literaryillusions

[literaryillusions]

Hello! 

Sorry I have been inactive here? I am almost strictly using Goodreads or Insta for Romancelandia activities at this point. I also started a blog - because what feels better than screaming in to the void of the internet during a pandemic? Please feel free to come say hello there! I love to chat with other readers - it is basically the point of it for me! 

xx

Sadie

[literaryillusions]

Ties that Bind (Ruthless Sinners #1) 

Hawk is many things - loyal, trustworthy, tough and nothing comes before his MC family at the Ruthless Sinners. But when Delilah gets caught up in a mess - he can’t help but feel maybe he should fight for her too. 

This was my first L Wilder book and definitely won’t be my last! It didn’t start strong - at first Delilah seemed a little too stupid to live - but she ended up being an awesome sassy heroine who brought Hawk to his knees. And HAWK - **fans self** - definitely looks like he could kill you but is actually a cinnamon roll... better yet a SINnamon roll. This book was full of banter, sexual chemistry and learning that maybe first impressions shouldn’t matter all that much. I will definitely pick up more of these in the future. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#arc review #mc romance #l wilder #ruthless sinners mc #new mc series #arc #ties that bind #enemies to lovers #sassy heroine #TW: gun violence #TW: previous abuse not on page

[literaryillusions]

Secret for a Secret (All In #3) 

Ryan Kingston has had a weird year - not all calm and easy going as he prefers. His sister is his mom, which makes his mom his grandmother and his longtime girlfriend wants to get back together when they were barely a relationship before all while he still has to play professional hockey. Not to mention the one and only time he has a one night stand it happens to be with his general manager’s daughter. Queenie is really trying. Trying not to be her natural chaos. Trying not to run to her dad for everything. Trying to find a future profession. oh - and trying not to fall for King. 

I am a massive Helena Hunting fan and this book did not disappoint in any way! Queenie is a beautiful chaotic mess with an enormous heart behind a brick wall. Kingston is honest and heartbroken and is the NICEST human (honestly - underrated in romance often) - but he does have a line and if you cross it he will blow. (Also an underrated trait.) 

The calm and the chaos of this pair is beautiful because they balance each other and support each other and never once try to change each other. Not to mention this comes with signature moments of utter laughter (embarrassing moments always have an audience!) and some seriously sexy scenes. 

Side note: Is it just me or is Queenie’s dad a Silver Fox that deserves a story... I want to say more but don’t want to spoil! 

#helena hunting #hockey romance #contemporary romance #secret for a secret #All In Series

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Never Look Back (Criminal Profilers #3) 

Agent Melina Shepard is no one's idea of a damsel in distress but when she plays too fast and too loose she nearly gets grabbed by the Key Killer. This is a much bigger case than she originally thought and ends up saddled with an FBI agent to match. As her past and the present collide amid three seemingly separate cases - Special Agent Jerrod Ramsey is the only port in the storm.

This probably isn't a four- star book? But the twists and turns at the end surpassed the lack of steam and made it a seriously solid mystery. Melina is a toughie and also has a gooey center. Jerrod is burned out and trying to find what he so loved about catching bad guys and together they have the frankest conversation before sex I have ever read. Low on the steam, heat and bedroom meter but high on the action and suspense one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#tw: child abandonment #tw: violence towards women #maryburton #action romance #mystery romance #contemporary romance

[literaryillusions]

Dare to Resist (Dare Nation #1) 

Austin and Quinn pretend they don’t have feelings for each other everyday at the office. But once Austin needs Quinn in his house to help with the baby someone left on his doorstep - maybe they can’t quite fight them anymore. 

