Jess—aka Reviews by Jess—is a sassy, top-ranked Goodreads reviewer who reads a little of everything. From steamy romance to dark fantasy, plus stories featuring mental health, hidden disabilities, and LGBTQ+ rep, she brings bold, unfiltered reviews readers can trust. Expect sass, sparkle, and a TBR that’s about to explode.

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Monday, June 1, 2020

Something Twisted

Title: Something Twisted

A Twisted World Series Standalone

Author: Ace Gray

Genre: Dark Romance
Release Date: May 28, 2020

Blurb

I’d spent my life as a plaything. A toy to be used by powerful and deadly men in whatever way they pleased. So I was just as surprised as anyone else that I had feelings left. Feelings that lead me to fight for true love while damning myself.

And that’s just where this story begins.

Desperate and alone I turned back to my childhood home. The first wicked place I’d known with the darkest villain among them. My stepfather. But I could weather his storm in exchange for safety. I had to.

What I didn’t expect to find was Niall McDonough. The only man I’d ever really loved had reappeared only to become one of them. Someone ruthless and cruel. He wants to ruin me. As my stepfather’s savage soldier he might just do it.

But then again, twelve years ago a fortune teller predicted I’d need just such a soldier to save both my heart and soul.

****This book contains graphic sex, violence, uncomfortable sexual encounters, and dub con. It's intended for mature audiences, over 18 only****

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Excerpt

“My, my, this is interesting. Perhaps Deirdre is an appropriate name after all.”

“What the shit is going on here?” My mind was clearing. Sort of.

“I’m reading your future, darling. Your dismal and sorrowful future.”

I felt like I’d been hit. Hard. And I knew what it was like to be punched, slapped, kicked… I tried to shake off the list.

“What does it say?” My words were shaky, no matter how I tried to steady them.

“You will cause much unrest in this little corner of the world.”

The hair on the back of my neck stood up. No, was on the tip of my tongue. My mom had gotten me out of a life of mobsters and murderers. I wasn’t an Ulster anymore. I wouldn’t be. I was just another teenaged girl wondering about her future.

“Rivers of blood. Chaos and pain. Betrayal all at your hand,” she mused in partial phrases. “You will need a soldier at your side if you wish to be free of it all.”

“A soldier?” I swallowed, sorrow swelling in my heart.

“Someone to wage war. Someone ruthless and brutal and savage.” She arched her eyebrow. “If you don’t find him, you both end up dead. Just like the legend.”

I rolled my eyes with a wild grunt and shoved up from the table. “Convenient legend,” I snarked under my breath.

“Heed my words or don’t, it makes no matter to me. It’s your fate and your fate alone that you have to face.” She shrugged before unwinding to stand. Incense swirled around her again as she walked toward the back corner of the room.

I shoved up from the stupid pillows on the stupid floor of the stupid Irish gypsy and started to stomp off.

“Today, lightning will strike, Deirdre of the sorrows.” Her voice seemed far away, too far away. “Take that as a sign of what’s been set in motion.”

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Author Bio

Ace Gray is a best selling author, self-proclaimed troublemaker and connoisseur of both the good life and fairy tales. After a life-long love affair with both books, she undertook writing the novel she wanted to read. Ten books later, she's gotten to live in the world of billionaires, twisted murders, and sweet small towns. She's made her heart race both with suspense and serious swoon and wouldn't trade one minute, one word of it.

When she's not writing, she owns a taco truck in a ski town in Colorado even though she can't cook a lick (that's all her husband). She loves paddle boarding, snowboarding, camping, basically anything outside... and hosting dinner parties (though she's only in it for the drinks). Oh, and of course, writing more words.

Ace is the author of Strictly Business, Bad For Business, Family Business, Twisted Fate, Twisted Death, A Twisted Love Story, Twisted Secrets, Of Smoke & Cinnamon: A Christmas Story, Pretty Young Things, All The Letters I'll Never Send You and All The Letters I've Ever Read. These titles are available on Amazon.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Review: Back in the Saddle

Back in the Saddle by Peyton Banks

Not everyone gets a second chance.

Parker Brooks was a legendary bull rider. He had become a household name until he suffered a career-ending knee injury. Now he's back home working his family's ranch alongside his brothers.

