Taken with Trouble by Jenessa Fayeth

Synopsis:

Serena Cruz

Being taken hostage by a criminal was not on my agenda for the week. The plan was to catch the billionaire con artist, Liam Hawthorne so I can finally prove myself and gain the attention of my boss.

Liam caught me instead.

Forget the bounty, I’m killing him. Unfortunately, it’s proving a rather difficult task–especially when he convinces me to help him.

He's trying to con me, but I won’t be falling for it.

But ignoring his flirtations and kindness is mission impossible. The conman is…more than he seems.

Falling for him would be stupid, especially with bullets flying and lives in danger. So why do I melt every time he touches me?

Only one of us will emerge from this problem as a free person, and it’s going to be me.

Liam Hawthorne

I’ve stolen many priceless and beautiful things in my lifetime, but none of them compare to FBI Agent Serena Cruz. I rather enjoy the company of the feisty woman intent on killing me…clearly I’ve been on the run for too long. Or has pulling guns on someone always been this seductive?

I digress. I took her to save her, though she doesn’t believe that. I can’t say I blame her when there’s someone trying to kill us at every turn.

It’s all my fault. I tried to be better, but instead, I dragged her into this mess and now our lives are both in danger.

I was fine when it was only my life on the line.

But now there’s more at stake than the reputation I’ve been trying to improve. The woman I love is in danger and I fear that no matter what I do, she’ll never be safe.

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Why do these books NOT come with warnings?! There seriously needs to be like flashing signs, neon lights kind of warnings. Maybe something like...

*WARNING* Do not start this book until the night before your day off. It may cause you to come down with a bibliophile bellyache and have you calling into work sick. No this didn't happen to me, but it could've been a real possibility had it not been for my long weekend. 😉

*WARNING* This book may cause you to stay up WAAAAY past your bedtime. Caffeine is highly recommended to get you through the next day. 

*WARNING* This book may contain more shocking revelations than a daytime soap opera. 

Y'all. I don't even know where to begin. I thought I knew what I was getting into when I started reading, but this book blew me out of the water. I was not prepared to feel all that I am feeling. There are so many things I want to say, but I honestly don't want to ruin it for anyone. I know myself, once I let loose, I'm telling you everything! You guys need to experience this emotional rollercoaster for yourselves. It'll be one of the best ones of your lives... I promise! 

I am completely in love with all things Serena and Liam! They are the absolute best! I thought for sure that Amelia and Caleb would be my favorites in this series, but boy I was wrong. Y'all. I could not get enough of these two! Their journey was so fun, so swoony, so unexpected, so emotional. It had me asking on several occasions, what just happened?! 

And y'all. Don't even get me started on their chemistry. YOWZERS! Sparks were flying like there's no tomorrow. They had me turning into a big ol' pile of ooey gooey deliciousness. *dreamy sigh* I loved every single minute I spent with these two!

Ms. Fayeth has officially added herself to my favorite and auto-buy lists. Any author who can get me to devour two of their books in such a short period of time, definitely deserves to be on them. I've already grabbed the other books in this series and I can't wait to dive in! I definitely need more of Serena and Caleb!

And of course I need a casting, right? *dreamy sigh* I'm definitely in love with these two! What do you think?

Date with Danger by Jenessa Fayeth

Synopsis:

I, Amelia Quinn, am dating again.

I must be out of practice though because I sat down at the wrong man’s table…and kissed him. And now I’m wrapped up in the middle of an FBI case… DREAM COME TRUE!

Except the super sexy agent doesn’t want my help solving this case.

I, Caleb Harris, am a stupid, stupid man. Nothing says rookie agent like kissing a civilian just to get rid of her.

But somehow that didn’t even work because she keeps showing up wherever our suspect is. And now, I’m not so sure she’s innocent in all this. Especially when someone ends up dead.

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Y'all. I was not properly prepared for everything that is this book. It definitely needs to come with some warnings attached to it. Maybe something like... 

*WARNING* This book contains extreme feels.

*WARNING* This book may induce sleep deprivation.

*WARNING* This book may cause excessive squealing and swooning.

*WARNING* This book will make you forget your an adult and have adult responsibilities that need to get done.

My best advice before reading this book? Clear your schedule because once you start, you are NOT going to want to stop! 

From the moment Amelia and Caleb met, there was no going back. I was hooked and quickly fell in love with all things them. Their witty banter, swoony kisses, crazy situations they kept finding themselves in, sweet moments, frustrating moments, I just couldn't get enough of these two. 

