Reviews from the weekend

Here are some books that I read over the weekend and think that you should add to your TBR

Only Mine by Laura Pavlov

Rating: 4/5
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Opposites attract, Veteran, Co-workers, close proximity, meet cute, Family Series,
Series: Honey Mountain
Pop: 41%

This was my first read by author Laura Pavlov and I really enjoyed it. I read this book as a standalone even though it was book 5 in a series. I really liked the characters of Dylan and Wolf. They were so well thought out and had some much depth. The dynamic way the author wrote these characters had a way of transporting you into their world. I was engrossed with this story from page one and I could not put it down. Some of the best banter in romance I have read in a very long time.

This book did have a great meet-cute. I am a sucker for a mistaken identity meet cute because the realization that happens when you realize what has happened is always so good.
Dylan Thomas is feisty and fierce. Protective of those she loves. Says what she wants, super smart – Stoic in her approach to the world. She truly lives out loud. Even though she was young she has a maturity about her that I really enjoyed.  

One of my biggest complaints is the author has this book titled as a Small town Romance. The couple spends less than 10% in the small town and the reader does not get the small town feel you would expect. I understand that the previous books are small town and have that vibe this one does not. So do not go in reading this book expecting your typical small town quirkiness.

The risk with reading a book that is later in the series that there are might so many cameos from previous characters that it might be confusing or the pages feel crowded. The author did a great job adding in these characters without causing confusion or crowded pages. I am intrigued by the past characters and do plan to go back and read more from the series.

Taken by a Sinner by Michelle Heard

Rating: 4/5
Trope: Mafia, Age-Gap, Forbidden, alpha hero, marriage of convenience,

Taken by a Sinner by Michelle Heard is the first in her Sinners Series. This series is completely standalone and revolves around a group of mafia leaders, known as the Priesthood. This was my first book from the author. I loved it! It was not as dark as a lot of mafia romances typically are. This is more like a mafia light, which I really enjoyed. I don’t know that I have read any other Greek Mafia romance but I really enjoyed this one.

When Theresa Drakatos’s mother is set to marry The Godfather of the Greek Mafia, her new stepbrother is the boss, Nikolas Stathoulis. Tess, has spent her life outside of the Mafia and has not been raised to be a mafia princess. So she fights hard against this new influence in her life.

Nikolas is controlling, dominant, hot and is on a mission to control Tess’s life. He is intense but it really works for them. Nikolas is protective and loving. He does have a softness for Tess.

There’s a plot in the background with his 4 counterparts who make up other factions of the mob. Together, they formed an alliance to have each other’s back and will each have their own story. I’m so existed for the other books as well.

I love the pacing. This book flies by. I couldn’t put it down once I started and there are so many “aw” moments.

If you’re looking for a light mafia stepbrother enemies to lovers romance, this is for you!