A night out for a celebration flipped his world upside down. A certain young woman who had walked away from him without a word, or an explanation, was working the bar.

Maddison King was the only woman he'd been ready to give his heart to. She'd been his everything, and then she'd up and vanished.

He'd thought he'd gotten over her, but one look at her luscious curves and killer smile had him realizing otherwise. She's older, more mature, and too damn sexy for her own good.

There was no denying the attraction between them. It was just like old times.

He deserved to know why she’d packed up and left. She couldn’t run from him forever.

When secrets are revealed, Parker and Maddison's worlds explode. Will they be able to survive the past to build a future?

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What do you get from a retired bull rider, buckle bunnies, and booze? Back in the Saddle is the first book in Banks’ new series Blazing Eagle Ranch. I thought the characters Maddy and Parker had great chemistry. Banks did a great job with world-building. There have been a lot fo ranch books recently, but this one was a refreshing start. Add in the fact it’s a Second Chance Romance, and that’s even better, in my opinion. I can’t wait to read the next one.

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Friday, May 15, 2020

Review: See No Evil

See No Evil by Ivy Fox

They thought they could get away with it, but they are sorely mistaken.

They have been judged. They have been sentenced. All that remains is their execution.

No one goes unpunished. We’ll make sure of it.

We are The Society and all who dare cross us will find their miserable end by our hand.

Don’t be fooled. This is not their story.

It’s ours.

Finn

As long as I can remember, I’ve played by the rules.

On and off the football field, I’ve done everything that has been expected of me.

Until that fatal night.

Now my life and the lives of my best friends hang in the balance, hung there by a sadistic sinister shadow forcing us to do their will.

And it’s just my damn luck that I’m the first to be put on their butcher’s block.

I must prove my worth by eradicating a certain pebble in their shoe.

The order is simple.

To save ourselves, I must ruin another—a life for a life.

Meaning Stone Bennett’s life is about to be forfeited in exchange for my own.

The poor girl never stood a chance.

Stone

He’s all American perfection.

I’m the poster child for this country’s rejects.

He’s old Asheville money and privilege.

I’m the Southie eyesore people stay clear from.

He’s caviar dreams and champagne wishes.

I’m the trailer trash his momma probably warned him about.

I doubt it can get any further away from the elitist’s social spectrum than the two of us.

So why the hell is Finn Walker, Richfield’s football god, suddenly all in my face wanting my attention?

Nothing good can come from this.

I can feel it.

*The Society is an Enemies to Lovers, New Adult College Romance.

*Each book can be read as a standalone. However all four books in this series have an entwined subplot, that will only be resolved in the final book.

*Recommended 18+ due to mature language and situations.

My Review

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This may be my first story by Ivy Fox, but I can tell without a doubt that this won’t be my last. See No Evil is the start of The Society series, and it started with a bang. Fox is going to have to keep it come with Hear No Evil. This book is beyond steaming. Pretty sure I needed a cold shower after reading this one. I may have even blushed a time or two when the kid would talk to me. Fox has done an amazing job at building this world and the characters. Trust me, if you haven’t grabbed your copy of See No Evil, you need to do it now and be ready for the ride you’re about to take with Finn and Stone.

Goodreads Link – https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3337372073

BookBub Link – https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/679857298

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Thursday, May 14, 2020

Review: Liarholic

Liarholic by Kingsley Ash

One, two, three, four, five . . . the lyrics to the hell inside your OCD head.

You’re broken, Amy. I did this. Can’t undo that.

Six years ago, I played a cruel joke on you in front of the whole school. I ripped your heart out.

Now, I’m back to fix what I broke. I’m a psychologist, Amy. I can give you back the happiness I stole . . .

It’s all a lie. I’m not a shrink.

So what. She doesn’t get a choice.

So what if I make her attend my fake therapy sessions, keep the truth hidden.

So what if I get her addicted to my body like a painkiller, make her wish me dead.

I’m not the hero. I’m the monster. The orphan boy gone bad. Cursed, everything broken.

So what, when I discover a secret that makes her every inch off-limits, I won't keep my hands off her.

Her bones are made from emeralds, she’s that precious.

I won’t stop chasing her until she’s mine.

But Amy is a pretty little liar, too.

Only one of us is telling the truth.

So bloody what. Nobody’s gonna believe her over me.

It’s her word . . .