This is my first secret baby AND my first Carly Phillips. Quinn is nearly terrifying in her competence at literally everything (we all want that level of confidence don’t we?!) and Austin is weirdly sweet for a super famous ex football star. There are some great moments of not liking falling for someone that is inconvenient and watching a giant football player nearly weep at the sight of an infant does make me giggle. (I am still not sold on secret babies but this one wasn’t bad for the record.) Short, sweet and steamy it is a great summer Sunday read with a nice frozen drink... 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#contemporary romance #secret baby romance #boss and secretary romance #forced proximity #mutual pining #carly phillips #dare nation #dare to resist #arc review

[literaryillusions]

Fallen (Deep Ops #2) 

Raider Tanaka landed on the Deep Ops misfit island as the handler to the very attractive and very criminal hacker. Unfortunately, the object of his handling is also very pretty and highly distracting. Bridgit Banaghan may flirt with the edge of the underworld but it always for a good cause. Always. Sparks fly between these two and when these two have to go undercover together - will they survive to give a relationship a chance?

Super fun and fast-paced read. Raider Tanaka is both a Good Guy (™) and a Bad Boy (™) and it is a rather delicious combination. He has a Past and it is fascinating to watch him sort out his feelings and his priorities. Bridget is pretty and nerdy and also quietly badass - and prefers to be behind the keyboard. They have some wickedly steamy sex and dodge some bullets along the way and it is an awesome time all around.

#suspense romance #rebecca zanetti #action romance #contemporary romance #interracial couple #misfit island friends #tw: gun play

[literaryillusions]

Dr Strange Beard (Winston Brothers #5) 

Simone Payton is many things - FBI agent, diner waitress, dutiful daughter. What she isn't - is friends with Roscoe Winston. Not since he ghosted her ten years ago. And she is over it. Definitely. Wicked over it. Roscoe has avoided Simone for ten years - ever since the night she broke his heart. But now she is following him around and not to mention his dad is back in town. None of this is good. And it is all going to be locked in his head - forever.

So this was my first Penny Reid book and the strangest thing happened - I loved the story but not necessarily the couple. Honestly, this book is witty, real, raw and has some amazing commentary about race, interracial couples, not to mention life in general. But I wasn't sold on Simone and Roscoe as a couple... I love second chances and sometimes love friends to lovers. But I didn't love this couple. Simone is incredibly unempathetic and despite saying she misses Roscoe and being incredibly analytical - she never seems to think about anything but her own perspective on the demise of their friendship. Roscoe is kind and quiet and sweet - but also weirdly passive and I don't love passive characters. I am torn on picking up other books in this series...

#penny reid #winston brothers #interracial couple #race conversations #tw: racist cop #slow burn #friends to lovers #second chance #contemporary romance

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Taken (Deep Ops 1.5) 

It has been five years since Faye last saw Hunter. Five long, lonely years - at least he could have looked worse. But no. He is still gorgeous and wonderful and everything she loves despite the pain. Hunter knew that Faye did not need to deal with his mess after leaving the Marines. But seeing her after five years? Definitely worse than being deployed. 

Can I just say - WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ ALL THE REBECCA ZANETTI. Phew. Got that off my chest. 

Loved this little novella, made me literally laugh out loud, get weirdly excited to see characters cross over from her other series (**waves like a maniac at Dage and Talen**) and ached with the mutual pining and pain that can come with loving someone. Faye is sweet and lovely and knows Hunter probably better than he knows himself. Hunter just wants Faye to be happy - and he isn’t sure that he can help her be happy. This is a great evening read that is peak Zanetti. 

#rebecca zanetti #taken #deep ops #action romance #contemporary romance #novella #second chance

[literaryillusions]

The Rookie (Academy Series #1) 

Special Agent Theo Riley has been in love once and it was an unmitigated disaster so when the one woman who ever owned his heart ends up in the FBI class he is teaching... it might be even worse. Rory Holmes left behind her best friend, first love and a lot of secrets only for them all to collide at Quantico. Can she keep herself together and not fall all over again? 

Murder and mayhem are the backdrop to this freshman novel. Lots of heat and some seriously tear jerking  mutual pining and some heat but there is a lot of violence and angst so be ready! Theo is hot and knows it and also knows that Rory is his absolute Kryptonite. Rory is self assured and only has a few skeletons in her closet - but Theo is definitely one of them. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#aj kent #freshman novel #second chance romance #work place romance #friends to lovers #tw: violence towards women #tw: domestic violence #tw: sexual violence #tw: language

[literaryillusions]

Murder on the Mountain (Marshall Brothers #1) 

Emma Thomas left Staunton a long time ago and tried to never look back. But when the story of a lifetime comes with the price of going home - she doesn’t blink. Adam Marshall was many things to Emma - but best friend and first love are the top of the list. When people start taking shots at Emma - they are thrown together in a race for the truth and for their lives. 

