ARC Book Review: Pestilence by Laura Thalassa

---

Pestilence
The Four Horsemen #1

Author: Laura Thalassa
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance | Dystopian
Released: 08/15/2023
Review Source: Review copy | Sourcebooks Bloom Books

They came to earth--Pestilence, War, Famine, Death--four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.

When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed.

Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed.

Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her … and hers towards him.

And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she'll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.

Full disclosure: I’d already read this book back in August 2021 before requesting this ARC. I remember really enjoying Pestilence but never reading the rest of the series so I took this as an opportunity to re-read the first book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the re-read just as much as the first read. Pestilence is a unique take on the Four Horseman of the apocalypse. This paranormal romance is an enemies-to-lovers, torn between love and purpose romance which is thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the progression from enemies, to friends (kinda), to lovers.

“No One Knows where the Four Hoursemen came from, only that one day they appeared on their steeds, riding through cities and wildlands alike.”

Pestilence the Conqueror has one job - destroy the habitants of the world. Make sure they all die - one city at a time. His plans are slightly hindered when Sara tries to murder the horseman, but ends up his captive instead.

I read Pestilence in one sitting - the writing was smooth and the progression of their relationship kept me hooked throughout. It was one of those books where you miss the characters after you finish. However, I will say this - I was so disappointed with the ending. Many things are left unanswered and I wanted more of an explanation to some loose ends. Overall, the ending felt unfinished and I felt frustrated, and it dampened my desire to read book two a little.

ARC: Game of Gravestone by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe

---

Game of Gravestones
A Jane Ladling Mystery #3

Author: Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Cosy Mystery
Released: 09/26/2022
Review Source: ARC provided by authors

She suspects everyone of everything. Except her oldest friend. Who's found next to a body. Holding the murder weapon.

For the first time, things are just right for cemetery owner Jane Ladling. Her cat only kind of hates her sort of boyfriend, Special Agent Conrad Ryan, and she isn't flat broke. When she's asked to host a murder mystery fundraiser for the people of Aurelian Hills, Georgia, she'd totally on board. Champagne, intrigue, and community. Yes, please. Then game night happens and a fake murder turns into a red one, leaving her mentor and knitting buddy Fiona at the top of the suspect list, with heir best pal Beau a close second. Oops?

Jane's not about to leave the fate of her loves one to, well, fate. On the hunt for clues, she turns the small town upside down. As scandalous secrets surface, a single truth becomes clear: if she doesn't solve the murder fast, Jane will be the next victim.

I will say this until I'm blue in the face - Lane Ladling  is one of my favourite characters. Ever. Her quirkiness and humour just calls to me and I always finish an instalment with the warmest feeling in my heart. I adored both previous instalments and you can read my review for Romancing the Gravestone (book one) here and No Gravestone Left Unturned (book two) here - both five star reviews, by the way.

Game of Gravestones is the latest instalment in the Jane Ladling Mystery series and of course, there's been another murder, but fear not - Jane is on the case! Her plan to solve the mystery? Befriend everyone with a cat and make playdates between Rolex and other cats....duh. Between Jane, Fiona, Conrad, Beau and the three hunks, there is never a dull moment here - and there's even new character's who pop up and become frequent throughout.

This cosy mystery series is heavily focused on plot and characters so I was pleasantly surprised when there was a smidgen more romance here -  flirty banter and a first date with Conrad. There was romantic progress here (and did I sniff a love interest for Beau too?!) and it was my favourite thing about this book. Conrad has me in a chokehold and I'm not even mad.

"I love you, Jane Ladling, and I'm never letting you go."

Major swoon, right?!

ARC Book Review: Unforgiven by Rebecca Zanetti

---

Unforgiven
Deep Ops #5

Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Romantic Suspense
Released: 06/07/2022
Review Source: Review Copy | Netgalley

Run: Gemma Falls never expected to use her game theory expertise to outrun a killer. But for years, that skill is all that kept her one step ahead of a deadly stalker. When Gemma gets the chance to teach at D.C. University, she hopes she and her young daughter have found a safe harbor. The only flaw is the arrogant philosophy professor who’s always underfoot giving unwanted advice—in his sexy British accent . . .