. . . against MINE.

You’re in a bad place, Amy, where the monsters go. But it’s only in the bad places . . . I can get to you.

Disclaimer: No cheating — this alpha-hole keeps it in his pants.

Fast-paced. Turns & twists. Sizzling hot. Dark & deliciously poetic. Witty.

My Review

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First, let me say this was not what I was expecting. I wasn’t expecting the triggers that I got. Liarholic is dark and twisted. Which is why I gave the rating I did. Honestly, I was expecting a RomCom, and I didn’t get that. This is not a story for those that have major triggers, and I think that should have been stated. As the only warning, we were awarded was there is no cheating. I did enjoy the fact that there was a slow burn. I really wish I could have enjoyed this book more. This was my first story by Ash, and although I didn’t enjoy this one, I plan to give the author another shot.

Goodreads Link – https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3337203626

BookBub Link – https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2485597519

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Review: Treachery Prequel

Treachery Prequel by Lily White

PREQUEL NOVELLA TO TREACHERY

Ninth Circle.

Treachery.

Also known as Tanner Caine.

He is a temptation with cold, dark eyes.

A man with a seductive smirk and a body built for pure sin.

The linchpin of a group of wealthy bad boys known as the Inferno.

A dark presence that repels as much as he attracts, Tanner is the poisoned apple I want to bite even when I know it will destroy me.

Our story started in college, but I ran from him so far I believed I was safe.

I should have known he’d find me eventually.

I should have known that nobody escapes.

He has me in his sights again with an offer I can’t pass up.

I know better than to make a deal with the Devil.

Not unless I’m willing to pay his sensual price…

(Treachery Prequel comes before Treachery of the Antihero Inferno Series and occurs during the college years.)

***Each novel in the series depicts a unique romance, but the plots through each book connect in one world. For the best experience, read the series in order.

Nine dangerous men.

Nine unrepentant sinners you’ll hate to love.

My Review

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first story well prequel to the first in the Antihero Inferno series and my first by Lily White. This book was just what the doctor ordered. I’ve been incinerated by Tanner Caine, and I can’t wait for the rest of the guys! This story has it all steam, spice, and just enough mystery to keep a gal entertained. Great original characters and an awesome new way to set up a social circle. If you like reading about the nine circles, then you need to start this series. I know I can’t wait for the next one!

Goodreads Link – https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3335248648

BookBub Link – https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/124860817

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Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Review: Chasing Arlo

Chasing Arlo by Ginger Ring

A mafia princess doesn’t belong with a lowly soldier.

At least, that is what Arlo thinks.

He’s used to women only wanting steamy one-night stands and nothing more. Not until, to his surprise, he’s pursued by none other than the mafia princess herself.

Layla makes it her mission in life to tease and flirt with Arlo endlessly. It’s been a cat and mouse game ever since they met.

But if she only knew the truth. If she knew all the things he has done for her family, it would both amaze and horrify her.

With Arlo, however, it’s all or nothing, so when a bombing from the Russian mob occurs and a possible threat from inside the family looms, he steps up to keep Layla safe.

With everything unraveling around her, Layla quickly realizes chasing Arlo and more importantly, keeping him might be the only thing that saves her life...

Bossy Brothers: Tony Release & Giveaway

Title: Bossy Brothers: Tony
Series: Bossy Brothers #6

Author: JA Huss

Genre: Enemies-to-Lovers/Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

Release Date: May 12, 2020

Blurb

Belinda Baker and I were not made for each other.

We are not soul mates, or lovers, or even frenemies.

She is the one who needed to get away.

What we had together wasn’t blind love, it was sick rage.

We were a match made in hell, it was hate at first sight, and when she walked away from me and never looked back—it was a relief.

It was bliss.

So why did I travel two thousand miles so I could be near her?

Why can’t I stop thinking about this girl I never want to see again?

Why. Am I. Here?

And what do I have to do to make her disappear for good?

Bossy Brothers: Tony features two girls falling for the wrong men and two men falling for the right girls. A family of tatted up brothers and a town filled with secrets and danger. A story of earned chances and first dates. Of coming to terms with the past and finding a way into the future. It is book six in the Bossy Brothers series and should be read after book five, Bossy Brothers: Alonzo.

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Excerpt

BELINDA

“Jesus fucking Christ, Belinda!”

