Seeing that I’m falling behind with my reading challenge on Goodreads, I put in an effort to catchup this month. I’ve now reached 57 out of my goal of 70 for the year.
So here are my November Reads…
Beneath the Stars by Emily McIntire
This gorgeous novel stole my heart with its tale of loss and second chance romance. The author told the story of Chase and Alina falling in love as youngsters and the complexities of their teen romance alongside their reunion years later.
I thought this story was beautifully written and full of evocative imagery. The flawed characters rang true for me, coming to life in my imagination as I devoured the book. I highly recommend it to anyone who can handle the heat.
Heat Gauge: 5/5 This book is explicit with plenty of erotic scenes.
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Running for Him by H.C. Bentley
This book hooked me straight up with a murder mystery that kept me guessing all the way through. After stumbling upon a secret, McKenna knew too much, even though she had no idea what she had discovered. As a result, she was forced to flee her fiancé and go into hiding. Three years later, just as she has found some semblance of happiness, she winds up in trouble again.
This novel was full of page-turning intrigue and swoon worthy romance. I definitely recommend it.
Heat Gauge: 2/5 There are a few heated scenes, but this book is more suspenseful and romantic than erotic.
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Grayson by Casey Campbell
This novella got right to the point. Lexi was celebrating her divorce mere hours after signing the paperwork when her ex-husband’s best friend waltzes back into her life. The chemistry between them is intense and the story of their past unravels between the pages of their second chance romance.
This book is great for a quick erotic romance fix.
Heat Gauge: 4/5 The author promised an erotic novella and delivered on her word. This one is full of passionate scenes.
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Stay by Ash Knight
OMG I was tearing up from the word go with this one! Joe’s painful past was gut-wrenching. The love that blossoms between this young, autistic man and the slightly older Madden is one of the most beautiful romance stories I have ever read. Ash Knight has done a superb job painting vivid images that give a little insight into the enigmatic mind of the hero, Joe.
I highly recommend this m/m romance. Just make sure you have the tissues handy!
Heat Gauge: 2/5 While there are some steamy scenes, they are more romantic than erotic.
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Finding Friday (The Road to Truth Series) by Quell T. Fox
This was a fun and titillating start to a great paranormal romance series. The author has created a dynamic cast of dysfunctional characters and injected tons of tension between them all. I have already finished book #2 and look forward to reading more.
Heat Gauge: 5/5 Be prepared for lots of explicit sex scenes!
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Credence by Penelope Douglas
This novel was thrilling, intense, and hard to put down. A heart wrenching forbidden love story that teeters on the brink of taboo, Credence is an interesting spin on the reverse harem genre. Penelope Douglas has done a superb job of building tension and chemistry between the characters, not to mention writing some of the hottest erotic scenes I have ever read. It was a good thing I was reading the Kindle version, because a paperback probably would have caught fire. Douglas has an evocative writing style that brought out the full range of my emotions when I read this beautiful book.
I highly recommend it!
Heat Gauge: 5/5 This is the hottest book I have ever read because it is not always overtly erotic.
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The Hunter by L. J. Shen
This is easily the best billionaire romance I have read thus far, and it ranks among the most entertaining books on my virtual shelf. When I wasn’t in stiches, I was captivated by the intrigue. Hunter is such a loveable character despite his flaws and Sailor is an easy heroine to relate to. I was especially impressed by the author’s colourful use of language and witty sense of humour.
Everyone needs to read this book!
Heat Gauge: 5/5 This one has plenty of explicit scenes and smoking hot chemistry.
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Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann
Intense, twisted, and stunning. Beautiful messages of love and hope shine through the darkness in Hartmann’s new novel (due for release December 30). This story addresses some difficult issues, like PTSD and sexual violence, in a heartfelt and inspiring way. It was such an emotional rollercoaster for me: I laughed, I cried, and I sat on the edge of my seat, struggling to put the book down. The chemistry between Cora and Dean is hot and explosive and these characters really came to life for me. I highly recommend this book if you can handle it (read the trigger warning first)!
(I was given a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Heat Gauge: 4/5 This book has a lot of explicit scenes and not all of them are sexy. The book comes with a trigger warning about rape for a reason.
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Devil May Care by Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue
Addictive, arousing, and full of angst, Devil May Care is a well written enemies-to-lovers dark romance. Hamilton Bates is the epitome of anti-hero: spoiled, arrogant, and ruthless. Academics, athletics, and creativity come easy for him. Most women fall at his feet. But none of that is enough—he needs a challenge and only the feisty Gwendolyn Adams can give him that. Pity she is off-limits and everything his father despises.
This book checked a lot of boxes for me: vibrant characters entwined in gripping drama; wonderful use of language and humour; slow burn romance; and emotionally evocative. It should probably come with a spoiler warning for anyone who hasn’t seen the first three seasons of Stranger Things, but otherwise, I highly recommend it!