tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56897874795640579352026-08-02T02:12:44.661+02:00People have varied reasons for reading; mine has always been to escape the everyday. Reading is the best form of therapy for me and I want to thank authors for their unwitting involvement in shaping my world view. I read on average over 300 books a year. I write reviews for the books I read as a way to give back to the community of readers and authors. My reviews are just as open and honest for any advanced review copies I may receive as any I do for the books I buy. EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-86852003068211941852025-12-04T14:37:00.003+02:002025-12-04T14:51:51.702+02:00

 Shattered Dreams by Linzvonc My rating: 4 of 5 starsThis is not a review. Just some musings But rather some musings better suited to a book club.It comes as no surprise that this is a cheating-spouse/marriage-in-trouble drama.And the following may be spoilers. Please don't read if you prefer spoiler-free musings.So Roman messed up big time. And still messed up by not understanding the why

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-91157829918619954362025-12-01T14:38:00.002+02:002025-12-04T14:51:10.167+02:00

 Limits by Susie Tate My rating: 5 of 5 stars oh myI have not read a book I wanted to rave about in a long time. British to a fault, I was slightly lost at the start of an emotional journey. Yes, this is a love story, but the HEA part plays out in the background while personal growth, standing up, and filling your space with friends and love are the bigger story arcs. Well done!

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-62859784394341203332025-07-08T09:46:00.006+02:002025-07-08T09:46:55.980+02:00

Burning for Him by Samantha Cole My rating: 3 of 5 stars Baby-girl gets her man. The story of Doug and Jenn is adorable, with the expected snark from the uncles. The HEA is hard-won, with Jenn needing time to do more growing up from when we met her at the start of this series. Not only did Doug need to come to terms with her maturity (really, the age gap was

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-32638286251921381572025-03-10T14:55:00.005+02:002025-03-10T14:55:48.739+02:00

I have been struggling to concentrate on new books, so I started my new year with what feels like a re-read marathon. Who have not had crippling anxiety in the face of new books and authors, longing for the comfort of the familiar?Here are some of the re-read reviews:The Wedding Night by Kati Wilde My rating: 5 of 5 stars An unexpected findThis book was a true hidden gem. Its unexpected storyline

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-58105561717094675762024-11-10T10:01:00.002+02:002025-02-18T10:38:22.219+02:00

TrueBorn's Queen by Leona Page My rating: 4 of 5 stars A strong redemption storyThis is a dark romance, and readers s hould be prepared for on-page flashbacks and current-period DV in all its forms.That said Leona Page does give a good introduction to why this story spoke to her and how she crafted it. I felt for our FMC. She was too young to deal with the

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-45712035380729060752024-10-28T10:01:00.001+02:002025-02-13T11:03:22.156+02:00

Donation Clinic (Heatverse) by Alexis B. Osborne My rating: 4 of 5 stars Sweet but smuttyA clerical error makes for a meet-cute. A reverse harem omega verse where swords cross. No 3rd act breakup or other tension, so the book feels a bit overly long.

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-37687280706725059482024-09-27T10:01:00.005+02:002025-02-13T11:18:41.038+02:00

Ghost by Sybil Bartel My rating: 5 of 5 stars Yes, gushing is allowed It is no secret that I love the way Ms Bartel can weave a story. Ghost is no exception. Ms Bartel employs a subtle literary theme, using interesting words and even the lack of words, to convey a much bigger meaning. Ghost stands strong in his protectiveness and his convictions. His FMC is a

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-32543825849344601732024-09-06T10:02:00.001+02:002025-02-13T11:46:41.401+02:00

Illicit by Brynne Asher My rating: 5 of 5 stars Last...but not leastI could not wait for Rocco to have his own HEA. The book did not disappoint. Friends to enemies to lovers, a found family and some action.Mix in bossy goodness, a rainbow of underwear and a 3 1/2 spice rating for a treat only Brynne can deliver. Dive in immediately for the last couple in the

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-77844018250870806712024-06-28T10:02:00.004+02:002025-02-13T10:18:01.985+02:00

Clayton by Rachelle Mills My rating: 3 of 5 stars CliffhangerIn general, I am not a fan of cliffhangers. I did not know starting this book that the storyline would not conclude in this book. however, the story does pull you in. There are some continuity issues but I enjoyed the writing. I did finish the second book and read more from the author. I recommend the books

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-49099845150811334882024-04-03T10:03:00.001+02:002025-02-13T11:36:17.601+02:00

Exposed by Brynne Asher My rating: 4 of 5 stars King for the win!Loved this edition of the agents. Goldie is such a strong FMC and while I suspected there would be a bit of push and pull regarding the ethicalness (is that a word?) of the relationship with King, that did not come through. The storyline was good, the character arc was perfect and I loved King as the

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-23453388987865386572024-02-09T10:03:00.001+02:002025-02-13T11:17:41.541+02:00

Kilo by Sybil Bartel My rating: 5 of 5 stars WowReading Sybil's books is like falling into poetry with all the best parts of a romance...the action, the domination, the heat. And best of all, a HEA with such a deep emotional connection, it is insane.Two threads: "Remember my voice" and the colour slate/ice. It links, it smoothes and it is all Kilo. The Alpha Elite

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-82205520934410792242023-12-23T10:04:00.001+02:002025-02-13T12:01:32.366+02:00

Fighter's Kiss by Sienna Blake My rating: 3 of 5 stars mmmmmI found this book very difficult to rate. The book had less action and more emotional depth than I expected. But even so, I did not feel or believe the connection between our main characters. This may be because the reader is treated to a lot of inner dialogue but much less interaction between the