Hide: Jethro Hanson has blood on his hands. He’s working within ivy-covered university halls now, but he knows that his work with the Deep Ops team and the deadly acts he once committed for the sake of Queen and country place him beyond forgiveness—until he meets Gemma . . .

Seek: Soon, the passion between them stuns them both. But when Jethro discovers a threat is fast overtaking her, he must choose between the redemption he seeks—and releasing the ever-present killer inside . . .

Unforgiven is book five in the Deep Ops series however I read this as a standalone. Whilst previous relationships and couples were obvious throughout, I never felt like I was missing out on anything. I'm actually going to read the whole series when I have time because I really enjoyed this book - it gave Maya Banks/Cynthia Eden vibes and it's been a while since I've read this type of romantic suspense.

Gemma is a single mother to her three-year-old, Trudy, and has been running for years.  Knowing what her violent ex-fiancé is capable of, Gemma will continue to run and protect her family until it's finally safe to settle down - if it's ever safe. Jethro has just as much baggage - a serial killer brother who's trying to frame him for murder. Gemma and Jethro meet at D.C University where they both work -  Jethro is a charming Brit and Gemma is a single mother keeping under the radar, but as her friendship blooms with Jethro, Gemma find's herself on the radar of a serial killer and her past finally catches up with her.

For me, a romantic suspense isn't the same without the sense of community within the book. Unforgiven was loaded with a group of friends who pulled together in Jethro's time of need - people who would do anything and sacrifice everything to ensure their friend's safety, and it was done perfectly. The romance wasn't at centre stage but the plot, suspense and deep ops crew made up for that. The English dialect was done well - as a Brit I often cringe at the movie-like, unrealistic dialect but in Unforgiven, it was really well written!  

Overall, Unforgiven was a brilliant read. If you love family orientated books, single mother's and suspense then you will love this.

Book Review: No Gravestone Left Unturned by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe

---

No Gravestone Left Unturned
A Jane Ladling Mystery #2

Author: Gena Showalter
and Jill Monroe
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Cosy Mystery
Released: 03/28/22
Review Source: Purchased

She suspects everyone of everything. Now, everyone suspects her.

For cemetery owner and world’s best fur-mom Jane Ladling, death is her business, romance is her misfortune and suspicion is her passion. When she discovers a fresh body on her porch, she calls Special Agent Conrad Ryan, her smoke-show of a boyfriend. Who isn’t actually her boyfriend. Whatever. It’s complicated, especially now that she’s being framed for the murder of the only “hard-hitting” journalist in the small town of Aurelian Hills, Georgia.

Determined to clear her good name, Jane dives headlong into following the clues––with best friends Fiona and Beau at her side. But can she identify the killer before she goes to jail? Or worse…there’s another victim?

I highly suggest reading book one, Romancing the Gravestone before diving into No Gravestone Left Unturned - you'll get a great backstory of the drama, why the body was dumped on Jane's front porch and most importantly - an introduction to Conrad and Beau. It isn't a book you want to miss. You can read my review of Romancing the Gravestone here.

The absolute best thing about the Jane Ladling series is its ability to hook you instantly. Straight from the prologue her hilarious, quirky personality shone through and I was addicted. Jane is quirky and slightly bonkers and a firm favourite of mine. 

Argh! Earlier, she'd lost her sunglasses. What would be next? Her good sense? Her dignity? Or had she already parted with those?