Gah! I freaking loved this book! Amelia was so quirky and fun. There is no doubt in my mind that we would be best friends. I loved not knowing what was going to come out of her mouth or what harebrained idea she was going to come up with next. Caleb was steady and strong. I loved the way he loved Amelia and was always there for her. There was a lot of squealing and happy dancing while reading. 

Y'all. I just have one word for this book. Perfection. Okay. Maybe two. Absolute perfection. It has everything that I have come to crave and love in the books that I read. I literally had FOMO when I wasn't reading. I was certain that Amelia and Caleb were going to do something without me. 

This is my first book by Ms. Fayeth and she did a phenomenal job of kidnapping me and holding me hostage until I finished the book. Did I want it to end? Absolutely not! I could've stayed there forever and been perfectly content. But, alas, end it did. But not to worry because there's more books in this series! I can't wait to dive into the next one! 

And for my casting, these two were screaming at me to use them. I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?

2026 Reading Challenge

Happy New Year my fellow book Dragons! Welcome to my 10th Annual Reading Challenge!

1. Quirky Heroine: Date with Danger by Jenessa Fayeth

2. Grumpy Hero: 

3. More Than 350 Pages: 

4. Less Than 250 Pages: 

5. People On The Cover: Taken with Trouble by Jenessa Fayeth

6. No People On The Cover: 

7. Start A New Series: 

8. Reread A Favorite Series: 

9. Small Town: 

10. Big City: 

11. Valentine Theme: 

12. Christmas Theme: When Ivy Met Mr. Holiday by Jennifer Peel

Happy reading my fellow Book Dragons!

Into a Cursed Hallow by Anna Hawke

Synopsis:

It was a ridiculous fairytale.

The Legend of the Headless Rider has been around for centuries, haunting the small town of Sleepy Hollow. Physical proof of the phantom has been in short supply—until a beheading proves that it is very much a living legend.

Mariana, a vampire Ambassador with the World Immortal Federation, is sent to investigate the murder. Determined to prove it’s a copycat, she sinks her metaphorical fangs into the unwitting population. What she discovers is that the legend is far from a fable—and exposing the one behind it could put her at the wrong end of a cavalry sabre.

My Review: 5 Stars

I've made it no secret that I absolutely love the Immortal Accords series. So when I heard that there was another book built in one of my favorite worlds, I snagged that baby up and devoured it in one sitting. I seriously can get enough of all these characters!

Mari, a vampire and an ambassador for the World Immortal Federation (WIF), is sent to Sleepy Hallow to investigate the murder of one of it's citizens. Witnesses say that it was the doing of the Headless Horseman, but Mari has her doubts. 

Gavin, a Raeth living in secret among the humans, makes no qualms about how he feels when it comes to Mari. To say he doesn't want her there would be an understatement. The sooner she leaves the better. Too bad for him she's as stubborn as can be. But two can play that game.

When these two face off, sparks fly. The delicious tension between them had me squealing in delight. This enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was behind this spooky mystery. And of course the sizzling kisses were just icing on the cake. *dreamy sigh* I love love!

Ms. Hawke has done it again. Her books are AMAZING! Picking up Beneath Fated Bonds on a whim was one of my best book decisions ever! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

And of course I can't forget my casting. *dreamy* What do you think?

Between Imminent Fates by Anna Hawke

Synopsis:

Centuries of planning. Thousands of lives. One final stand.

When their enemies wage an extermination war, the leaders of the immortal world must focus on survival. The repercussions of a single mistake can cast them into fire, but trusting a deceptive foreseer is far from simple.

For centuries, Key has shaped the future of the immortal races with her visions, but success is still far from secure. As the strands she’s weaved twist together in a single night, everything balances on the edge of a knife.

With every thread that falls into place, another unravels. A fated mate abandoned before they are claimed. A loyal lieutenant forced into an untenable position. A clan devastated after minds are shattered.

Only one thing is should the plan fail, their lives are forfeit.

My Review: 5+ Stars

Y'all. No words. I have no words right now. I am absolutely speechless. Where in the ever loving world do I even begin with writing my review? How can I tell everyone in the entire book world that they absolutely 10000000000% need to read this series? I have no clue. But I'm going to give it my best shot.  