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-75431378816616156852023-11-08T10:05:00.001+02:002025-02-13T12:04:43.972+02:00

Master of the Wilderness by Cherise Sinclair My rating: 5 of 5 stars Surprising twist in the seriesI have loved most of the Bear Flat books in this series..more so than those of Dark Haven. I would suggest reading the series though as there are so many secondary characters who have unique stories that you may be otherwise lost.And Wyatt and his kink? A nice change

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-62511592585761990962023-11-03T10:05:00.001+02:002025-02-13T11:31:38.758+02:00

Tapped by Brynne Asher My rating: 4 of 5 stars Can Brynne top this?Tapped is a heartstopping, banter-filled, hot mess of suspense and chemistry. Ada in Gifts was my Brynne imagined book boyfriend but Micah may have just moved into the first place. And sassy Evie who is.the worst patient ever? My new BFF.The book has it all..even a little reverse age gap...Now one

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-72307653109597155802023-10-03T20:10:00.003+02:002023-10-03T20:10:20.702+02:00

Delta by Sybil Bartel My rating: 5 of 5 stars A complicated hero, a heroine with a not-so-apparent backbone of steel and a strategy of dominanceI love Ms. Bartel's writing style. Reading her books has my heart just a little bit clenched, beating just a little bit faster. You are able to get into the most profound emotional pieces of a character's mind and your

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-29050519823107203452023-07-06T10:27:00.003+02:002023-07-06T10:27:32.746+02:00

Blind Man's Bluff by Ivy James My rating: 4 of 5 stars Just the right amount of emotion. I really loved this book. The characters were well-developed, and their actions were based on believable motivations. It is a great love story with a somewhat predictable twist. Suspense, heartache and a satisfying HEA.The blind leading the blind can be a positive experience,

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-38611490183478590202023-07-06T10:24:00.005+02:002023-07-06T10:24:41.480+02:00

Wild Wicked Obsession by Layla Frost My rating: 4 of 5 stars So goodA story with a slower build, incredible heat, alpha possessiveness, turns, and a twist at the end. Also loved the secondary characters. A story of a woman rediscovering her self-worth, gaining confidence and channelling her inner vixen. The dynamics between Joss and Lars were spot on. With awesome

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-65361108958118634832023-07-06T10:19:00.005+02:002023-07-06T10:19:47.886+02:00

27 Weeks by HJ Stallard My rating: 4 of 5 stars Beware: not everyone's cup of tea.But definitely a worthwhile read for anyone brave enough for some unconventional and dark romance. The trigger warnings are important and should be heeded. This is gritty and real, and you would only think of this as romance with some stretch in your reality and worldview. (HEA

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-60208169990577232852023-07-06T10:11:00.004+02:002023-07-06T10:11:46.084+02:00

Nero by S.J. Tilly My rating: 5 of 5 stars This was just perfect!I have not enjoyed a book as much as Nero in a long time. A meet-cute that is so different.While the tropes sound heavy (stalker, mafia-ish, on-page death), the story was this delightful dove-grey perfection. I laughed, I anticipated, I fanned myself, and I put this down with a slight sigh and

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-18788396473165222342023-07-06T09:47:00.000+02:002023-07-06T09:47:32.132+02:00

Whiskey by Sybil Bartel My rating: 5 of 5 stars This book is perfection Book 7 in the Alpha Elite Series contains stories of dominant alpha heroes who work for AES and the women who bring them to their knees. The books in the series can be read as standalones and out of order, but why break the fun up? Filled with mystery, action and suspense, keeping readers at

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-9154492501681509822023-01-13T15:01:00.003+02:002023-01-13T15:01:38.055+02:00

Marked: A Billionaire/Military Second-Chance Romance by Lexxi James My rating: 4 of 5 stars Loved the one-liners in this book. This is a second chance, best friend's sister trope, and I loved the characters, the banter, the intrigue and the Oh-So hot moments. Mark and Jess are both a little wary, and a little broken, but so good together. There are the usual

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-11922693194638796932023-01-13T15:01:00.000+02:002023-01-13T15:01:03.034+02:00

The Wicked Truth by Melissa Foster My rating: 5 of 5 stars Emotional Loved this emotional read. Life can turn on a dime, and our path is never guaranteed, so make the most of the chances you are given. This was a poignant story of loss, guilt, love and lust...the lust was definitely there as well.

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-57813750560016996352023-01-13T14:32:00.002+02:002023-01-13T14:32:49.638+02:00

Dangerous Mind by Riley Edwards My rating: 4 of 5 stars Finding the path backThis book is different from the other Takeback series. There is no definitive "bad guy" per se. Instead, this book is about healing, understanding yourself and acknowledging the impact you have on others and their choices - what may be deemed good or bad decisions but choices we make

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-73747864732234899622022-11-16T14:47:00.004+02:002022-11-16T14:47:43.077+02:00

Igniting Vic by Freya Barker My rating: 5 of 5 stars Vic, a firefighter and Bill, a detective, become closer involved at the start of a serial killer case. Our more mature characters bring their own mountain of issues on top of having careers that are not conducive to relationships in general.The suspense element did keep me engaged, and the villain turned out to

EllenYShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16935338121583211724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689787479564057935.post-78115086543871129562022-11-16T14:46:00.001+02:002022-11-16T14:46:25.308+02:00

High Impact by Freya Barker My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is the story of Bo and Lucy in the High Mountain Trackers series. Although book 4, it is possible to read as a standalone as each book deals with a new couple. The earlier books in the series do give a glimpse into the personality of our characters, though.A trigger warning. The book does deal with SA of a

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