Embedded by J.L. Drake Review

 

 

 BLURB

From the author of the bestselling Broken Trilogy and Dark Water Series comes Embedded—the second book in Stonewall, the heart pounding action and suspense series, where brotherhood binds them, and passion drives them even in perilous times.

Nicole Winter has many facets—a war correspondent, a protector, a mother in all but blood.

But those are just titles.

Nicole's relentless drive for the truth was forged in war zones and honed by years of experience. Her instincts catch the shifts others overlook, and what whispers now is clear— the Cartel is gathering strength, and war is coming. Once, she would have chased the story, but for the first time, she is in a position more dangerous than she has ever faced.

A secret.

A bond.

A betrayal.

Paul is recovering from his wounds, but the scars no one can see cut deepest. He can’t forgive Nicole for putting his son in the spotlight, yet the child he never claimed is bound to her. She’s a risk he can’t afford, yet the only one who can protect his future.

Fueled by vengeance and ambition, Bruno Perez’s recklessness gives Nicole the chance to do the unthinkable and return to the viper’s pit, even if it costs her life.

As the team closes in and loyalties fracture, the green light unleashes the unimaginable. Blood is shed in the most unlikely places, and no one is beyond the line of fire.

* Intended for 18+, may contain triggers, ends with a cliffhanger *

Topes: Military Romantic Suspense - Slow Burn - Protective Hero - Betrayal - Cartel War - Found Family - War Correspondent Heroine - High-Stakes Romance

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REVIEW

  Embedded by J.L. Drake
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

BOOK:Embedded: Stonewall Trilogy #2 By  JL Drake.
Note:This is book 2 in this series and you most definitely need to read them in order.
Status: Read
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Published: 18 Nov 2025

QUICK IMPRESSION  
The book continues right from the drama of book 1, and the heart-pounding action and suspense keep going!

REVIEW  
Paul is recovering from his injuries and having a hard time forgiving Nicole for endangering his son by revealing his heritage to the world. What he doesn't understand is that it was her only way to get Chase out safely. This causes a lot of tension between Nicole and Paul, as well as with his teammates as they realize she’s keeping secrets.
As they recover from their escape from Mexico, an uneasy truce is formed and  secrets are finally revealed and then Bruno Perez’s obsession gives Nicole the chance to finish what she'd started and return to the Cartel underworld,  Paul is divided, he knows she's been in this for years, but after they finally admitted their feelings for each other they are more than aware tomorrow is never guaranteed.

QUOTES TO KEEP  
• "To Paul, Sorry, man, but it was time to shake shit up." - the dedication just cracked me up  
• "I don’t care what happens to me, but can you promise to get this little guy to safety?"  
• “Mr. Gates, I hardly recognized you without blood dripping from your hands,”  

KEY CHARACTERS  
• Character 1 - Paul: Role: Agent. Paul, our MMC he's struggling, with injuries and his feelings towards Nicole
• [Character 2 - Nicole Winter: Role: War Correspondent.
Our FMC Nicole is documenting the Mexican Cartel wars but had to burn her position for the sake of Paul's son Chase ( she's unaware Paul is the father)
• [Character 3 - Bruno Perez]:Role: Son of Ezmarelda Perez, Head of the Perez Cartel. His obsession with Nicole is his Achilles' heel.
(There are a lot of characters in this series, the author kindly listed them at the beginning of the book.
Another favorite for me was: Chili: Role: Undercover Agent ( l love how he was with the ladies in the truck and his constant support to Paul).
And these get an honorable mention because they make me want to read their books:
Grim Gates: Mafia King [Havoc of Sins Trilogy]
Trigger: MC President of [Devil’s Reach Trilogy] 😁)

FINAL THOUGHTS  
The Good:the intense continuation of the plot, my stomach was tight as Nicole and Chase escaped Mexico, the twists of not knowing who you can trust. The Mexico scenes are undoubtedly more tense and thrilling because of the situations.

The Bad:  Nothing "bad" as such... but I did feel the plot slowed down a whole lot when they got back to Shadow's safe house (though trouble soon invades their once-safe haven anyway!).

