Starla’s June 2022 Reviews

Tangled Up in Blue
(Grey Gulls Landing, #1)

By J. Haney & S.I. Hayes

Genre: Contemporary romance, romantic suspense
POV: Multiple characters with alternating 1st Person present tense.
Heat gauge: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5)

When her marriage falls apart, Sutton Bishop chases her dream of becoming a cop. It was in her blood after all. Then her first day on the beat, she is swept up in a major undercover case that lands her in a gated community with a brand-new husband, or at least that’s what it says on the forged documents. Marcus Cameron is her police partner, but with the heat sizzling between them, it is hard to keep things professional.

This one ticked all the boxes for a great romantic suspense. The police investigating a drug ring provided plenty of action and tension. I loved all the main characters and thought it was interesting to see the perspective of Sutton’s father from time-to-time. As for the romance, well the heat was just right in my opinion. Plenty of steam, but not too many bedroom scenes.

I highly recommend this one for all readers of romantic suspense.

Bought to Break
(The Dark Brothers #2)

By Kyra Alessy

Genre: Dark fantasy romance, reverse harem
Trigger Warnings: Sexual violence, slavery, dark themes.
POV: 3rd person, past tense with alternating perspectives of four main characters.
Heat gauge: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5/5)

Lana is almost thankful when a pair of men save her from the unwanted attention of her master’s son. Almost. She knows they are ruthless mercenaries—stone-cold killers who fight under the banner of the Dark Army—and now they own her. What could the ruffian’s possibly want with her? Nothing good, she is certain, especially if their leering gazes are anything to go by. Meeting Kane—the leader of this unit of brothers-in-arms—send chills down her spine. He is hard and cruel. Yet over time she warms to her new masters, as they do to her, giving rise to passions she never could have dreamed of.

Alessy has written another superb tale in the Dark Brothers series. Her fantasy world is like something out of the dark ages with monstrous villains, virtuous maidens, and magic woven through a rich tapestry. This book can be read standalone, but I suggest starting with the first one to gain a better sense of the setting. I fell in love with Lana’s three guys early on. They may be rough around the edges, but they have hearts of gold that melt for their girl. They are loyal to each other and fiercely protective of Lana—not that she needs it. With hidden powers of her own, she is no damsel in distress by any means.

If you enjoyed Sold to Serve, I highly recommend giving this second book a go. If you haven’t started this series yet, and fantasy reverse harem is your jam, then what are you waiting for? I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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