PLBR Book Reviews 2018 - ELLES BOOK BLOG

ELLES BOOK BLOG

TO BURN IN BRUTAL RAPTURE BY NYLA K.

12/29/2020

To Burn in Brutal Rapture is a highly erotic forbidden romance of the best kind! I devoured this book despite the long page count and was extremely invested in the story! You should read it!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: October 22, 2020
Genre: Age Gap. Forbidden Romance.
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 637 pages
Format: eBook. Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.

The ache of tragedy sunk deep, like the claws of a wicked monster.
To heal was to remember what my godfather told me when I was six…

Pain is a part of life. If you prepare for it, it will hurt less.

He would know, after all. Lazarus Weston is pain personified.

The scowling man with stormy eyes and tattoos covering his excessive muscles is not only my godfather, but also my dad’s business partner and best friend. A permanent fixture in our lives. Well, in Dad’s, not mine.

But when grief mixes with confusing new feelings, I’m forced to see Lazarus differently, in a way that severely complicates my world.
Because he’s too old for me. He’ll never be mine.

I’m not allowed to have him, but obsession burns a fine line between can’t and won’t.

THE COUSINS BY KAREN M. MCMANUS

12/25/2020

Young adult mystery and thrillers are my guilty pleasure and McManus slays the genre! I love a book that not only keeps me interested but surprises the heck out of me just like this one!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: December 1, 2020
Genre: Young Adult Mystery and Thriller
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 330 pages
Format: Hardcover. Purchased.

Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each another, and they've never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they're surprised . . . and curious.

Their parents are all clear on one point--not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother's good graces. But when the cousins arrive on the island, it's immediately clear that she has different plans for them. And the longer they stay, the more they realize how mysterious--and dark--their family's past is.

The entire Story family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn't over--and this summer, the cousins will learn everything.

DASHING THROUGH THE NO BY TARA SIVEC

12/21/2020

Tara Sivec does it again! She brings readers warmth and laughter in her latest novel and I know so many of you are going to gush over this quirky Christmas romance!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: November 19, 2020
Genre: Holiday Novella. Romantic Comedy.
Series: Summersweet Island #3 (can stand alone)
Pages: 200 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through Summersweet,
Tess Powell was annoyed and wanted to retreat.
With a BIC in her hand and a frown on her face,
everyone knew she needed a break from this place.
Wanting the holiday to be nothing but the best,
Bodhi took his girlfriend to the mountains to rest.
While visions of fire happily danced in Tess’s head,
soon she would see she had everything to dread.
Crying kids, singing hippos, and a stalker with a van,
definitely wasn’t part of Bodhi’s evacuation plan.
But all he wanted for Christmas was for her to say yes,
to the question he kept asking with zero finesse.
With some help from new friends and their holiday cheer,
Tess and Bodhi get much more
than they asked Santa for this year.

LAYLA BY COLLEEN HOOVER (INCLUDES GIVEAWAY)

12/18/2020

Colleen Hoover is a wonderful writer and I've enjoyed nearly all of her books. While this one wasn't my favorite I can certainly appreciate the book and where she took the story! I wasn't expecting that epic twist (you won't want to miss it!).

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: December 8, 2020
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 300 pages
Format: eBook. ARC from the publisher.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love.

When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.

Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow—another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his

MISTLETOE AND MR. RIGHT BY SARAH MORGENTHALER

12/14/2020

Mistletoe and Mr. Right is a sweet, small town, Alaskan Christmas read. While some of it did drag for me, I enjoyed the story as a whole and look forward to reading the others in the series.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: October 6, 2020
Genre: Holiday Romance
Series: Moose Springs, Alaska #2 (can stand alone).
Pages: 400 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased

How the moose (almost) stole Christmas.

Lana Montgomery is everything the quirky small town of Moose Springs, Alaska can't stand: a rich socialite with dreams of changing things for the better. But Lana's determined to prove that she belongs...even if it means trading her stilettos for snow boots and tracking one of the town's hairiest Christmas mysteries: the Santa Moose, an antlered Grinch hell-bent on destroying every bit of holiday cheer (and tinsel) it can sink its teeth into.

And really...how hard could it be?

The last few years have been tough on Rick Harding, and it's not getting any easier now that his dream girl's back in town. When Lana accidentally tranquilizes him instead of the Santa Moose, it's clear she needs help, fast...and this could be his chance to finally catch her eye. It's an all-out Christmas war, but if they can nab that

JINGLE WARS BY R. HOLMES AND VERONICA EDEN

12/10/2020

Jingle Wars is the perfect holiday read for diehard romance lovers! Not only is it filled with holiday cheer but it has a sexy and funny romance.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Genre: Enemies-to-Lovers, Christmas romance.
Series: Hollyridge series #1 (can stand alone).
Pages: 276 pages
Format: eBook. Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.

