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.

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.

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. . .

HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT BY LAURA HANKIN

11/15/2020

Happy and You Know It was an unexpected pleasure! It's a scandalous read, and one perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Sarah Pekkanen. I can't wait to read more from the author!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 383 pages
Format: Hardcover from Book of the Month Box

A dark, witty page-turner about a struggling young musician who takes a job singing for a playgroup of overprivileged babies and their effortlessly cool moms, only to find herself pulled into their glamorous lives and dangerous secrets....

After her former band shot to superstardom without her, Claire reluctantly agrees to a gig as a playgroup musician for wealthy infants on New York's Park Avenue. Claire is surprised to discover that she is smitten with her new employers, a welcoming clique of wellness addicts with impossibly shiny hair, who whirl from juice cleanse to overpriced miracle vitamins to spin class with limitless energy.

There is perfect hostess Whitney who is on the brink of social-media stardom and just needs to find a way to keep her flawless life from falling apart. Caustically funny, recent stay-at-home mom Amara who is struggling to embrace her new identity. And old

SEE ME AFTER CLASS BY MEGHAN QUINN

11/12/2020

See Me After Class is a hilarious romantic comedy about two teachers who can't stand each other (at first). I loved this book so much! It has all the belly laughs I needed and more!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: November 12, 2020
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Series: Complete Standalone (so far...)
Pages: 430 pages
Format: eBook. ARC kindly provided by the author.

"Did you have relations with my brother . . ."

Good question.

I’d like to preface this by saying it was never my intention to ever get involved in a workplace romance, let alone get involved with the most surly, agitating, and pompous man I’ve ever met who just so happens to be my new friend’s brother.

My intentions were to show students how English and reading books could actually be fun and make a new life for myself in the suburbs of Chicago.

But so far, I’ve managed to be called into the principal’s office.

Coerced into participating in the teacher's badminton league.

And instigated into passionate fights with Arlo Turner over

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS BY WENDY LOGGIA

11/9/2020

This is my first Holiday read of the year and I am so excited because it was a winner! All I Want for Christmas is a sweet, clean, young adult romance with all the holiday cheer!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: November 3, 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Holiday Romance
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 240 pages
Format: eBook. ARC from the publisher.

This sweet and magical romance about a girl who has just one wish--someone to kiss under the mistletoe--is the perfect holiday escape!

Bailey Briggs is counting down the days to Christmas: she lives for holiday music, baking cookies, going on snowy sleigh rides, and wearing her light-up reindeer ears to work at Winslow's bookstore. But all she really wants this year is the one thing she doesn't have: someone special to kiss under the mistletoe. And she's 100 percent certain that that someone isn't Jacob Marley--athlete, player, and of questionable taste in girlfriends--and that Charlie, the mysterious stranger with the British accent, is the romantic lead of her dreams. Is she right?

This will be a December to remember, filled with real-life Christmas magic . . . and, if she stays on Santa's nice list, a wish that just might come true.

WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING BY ALYSSA COLE

11/2/2020

While When No One is Watching is one of the most original thrillers I've ever read, the story was extremely slow. I loved the plot but I feel like I needed it to be faster paced.

Rating: ★★★
Release Date: September 1, 2020
Genre: Psychological Thriller. Suspense.
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 360 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

Rear Window meets Get Out in this gripping thriller from a critically acclaimed and New York Times Notable author, in which the gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood takes on a sinister new meaning…

Sydney Green is Brooklyn born and raised, but her beloved neighborhood seems to change every time she blinks. Condos are sprouting like weeds, FOR SALE signs are popping up overnight, and the neighbors she’s known all her life are disappearing. To hold onto her community’s past and present, Sydney channels her frustration into a walking tour and finds an unlikely and unwanted assistant in one of the new arrivals to the block—her neighbor Theo.

But Sydney and Theo’s deep dive into history quickly becomes a dizzying descent into paranoia and fear. Their neighbors may not

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