Starstruck by Alexandra Lee | Review

 Thank you to Author Alexandra Lee for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Starstruck by Alexandra Lee (HeartStrings Debut #1)
Genre(s): Romance
Release Date: November 25th, 2024
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 416
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: Hot 🔥🔥🔥

Plot Synopsis:

After a tragic car accident leaves Lennon Thorne's world flipped on its axis, she no longer recognizes the life she’s living. She’s staying out too late, waking up in a different bed every day, and worst of all, she can’t write music—the one thing that has always given her reprieve from all of life’s chaos.

Until she ends up in the bed of Baxter James, the world’s most famous, and notorious, rockstar. He’s seven years older, signed to the record label she works at, and the last person she should get involved with. But the tension between them is palpable, and though they know they should stay away from each other, they can’t deny the pull they feel toward one another.
As long as it’s only for one night. At least, it should’ve been just one night. But when the headliner for the benefit concert that Lennon is planning cancels, she has no choice but to turn to the one man she swore she would stay away from—the one man who doesn't want to stay away from her. Except he has a secret. And if anyone finds out, he could lose everything.
Including her.

Review:

I love, love, love this debut novel by Alexandra Lee! It’s a spicy story of friends with benefits… without the friend part. I loved the connection between the two main characters Lennon and Baxter as they navigate their own stories of grief and slowly help one another lower their defences and learn to let love in. If you are looking for a love story with a lot of spice - this one’s for you!

Only in Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde | Review

 Thank you to NetGalley and Author Ellie K. Wilde for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Only in Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde
Genre(s): Romance
Release Date: November 1st, 2024
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 454
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️

Parker Woods has a twin sister named Melody and a best friend named Zac. Melody and Zac had very sweet and wholesome crushes on each other but Parker didn’t want any of his friends to date his sister. When Melody makes a move on him, Zac leaves her standing in her childhood bedroom promising to return later that night, but he never shows. 

Ten years later, Melody returns to her hometown distraught from the breakup of a long relationship. Her brother, Parker, invites her camping with their childhood friends to help distract her from her emotions. While camping, Melody is forced to face Zac again. When a freak camping incident goes wrong, Zac and Melody find themselves stranded in the woods alone… for days. 

This is a story told from dual perspectives: Melody and Zac. Zac has been in love with Melody since he was a teenager, but Melody still hasn’t forgiven him for walking away from her the last time they saw each other as teenagers. 

The story is a really good slow burn that builds anticipation as the plot developed and Melody and Zac try to navigate the complexity of their relationship. Their connection felt real and I enjoyed being a part of their journey. It was a satisfying and entertaining story with some spicy scenes! 

The Guests by Adriane Leigh | Review

 Thank you to Author Adriane Leigh for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

The Guests by Adriane Leigh

Genre(s): Thriller
Release Date: November 19th, 2024
Publisher: Joffe Books
Pages: 277
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: Mild 🌶️ 

Plot Synopsis:

Six guests are invited to paradise. Not all of them will survive.

Ryleigh is a struggling artist, still trying to catch her break in theater. Her new best friend offers her a once in a lifetime opportunity — a week on her family’s private island on Lake Michigan.

She doesn’t belong here. She doesn’t know these people at all.

Kerrigan is the housewife with the perfect life. She has a loving husband and a glamorous city apartment. Her life is everything she could ever dream of.

Her husband hates her. Their marriage is a sham.

Cole is the only local on Stonecliffe Island. He’s there to make sure the guests have everything they want. He has to focus on creating the perfect experience.

He can’t afford any distractions after last summer. This is his final chance.

Each guest has their own villa. There are staff on-call to help with every need — a masseuse, a chef to make dinner every night, waiters pouring endless champagne. It’s going to be perfect. But a violent storm looms on the horizon. There’s no way off the island. Then, one of the guests disappears. And they won’t be the last . . .

Review:

“The Guests” is a novel about a group of individuals who are called to gather on a rustic island getaway to hear the reading of a will. Most of the men and women are wealthy, with their family holding shares to the fate of the land. One lone guest does not belong to the same world of glitz and money. Why was she asked to come join the guests? As their connections become known, their stories unwind. Then two women go missing. Everyone is a pawn. Who is the mastermind? What do they want? What will they do to get it? 

The author did an excellent job interweaving a complex web of relationships and lies. I thought I had it figured out and then additional twists to the plot surprised me. I felt that the ending was a little lacklustre and rushed. I would have liked to see a more climactic ending. Otherwise, it’s a really interesting thriller that I would recommend to others!

Ruthless Sinner by Cora Kent (Terlizzis Book #1) | Review

 Thank you to BookSprout and Author Cora Kent for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Ruthless Sinner by Cora Kent (Terlizzis Book #1)
Genre(s): Romance
Release Date: August 27th, 2025
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 309
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: Hot 🔥🔥🔥

I don’t even know where to start! I’m still reeling from this emotional, gut wrenching journey. The story is a spicy enemies to lovers story revolving around Dante and Adalina. Dante is the head of an infamous, and very dangerous Mafia family. 

Adalina is a Mafia princess; the only daughter of a dangerous man, who owes a significant amount of money to Dante’s family. Dante seeks revenge by kidnapping Adelina, holding her ransom until her father can repay the debt. Dante vows to hold Adalina prisoner, but finds himself connected to her more than he could have imagined. Dante must decide what is most important; have his debt paid or protect Adalina from her father’s cruelty. The novel was well written but many scenes were tough to process. Be aware of the triggers before reading the novel.