“What?”

“Are you blind? Or deaf? Or dumb? Or what?”

I just stare at him.

Vann takes a step forward, forcing me to take a step back too. And my step is actually a step up. He points his finger at me. I swat it away.

“I’m gonna say this once, OK? Just once.”

“Say whatever the fuck you want. I don’t care what you do.”

He climbs one step. And so do I. “I like you,” he says, climbing another step. So I climb another step. “I like your filthy mouth, Belinda Baker. I like your stupid cowboy boots. I like your pink hair.” He keeps climbing the steps, so I have to keep climbing the steps. “I like the way you road-trip.”

“What?” I’m so confused.

He’s still climbing the steps and now my back is against my front door. “I like the way you wear that glitter shit on your eyelids in the summer. And the way you wear fingerless gloves in the winter even though you complain, every single day, that your fucking hands are cold. I like the way your hair smells when you show up for work and it’s still wet. I like the way you spin on your stupid stool in front of the shop cash register and glare at the giggly sorority girls like you can’t wait for them to wake up sober tomorrow and realize they just paid a hundred bucks for a My Little Mermaid tramp stamp. I like the way you bite your lip when you’re tattooing and the way you always have a smear of ink on the side of your face by the time you’re done.”

I reach up to touch my face.

“Yes, you have ink there, right now. And I love that. Because you don’t even care enough to check the mirror after you’re done with a client to notice that you always have ink smeared on your fucking face after you tattoo someone. I like the way you kick at stones when you walk down the street like you’re some troubled teen with pregnancy issues.”

“What?” I laugh.

“I like the way you bitch, and moan, and complain that no one takes you seriously. In fact, I love that no one takes you seriously, because then they’d figure out just how awesome you are, and I’m afraid you’ll actually find someone else before I can convince you that I am good for you. I want to date you, Belinda Baker. And you know what really pissed me off tonight?”

He pauses.

I become uneasy. “Am I supposed to guess?”

“I’m not mad that you fucked Tony in the alley. OK? That’s not it. I’m angry that you gave him the chance that I deserve.”

My stomach… falls. I don’t know of any other way to describe the feeling I get when I internalize those last few words of his. Except… falling. Like the world has just been yanked out from under me. Like I’m adrift in a sea of mistakes.

Because he’s absolutely right.

“Vann—”

“No,” he says, still seething. “No.” He holds up one finger. “I’m not done. You don’t get to talk yet. I’ve been holding this in all fucking night while you laughed and joked with my goddamned brother and his stupid yoked-out army friend. Who, by the way, was leering at you the entire time.”

“He was not!”

“He so was!”

“He was lying face down, Vann!”

“I just want to say this.” He pauses again and his chest is rising and falling very quickly, like he’s really upset. And his lips are falling into a deep frown. And his face is becoming flushed with heat. “I have earned my chance, Belinda. I didn’t become your friend because I wanted to get in your pants. I didn’t get you the apprentice job because I thought we’d be good together. I didn’t drive you and Tara two thousand miles to Key West because I thought maybe you’d finally see me for what I am. I did all those things because I like you. With no expectations whatsoever. I did all those things because I enjoy you. And when we’re together, life is fun. Even when we’re running from guys called Diablo, and smuggling people on boats, and especially when we’re just hanging out doing nothing. Saying nothing. That’s my favorite time with you. Because we’re at that place now. That place where we’re comfortable. And I keep waiting for you to see how good we are. And you just”—he shakes his head—“refuse! You just refuse to even consider me. But this asshole Tony Dumas shows up out of nowhere and you give him all the considerations. You say you don’t like him—”

“I don’t!”

“You say that, but then why, Belinda? Why do you give him all the chances he hasn’t earned?”

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Author Bio

JA Huss is the New York Times Bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today Bestseller's list 21 times in the past five years. She writes characters with heart, plots with twists, and perfect endings.

Her new sexy sci-fi romance and paranormal romance pen name is KC Cross and she writes novels and teleplays collaboratively with actor and screenwriter, Johnathan McClain.

Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie Award in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Her audiobook, Mr. Perfect, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017. Her audiobook, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Five of her book were optioned for a TV series by MGM television in 2018. And her book, Total Exposure, was nominated for a RITA Award in 2019.

She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.

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