As we get to the end of the book this is where the parts that made me cry 😭 happen.
And that ending 🤯😱  Not really spoiling it ... This is in the Blurb... Blood is shed in the most unlikely places, and no one is beyond the line of fire.
When I turned the page and saw that it ended on a cliffhanger, I was 😱🤯! But thankfully, the author gives you a sneak peek of Book 3, Breached—which is the final book and comes out in just 2 weeks! 😅

Verdict:A solid sequel to book 1,
If you’re looking for a high-stakes romantic suspense that you can fly through in one sitting (I'm really happy it's been chucking it down with rain all day 🌧️) add Embedded to your TBR immediately!

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO 

If you wish to read the authors books in order click here 

J.L. Drake, born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California. Though she loves the weather in Cali, she would sell her left kidney for a good rainstorm. Jodi’s love of the seasons back home in Canada definitely appear in her books. When she’s not writing, you can often find her sitting somewhere along the coast of Huntington Beach, reading, or at home curled up on a couch with her two children and husband, binge watching a good movie. 

AUTHORJLDRAKE.COM 

Extraction by J.L. Drake Review

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From the author of the bestselling Broken Trilogy and Dark Water Series comes Extraction—the first book in Stonewall, a dangerous suspense series in the World of Mayhem, where brotherhood runs deep, and the fight for what matters most only gets harder when the heart is on the line.

Agent Paul is a soldier of many faces—

a ghost, an undercover operative, a team leader.

But those are just titles.

When a letter lands in his hands, everything changes. The past he buried resurfaces with a single revelation—his son.

Returning to the cartel world he barely escaped is a mission he can’t face alone. His brothers rally behind him, shifting their current operation to follow a trail that leads into the darkest corners of Mexico. What they encounter is far more than intel.

A pawn.

An heir.

A child.

Nicole Winter is a war correspondent with a reputation for chasing the truth. Smart. Relentless. And already three steps ahead. When their paths collide, she’s holding the one document Paul needs—and carrying secrets of her own.

As trust is tested and loyalties blur, the mission spirals. When Paul vanishes mid-operation, Nicole is left with one impossible task—to get the boy out alive.

Even if it costs her everything.

BOOK INFORMATION 

Published June 26, 2025

Series: Stonewall Trilogy (#1)

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published: June 26, 2025

Amazon. |  Goodreads.  |  Storygraph 

REVIEW

 

This is the first book I have read by this author, but I love this trope and the series sounded right up my alley.

​Extraction is the first book in this series, but it’s set in the author’s previous World of Mayhem universe. That could have been confusing, but thankfully it wasn't! I always appreciate when an author considers new readers and provides enough background to make the story stand on its own while still making you want to go back and read the original series.

​The main MMC, Agent Paul, is a "ghost." He worked as an undercover operative and is technically dead. He’s worked out a system to lead his men behind the scenes without putting his face out in the world where it could be caught on surveillance—a setup that really highlights how modern tech like smartphones, social media, and CCTV has made the world of covert operations so much more complicated.

​When Paul finds out he’s a father and that his son is in danger, his old life comes back to haunt him. He risks everything to join his team on the ground, following a trail that leads straight into the Mexican cartels. Paul’s situation is so heavy—he carries immense trauma and guilt from his undercover days. Having to sit back and let others take the lead in his own son's rescue was agonizing. Reading his POV made my heart hurt as he reflected on his relationship with Talya and their missing boy.

​Our FMC is Nicole Winter, a war correspondent with a reputation for chasing the truth. Thanks to her contacts, she’s already three steps ahead of Paul. She gets caught up in a dangerous situation with one of the cartels while searching for the child, and when her path collides with Paul’s, the tension jumps off the page. Both can’t deny their attraction, but with a child's life hanging in the balance as an heir and pawn of the cartel, they have to focus on what matters—even as the mission spirals.

​The situation Nicole ends up in when Paul disappears led to some of the most intense scenes in the book for me. The struggle, the sheer exhaustion... I felt every bit of it as I read. To me, that’s what makes a fantastic book: when you’re so invested in the characters and story that you feel like you’re right there beside them (or in their shoes) as they fight to survive.

​Favorite quote:

​"My world had just been shaken like a snow globe, and I still waited for all the flakes to settle."

​If you like enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, military romance, romantic suspense, slow burns, and redemption arcs, this book will be right up your alley!

View all my reviews       

Available now in the Stonewall Trilogy

 

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Breached by J.L. Drake releases October 6! 

 

War isn't raging south of the border.

 

For Blackstone, this isn't just another mission. It's the fight for everything they've built—and everyone they love 

 

It's coming home.

Pre-order today! 

