Spicy Dark Romance Reads: October Highlights

It was a dark romance month

The Carver and The Saint by Penelope Sky were both 5-star books

Sara Cate’s The Good Girl Effect was another 5-star because the best part of rules is breaking them

My one thriller of the season … The Housemaid by Freida McFadden was too predictable

Christina Lauren’s Love and Other Words – not my favorite book by them, but I will always read their books

Jagger Cole’s Venomous Gods, if you like prey activities – I suggest this one

Fresh Tracks by Dakota Forest has an age gap with all the spice and no ick

photo taken October 31, 6:15 pm PT

September Spicy Reading Wrap Up

photo taken September 6, 5:44 am PT The Northern Lights reflected off of the water in the retention pond

Definitely Kinky by Annabel Joseph I read this one because a reviewer had compared my writing style to this author. Yes, both of us bring the heat. I loved this story, allbeit a short tale about a string quartet that plays at a very kinky wedding that leads to two members of the quartet getting it on later. I can’t help thinking: One time, at band camp… I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

The Butcher by Penelope Sky The MC kills people for a living, well only men who hurt women. Why should the FMC question that? He says what he says and means what he says. No questions. He yells without raising his voice. She’s his woman. Bottom line. Other than the fact that I despise cliffhangers, I really liked this book.

God of War by Rina Kent – Great Series! God of War was the final book and the best story (in my opinion) Although my heart is still beating for Nikolai. Thank you to Hannah for recommending this series!

Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert Once again, I accidentally started a series in the middle. Oops! This is a fractured retelling of Aphrodite and Hephaestus (and Pandora and Adonis) in a spicy tale. All the references to the gods were a bit much for my taste, but the heated scenes were worth the time investment.

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid This hockey romance is between a Canadian (who realizes he’s gay) and a Russian (bisexual) on different teams. I loved the banter and how they teased each other about hockey as each vied to be the best in the NHL. Even in the stilted English of the Russian he was humorous, and came off gruff until the HEA. It made the HEA that much more worthwhile. It started weird as the story drops bits over 7 years, but totally worth reading until the end!

Kate, Fake, & Vault by Tate James – each part of the Madison Kate Series. I love Tate James! These are reverse harem set in a brutal gang vibe. Tough FMC and tattooed MCs are a delicious combination.

Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown – Have you read this author? She’s married to a man in the NHL. She also played hockey. This has all the best elements of a hockey romance, plus some added real facts.

How My Neightbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn – Is it too early to read xmas book? I’m actually really late to this party. This has been on my TBR since last year. Despite a quirky setting and a silly story, the romance ticked all the boxes. I absolutely loved the Christmas tale narrator who mocks the MC. If you haven’t read this one, add it to your holiday book list.

Yes, I read a couple of children’s books too

August Reading Wrap-up

Most surprisingly read: The Cheater’s Club by Stella Grae

Warmest romance: Off to the Races by Elsie Silver

Most thoughtful romance: Pucking Around by Emily Rath

Most satisfying romance: The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson

Hottest romance: Liar by Tate James

Quickest romance: Formula Chance by Sawyer Bennett

Favorite Cover: Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Most frustrating ending – Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton, For the love of reading, I’m thirty books into the series – I thought it was going to end.

Image: Mt. Hood in Oregon, photo taken at a family wedding. This was the backdrop when the couple exchanged vows. Pure romance inspiration.

Confessions of a Spicy Romance Author – Writing Roots

Interview at
https://cravebooks.com/author/liz-ellyn?tab=interview

Authors that influenced my love of reading

S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders – the first book I remember reading that I truly enjoyed

John Irving’s The Hotel New Hampshire – Started my love of the dark side as a young teenager

Stephenie Meyer – Twilight Saga – This book got me back into reading after decades of nothing.

Confessions of a Spicy Romance Author…Doggie Distractions

Meet Boomer (Bernese Mountain Dog/Cavalier King Charles), Tanner (Aussiedoodle), and Bash (Cavalier King Charles)

All three are a distraction from writing and a cure for writer’s block. Taking the dogs for a walk while listening to an audiobook helps get me back on track.