This series put the cosy mystery genre onto my radar and I regret nothing - it is the cutest, funniest and quirkiest series I've read in years. This series literally makes me laugh out loud and I don't think I'll ever forget it. The romance is very minimal yet the grip Conrad has on my heart is insane (I'm also very partial to Beau). Jane is convinced her family is cursed as none of the women of her family have found true love and been able to to keep a hold it - but it's looking like Ladling curse with a certain hunky cop named Conrad. Or Beau. You know what, I'll be happy with either....or both.

What was my favourite part of the novel, you ask? Oh, I'll tell you. Have you ever witnessed somebody refusing to be dismissed by a cop? Jane Ladling did. In fact, she convinced the Sheriff to lock her up, and I completely lost it when she said this:

"I'm done arguing about this Sherriff. you lock me in the slammer and throw away the key, or ill be lodging a formal complaint with the city council. Then I'll come after your job! ill find a way to become next sheriff, just see if I don't.

Jill Monroe and Gena Showalter are the best and they have created such an iconic character with Jane Ladling. I will read anything they write - separately or together - and if you haven't read this one then you are missing out on a cracking series!

ARC Book Review: Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh

---

Kiss Hard
Hard Play #4

Author: Nalini Singh
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Sports Romance
Released: 05/03/2022
Review Source: ARC | Netgalley

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh brings you a sinfully playful contemporary romance between two sworn enemies turned partners in crime...

Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who's got the world at his feet. There's just one problem: his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis--Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.

Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she's not about to allow Danny "Hotshot" Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn't cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.

The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies... until a stranger's reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.

Let the games begin. 

This was my first Nalini Singh book since reading her Psy-Changeling series more than a few years ago and now I have the urge to read her entire backlog of books. Can I afford that? Nope. Will I do it anyways? Absolutely. And you know what? I’ll regret nothing.

Kiss Hard is book #4 in the Hard Play series although it can be read as a standalone - I’ve not read any of the previous novels and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, I just knew I had to read this because of the enemies to lovers trope.

Daniel and Catie have been enemies for so long it’s all they know, but it doesn’t deter Catie from getting Daniel to safety and looking after him after his drink is drugged. The throughout the book, their relation blossoms from childhood enemies with the petty comments to a loving relationship. Any good enemies to lovers book needs a good transition and it was done really well here - it was such a smooth adjustment.

Nalini really did something here - Catie was a brilliant, inspiration and strong character. As a double amputee training for the Paralympics, it was refreshing to read about a disabled character as there's not many novels which cover disability. I can't speak too much on this as I am not a part of the disability community but from a reader's perspective, it was handled really well - nothing felt overdone or "off".

Kiss Hard is a standalone, contemporary romance and a brilliant addition to the romance genre. The novel is told from a dual POV and has a HEA.

ARC Book Review: Ruthless by Gena Showalter

---

Ruthless
Immortal Enemies #2

Author: Gena Showalter
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: GENRE
Released: DATE
Review Source: ARC provided by author

Forbidden. Powerful. Ruthless.

Micah the Unwilling, fae King of the Forgotten, can tame even the most violent of beasts. Forged on the battlefield, this iron-willed warrior considers his soldiers his family, and he will stop at nothing to reclaim their dispossessed land. Gearing for war with a sadistic enemy, he is disciplined and focused—until a feral beauty he encountered long ago wanders into his camp.

Viori de Aoibheall wields a terrifying ability to sing monsters to life. Having spent her childhood in a forest, raising herself and her frightening creations—the only friends she’s ever known—she’s ill prepared for the scarred royal and his fearsome brutality. Not to mention the ferocity of their connection and the carnality of his touch. But the real problem? Her brother is Micah’s greatest foe. And though the sensual king makes her burn, she must stop him, whatever the cost.

We met Viori in Heartless - Kaysar's long lost sister, and I was thrilled when I realised she was the heroin of Ruthless. And the enemies to lovers ordeal? Yes please! Arguablly one of the best tropes for a paranormal romance. I won't lie, I was slightly worried as the miscommunication trope slide in but it was written really well and I actually enjoyed the ride of miscommunication! This whole book was *chefs kiss*.

