but there is also that romance piece to this series that I loved! I seriously wanted to cut Gabriel at moments ...
598972
I had not read a Skye Warren book/ series prior to The End Game.  O-M-G!!!  I had no idea what I was missing until I spend a few days with Gabriel Miller & Avery James.  WoW!!!  Just wow!!!

*** WARNING ***
The Castle IS NOT a standalone.  You have to have read The Pawn and The King prior to The Castle.  It is one continuous story.

The End Game starts off with The Pawn.  In The Pawn we are introduced to Gabriel & Avery.  They meet in the most unconventional way.  Avery is in need of money to save her family home.  She offers up her virginity for a cost.  Gabriel is more than willing to take her up on this offer.  So, for 30 days Gabriel owns Avery.  He monitors her every move and controls just about every interaction that Avery has.  As a reader I kept asking myself, why?!?!

"You captivated me before you even knew I existed.  You're my queen."
~ Skye Warren, The Castle (The End Game #3)

The story continues in The Knight.  In The Knight, the pieces of this real life chess game start to fall into place.  It isn't until The Castle that everything is revealed.

"All the money in the world doesn't matter if you don't have anything to buy.  Cars.  Drugs.  Women.  None of it interests me, but suddenly I know exactly what I want --- everything he has."
~ Skye Warren, The Castle (The End Game #3)

Throughout this story, one of the things that I kept thinking was that Skye Warren is the master at leaving each and every chapter on a cliffhanger!  It was so well written that it was hard to put down.  The twists and turns throughout this entire series kept you on the edge of your seat!

"You're asking me to break into pieces.  What do you think shards of glass will do to you?  You'll be cut, little virgin.  You'll bleed."
~ Skye Warren, The Castle (The End Game #3)

Not only is this a suspense series, but there is also that romance piece to this series that I loved!  I seriously wanted to cut Gabriel at moments and then swoon all over him at others!  And as Gabriel & Avery's story goes on, you totally understand why Gabriel does what he does.  It is almost endearing what he is willing to do for Avery.

"You're my queen, little virgin."
~ Skye Warren, The Castle (The End Game #3)

I feel like I am being very vague with this review and yet giving away info that maybe I shouldn't... I'm trying so hard to not give away spoilers.

I will tell you, this is a must read series for 2017!  ADD IT TO YOUR READING LIST NOW!!!  I promise that you will thank me later!

"I came to him as a virgin in every sense of the word, my body untried, my mind untested.  My heart unbroken.  He changed me, formed me, made me into a woman.  And in the same way I made him into a man --- a man who can love without reservation, a man who can submit.  A king who can give himself over to his queen."
~ Skye Warren, The Castle (The End Game #3)

Skye Warren, you have a fan for life!  I am so looking forward to finding some time to discover more of your work.  I loved this series so much!  Thank you for allowing me to fall in love with your characters!!  The End Game was simply brilliant.

#ILikeDirty  #LittleVirgin  #YouOwnTheBoardNow #Checkmate
4430340
There's just something about forbidden romances...that drives the angst level way up! (Which I love!) I can't wait for the next book!
2495750
This was a wonderful read, though I didn't quite enjoy this book as much as I did the first in the series. I love that Sarah Morgan tackled the heartbreak of the heroine Frankie's family past while still making her a kickass character - how awesome was it that she *literally* got to kick someone's ass?! I loved the hero Matt's patience with Frankie, though he wasn't quite the alpha I'm used to reading. I recommend this book for lovers of a feel-good romance.
99211
I enjoyed the sequel to Breathe and am looking forward to the third book in the series, Claim. Bergren did a fantastic job of torturing her characters and making you care about them. The brother Nic and sister Moira messed up the worst. What I liked about this story was that Begren pulled no punches and had them make poor choices and suffer from their mistakes. I really ached for Moira who went through quite a transformation in this novel because of the many disappointments and hurts she suffered.

I also loved the conflict between Odessa and Bryce's brother. There was some serious tension there, and I loved how realistically it was portrayed. The temptation was well done. I'm curious to see if this plays out further in the next book in this series. I'm also looking forward to seeing what happens to Nic in the last book. He has gone through so much, and yet he survived. On the positive end, he lost some of his recklessness because of this. Both he and Moira learned that they could not control everything. I found it interesting how they were introduced to faith, and also touching when Moira experienced unconditional love.