This was a wild ride ands starts right in with the action! Emma is a Lois Lane crusading reporter and Adam Marshall is a classic good guy cop. Their shared history and emotions made me die to know how they would finally get together and move on from the past. Not the steamiest of reads but a serious twist ending made the happily ever after all the sweeter.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#arc review #romantic suspense #contemporary romance #mystery romance #carolyn laroche

[literaryillusions]

Sure Shot (Brooklyn Bruisers) 

Mark Tankiewicz is having a rough year. Losing the Stanley Cup, his wife leaving him and then getting traded... to Brooklyn. But things are looking up when he sees Bess across the most awkward team cookout of his life. Bess has a five year plan - more time for herself and more time working on her personal life. Hooking up again with Tank? Not in that five year plan. 

Hockey players, a great sense of humor and some mutual pining from two characters who caught unexpected feelings? SIGN ME UP. But seriously - I loved this book. Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz is understandably busted up and bruised after the year he has been having and brings some big discussions about real issues to the story. Bess is a ball buster agent who takes zero shit from anyone - but also doesn’t necessarily understand how awesome she is. She is also fabulous because she fights for what she wants and is doesn’t let anyone stand in her way. 

As with every Sarina Bowen book -  there are great one-liners, book crossing characters (*waves at Georgia and Leo from Rookie Move*) and some real and raw issues that add depth and warmth to the novel. Due out on May 12 - available for preorder now! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#sure shot #Brooklyn Bruisers #Sarina Bowen #contemporary romance #hockey romance

[literaryillusions]

Finding Mr Right Next Door (Firefighters of Station 1)

Lexi and Matt have been LexiandMatt since childhood. And while he sows more than his fair share of wild oats - Lexi has always been the quiet romantic of the two. But when she accidentally burns down her kitchen - she stays with Matt... Maybe all this togetherness isn’t such a great plan after all...

Well... this was definitely a romcom. Friends to lovers with a dash of forced proximity - complete with awkward, almost nudity and intimidation and irritation of each other’s dates. Overall, it was light and breezy. I just didn’t really buy their romance. They could have been together for a long time and the only reason they weren’t is because they were chicken. Matt sounds kind of like a jerk and Lexi seems a little too... boring. The story wasn’t poorly written but it was just not really my style. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#sarah ballance #contemporary romance #romcom romance #firefighter romance #friends to lovers #forced proximity

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First Comes Scandal (Rokesbys #4) 

Georgiana Bridgerton was not the one who should be in trouble - intrepid, brave, quick on her feet - but no society had deemed her fallen after being kidnapped and soiled after spending the night trying to get away from her odious would-be suitor. Nicholas Rokesby had no idea what could make his father summon him in the middle of his medical school exams - but proposing he asks Georgie to marry him was definitely not even a thought. 

This book was amazing. Hands down. It came out at midnight and I woke up early out of pure inner-child excitement and wasn’t able to put it down. (Spring cleaning and house projects be damned!) I just adored it. I think it was sweet and awkward and hilarious all at appropriate moments. Nicholas is a good, kind sweet man (also - virgin hero?! I think JQ’s first?) who really doesn’t know what to do about Georgie. And Georgie is hilarious and brilliant and doesn’t need anyone to tell her how to live her life. Both admit when they are wrong. Both have a searingly, sweet sexual chemistry with the other. And just when I thought Nicholas would disappoint me - he didn’t.

I also think this might be one of the most appropriately and quietly fierce feminist romances I have read in a long time. Georgiana is fascinated by learning and medicine and Nicholas encourages her - without being pedantic or making her feel odd for her intelligence. She calls out how working with women might make Nicholas a better doctor - and he actually listens. And early in the story to set the tone - Georgiana is the butt of societal expectations through no fault of her own and refuses to be an object of pity or obligation. There is also a real conversation of body ownership - Georgiana has asthma and says that bloodletting doesn’t help. Amazingly and in a moment of sheer sexy husband goals - Nicholas listens and fights for others to listen to her as well.    

