ARC Review: Pleasured By You by Steph Nuss

Pleasured By You is the third book in the Love in the City Series by Steph Nuss. Each book in this series is standalone, but the characters are interconnected. I would recommend reading these in order because I have really enjoyed every book in the series and you do get to know the characters better that way, but it is not necessary to understand or enjoy each book. Though I have really enjoyed each book in the series, I think that Pleasured By You was my favorite so far. This book was really good and I liked the characters a lot.

Pastry chef Baylor Jennings doesn't do relationships, and when it comes to guys she has a set of rules that she lives by. Fletcher Haney has no problem getting women into his bed, and he also lives by a set of rules. But when they meet on New Year's Eve and spend a passionate night together, they both can't stop thinking about one another. Now months later they haven't spoken since that night, but they are brought together when they both show up at the same wedding. When Baylor moves to NYC and interviews for her dream job at a popular bakery, she quickly finds out that Fletcher is the owner. Fletcher doesn't usually sleep with women that he employs, but he finds himself breaking his own rules for the chance to be with Baylor again. When Fletcher proposes the idea of a sex only friendship between the two of them, Baylor ends up agreeing. But the more they see each other the more they begin to fall for one another and soon things aren't as casual as they had planned on. Can Baylor and Fletcher ditch their rules and find happiness together, or will Baylor continue to avoid relationships at all costs? 

 I really loved Fletcher. He was so sweet and kind, and so super sexy. I loved his friendships and the fact that he was a Big Brother to a kid that had needed someone. He loved spending time with Rook, and they were pretty funny together. You could tell that they both really cared about each other, and I thought it was so great that Baylor was a member of the program as well. They connected on so many levels, and that was just one of them. Baylor was independent and sassy, and I was really glad that she was so comfortable with herself and her desires. But I didn't really like how she continued to think that she couldn't have a future with someone. She didn't have a reason for it at all, and I think that was what bothered me the most. She hadn't been hurt, so her reluctance to have anything with Fletcher despite her growing feelings for him just didn't make sense to me. These two were so hot together, and their chemistry was amazing. I just wish that Baylor had seen how great they were together sooner and hadn't let her insecurities hold her back so much.

Overall, this was still a really great story and was my favorite of the series. Baylor and Fletcher were great together and I really liked seeing them get closer. I loved that Baylor was into roller derby and was such a strong female. She was a great role model for Vail, and I liked that she never talked down to her and was always there for whatever Vail needed. Seeing Baylor and Fletcher with Vail and Rook were some of my favorite parts of this book, and I loved them all together. It was great to see them having such a good time together, and I think that Vail and Rook added so much to this story. If you are looking for an all around great romance series, I think that this is one that you shouldn't miss. Steph Nuss draws you right in every time, and you can't help but love the characters from her stories. I already can't wait for the next book in this series, and I look forward to reading more from Steph Nuss in the future.

**ARC Provided by Book Empire Promotions**

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Review: Consensual by Livia Jamerlan

I have to admit that when I started Consensual, I was hoping for the best but didn't really know what to expect. This is my first book by Livia Jamerlan and I had really nothing to go on besides the cover and blurb. I have to say though that this book was so much better than I had hoped for! I was invested right away and couldn't put it down! I can't believe that I had no idea who Livia Jamerlan was before, but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for books from her in the future. I will warn you that Consensual is a part of a series and each book ends with a cliffhanger, so you do need to read these in order. Luckily book two is already out, and book three releases soon as well. 

Having overcome a horrible childhood with the help of her older sister, Braelynn Wolf focuses on her school and her future. When she wins a prestigious internship, she goes out with friends to celebrate and ends up meeting the sexy Peyton Haas. Though there is an instant attraction between them, things quickly get complicated when Braelynn finds out that Peyton is a defense attorney on a current case she is working on. But Peyton and Braelynn find themselves unable to stay away from one another, and soon they are lying to those around them to hide their relationship. Will Peyton and Braelynn be able to keep their relationship secret until their case is over, or will it ruin her future career in the process?

I really liked both Peyton and Braelynn. Peyton was sexy and alpha, and he didn't take no for an answer. He was cocky at times, and there were things that he would do or say that were infuriating. But he was also really great and had these moments that were so sweet and caring. I could just how unusual it was for him to want more from a woman than a single night, so it was kind of nice to see him struggle a bit with his new feelings. Livia Jamerlan did a great job showing how hard he was falling for Braelynn, and I loved it all. Braelynn was strong and independent, and I loved that she was a fighter. She didn't give up on what she believed in and I was so glad that she was able to take a painful past and want to do more for others. I liked seeing her let Peyton in though, and I was glad that she didn't make things easy on him. She made him work for it, and it was nice to see a heroine that could submit when she wanted but wasn't a complete doormat. These two were beyond hot, and the chemistry between them was off the charts! But I really liked seeing them build an emotional connection as well.

Overall, I really loved this book. It took me completely by surprise, and left me wanting more. I loved Peyton and Braelynn, but I loved the other characters as well. I really enjoyed Braelynn's friends, and I cannot wait to see more of all these characters throughout the rest of the series. I know that there are so many books out there and that a lot of people tend to stay away from cliffhangers if they can. But I am so glad that I read this book, and even though I hate waiting I really don't mind this time. Livia Jamerlan has written an excellent story here, and I honestly cannot wait to find out what happens next. If you like sexy romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines, I would definitely recommend giving this book a shot. I will absolutely be reading Coherent as soon as I can, and I am look forward to seeing what Livia Jamerlan comes up with in the future.