Last, I adored that this book had a lot of edgy content. Again, Bergren lays the temptation and aftermath right out there. She shows how sin easily entangles and snares the victim. She also uses realistic dialog in many of the scenes and I cringed at the painful truth in those words. Bravo to Lisa for writing a daringly different historical romance set in 1880s Colorado. I would definitely recommend this series to people who like edgy stories within which the characters have realistic struggles they try to overcome.
2494314
I liked Gabe and Melanie, but Nikki got on my nerves, how they handled her got on my nerves, and made me want to skip pages so I would not have to deal with reading about her.  The parts that were consistent were the steamy ones.  I do love Gabe! and I am looking forward to the new series spin of from this one.
4674776
I kind of started this series out of order. I fell in love with Miles in Some Sort of Crazy and everyone was also talking about Sebastian! Holy swoon-worthy batman! I don't know if it's possible but I think I love Sebastian even more!

Sebastian is lovable, sweet, caring and deliciously flawed. It's his OCD that makes you love him, that make you see past the good looks and really care for his personality and the trials he's been through in his life.

I love that Skylar is just as messed up as Sebastian is, the two of them compliment each other well. I love a flawed heroine, someone that I can relate to. She's my age, doesn't have her life figured out yet and comes to terms with it. She struggles to find herself but with Sebastian she sees that she can be everything he needs. The two of them are the missing piece to each other's puzzle.

I love stories that have real life issues (such as OCD), it's enlightening and entertaining at the same time. This was such a well written love story and I am absolutely crazy over it!
2983487
This one was easily my favourite of the entire series (even though I got the world mixed up with Laurelin Paiges' Lights, Camera Series [Take Two] universe). If I hadn't been on vacation and busy doing activities, I would have devoured it in one sitting. It was exactly what I needed to read when I did: a lighter romance read that keeps it simply focused on the romance.

I thought the characters had great depth to them and I enjoyed the equal focus on their own development as individuals as well as the romance. Calder and Francesca were not only a great match for each other but they were intriguing on their own. The sexual tension between them was great and I loved how it was supported by a real emotional connection. You really wanted to see them work it out and succeed.

Things happen fast though in this novel and there isn't too much to the story besides this couple trying to form. I wanted certain plot aspects to be address, not swept under the rug but I suppose that it was more "realistic" with the approach it took. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this lighter romance novel from start to finish and it was my favourite of the series.
4070022
I have a love/hate thing going on with Claire. One minutes she does something I totally love then I'm screaming at her for something else the next. I definitely enjoyed this book more than the last. There was more drama in this one, and I love a large dose of drama with my romance! Can't wait to read more about what Claire decides to do.
2322850
This is the third book in the Notorious Gentlemen series.  I am not going to go into story detail and rather write about what I did and didn't like.

My issue with Ms. Enoch's Notorious Gentlemen series became that the story was less romance and more solve the issue plots.  To me, romances are my escape into an alternate reality.  I want to fall in love through the characters all over again.  And I don't want to worry too much about the bad guys while doing so.  With this book, even with knowing that there is an HEA coming, it is so hard to not be worried and stressed out because of the villain.  Ms. Enoch definitely does her job in writing these characters and the story - you hate and worry just like she wants you to - but it was a little too much for me.

Here's what I liked and didn't like:

Pros
1. Superbly well written characters and plot -  I loved Bram from the very first book, and loved him even more so with this one.  Rose, her brother, and oh the villain Mr Cosgrove are well sketched out.  So is the plot.  It keeps moving, keeping you guessing and sitting almost on the end of my chair to figure out what happens and if Bram is able to save Rose.
2. Humor - There is some very funny and witty dialogue in this book.  Bram's sarcasm is second to none, even when it is aimed at himself.  Absolutely loved that I giggled through parts of the book, and had to pause to admire Ms. Enoch's handiwork.

