When a Moth Loved a Bee by Pepper Winters is now live!
New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters, delivers a brand new High Fantasy Romance.
“It’s taking everything I have not to touch you. Not because I want to make you mine but because every part of me screams that you already are.”
A pack of wolves hunt a girl who takes her last breath by a river’s edge.
She is found and nursed back to health by the kind-hearted Nhil people.
She has no memory.
No past.
And is given a choice that could change her forgotten life forever.
A pack of wolves adopt a man who begs for death in the grasslands.
Blood revives him. Flesh strengthens him. All while the alpha watches him as if he knows who he is.
He has no memory.
No past.
And yet…he’s drawn toward the smoke of a faraway clan.
And in that smoke, he finds a girl with the same mark on her thigh, the same empty mind, and the same forgotten language on her lips.
He’s convinced they know each other.
She’s certain they are strangers.
But the more time they spend together, the more tangled the truth becomes.
Their forgetfulness was deliberate.
To keep them apart.
To keep them lost.
To keep them from claiming their true power.
Because in that power exists a terrible choice.
A choice that could destroy the world…
…or each other.
When a Moth Loved a Bee is the first volume in the Epic Fantasy Romance Destini Chronicles.
A heavily romantic, spice-filled fantasy set in a world where life and death, shadows and stars watch over two forbidden lovers whose powers are best left forgotten.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!
Feels 3. Steam 2 Storyline 3 Overall Rating 3.5 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Stephanie
This is the first book in Pepper Winters’ fantasy series, Destini Chronicles. A girl and a stranger both have no memory of who they truly are. One is taken in and cared for by a Tribe. The other by the wolves that roam the forest. They may not remember their past, but they both feel tethered to one another somehow. Stranger determined to uncover their secrets. Girl is scared of what will happen if they do.
“She is a spirit of life and sun, he was a shadow of death and darkness.”
This book pulls us into this incredible fantasy world created by Pepper Winters. It’s beautiful, dark, and full of secrets, betrayals and magic. And at times it’s unforgiving. I love a good fantasy read and this one has a lot of unique qualities woven throughout its pages. One of my favorite things about this book was the Nhil people and some of the secondary characters. I can’t say I loved all of them. A few I loathed and did get a little pissed at the choices that were made after something happened by the hands of someone from the tribe. The wolves intrigued me. They saved a man that begged for death and cared for him as if he was their own. They knew things and I loved the connection shared between them.
“I’d do anything, kill anyone, destroy everything if it meant we could be together.”
While I started out absolutely loving and devouring this book, I started to struggle at around the halfway mark. I don’t mind a long read but this story felt long and not necessarily in a good way. It started to lose and confuse me. There was so much stuffed in the pages. Between the magic, secrets, betrayals and a forbidden love there were paragraphs and pages of the same thing over and over. I feel like there was a lot that was not necessary, and it started to become a distraction. While there were many things I loved about this book, there were some things that drove me a little crazy. This book does end a big cliffhanger and I’m curious to see where the author takes this story next.
“I loved you before I remembered you, and I’ll love you through every life after this one.”
Meet Pepper
Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 Apple Books bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Romance Thriller.
Pepper currently has close to 40 books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists almost 40 times, is a self-confessed hermit, yoga convert, has a house rabbit, six horses, and a long suffering husband.
To learn more about Pepper please visit: www.pepperwinters.com where she regularly posts videos of behind the scenes writing, horses, books, and more.
“There’s magic, adventure, a sprinkling of naughty and one seriously dirty mouthed love interest.” -Samantha
A KINGDOM OF STARS AND SHADOWS (Stars and Shadows #1) by Holly Renee Release Date: July 14th Genre/Tropes: Adult Fantasy Romance/High Fantasy Romance/Enemies-to-Lovers/Forbidden Romance
Blurb
Destiny or desire?
Where does your allegiance lie?
I am told my union to the crowned prince will determine the fate of the kingdom, but it isn’t my betrothed who haunts my dreams. It’s the half-breed prince who stands at his side.
He is darkness and sin, and when he whispers promises of wickedness in my ear, I crave a man who I can’t have.
Every thought I have is treasonous. The way my hands ache to touch him deceitful.
Even my dreams make me a traitor to the kingdom I am sworn to protect.