From bestselling authors R. Holmes & Veronica Eden comes an all-new steamy new adult enemies-to-lovers holiday romcom standalone.

Two inns, one town, and there’s not enough room for the both of them.

Add in a reindeer-ish donkey, a Christmas competition, and a rivalry to end all rivalries and you’re bound to end up in disaster, right?

Finn Mayberry has enough on his plate trying to keep his Grandparents inn afloat. The last thing he needed was some California state of mind starlet bulldozing into his town and throwing up a five-star resort right next to his family’s inn.

But, now she’s here and he can’t get her out of his town or his head.

THE NIGHT SWIM BY MEGAN GOLDIN

12/7/2020

The Night Swim is by far one of my favorite books of 2020! It's a relevant thriller with all the pieces of a well woven mystery too. I highly recommend it!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Genre: Crime. Thriller. Suspense.
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 352 pages
Format: Hardcover. Book of the Month Box.

In The Night Swim, a new thriller from Megan Goldin, author of the “gripping and unforgettable” (Harlan Coben) The Escape Room, a true crime podcast host covering a controversial trial finds herself drawn deep into a small town’s dark past and a brutal crime that took place there years before.

Ever since her true-crime podcast became an overnight sensation and set an innocent man free, Rachel Krall has become a household name—and the last hope for people seeking justice. But she’s used to being recognized for her voice, not her face. Which makes it all the more unsettling when she finds a note on her car windshield, addressed to her, begging for help.

The new season of Rachel's podcast has brought her to a small town being torn apart by a devastating rape trial. A local golden boy, a swimmer destined for Olympic greatness, has been accused of raping the beloved granddaughter of the police chief. Under

IN A HOLIDAZE BY CHRISTINA LAUREN

12/4/2020

In a Holidaze is a magical Christmas read and I loved it to pieces! I don't normally read books that revolve around time loops like this one but Christina Lauren pulled it off!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: October 6, 2020
Genre: Holiday Romance
Series: Complete Standalone
Pages: 334 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

EVERY LAST SECRET BY A.R. TORRE

12/1/2020

Alessandra Torre can write amazing romance novels but I have to say, I prefer her twisted thrillers! This is a must read. I devoured this book in one sitting!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: December 1, 2020
Genre: Domestic Thriller.
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 301 pages
Format: eBook. ARC kindly received by the publisher.

Welcome to the neighborhood. Watch your husband, watch your friends, and watch your back.

Cat Winthorpe has worked hard to get what she has: a gorgeous home; social standing; and William, her successful, handsome husband. Then a friendly new couple moves into the estate next door. While cautious, a good neighbor like Cat greets them with open arms and warm hospitality.

Neena Ryder isn’t a fellow lady of leisure. A life coach with off-the-rack dresses, personal issues, and a husband who hasn’t delivered, she’s anxious to move up in the world. This beautiful new town is a step in the right direction. It’s also making Neena aware of what she doesn’t have. Namely, William. When Neena’s infatuation escalates into obsession, it’s just a matter of eliminating a few obstacles to get the life she wants. The life next door.

A VERY BOSSY CHRISTMAS BY KAYLEY LORING

11/27/2020

A Very Bossy Christmas is the first book I've read by Kayley Loring and I am officially obsessed! This is a hilarious novel, one I fell in love with the second I started reading. I highly recommend it!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: October 26, 2020
Genre: Romantic Comedy | Holiday Romance
Series: Complete Standalone
Pages: 255ages
Format: eBook. Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.

What’s the actual last thing you’d ever want your executive assistant to see you doing the morning after you had hot, drunk, angry sex with her in a terrible hotel room? Dancing around your terrible hotel room to “Come and Get Your Love” like Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy—naked? Yeah. Me too.

And yet, here we are.

This isn’t even the most unprofessional thing that’s happened between us in the past couple of weeks.

The first was when I agreed to let her have Christmas Day off, but only if she goes with me to three family gatherings as my fake girlfriend.

The second was when she caught me belting out a Christmas song on stage in the awful hotel bar.

MEXICAN GOTHIC BY SILVIA MORENO-GARCIA

11/24/2020

While I thought Mexican Gothic was good, it didn't live up to the hype for me. I thought the beginning was strong and towards the middle all the way to the end it was too bizarre for my liking.