Cons
1. The villain - He was so well written that I hated him and the vibes he brought into the story.  It was too much to worry about, very yucky feeling especially with the descriptions of the sadism he enjoyed.
2. Romance - It was there, but not as regular courtship.  More secret meetings and escorting here and there type of stuff.  I liked both the H/h so much that I wanted to see more interaction between them.  The first sex scene was very disappointing.  It seemed so transactional and that both characters could keep themselves emotionally detached through it.

The HEA was great.  Phineas and Sullivan, the heroes of the prior two books in the series, coming in to help Bram, their friend was great.  I love to revisit characters in series, especially when they're rescuing the hero.  :)  That scene when the cops come in was too cute and wanted me to applaud and cheer for Bram's friends.

I'd read this story, but temper your expectations of it being purely romance.
1997601
I absolutely love the Crescent Chronicles series! Dare to say I am addicted and I'm not ashamed to admit it. This novella surrounds the events that take place in book one, Flight, but with Levi's perspective. I loved getting inside his head and having a front row seat to his inner thoughts. Thank you Alyssa for creating this wonderful character.

In the prior novels we only saw Levi from Allie's eyes. He is charming and magnetic, there is something about him that just draws you in. Gorgeous as he was, but also arrogant, cocky, and at times possessive. I still fell for him though. Both in First & Forever introduces a whole new side to Levi. I got to see how passionate he is, his worries and doubts regarding Allie's feelings for him, his fears at the thought of losing Allie, and of course his complete devotion and love that he has for her. Levi had finally found "the one", his Allie and I loved watching him prove himself to her. Also as a sweet little treat, Alyssa gives us readers the royal wedding from both Levi and Allie's POV's. It was really beautiful. Those two really are forever.

"Allie Davis was everything to me. And I couldn't wait to spend the rest of our lives together."  ~ Levi

 My mind is seriously content to stay in this wonderful and mystical world that Alyssa has created. I was so giddy with happiness by the time I was finished reading.
3203739
Way too much romance for my liking, but oh how I love time travels!!
2071576
I loved the strong passion, desire, and so much romance! I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance!:)
3751890
I'm a huge fan of Paranormal Romances, and Werewolves are my ultimate favorite paranormal creature, so when Dominic Ridolfi walked into my life, it was almost the end of me. Damn! He was one fine specimen.

But before my review turns into an ode to Dominic...

This book was exciting. I've read many Paranormal Romances, most of which include Vampires and Werewolves, and I'm always intrigued by how the author will spin the tale of these two creatures. I loved the idea of Kate being human in the beginning, not knowing her true identity, and the fact that Dominic was sent to kill her. These two were most definitely the definition of star-crossed lovers. They were the Romeo and Juliet of the Paranormal world and my heart broke a little for them with the knowledge that no matter how much they loved each other, the war between their kinds would in one way or another keep them apart. Or would it? That was the question that really spurred me on as I read this great story.

Dominic was willing to give up so much for Kate, but would she be willing to give him her heart completely? I had so much hope that they'd find each other along the way, but there were so many factors against them. Trust was a big issue, and then there was the obvious hate between their kinds, not to mention golden boy Alex. Kate also had so much to deal with as the life she knew was ripped to shreds. I did feel that she kind of took to her new life too easily. She questioned things but never really fought against them. The only part of her new life she was adamant about wanting nothing to do with was the blood drinking.

This story was an intriguing tale of forbidden love and family loyalty, as Dominic and Kate both struggled with doing what was right; what was expected of them, or following their hearts no matter the cost. It was a great read.
4124287
Fervent is book two in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone. However, Harrison is a secondary character in Flawed, so you might want to check it out! This one wasn't angsty, and I thought a break from the emotional roller-coaster was much needed!

I really loved that Claudia wrote not only a strong hero, but an independent, hold her own, kick ass heroine as well. There was action, some mystery, and the relationship that built between Harrison and Luna was sweet. It was a slow-burn romance, and I couldn't help but root for the eldest Everhart to win the heart of the woman he desired.