But when the kingdom is attacked, I am forced to make choices I’m not prepared for. Our lies and deception are entangled in the shadows and stars, and as they unravel so shall my fate. Betray a kingdom or betray my heart.
A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows is book one in the Stars and Shadows Series and will end in a cliffhanger.
Feels 5 Steam 5 Storyline 5 Overall Rating 5 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Stephanie
I’ve read several of Holly Renee’s books and really enjoyed them all. With A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows, she takes on a whole new genre. I’m a million percent here for this absolutely incredible debut into the world of Fantasy. Fae, vampires, magic and forbidden romance. Secrets, lies, darkness and betrayal. This book takes everything I crave in a fantasy romance and weaves it all together so perfectly. I loved this book, characters, world building and even that painful cliffhanger. I knew this author could write a good romance but she absolutely kills it in the Fantasy genre.
“You will determine the future of our World.”
Adara is starblessed. Legend says the blood running through her veins could be the key to unlocking the power the high fae desperately craves. Her Mother made a deal with the King and Queen of Citlali that afforded luxuries in exchange for Adara’s betrothal to their son, the crowned prince Gavril.
“Blood and magic have been woven together throughout our land for centuries, but you are the blade with which they will sever it.”
Adara arrives in the Achlys kingdom to fulfill her destiny, though she fights it the entire way. She quickly learns that although some in the kingdom may crave the power she holds, most don’t intend to ensure she remains safe while she is there. The Queen is the very definition of evil. While she is unsure of her future husband’s intention, his true colors are quick to surface. One thing she is sure of is the constant pull she feels towards the Captain of the royal guard. He also happens to be the bastard prince, Evren.
“Even your body knows it. It calls to me like a fucking prayer.”
Adara may be betrothed to Gavril, but the intense chemistry between her and Evren is off the charts and so damn hot. Secrets build in the kingdom as fast as their forbidden romance. The Achlys kingdom claims her magic will help protect their people and keep their borders safe from the Vampires who want to destroy them. But is that all a lie? What secrets hide in the other side of the forest where the Vampires roam? There is a war brewing and Adara may be forced to choose a side. Unless someone else makes that choice for her.
“Your stars burn brighter in the shadows, witch. But it is you who must decide which darkness you cling to.”
I couldn’t possibly have loved this book anymore than I did. The author did a phenomenal job giving us a fantasy romance the way it’s supposed to be written. I love Adara and her strength and determination. I wanted to like Gavril but found myself wanting to throw my kindle at him. I loved Evrin and his intensity. Let’s not forget the absolutely insanely hot scenes with him and Adara. But those last few pages and that massive cliffhanger left me questioning everything I thought I knew. Amazing read, killer cliffhanger and I cannot wait until the next book!
About Holly Renee
USA Today Bestselling author, Holly Renee brings readers a pinch of angst, an indulgence of heat, and the perfect amount of heart in every book.
Born and raised in East Tennessee, she is a married mom of two wild children. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, pretending to be a dragon for the hundredth time that day, being disgustingly in love with her husband, or chilling in the middle of the lake with her sunglasses and a float.
Holly is a lover of all things romance, Mexican food, Harry Potter, and yoga pants.
One is a vampire prince who’s been waiting for her for centuries.
She’s so beautiful, and she fits perfectly into his plans for the future as his bride. This world is changing, and they’ll rule it all. Together.
One is a hybrid, a mixture of bloodlines.
She’s fated to be his mate, and he’ll do anything to protect her. Being son of the lycan king, demon blood runs through his veins. But this has turned many against him—and her.
One is a demon tasked to protect her.
He knows she can never be his, but the heart wants what it wants. Even if that heart is pitch-black and hails from the Underworld.
A storm is coming.
Betrayal lies around every corner.
No one can be trusted, not when the fate of vampires and lycans hangs in the balance.
Zada is the key to bringing an end to this war, but what if that comes in the form of bloodshed and bullets?
Feels 1 Steam 3 Storyline 3 Overall Rating 3 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Stephanie
I was super intrigued when I read the blurb for the book. It held the promise of vampires, demons, fated mates and so much more. The cover is gorgeous. I couldn’t wait to be immersed in the underworld with Zada and her three monsters.