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AUTHOR BIO 

If you wish to read the authors books in order click here 

J.L. Drake, born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California. Though she loves the weather in Cali, she would sell her left kidney for a good rainstorm. Jodi’s love of the seasons back home in Canada definitely appear in her books. When she’s not writing, you can often find her sitting somewhere along the coast of Huntington Beach, reading, or at home curled up on a couch with her two children and husband, binge watching a good movie. 

AUTHORJLDRAKE.COM 

Review: The Overbooked Suite by Michael Wolsiefer

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Neil endures his soul-crushing corporate job, placates his demanding family, and suffer through a relationship with a girlfriend who constantly gaslights him. His only sanctuary is his daily coffee break with his coworker, Sonya. Sonya is fierce, blunt, and beautiful—everything Neil secretly wants.

When a scheduling disaster at a San Diego conference leaves Neil homeless, Sonya offers to share her upgraded suite. Suddenly, the safe distance of the office is gone, replaced by late-night balcony confessions and the undeniable electricity of shared space. But the conference brings ghosts: Neil’s toxic girlfriend is blowing up his phone, and Sonya’s abusive ex-boyfriend has arrived, determined to lure her back with a lucrative job offer. To protect the woman he loves, Neil has to stop playing it safe. He’ll have to face down her past, sever ties with his own, and finally admit that he doesn't just want to be her best friend—he wants to be her forever.

The Overbooked Suite is a steamy, dual-POV, forced-proximity romance for anyone who's ever fallen for the person who was quietly, patiently there all along — perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez. 

REVIEW 

  The Overbooked Suite by Michael Wolsiefer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

BOOK:The Overbooked Suite by Michael Wolsiefer (Format, ebook)

A Slow-Burn Romance Driven by Drama and Indecision

Title: The Overbooked Suite
Author: Michael Wolsiefer
Status: Read
Rating: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Spice level:🌶️

QUICK IMPRESSION

​Michael Wolsiefer’s debut novel, The Overbooked Suite, is a classic dual-POV, forced-proximity romance with workplace drama, toxic exes, and slow-burn angst.
The setup is full of potential: Neil and Sonya go from daily coffee-break co-workers to sharing a suite at a San Diego conference, forcing their long-harbored feelings into the open.

QUOTES TO KEEP

• “You two will grow with each other, but it takes time to grow something. A tree isn’t strong in weeks, it takes years, it needs roots, nourishment, care. You will get there. You need to let someone nourish you for a change. Moving or not moving, same job or new job, it doesn’t matter as long as you have someone who loves you and supports you through it all."

FINAL THOUGHTS

​While the premise sets up an ideal environment for instant sparks, much of the narrative focuses on the agonizingly slow burn between the two leads. In fact, roughly 80% of the book is spent watching Neil and Sonya dither around their true feelings.

Sonya seems to be the more focused presence. She has been there for Neil listening to him and his issues with Tessa (an influencer, totally self absorbed... I couldn't understand why he hadn't got out the relationship months ago). Sonya has morals so she has been giving Neil the space he needs to make his own decision, she doesn't want to push him.

For me Neil was a frustrating male lead, he is plagued with self-doubt, his upbringing makes him prioritize family obligations, and guilt over leaving a bad relationship before his own happiness. This for me was very frustrating and I was literally wanting to slap him around the head a number of times.

I am used to reading books where the male protagonist is bold, self assured, Neil’s constant overthinking and passive behavior was my biggest issue with this character. He struggles to step up, make the right choices, or own his feelings without spiraling into panic, leaving you practically yelling at the pages for him to finally "man up" and take action.

When breakthrough moments finally happen, the sudden leap into intense commitment feels jarring after so much hesitation, only for his signature cold feet to return almost immediately the next morning.

​That said, l did have one character that I loved. Sonya’s mother has a brief but standout presence, offering genuinely wise advice (see quote)

The subplot with the other conference attendees, one being Sonya’s ex Brian keeps the plot moving forward even when the romantic progression hits a lull.

Verdict: For me both characters were too indecisive, I spent most of the book muttering at them, there wasn't much comedy but if you enjoy heavy angst, emotional hesitation, it might be more your style.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO

I live in Indiana with my wife and five children. I am very passionate about writing, art, and creativity. I love telling stories about social barriers and how characters overcome them. This is the first of several ideas that am crafting into larger stories and series. 