I thought Fervent was an enjoyable read and after finishing the story, I really want more of the Everhart men, and Hazel of course!! I have a strong suspicion that were headed back into Angst-ville for Hazels story, so Im going to start preparing myself now!
3139658
This was for me! I love romance and this one just screams lion
473831
Seriouslyits like Ms. Albert has a window into my heartshe always writes the sweetest books and her characters say and do the sweetest things that make my heart happy.  And even with this being a closet story that Ive started shying away from because of the hurt and angst, I loved it.  While there was some hurt between Nash and Mason, there was a lot of sweet and healing too.  This is a great start to what stands to be another fantastic series.

Oh man, Nash broke my heart a bit.  Its always the stoic ones that claim not to need anything or anyone that fall the hardest.  He suffers from the don't know what youve been missing until youve had it and lost it problem.  Hes been living in the shadow of and for the ghost of a man that wasn't exactly a great father.  Hes closed himself off from everyone and basically survives for his job and his fathers legacy.  He really only has one friend until Mason breaks through his tough exterior and boy does Mason break through.  Nash is not only in the closet, hes also a closet romantic and so endearingly sweet and child-like I want to hug him.  I really love his jealous, possessive side!

Mason struggles with familial pressures as well only his get a lot nastier.  His family truly is a mess and pretty worthless.  Mason has worked hard to prove his worth and people still don't trust him.  Hes feisty and sees through Nashs tough exterior to the man he could be with the right man by his side.  Nash correctly labels him as trouble and Mason fully lives up to that assessment when it comes to Nash.  He is the perfect person to show Nash how to truly live.  I absolutely love him and Nash together.

The idea Mason and his group of friends have for Rainbow Cove is fun and I cant wait to see what else they bring to town.  There are several great characters we meet in this book and I can't wait to read about all of them!

Nash said something that pretty much sums up how I feel about folks being ashamed of their sexuality or feeling the need to hide.  This quote is a bit spoiler-ish so read at your own risk....

"Id spent years being concerned that Marta and people like her might turn away from me, and now that it had finally happened, I was surprised by how little I actually cared. What mattered was what Mason and I had together, not what a few narrow-minded people thought. I only wished Id been able to come around to that way of thinking sooner. The people who truly loved me would accept me for who I was, not some mythic ideal of the local police chief that even my father hadnt been able to fulfill. Sure, hed been the quintessential officer, but at what price?"
3254569
A Lady Unrivaled is the third book in Roseanna M. Whites Ladies of the Manor series, coming after The Lost Heiress and The Reluctant Duchess. I am a HUGE fan of Roseannas, and this series to be honest, so Ive been super excited for this book for quite some time. I absolutely LOVED The Lost Heiress, and even though I hardly believed it possible, I loved The Reluctant Duchess even more, so I just knew I would love this novel as well. And I must confess, I most definitely wasn't disappointed. I already loved both Lord Cayton and Lady Ella, so I knew it wouldnt be hard to fall for their story, and I was right. If only this book had lasted longer!
Lady Ella Myerston is such a sweet, innocent, spitfire of a character, and I absolutely love everything about her. She is so set on keeping her brother and his wife safe that she completely disregards her own safety, and that is definitely something to admire. But my absolute favorite thing about her is actually not entirely just about her. My favorite thing is her relationship with Cayton. They are literally the cutest thing, and I couldn't get enough of the two of them.
Lord James Cayton is completely and utterly wonderful. Thats all I can think to say. Even though I know he doesnt have the best past, and is actually very hard on himself because of it, I can definitely see that he is redeeming himself, and I couldn't help but love him and feel so much compassion for him as he struggled to finally forgive himself for all he had done. Plus, as I watched him fall in love with Ella, my heart was completely taken over, and if I wasn't already sure of his perfection, I certainly was after that.
All in all, I absolutely loved every single aspect of this story, and Im so sad that the series had to come to an end, but I know Roseanna is already working on a new series, so Im super excited to see what that one will hold! Anyway, I cannot imagine giving this book anything other than all five bookshelves, because it already has a permanent place on my all-time favorites list. The themes that focus on Gods love and redemptive grace made this a story that touched my heart, and the drama and romance made it one Ill never forget. And all that combined makes it a book I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from Roseanna and the publisher in exchange for only my honest review.
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)