Citizens of the Light have gone too far. They are growing too big. They need to be stopped. All the plotting, the planning, the manipulating, everything. It will all make sense in the end. Key and Jax. Derikles and Celeste. They are vital keys that have been missing from completing the the entire mission. In the end, no one knows what will happen. But there's no turning back. 

Words can not adequately describe the love I have for every single one of these characters. Their sacrifices, pain, unconditional love, loyalty, trust, everything about them. From the beginning to the end, I was ensnared and invested. I was transported right into the thick of things and didn't want to leave for a single second. I was all in.

All I have to say is sit back, buckle in tight, and get ready for the biggest rollercoaster ride of your life! You will feel all the feels and I mean every single last one of them. Anger, peace, sadness, happiness, hate, love. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to throw your book/kindle across the room, you'll curse the author to high heaven, but you'll love her in the end. I promise. 

I have devoured, cherished, loved, craved, and breathed this entire series. From beginning to end, each book has been nothing but magical. All the little intricate details woven into these masterpieces blew me out of the water. This final book left me reeling in such a good way. Having an author devote so much time, energy, blood, sweat and tears into such a long series can take it's toll on them. Important pieces can be left out, storylines not tied up in a neat little bow, anything can get missed. But that is not the case with The Immortal Accords. 

You. Guys. The attention to detail that Ms. Hawke had for this series is unparalleled. There were so many moving parts, so many questions throughout the series, little nuggets of information that you just know is going to be important in the end, the world building, the uniqueness, the twists and turns, all of it is just unbelievable. When I come across authors like her, I am literally in awe of the gift they were given and their courage they have to share it with the world. 

Y'all. I know that 12 books in a series seems like a lot, but when it comes to this one, it really isn't. Each book features a new couple, a new piece to the puzzle, a new friendship, a new love, a new alliance. I just couldn't get enough of these books. I am SOOOO sad that they are over! This is one of those series that you just don't want to end. Every single character in every single book feel like they're my best friends, my family. This is definitely a series that I will be reading over and over and over again. 

And of course I can't forget my casting. I. Am. In. Love! That is all I have to say! 

Loving the Ladies' Man by Kristin Canary

Synopsis:

In the story of love, sometimes the best plot twist is the office flirt you didn’t see coming…

I never thought I’d end up falling for the last guy in the world I should want—Connor Bryant, the resident office ladies’ man. I’m the quirky Pride & Prejudice-loving editor with a passion for big words and a wardrobe that screams “world’s least sexy librarian.”

We’re complete opposites, and to make matters worse, we’re vying for the same job.

No worries—I’m perfectly happy keeping him at arm’s length. And judging by his lack of interest in me (the only woman in the office he hasn’t flirted with), he seems to agree.

But then, a sudden earthquake rocks my carefully constructed world, and we find ourselves stuck overnight in the office. Suddenly, things don’t seem so simple. It turns out that Connor isn’t the self-absorbed jerk I thought he was.

When he offers to join me as my fake boyfriend at my ex’s wedding—talk about a curveball—I can’t help but let my heart race and my imagination run wild. Especially when he surprises me with a kiss that’s way more swoony than chaste.

I know I can’t fall for him—that would be repeating my past mistakes. But my heart is stubbornly convinced that Connor might just be my very own Mr. Darcy.

Can I resist the magnetic pull of our unexpected chemistry, or will I end up writing my own love story with the man I swore I'd never want?

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I don't know why I continually do this to myself. What am I doing you may ask? I tend to put off reading the popular books until they no longer fill my newsfeeds. I'm someone who wants to be different and read books that no one else is reading. But every single time I do that, I always regret not reading it when everyone else is. Why? Because the books end up being freaking amazing, and I'm always late to the party. Case in point, Loving the Ladies' Man! 

Y'all. I was hooked from the very beginning. I giggled out loud, suffered from second-hand embarrassment, got teary eyed, cheered our couple on, got frustrated with them, swooned at their tender moments and sizzling kisses, and let out all the little dreamy sighs. In other words, I absolutely loved every single minute I spent with Evie and Connor. 

These two are perfectly imperfect, but perfect for each other. They pushed each other, cheered each other on, gave each other strength, and made sacrifices for the betterment of the other. You can't help but love and root for Evie and Connor. *dreamy sigh* These two are the best!

As most of you may know, I love me some awesome side characters, and this book was filled with them! I also love when said side characters have their own books. I can see lots and lots of reading in my near future. 