Zada is a hunter, a fierce badass warrior who roams the streets at night looking to rid the world of Lycan or to feed on unknowing humans that fall prey to her charm and beautiful looks. Zada’s people are deadlocked in a constant war that has up until this point stayed hidden in the darkness, but that is all about to change. Their very existence is at risk if their world is revealed it may all be over.
“Shadows kept me hidden in this dusty alleyway. Hidden from them. The humans.”
Zada’s father sits on the high council. She is completely shocked when he announces her upcoming nuptials to Corbin, a vampire prince she has never met but is instantly drawn to. Corbin has been waiting for Zada for as long as he can remember. He’s been in love with her since the beginning of time. He knows together they can rule their changing world. But he isn’t the only one after Zada’s heart. She has three equally gorgeous, intriguing monsters that crave her. Aryan is a hybrid and part lycan. The very people Zada has been taught to hate and so many have died at her hands. Now some prophecy says she may be the key to ending the war and Aryan may play a huge part in that? As if enough isn’t already happening here and throwing everything that Zada thought she knew completely out of whack…enter Ryder. The very demon tasked to keep her safe is also madly in love with her. Three hot monsters…each desires her and she desires them. The world they know is on the brink of a war so big that it may destroy everything. She may be the key to saving it all. What is a girl to do?
“I craved more, almost as much as blood.”
This book had so many things I usually love. Fated mates, vampires, three insanely hot, sex driven men. A kick ass heroine who can more than hold her own. Secrets, lies, betrayals and darkness around every corner. Some crazy hot sex scenes and non stop action. And Ryder? I loved Ryder. Usually all those amazing details combined work wonders in a book. But unfortunately most of this book was very confusing. Too much, too fast, too soon. I loved the whole concept and hoped to connect but sadly I didn’t. I loved Ryder. The sex scenes were hot but everything went from one extreme to the other. I didn’t feel any build up or flow. It made it hard to connect and really get into it. She’s always hated and killed lycan but one may be her fated mate and two seconds later ooops she fell on your dick. Just a lot of all over the place and it felt disconnected. I did like the whole idea of the story. I think I could have really gotten into the world the author built if there was more build up. This one did end on a cliffhanger.
“Maybe we both were monsters. Maybe we both were sick.”
About Monique Stokes
Monique Stokes writes dark romance, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance with a steamy twist!
He’s a straight-up asshole who lives to torment me, and he’ll stop at nothing to punish me over the smallest slight. When he digs up a sex tape starring—you guessed it—me, he takes bullying to a whole new level, using it to blackmail me into doing his bidding. If the video gets out, it will ruin me. But my stepbrother makes it clear that he doesn’t give a damn.
He drags me deep into his dark and twisted world, showing me the monster he hides beneath his handsome exterior, taking risks that put our lives in danger. I thought I knew the devil I lived with. I was wrong. But so is he. He thinks I’m nothing more than a pampered princess, but soon he’ll realize I’m a Queen. And it’s time I put Jagger in his place.
This full-length novel is a forbidden, bully, enemies-to-lovers standalone featuring an asshole stepbrother and a feisty heroine. Packed with heat and heart, no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a happily ever after guaranteed! WARNING: This book is a DARK/BULLY romance. It contains graphic content of abuse and assault that some readers may be sensitive to. If you have triggers or think you might, please heed this advice.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Feels 2 Steam 5 Storyline 2 Overall Rating 3 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Stephanie
Ari loves to spend her Daddy’s money, party hard and indulge in all things risqué. She is ready to start her summer off right. The first few pages of this book certainly let us know that the steam in this book is going to be off the charts hot. A limo “ride” no one will ever forget…especially when Ari finds out there is a video of what went down. Unfortunately for her, her annoying but extremely hot stepbrother Jagger is in possession of this video.
“I wasn’t a princess. I was a fucking queen. It was time to put Jagger in his place once and for all.”
Jagger is home for the summer and things are about to get very interesting. He and Ari always had sort of a love/hate relationship. The sexual tension between these two is crazy intense from the get-go. Right away we know Jagger wants Ari in his arms and in his bed. But the way he goes about their forbidden romance is to bully her into doing what he wants. He is all alpha and super protective of her when a shitstorm goes down. Ari definitely can hold her own…that is apparent from the moment we meet her but when it comes to Jagger things are starting to change. These two can’t stay away from each other. Twists, turns and super hot scenes are non-stop in this story. Will their forbidden love last?