As a teenager Micah stumbled upon Viori while she was submerged in one of her deep sleeps and years later they cross paths again. Even in the first book I just knew Viori would be fiercely independent and she was exactly that - after raising and keeping herself alive, she is fierce and dangerous with a mountain of walls built around her - her actions portrayed a lot of her characters past trauma I think - and one of my favourite things was experiencing Viori coming out of her shell and accepting and exploring Micah and his adoration.

Ruthless was a brilliant addition to the Immortal Enemies series - it was energising, fun and packed with unhinged characters who are hard to resist. Gena Showalter has yet to write something I haven't love and this was no exception. At "The End" I felt happy, content and gooey over the latest happily ever after. If you like fast paced paranormal romance with the best banter and unique world building, you will love this series. 

Book Review: Heartless by Gena Showalter

---

Heartless
Immortal Enemies #1

Author: Gena Showalter
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: June 29th 2021
Review Source: Purchased

Vengeance is irresistible…

Kaysar the Unhinged One, fae King of Midnight, can drive anyone to madness with his song. A ruthless warrior forged in hate, he lives to force his enemies to their knees. He will stop at nothing to succeed—even abduct and seduce his foe’s beloved bride, ensuring his own child one day sits on the male’s throne. Except, his prize escapes to the mortal realm before the first kiss, her heart transplanted into a mortal beauty with dangerous secrets…

Chantel “Cookie” Bardot is a professional gamer girl great at trash talking, bad at peopling. After a long awaited surgery, she begins to morph into a powerful fae princess. Catapulted into a strange land ruled by a cruel but seductive villain, she must battle flesh and blood monsters and navigate royal intrigues. But the true danger is Kaysar, whose every wicked touch tempts her beyond reason. Should she run…or descend into the darkness with him?

Heartless introduces a brand new world from Gena Showalter which introduces us to a world of fae and most importantly - Kaysar, King of the Dusklands. Kaysar is certifiably mentally unstable (they don't call him Kaysar the Unhinged for nothing) and I loved his character. He, alongside Chantal, were a perfect introductory couple to the series.

I never annotate my books - it's just not my thing but I actually used some of my university stationary to tab sections of my book because there were so many moments I loved - comments, thoughts, feelings that I wanted to flick back to. 

Kaysar has a lot of rage within from a childhood full of death, pain and torture so watching him go from angry and vengeful - a man who didn't like to kiss or touch and used pleasure as a weapon to use, and he turned into a man who could not live without his woman. Kaysar turned me into mush over his love for her. 

 "My affections are yours, Chantel. I will see to your every need and slay your every dragon."

Gena Showalter excels in writing witty female characters who have tonnes of character - just one of the many reasons why I will read anything she chooses to write. I know it will include amazing writing, witty characters (and an unhinged psychopath if we're lucky) and a plot I'm bound to love. Heartless was a brilliant read - from the main character to Cookie's sixty-two-year-old roommate and Jareth, the ex-lover of Cookie's heart donor and I am already bouncing on my seat impatiently for Ruthless!

 

Book Review: The Meeting Point by Olivia Lara

---

The Meeting Point

Author: Olivia Lara
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: 09/02/2021
Review Source: Netgalley | Head of Zeus

What if the Lift driver who finds your cheating boyfriend's phone holds the directions to true love?

'Who are you and why do you have my boyfriend's phone?' 'He left it in my car. You must be the blonde in the red dress? I'm the Lift driver who dropped you two off earlier.'

And with these words, the life of the brunette and t-shirt wearing Maya Maas is turned upside down. Having planned to surprise her boyfriend, she finds herself single and stranded in an unknown city on her birthday.

So when the mystery driver rescues Maya with the suggestion that she cheers herself up at a nearby beach town, she jumps at the chance to get things back on track. She wasn't expecting a personalised itinerary or the easy companionship that comes from opening up to a stranger via text, let alone the possibility it might grow into something more...

