even with his and Gina’s growing feelings for each other – but I don’t consider this cheating because he’s technically not with Gina at this point. Still, I love loyalty in my heroes, and Tahoe doesn’t have much until the second half of the book. So if you’re not a fan of main characters being with other people in your romances, this book probably won’t be the best read for you. But if you’re curious whether a ladies man change his ways for good? The answer is a big, fat YES. 😉

I adored this book. I didn’t love everything about it, but I adored it all the same. The writing and the character development are absolutely incredible – Katy Evans brings her A-game in this novel. I also looooved seeing more of Rachel and Saint! They play a bigger part in this book than I expected, which I’m so happy about. Ladies Man truly made me feel – angry, happy, frustrated, giggly, swoony – everything. It’s an emotionally raw and heart-wrenching book that I highly recommend.

4 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Manwhore series

Manwhore by Katy Evans Manwhore +1 by Katy Evans Ms. Manwhore by Katy Evans Ladies Man by Katy Evans

#1 ~ Manwhore: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Manwhore +1: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Ms. Manwhore: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Ladies Man: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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Early Review: The Wedding Pact by Katee Robert

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by

The Wedding Pact by Katee Robert

The Wedding Pact by Katee Robert
Series: The O’Malleys #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 26th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert continues her smoking-hot series about the O’Malleys-wealthy, powerful, and full of scandalous family secrets.

Carrigan O’Malley has always known her arranged marriage would be more about power and prestige than passion. But after one taste of the hard-bodied, whiskey-voiced James Halloran, she’s ruined for anyone else. Too bad James and his family are enemy number 1.

Hallorans vs. O’Malleys-that’s how it’s always been. James should be thinking more about how to expand his family’s empire instead of how silky Carrigan’s skin is against his and how he can next get her into his bed. Those are dangerous thoughts. But not nearly as dangerous as he’ll be if he can’t get what he wants: Carrigan by his side for the rest of their lives.

If you love forbidden romances and a well-written mafia story, The Wedding Pact should definitely be on your radar. It’s the second book in the O’Malleys series, though it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the first book, and the little teaser in The Marriage Contract for Carrigan and James’ book had me so excited for this sequel! While I liked The Wedding Pact, it was a bit too slow and long-winded for me to fully love it like I wanted to. Still! If you loved The Marriage Contract, I have no doubt you’ll love The Wedding Pact too.

The O’Malleys and the Hallorans are two of three prominent mafia families in Boston, so for Carrigan O’Malley and James Halloran to be anything but enemies is unthinkable. Carrigan is forced to choose a man to marry for the good of her family, while James is trying to step up as the leader of the Hallorans since his older brother’s death. These two star-crossed lovers couldn’t be on more different paths, but try as they might to stay on opposing sides of a brewing war, they always manage to somehow find their way back to each other.

Carrigan was the calm in the middle of the hurricane that was his life. It didn’t make a damn bit of sense because half the time she drove him up the wall, but the second her hand slipped into his, the tightness in his chest loosened, just a little, and he could breathe again.

The Wedding Pact is a great enemies-to-lovers romance. The connection and chemistry between James and Carrigan is fierce, and the forbidden aspect of their relationship makes things even hotter. They keep their relationship a secret from their families, but when it’s just the two of them, they can’t deny their growing feelings for each other. I really enjoyed James and Carrigan’s romance – so much so that I wish there had been less of the mafia plot, which I felt overshadowed the romance too much at times.

“You’re strong and you don’t need a man to lean on.” He cupped her face. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t lean on my. It has nothing to do with need and everything to do with me wanting to be the man who’s by your side every step of the way. Your man, Carrigan O’Malley.”

Katee Robert has written a suspenseful, sexy story in The Wedding Pact. She takes us deep into the mafia world of Boston, and even though I found it a little tedious sometimes, if you love highly detailed mafia stories, this shouldn’t be a problem for you. I loved the sweet ending, and I’m super excited about the setup for the next book. I’m eagerly awaiting Cillian O’Malley’s story next!

3.5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: The O’Malleys series

The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert The Wedding Pact by Katee Robert 

#1 ~ The Marriage Contract: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Wedding Pact: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads (April 26, 2016)
#3 ~ An Indecent Proposal: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Aug. 30, 2016)

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