“Demanding and possessive was a new high for me, and I craved Jagger’s touch already.”
I’m absolutely obsessed with a good dark bully romance. The darker the better. You wanna throw in the whole stepbrother forbidden romance? It’s a hell yes, must read for me. This book had a lot of elements that I love. But unfortunately I wasn’t a big fan of how it all played out. I liked Jagger well enough. I was a big fan of the whole alpha stepbrother thing he had going on…but Ari? She honestly annoyed the hell out of me. This book was not at all lacking on the steam factor but I really didn’t feel like there was much of a plot. I found myself losing interest and wanting to skim the pages. I do like that they get their HEA but I couldn’t completely connect with the story aspect. If I was rating on steam alone it would be a five star read. But the rest of the story didn’t keep me captivated. This was my first read by this author.
“I realized that home wasn’t a place. It was a person. And wherever Jagger was, I finally understood it was where I belonged.”
Meet J.A. Owenby
International bestselling author J.A. Owenby grew up in a small backwoods town in Arkansas where she learned how to swear like a sailor and spot water moccasins skimming across the lake.
She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety mile an hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.
Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and cat, Chloe (who frequently encourages her to drink). She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.
J.A. Owenby writes new adult and romantic thriller novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.
Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.
Title: Meet Me at Midnight Author: Melissa Toppen Release: April 29, 2022 Genre: Friends to Lovers Romance
Blurb
Meet me at midnight– whispered words from drunken lips.
Lips that I had spent years wanting to kiss.
Lips that I had dreamt about night after night, waking to wonder what if.
What if he noticed me?
What if he wanted me?
What if…
But I quickly learned some things are better left to wonder.
Especially where Levi Mills is concerned.
He didn’t just steal my innocence that night.
He broke every part of me.
Dismantled me from the inside out until there was nothing left of the girl I used to be.
Years passed. Moments faded into the background. Until eventually he became nothing more than a distant memory- a dream that almost didn’t seem real.
But then suddenly he’s there, standing in front of me again like he never left. And in that one heartbeat, in that one breath, I relive it all over again. Every touch. Every word. Like frozen snippets of time suspended in front of my eyes.
And then he smiles that all too familiar smile, meet me at midnight moving soundlessly across his lips.
Feels 3 Steam 1 Storyline 3.5 Overall Rating 3.5 Kindle eArc provided by Author Reviewed by Stephanie
Levi and Olive have been friends since the sixth grade when he saved her from a spitball rampage on the school bus. That’s when Olive’s obsession for Levi started. Throughout high school they ran in the same circles. Levi, one of the most popular guys at school, had an ever rotating list of girls on his arm and in his bed. Olive was secretly in love with him, but maybe her feelings weren’t as secret as she thought. Maybe she wasn’t the only one holding onto a secret that would change both their lives and destroy their friendship.
“He’s a drug I’ve needed to quit for some time now but one I never could seem to put down.”
Six years later and Levi is back in Warren, Rhode Island. He hasn’t seen or spoken to Olive since he disappeared without a goodbye. His mom is sick. There is a wedding and so many unresolved feelings between these two. Olive is angry and Levi wants forgiveness and maybe a second chance. But is Olive willing to give him what he so desperately wants after what happened when they met at midnight all those years ago?
“Please, O, I don’t know how to be here without you.”
Meet Me At Midnight is a second chance, friends to lovers story that was a pretty quick read. While I have really liked the other books I have read by this author, I unfortunately was not a huge fan of this one. Although Olive seemed to be the more mature and dependable one of the two, she still was a tad immature. Her obsession and constant back and forth didn’t really work well in my opinion. Levi was okay but how are you going to disappear for six years and then return with a bunch of random lame excuses to try and win back the one that got away. Make her swoon, Levi and earn that forgiveness. I like a little back and forth between characters but in this book it honestly bothered me. It was an okay read but I felt like there wasn’t a lot to grab onto with this story. It lost my attention a few times throughout the book. I do look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
“When he left, my world ended. When he came back, my world began to turn again.”
Melissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for Romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.
Melissa resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and two children, where she writes full time.
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