When I'm not writing or working a full-time job, I'm playing board games with my family, working outside with my garden and koi pond, or finding the next location to travel to. I'm a big advocate for those with Celiac Disease ( I have it myself). I'm a huge ally for those suffering from mental health issues and write opinion pieces online about my journey. 

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Hades' Revenge by Ella Jade Review & Release Day Blitz

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When a vicious assassin is banished from the life he’s known, he starts over only to be tempted by the goddaughter he hasn’t seen in almost twenty years.

Hades

Vindictive, malicious, some would even say sadistic…

I couldn’t argue with any of those assessments. We are who we are. I’m a vengeful assassin who will stop at nothing to make those who wronged me pay. And I’m thirsty for revenge.

Eighteen years ago, I took the fall for a man who was like a brother to me. I even vowed to protect his daughter by becoming her godfather— and then he betrayed me.

Two decades later, his daughter, now a stunning woman strolls into my life, having no idea who I am or what I’m capable of. Capri takes an unhealthy interest in me, the older and dangerous man, and I don’t do anything to discourage her. I welcome her obsession because it suits me.

When her infatuation with me grows stronger, I prove just how vindictive, malicious, and sadistic I really am. Is she the opportunity I need to enact my revenge against her father or is she the reason I finally let this vendetta go?

Don't miss the start of this bold dark romance series by USA Today Bestselling Author Ella Jade. Hades' Revenge is a dark age gap rom com that may contain content that is disturbing to some readers. It is a standalone with no cliffhanger and has an HEA.

This book is not a Greek Mythology retelling.

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REVIEW

  Hades' Revenge by Ella Jade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book cover first drew me in, then the blurb sold me...

Capri was quite audacious in her pursuit of Hades, she was a mixture of naivety and brashness in her quest to find out why the owner of a Greek Nightclub and her father had identical tattoos.
From her first encounter with him at his club, which was a suspenseful scene in itself, to the following encounters, we are swept into the pages as they explore their attraction.
When Hades learns what her father has planned for her future, his plans change.
When the storyline switches to New York, the tension and attraction mounts.
He has every right to exact revenge, but will he give that up for love?

Well you will have to read the book yourself and find out 😁.

My thoughts:
This is only the second Age Gap romance That I have read. But I actually picked up the book because the plot hooked me first.
I'm a sucker for a suspenseful story and so the age gap was a secondary trope that was something different.
In the beginning I thought Capri was a bit naive with her surveillance of Hades ( I'm sure she thought she was in some undercover cops show) the way she acted in the beginning, she could have gotten herself into trouble - luckily Hades had his eyes on her. Then her second attempt to me highlighted her fixation on Hades. Stalker much!
Luckily Hades might be one of the most elite assassins who has a reputation he also has honour.
Capri intrigued him, and what started as a way to exact revenge on her father soon had his once frozen heart thawing.
I liked how their relationship helped both of them grow. The background suspense story from Capri's fathers business associations ties the story together and a HEA.
I've enjoyed this book and it leads into Zeus's story which sounds like it's another intriguing book, I've added it to my TBR 😉.

Thanks to the author and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest opinion.

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO 

USA Today Bestselling author Ella Jade writes dark mafia romances with dominating mob bosses, the strong women who challenge them, and suspenseful twists that keep her readers turning the pages.

When she isn’t reading or writing sexy, angsty, and intense words, she indulges in a well-crafted martini and binge watches episodes of Dallas, Falcon Crest, and Dynasty, where she learned at an early age how to spin an old-school cliffhanger. She also enjoys spoiling her two chihuahua writing companions.

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Stolen Days in by Maria Lorca Review

 Cover design: Cherie Fox Design. 

 BLURB 

Laura Valdés is a 22nd -century time agent when the Consortium and the Opposition fight in a generational war for the last resources on a devastated Earth. In a world that’s moved underground, Laura longs for the 20th century, where love, life and loss proceed in the open, come rain or shine.

When a mission to Occupied France arises, Laura volunteers to jump to 1944 to stop Opposition agents from killing Le Renard, the charismatic leader of the Resistance. To let that happen would mean to change the course of history. The last thing she expects is to meet Henri Beaumont, whose movies have become an obsession – a preoccupation that could put her usual by-the-book approach to the test.

Laura and Henri are thrown together into a dangerous operation through Aquitaine to save their comrades. Not only must they avoid German patrols, they must avoid their feelings too.

In the face of isolation and danger, they’re on the verge of falling for one another. But unless Henri can be convinced to marry Marie and preserve the timeline, Laura and Henri might never meet in the first place.