This is my very first book by Ms. Canary, and obviously it won't be my last. I have all her books in this series and the beginning of the next, all lined up and ready for me to dive it. I just know another author is going to be added to my favorites list, and that's always a huge plus! We can never have too many favorites, right?!

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh* LOVE!

Paging Dr. Summers by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Summer fling or the real thing?

My mom’s last gift came with two an unexpected inheritance from the father I never knew, and one unforgettable summer in Aspen Lake. Her only request? Complete the bucket list she left for me. Simple enough—until I saw that item written in HAVE A SUMMER FLING.

I’ve never been the type to fall into a fling, but Mom insisted it would be a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Determined not to let her down, I set out to find my perfect Mr. Summer. Instead, I have a cringeworthy not-so-meet-cute with Dr. Logan Summers—my devastatingly handsome new neighbor with a guarded heart and a painful past.

Despite our rocky start, the relationship between Logan and me blooms into an unexpected friendship filled with laughter, adventure, and undeniable sparks. But as our connection grows and our friendship becomes something deeper, I find myself wondering—what if I want more than just a fling? Can the magic of summer love stay forever?

My Review: 5 Stars!

Oh holy swooniness in a heart shaped shell! Y'all. I can't even begin to tell you how much I adored this book!

I have been in one of those dread reading ruts for MONTHS. The only books I've been able to read are ones that I have already read multiple times. And let me tell you... that gets old. So when I woke up yesterday morning and actually had the desire to read something new, I immediately grabbed this baby. 

*dreamy sigh* 

Best. Decision. Ever!

From the moment Brooke and Logan met, there was an instant connection. One that Brooke wanted to embrace and had Logan wanting to run for the hills. But we've all read enough romance books to know that our beloved characters can't outrun Fate. And, in Brooke and Logan's case, can't outrun Roxanne. 

If I had to describe their story, I would have to say it's magical, full of heart, unwavering love, brimming with adventures, hope, self discovery, and so many swoony moments that will have you turning into a bio ol' pile of ooey gooey goodness over and over and over again. Their story is absolutely beautiful and just what the doctor ordered. 

Ms. Peel never ceases to amaze me. Her books have a way of capturing me and transporting me to a place full of adventures and wonder with characters you just can't help but fall in love with. Aspen Lake will forever hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait to go back for another visit!

As for my casting... I'm kind of in love... *dreamy sigh*

Toward Immortal Ruin by Anna Hawke

Synopsis:

An eternity of waiting. A life nearly over.

Eden is living on borrowed time. When she’s thrust into the crosshairs of a dangerous organization, she enters a world of lore and legend. The man who saves her life is everything she’s ever wanted—but she knows there’s an expiration date.

Nero has waited a thousand years for his fated mate, compelled by visions of a future beside her. What he doesn’t realize is that she’s human–and fate has already cursed her once. When his enemy targets her, the future he’s longed for is suddenly threatened.

Their enemy plans to devastate immortalkind, and with it, turn them from myths into monsters. Will Nero and Eden’s eternity be over before it begins?

My Review: 5 Stars

I've been staring at my laptop for an hour trying to wrap my mind around what in the world just happened. But my sleep deprived mind just can't put it into words right now. Why am I sleep deprived you ask? Because, silly me, thought it would be a good idea to start this book yesterday evening, completely positive that there would be some break in the book and I'd be able to put the book down, get some sleep, and then pick it up again in the morning and finish it. Y'all. There. Was. Not.

Twists and turns. Heartbreaks and sorrow. Secrets and anguish. I knew there was going to be a HEA, but my heart HURT from all the pain I felt to get there. I cried. Full. On. Cried! I couldn't handle it. I wanted to lash out, to scream (especially at Eden), shake her and wake her up. She was killing me. Had it not been midnight when certain things happened, my kindle would be embedded in my wall right now. But sleeping neighbors kind of put a damper on throwing things. That and I needed to see Nero and Eden get their HEA.

The Citizens are really ramping things up, and I despise them all. They threaten the happiness of all my favorite immortals, and I am not okay with that. I feel like I have been put through the wringer, and then some. I don't know how much more I can take. But I need to see this through to the end. Even if it kills me.

Ms. Hawke. You hold my heart in your hands. You have ripped it out hundreds of times and have shattered it into a million pieces. I can feel it in my bones that you are not done with it yet. I just hope that when all is said and done, it's whole once more. I don't want even a little piece to be missing. Please be gentle.

And of course I can't forget my casting! *dreamy sigh*