Maya isn't having a good time. Her birthday was a disaster and her cheating boyfriend was exposed by his Lift driver. The positives? She finds a friend in the Lift driver through her ex-boyfriend's phone. 

An unexpected bond was formed between Maya and the driver  - I appreciated the uniqueness of their encounter and how we watched their chemistry grow and a relationship form via texting, however, I did find myself skimming these parts and I didn't really get into the plot until Maya made the big decision to find the mysterious Lift driver.

We all knew the driver's identity - Maya was the only one with her head buried in the sand, but I kind of liked the obvious mystery, but when the time came and his identity was revealed, I felt slightly robbed, you know? It ended so soon after the big reveal and I wanted more. I think this is a golden opportunity for some bonus content!

Overall, The Meeting Point was an easy read - a cute romance that is hard not to love. All of the characters were incredibly likeable and I thoroughly enjoyed this journey. 

Book Review: The Rebound by Catherine Walsh

---

The Rebound

Author: Catherine Walsh
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Released: February 14th 2022
Review Source: Netgalley | Bookouture  

A newly single girl. A tall dark handsome stranger. What could go wrong?

It’s 7 a.m. on a Monday morning and Abby Reynolds isn’t where she wants to be. She wants to be in her beautiful loft apartment in Manhattan, drinking a coffee with her fiancé.

Instead, she’s heading back to the childhood home in rural Ireland she swore she’d never return to, with some big old secrets. Namely that she’s suddenly found herself unemployed, homeless, and absolutely 100% single.

She’s feeling all out of luck. Until the first person she meets after she touches down is an absurdly hot guy called Luke, who offers her a lift home. Gazing deep into his sparkling emerald-green eyes, Abby knows instantly that he’s exactly what she needs to take her mind off everything. The perfect rebound.

It’s a flawless plan. Until the next day, when Abby realizes who he actually is. Not just a stranger. He is, in fact, Luke Bailey, aka the boy next door. Luke Bailey who—so help her God—she’s pretty sure she once shared baths with, back when they were kids. Not that she can allow herself to imagine him in a bath now, not without blushing from head to foot.

And judging by the smirk on his face, the same Luke Bailey who’s known exactly who she was the whole time… And who, like everyone in the village, still thinks she’s a high-flying New Yorker… who’s getting married next year.

Abby is certain getting under Luke will help her get over her ex. But the truth is stopping her. Can she admit to everyone back home that she’s single and has lost everything? Because, if she wants the boy next door, she may just have to…

I don’t know why it has taken me this long to discover the romantic comedy genre but I am here for all the rom-com books. The Rebound takes a woman in a really crappy situation and tells her story of picking herself up, reconnecting with her old life and finding love.

Abby was living the dream in New York with a great job and her fiance. Until she wasn’t. Her employment falls through, she loses her apartment and her fiance breaks off their engagement. Without many options, Abby reluctantly moves in with her sister while she figures out her next steps. Abby isn’t a fan of her hometown and doesn’t have the best relationship with her sister but they make things work, especially when there’s Luke.

I love Abby. Her humour, aspirations and how hard she crushes on Luke - I loved it all. She’s a stellar character who kept me entertained. Her character flaws made her relatable - coming from a small town myself, I understand her need for something more than her small town can provide. Topped with building back her life and getting a job and trying to decipher her feelings for Luke, Abby is going through a lot but handles it with grace (and a lot of witty humour).

The evolution of Luke and Abby’s relationship was not a straight road - it was up and down, heading in the right diffraction before a misunderstanding became a road block. Luke was so lovable, as was Beth. I’d love to read more of Beth and I hope that The Rebound isn’t the end of her character.

Overall, this is my first Catherine Walsh book but it won’t be the last. This feel-good novel was a brilliant read and Abby’s journey of self-discovery was just as thrilling to read as her blooming relationship. The Rebound isn’t a book to be missed, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have.