Can a woman from the future and a man living a lie history chose for him be destined for each other?

Only time will tell.

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REVIEW

 

Stolen Days : How far would you go for the right person in the wrong century? by María Lorca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK: Stolen Days by Maria Lorca (Format: ebook)

TITLE: Stolen Days  
Author: Maria Lorca  
Status: Read  
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

QUICK IMPRESSION  
"How far would you go for the right person in the wrong century?"
As a fan of time-travel agents (Star Trek: Picard’s watcher Tallinn comes to mind!), I was immediately hooked by the premise of Stolen Days.
In a bleak future, becoming a Time Agent comes with severe risks—but also massive perks, like traveling to eras where clean air and fresh food were abundant. Agent First Class Laura Valdés loves the early 1900s, using surviving classic cinema to prep for her missions. Her newest assignment takes her to WWII-era France near Bordeaux, where she must stop an assassination targeting Le Renard (The Fox), a key figure in the French Resistance.

QUICK NOTES  
One of my thoughts on the subject of going back in time, is how little or how much should the agent interact...
One intense scene really hurt, but I understood the moral dilemma of why Laura couldn't intervene.

QUOTES TO KEEP  
• “If it weren’t for duty and responsibility, I would say let’s take our boat and sail it to a desert island. Live on the island and make love all day.”

• “I’m a time traveller from the future!”

• “But the way I see it, is that every minute with you is a gift. We were never meant to be, but despite this, we found each other. Our love transcends time and space. That’s how strong it is.”

• “We were always meant to be and not even time and space could keep us apart. But it’s still not enough time.”

• “Maybe we meet in passing in this life, and I will see you in the next life,”

• “I’m ninety-seven years old. Most people don’t reach that age. I had a good life and have made my peace with dying. We all die one day and the rest of the days we don’t.”

• He kissed me again, and this time, the kiss was everything.  

KEY CHARACTERS  
• Character 1: Laura Valdés: Role/Class: Time Agent First Class. History major, has the knowledge that is crucial to adapt to the challenges of WW2, loyal to her supervisor Mike, she prefers her own company but has a best friend, Time Agent Second Class Lizzie Rossi is there to support her when needed. Her latest mission is to stop the 'Opposition' from assassinating the leader of the French Resistance near Bordeaux. His code name is Le Renard, (The Fox).
• Character 2: Michael Nelson, or just Mike: Role/Class: Supervising Time Agent. Mike has feelings for Laura, but she's oblivious to it at first. He is supportive of his agents and well liked. He is willing to go up against his superiors to ensure his team are ok.
• Character 3: Henri Beaumont: Role/Class: Principal in the Time mission objective. Henri worked for the French Resistance during World War II, and afterwards creates a career in Hollywood. Married to Marie and father to Sylvie. Laura is a big fan of his movies.

FINAL THOUGHTS  

• The Good:

• Seamless Worldbuilding: Multi-timeline stories can get convoluted, but the pacing and timeline shifts flowed naturally.
• Smart Protagonist: Laura uses her knowledge as a history major and classic film enthusiast to adapt to WWII challenges.
• Emotional Depth: The story presents genuine moral dilemmas around interference in the timeline—one scene in particular was heart-wrenching, yet completely understandable.
• The Bad: There really wasn't anything in particular.
Room for More:
I would love to explore more of the future timeline in upcoming books—specifically why neither the Consortium nor the Opposition uses their time-travel technology to fix their degraded present. Hoping for answers in Book 2.
• Verdict:A refreshing departure from standard Romantasy and a fantastic sci-fi romance read. Recommended for fans of time travel, WWII espionage, and star-crossed romance. "How far would you go for the right person in the wrong century?" That says it all...

TROPES  
• ⏳ Right person, wrong time
• ✨ Star-crossed lovers
• 🔒 Forced proximity
• ⚖️ Moral dilemma & war conflict

View all my reviews 

AUTHOR BIO

Maria Lorca is a Spanish author who lives in Germany. Raised between two cultures, she is a native speaker of Spanish and German. Maria began writing poetry in her teens before transitioning to short stories and novels. She also co-wrote the libretto for an award-winning musical. Introduced to fantasy and science fiction by her older brothers at a young age, her fascination with these genres never faded. In her free time, she enjoys flamenco and salsa dancing, as well as reading classic literature. She is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in English, with a focus on English literature.