#historic romance #virgin hero #Julia Quinn #bridgertons prequels #rokesbys #first comes scandal

[literaryillusions]

Hidden (Deep Ops #1) 

Pippa should never have stared at - let alone invited in for cookies the seriously hot dude who moved in next door. But she did. And then Malcolm and his merry band of misfits at the HDD were suddenly both her friends and her enemies - she just didn’t know it yet. 

This was another wickedly fun and super steamy read from Rebecca Zanetti. Pippa is adorable and has a penchant for baking and running away from her past. Malcolm has a taste for whisky and many reasons to never think about his past. They are steamy (mild BDSM) and sweet and made my heart happy. There are some fun cameos from the rest of the oddballs at HDD and it is a great intro to the series. (That I read out of order...) 

#rebecca zanetti #deep ops #romantic suspense #action romance #contemporary romance #mild bdsm #tw: ptsd #tw: cult

[literaryillusions]

The Plus One Pact 

Cara Brooks has not had the best luck in dating: on real life, with apps. Really anywhere. A chance encounter leads her to Millsy and a summer of plus on fun. But could it be more?

This was a very cute story about almost fake dating? Almost... Cara is utterly hilarious and has a wit that made me actually laugh out loud multiple times. She is honest with herself and with Millsy’s help smashes her way out of her comfort zone and into a different version of her. I am never sure how I feel about Millsy and since we never read from his perspective sometimes I couldn’t really tell what he thought about Cara or in general. Cara though is a great character and there are some great family moments that makes this a great easy going book. There are some hilarious hijinks that make you think - and groan - about all those family obligations we love to hate. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#portia macintosh #the plus one pact #Netgalley ARC #arc #standalone #contemporary romance #romcom romance

[literaryillusions]

Broken (Deep Ops #3)

Wolfe is naturally a loner after losing his fellow special ops teammates but he has a new team who he is more than a little fond of. And he is definitely more than a little fond of one freelance reporter - Dana Mulberry - who has wormed her way far deeper than anyone has been in a long time. But when her friend’s disappearance and a ghost from his past resurfaces they are going to have to fight to survive. Then they can figure out the rest. 

Clarence Wolfe is one of those few Alpha heroes who is oddly logical and sweet. He is blunt and pretty awkward but is honest and kind and honorable and really loves whipped cream and sprinkles in his coffee. Dana is like a Lois Lane reporter and I just love watching her wrap Wolfe up in knots. 

This is a great mystery, lovely romance (that gets steamy without being overly explicit) and a highly action packed book until the last page. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#ARC #rebecca zanetti #broken #deep ops #suspense romance #contemporary romance #action romance

[literaryillusions]

My Maddie (Hades Hangmen) 

Flame knows that he still isn’t safe for Maddie to be around and her announcement makes him distance himself even further. Maddie knows that Flame loves her and will love the life they are creating - but knows that he is terrified to lose someone else. Can these two fight to find peace and a future together? 

I have read every book in this series in order and this is the first time I have been... let down. I love Maddie and Flame their first book shook me to the core - going so far as to rip out my heart dance a jig and then shove it back in to my chest. And I loved it. So when I saw there would be another Maddie and Flame book I was psyched! 

Unfortunately - this one missed the mark for me. I was expecting to finally see some more of other characters (side eye at Smiler, Viking and Ash) but really what I read felt more like repeat of a storyline with some character assassination for flavor. This is also the first time that the violence and pain felt gratuitous. It also felt like this was all a set up for future books - which I totally get has to happen for the storylines to continue. 

I should say that Maddie freaking saved not only Flame but this book! She is still this woman who is full of dark and pain but only sheds light on the world and people around her with her enormous heart and her faith in someone that no one else has faith in. 

I will definitely wait with (some) patience for the next Hades installment - maybe the next heroine will pick up a gun and fight back that way?

#tillie cole #hades hangmen #mc romance #tw: ptsd #tw: drug use