**Review Copy Provided by Book Empire Promotions**

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ARC Review: Slay by Nina Levine

Slay is the fourth book in the Storm MC Series by Nina Levine and while this one can be read as a standalone with interconnected characters, the overall story continues from one book to the next. I hadn't read the previous books at the time I read this story though, and I had no problems understanding anything. I do think that it would have been nice to know some of the secondary characters though, and I will definitely be going back and reading the previous books in the series. 

Donovan "Blade" Brookes hasn't had an easy life, and his past haunts him. He grew up with a father that treated his mother and him horribly and he lost his fiance in one of the worst ways imaginable. Just trying to get by, Blade goes to the same bar almost every night and ends up meeting the owner Layla. He helps her out when she needs it, and soon they are both wanting to act on the attraction they feel. The more they get to know one another, the stronger their connection becomes. Both of them begin to realize that the connection they share is unlike anything they have felt before. But both Blade and Layla have a lot they are dealing with that could end things before they really begin.

I liked Blade a lot. He was honest and didn't play games. He didn't make excuses for his actions and he always tried to do the best by the women in his life. He was a good guy that had a rough start, but I was really glad to see that it didn't change him into a total jerk. He was vulnerable after losing his fiance, and he was struggling so much with everything that had happened. But Layla was exactly what he needed, and I loved seeing her be so supportive and encouraging. Layla was a great heroine! She was strong and independent, and I really liked seeing such a kick-ass heroine. She could hold her own, and wasn't afraid to stand up to those that needed it. She also had such a kind and sweet side, and I loved how accepting she was. She took Blade as he was and helped him move forward with his life without judging him. These two were perfect for one another, and I cannot tell you how happy that the drama in this book was surrounding them rather than in their relationship itself. It was nice to see two characters be able to really accept their feelings and not try to fight it too hard or run away scared. These two were super hot together, and I loved Blade's alpha personality. But I loved the connection they shared and I think that is a lot of what made these two burn so bright for me.

Overall, this was a really good story. I loved the characters and enjoyed seeing them fall for one another. I do think that this book ended a bit abruptly though, and that is the reason that this one wasn't a full five stars for me. Even with the epilogue, I just felt like it had stopped too soon. But beyond that, I really liked this one. I can't wait to read more in this series though, and I would definitely recommend this one. I think if you like MC books this is definitely a series you should check out. What really made me love this one was the fact that there was no cheating. It's not often you come across an MC book with no cheating, so this one was very refreshing for me. I look forward to more from Nina Levine in the future.

**ARC Provided by Book Empire Promotions**

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ARC Review: You Loved Me At My Darkest by Evie Harper

Wow I had no idea what to expect with this book, but I absolutely loved it. I can't believe that You Loved Me At My Darkest is Evie Harper's debut novel. This story blew me away, and was just the book that I had been waiting for to pull me out of the slump I have been in lately. This book was dark and had things that might be triggers for some people, so proceed with caution and make sure that you see if this book is for you before reading. But I definitely recommend this book, and I really think it is worth the read.

After losing their parents at a young age, Lily and Sasha only have each other to rely on. They finally find time to leave their farm in Australia and do some traveling to see the world. Their first stop is New York, and as they spend time in the city Lily gets the feeling that she is being watched. When Lily and Sasha are kidnapped, they are taken to an unknown location where Sasha becomes a slave to be auctioned off the highest bidder while Lily earns a place among the Collection. Everything about escape seems impossible, but Lily is determined to figure out a way for her and her sister to return home. As Lily adjusts to her new life and begins to form a plan, she never expects to fall for her guard Jake. Lily's feelings confuse her, but she finds herself putting her trust in him and seeing a side to him that he doesn't allow anyone else to see. But can Lily make it out of this place alive and what happens for her and Jake if she does?

I really loved Jake! I fell for this sexy and mysterious man pretty much from the very beginning, and I thought that he was so interesting. You could really see the struggle that he was dealing with between his job and his growing feelings for Lily. It was clear that there was more to him than met the eye, and I loved every little bit that was revealed along the way. He was the hope and light that Lily needed along the way, and I thought that he was always looking out for her. He did whatever he could to protect her. Lily was strong, and she was a survivor. She was also really loyal and would do anything for those she loved. She was protective of her sister, and you could tell that her sister was always her priority. But I loved seeing her form this bond with Jake and really start to see him for the real person that he was beneath the facade that he had to keep in place. You could tell that Jake was such a dedicated soldier to Marco at first, but Lily changed that from the moment that Jake set eyes on her. The chemistry between these two was off the charts, and they were so hot together.

Overall, this story was fantastic. It was everything I had hoped for and more. It was unique and different and I was so excited to read something completely unlike anything I had read before. I was sucked in right from the start, and absolutely devoured this story. I will admit that I did see part of the twist coming, but I definitely didn't have everything figured out. I loved that it kept me guessing and that it was unpredictable. This book was so good, and an absolute must read. I really think that if you go into this one knowing that it is dark and isn't for the faint of heart expecting sweet romance and flowers, that you will really enjoy this story and find it as captivating and enthralling as I did. I absolutely cannot wait to get more from Evie Harper in the future and I look forward to the next two books in this series.

**ARC Provided by Book Empire Promotions**

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