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Leigh Ann Lunsford 'Parker Siblings Series' Spotlight Book Blitz

 Leigh Ann Lunsford 

'Parker Siblings Series' 

Spotlight Book Blitz

 **** This is the first book of the four book series Parker Siblings Series******   

Synopsis: Brielle Parker has her life in front of her; she just does not know how to live it. After years of not being enough for her parents, or the dreams she once had, how did one man Colby James show her she was actually more than enough? Raised by her grandparents with her three siblings, Brielle was loved, no doubt. However, her grandparents were taken too soon, and she was left with her older sibling to try to raise her younger ones. She couldn’t help but let the doubts take over her life. Would she ever be enough? Then Colby walked in and changed everything, and just when she was facing her fears and falling in love for the first time, Colby ripped her heart out. Will they be able to get past their mistakes to live the life they both want? Did Colby finally break Brielle when all he wanted to do was protect and love her? You can rebound from some mistakes, but some you just have to learn from and walk away. The love they have is true and pure, but will they finally be enough for each other?

 Not Enough

 Amazon:  
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 **** This is second book in the Parker Siblings series ****** **

Due to strong language and sexual content this book is not suitable for under the age of 18***

  Addison Parker has loved one boy all her life, Tyler James. She met him the first day of school after moving to Tennessee to live with her grandparents. Through death, raising her younger siblings, betrayal, and heartbreak, he has been there. She has forgiven him for many things, but this time when he leaves, she decides he is not her future anymore. Tyler James loves Addison Parker. He has made mistakes, but his love is always constant. He wants to be with her, but through lies and misunderstandings it doesn’t seem possible anymore. When a single moment changes his future, will he be able to come back and pick up the pieces of their relationship, or did he finally break all of her faith in him?


 Not Leaving
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 *** This is the third book in series, you do need to read in order; Not Enough, Not Leaving, and Not Hiding***

 ***Due to strong language and sexual content not suitable for readers under 18***

 Cambree Parker has finally flown the nest and headed off to college in a different state, truly alone for the first time. Trying to escape from her sisters shadows, she runs from the lies and deceit that have plagued her family for years, and from the boy who stole her heart and shredded it in the process. Once there, she realizes her freedom is not all she hoped it would be. She misses her family, thinks of Max daily, and when she decides she wants to take control, she is attacked, leaving her family to fear for their safety. Can she protect her heart and remain safe when the source of her heartache has taken up permanent residence by her side? Max Baird knew he messed up. His guilt over Cambree being attacked makes him doubt if he is good enough for her. He just knows he can’t walk away. She has told him she hates the lies, but the one he is keeping can blow her family apart, and he doesn’t know if she will ever forgive him. He has seen his share of sorrow and heartbreak, but he refuses to allow Cambree to suffer at his hands anymore. He will prove to her they can work. Hopefully he isn’t too late.


Not Hiding
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 ****WARNING... THIS BOOK MAY CONTAIN TRIGGERS FOR VIOLENCE AND ABUSE****

 ***Not recommended for anyone under 18 due to adult language and situations***

 ** This is the fourth book and conclusion to the series**




Dustin Parker had life and love in his grasp until the moment she disappeared without a good-bye. He has watched his sisters struggle, fall in love, and find a happily ever after. He thought it was his turn, but fate had other plans. Leaving the family again, this time to attend school across the country, he will play soccer, and try to keep her off his mind. All of a sudden in walks someone to occupy his bed but not his heart. Why is he promising her forever? Teryn Hall has suffered years of abuse, held a prisoner in her home by the one man who should have nurtured and loved her. Her scars run deep, and when her pain bubbles to the surface she can’t control the memories and the anguish. She thought she was doing the right thing when she walked away. She thought he would wait for her. Didn’t he promise her forever? Right when she thinks things are back on track, the news of Dustin moving on could derail her. Can love really survive anything?



  Not Over 
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Leigh Ann Lunsford is stay at home mom turned author. She writes Romance/New Adult and loves her happily ever after in all books and movies. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs in Fleming Island, Florida. When she isn't writing or reading you can find her stuck in front of really bad reality shows or watching Sons of Anarchy. Leigh Ann has a filthy mouth and a huge amount of sarcasm that knows no end. She hopes to give the voices in her head an outlet with many more novels to come. 

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Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews

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BLURB

Broken Souls and Bones: An Enchanting Norse Mythology-Inspired Tale of Magic, Betrayal, and Love.

