Cyliena Velnarin

Review: Tumble

Tumble by Adriana Locke
My Rating:
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 26, 2019
Formats: Kindle Unlimited, eBook ($4), Paperback ($9)

Tumble is a second-chance romance story in the rural town of Dogwood Lane. Neely has lived in NYC for years and returns home after leaving her job, where she is reunited with Dane, her former boyfriend. Their breakup had been bad, and with so much time lost, both characters need to learn to forgive in order to move on.

The romantic part of their reunion took longer than I expected, but after finding out what drove Neely away, I can’t blame her for being hesitant. I also would not have been as forgiving as she was. The biggest hangup in present-day Dogwood is that Neely and Dane had are not talking to each other and not being proactive enough to reach for what they care for the most. Every story needs its conflict, but I was disappointed in these two for their lack of agency (and very disappointed in Dane for what he did in the past, regardless of the result). Continue reading “Review: Tumble” →

Review: Three Little Words

January 17, 2019June 22, 2019Posted in booksTagged book reviews, books, contemporary romance, netgalley, romance, romance books

Three Little Words by Jenny Holiday
My Rating:
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 29, 2019
Formats: eBook ($6), Paperback ($6)

Three Little Words is book #3 of the Bridesmaids Behaving Badly trilogy. Out of the three books, I found this one to be the best.

Gia and Bennett are strong and likeable characters. They have some great character development throughout the book. Both have realistic battles they need to overcome, and they both needed a shove from someone outside their bubble. Three Little Words is a book about life changes, and what can happen when you upend your world to move onto the next stage of life. The epilogue was a great point to wrap-up the entire series, and left me feeling satisfied about my journey with these bridesmaids. Continue reading “Review: Three Little Words” →

Review: Haunted Hearts

October 31, 2018June 22, 2019Posted in booksTagged book reviews, books, contemporary romance, ghosts, netgalley, paranormal, paranormal books, PNR, romance, romance books

Haunted Hearts by Kimberly Dean
My Rating:
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: October 3, 2018
Formats: eBook ($4), Paperback ($13)

Callie Thompson has inherited an old house in Shadow Valley and is thrilled for a fresh start in life. Never mind the creepy footsteps, doors that lock themselves, wailing, and flickering lights. Nor the fact that the entire town seems terrified of the place. Or that silly speeding ticket she got her first night from local policeman Carter Landry.

Carter has better things to do than to deal with the new girl in town and her creaking home. As a spurt of oddball mischief occurs leading up to Halloween, and with a federal prisoner on the loose, he doesn’t have the time. Or so he keeps telling himself.

In Haunted Hearts, Carter and Callie make an excellent team as they battle ghosts both real and imaginary. Some of the plot points are easy to guess along the way, while others will leave you pleasantly surprised. Callie makes a positive impact on Shadow Valley as she stands up for what she believes in. The characters are strong, dynamic, and likeable, and the town of Shadow Valley, as well as its quirky denizens, come to life.

This is a paranormal book with a mildly creepy but non-terrifying vibe that won’t keep you up all night—unless you can’t wait to read how this couple’s happily ever after will succeed… and if Callie will ever pay that speeding ticket.

I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Review: Sugar

October 28, 2018June 22, 2019Posted in booksTagged book reviews, books, erotica, memoir, netgalley

Sugar: My Life as a Sugar Babe by Monique X
My Rating:
Genre: Memoir, Erotica
Release Date: June 24, 2018
Formats: Kindle Unlimited, eBook ($5)

Head’s up: despite the book’s blurb sounding otherwise, this book is a memoir.

There’s nothing quite like reading an entire book, and still wondering when the story will start by the time you reach the end. It may be titled “Sugar,” but not an iota of sweetness has been left in my memories.

The book’s first chapter walks readers through Monique’s ritual to prepare for her sugar dates—which are dates she has with older men, keeping them company (sexually or not) in exchange for money. But as we’re told about 300 times throughout the story, it’s not like being an escort. The narrator breaks the fourth wall a couple times here, but that can be excused, if it had been an isolated incident (spoiler: it’s not). Continue reading “Review: Sugar” →