Rating: ★★★
Release Date: June 30, 2020
Genre: Gothic Horror. Historical (the 50s)
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 334 pages
Format: Hardcover from the Book of the Month Box.

An isolated mansion. A chillingly charismatic aristocrat. And a brave socialite drawn to expose their treacherous secrets. . . .From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror” (Kirkus Reviews) set in glamorous 1950s Mexico.

After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.

Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her

NO-ONE EVER HAS SEX ON CHRISTMAS DAY BY TRACY BLOOM

11/22/2020

Tracy Bloom does it again! No-One Ever Has Sex on Christmas Day is another hilarious book in the series! This one is full on Christmas cheer and I enjoyed it immensely.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: October 24, 2017
Genre: Chick Lit. Holiday Reads.
Series: No-one Ever Has Sex series #3 (read in order).
Pages: 298 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

A dream family Christmas or a total nightmare? Katy and Ben are about to find out...

Katy’s been stuck in the office away from her family so she wants it all: snow (fake or real), the Michael Bublé Christmas album, whatever it takes.

There’s only one thing missing as far as her husband Ben is concerned: another baby to complete their family. But Katy isn’t so sure she's ready yet…

Ben may be playing the role of Master Elf in the pre-school nativity but he is struggling to master his own family life. With romantically-challenged friends, an ex who refuses to go away and Katy's mum's 64-year-old toy boy thrown into the mix, Christmas looks like it could be going off the rails… Never mind family planning, can Katy and Ben even plan to make it to the end of Christmas Day?

BREAK ME BY MEAGAN BRANDY

11/22/2020

I've been looking forward to Royce's book since the beginning of the Brayshaw series and this one did not disappoint! Ladies, you are going to love this brooding bad boy!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: November 18, 2020
Genre: Enemies-to-Lovers, new adult romance.
Series: Brayshaw series #5 (can stand alone).
Pages: 500 pages
Format: eBook. ARC kindly provided by the author.

I had a plan, and it was solid.

Track down what was hidden away and take pleasure in toying with it.
Toying with her.

That plan, it worked like a charm.
Until it didn’t.

Turned out, the feisty little thing I found was far from what I hoped for.
She was different from all I knew and more than I expected.

She was light, and I’m the bastard who led her into darkness.
But this girl... she followed with a smile.

I told her I break pretty things. She asked me to promise.

THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS BY JENNY BAYLISS

11/20/2020

If you're looking for a sweet and festive holiday read then you can't go wrong with The Twelve Dates of Christmas! I adored this one. It put me in the Christmas spirit!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: October 13, 2020
Genre: Christmas Romance. Chick Lit.
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 368 pages
Format: Paperback. ARC from the publisher.

'Tis the season for finding romance in this hilarious and uplifting holiday read

When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say "Bah, humbug." The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn't exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate's found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt's neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor . . . right?

Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before--and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures--Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it's least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it's been right under her nose all along. . .

NO-ONE EVER HAS SEX IN THE SUBURBS BY TRACY BLOOM

11/18/2020

No-One Ever Has Sex in the Suburbs is the second book in this hilarious series by Tracy Bloom. If you enjoy chick lit novels about motherhood, marriage, and shenanigans, you need these books!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: June 23, 2015
Genre: Chick Lit. Romcom.
Series: The No-One Ever Has Sex series #2
Pages: 400 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

Praise for No-One Ever Has Sex on a Tuesday:

"This hilarious book will sweep you up in its sheer brilliance" Marie Claire

Ben and Katy haven't had sex since Ben found out about her one-night stand with her childhood sweetheart, Matthew.

Not only that but the arrival of a new-born baby has blown their relationship apart like a hand grenade.

Drastic measures are required, so they swap roles hoping that everyone will be happier... Only it’s not as easy as they thought. When a desperate Ben starts secretly accepting help to solve his childcare disasters – from Matthew’s wife – it could mean the end of everything. Can their relationship survive the lies and suspicions and will they ever have sex again?

FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM (OR CLICK THE PICTURES BELOW)

Tweets by ellesbookblog

COPYRIGHT
All content on this blog was created by Elle's Blook Blog, unless otherwise stated. Reproduction, duplication and/or republication without written permission are prohibited, with the exception of authors and publishers who may use parts of reviews for quotations where full and clear credit is given to this blog.

DISCLOSURE
All books reviewed on this blog are personally purchased or received from authors or publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. I do not receive any payment for any book reviews. This blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.

Copyright © 2015-2020 · ELLE'S BOOK BLOG