Lyra Bien wants only a quiet life, far from King Damir’s war and his hunger for magic. But when Roark Ashwood, the king’s silent and dangerously handsome soldier, invades her village, her secret is exposed.

She is a melder. Gifted in bone, blood, and soul. Feared. Desired. Doomed.

Claimed for the king, Lyra becomes a captive in Roark’s care. But escape is impossible when her jailor might be her only hope of freedom.

Bound by secrets, drawn together by fire, they must decide: restore a kingdom built on lies, or burn it to the ground.

REVIEW 

  Broken Souls and Bones by L.J. Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK: Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews
(Library Paperback Read)

​I have found a few Romantasy books to be disappointing, but this one has managed to capture my attention immediately. From the prologue to the first chapters, the author has created a world and characters that I actually wanted to know more about.

​TITLE: Broken Souls and Bones
Author: LJ Andrews
Status: Read | Rating: 5/5
Progress: Read 436 of 436 pages

​QUICK IMPRESSION
Lyra seems like she's going to be totally out of her depth when she gets to the castle. However, she soon finds her feet with the help of those she tried hard to see as her captors, but who ended up being her friends. I loved how she tried to keep her friends safe when, in reality, she was in just as much danger and not really equipped to defend them.
​DID I GUESS ANY TWISTS???
• P209: Major twist guessed correctly!
(view spoiler)[...
The bond connection between Lyra and Roark, but then there's a bond between Lyra and Skul Drek... This shadow-wielding demon... Is he the missing voice of Roark Ashwood? OMG 😳 Boy was I on the right track! 🤣 The word "Liar" was my 💡 moment 😆 (hide spoiler)]

​QUOTES TO KEEP
​"I was once told we never truly knew another soul until we saw the darkness they kept inside."

​"True love. To accept another soul—th I'me good and the bad—and love them through it all."

​"And that, they say, is what it means to love a heart—the lightest pieces, and the darkest."

​KEY CHARACTERS
• Lyra Bien: Melder. Hidden most of her life, raised in a youth house, and later served in Jarl Jakobson’s household. Her skill with a knife and knowledge of gathering herbs and berries have helped hide her secret for most of her life. She’s missing memories from a horrible trauma experienced when she was younger and can’t recall anything about her parents or her early childhood. Orphaned, Lyra thinks of the jarl’s elderly cook, Selena, and his groundskeeper, Thorian, as her family. She thinks of Kael as her brother.

• Kael Darkwin: Lyra’s adopted brother, a bone crafter. He is the true heir of Jarl Jakobson (Jarl of Skalfirth), but was disowned because the jarl’s second wife was jealous.

• Roark Ashwood: Sentry or “Death Bringer.” Melded to Prince Thane to be the prince's guard. He is mute and communicates via hand gestures or note writing. He has a deep scar across his throat, jaw, and chest. Though still thought of as handsome, he is originally from the opposing side in the war, Dravenmoor. Although he serves King Damir, he isn't melded to the king—only Thane. He's lucky in that respect! Roark also has a mysterious past and holes in his memory.

• Skul Drek: “Wraith of Dravenmoor,” a feared Draven assassin. He is connected to Lyra via the dark mirror realm, and attacks from Dravenmoor happen after soul bones are used in the melding.

• Emi Nightlark: Like Roark, she is an ex-Draven. She was cast out because she was a bone crafter, and now serves in the Stav Guard at Stonegate. She helps Lyra and Kael. Emi is fierce, and she's related to Roark.
​(There are more, but these are my favorite characters 😁)

​FINAL THOUGHTS

• The Good: Totally enjoyed every page! I've placed a hold on book 2 because I need to find out what happens next. It's hard to write about what I loved as it'll give away spoilers. But let's just say it was hard to put the book down and do boring real-life stuff!

• The Bad: Honestly couldn't think of anything, and I was actively looking for something while reading after creating this review prompt list.

• Verdict: This is my first book by the author. It does leave me worried about the characters supportive of Lyra left in Stonegate, but gosh... Bring on book 2! Totally 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Definitely one of my top reads of 2026. This is the type of Romantasy I want... Organic relationships, not insta-lust. 💞

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO 

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LJ Andrews is a USA Today Bestselling author of fantasy romance. She could live in dark worlds with brutal romantic heroes all day. When she isn't writing she's keeping her four kids alive, spending time with her hot husband, or enjoying the mountains of Utah.