Romance level: Kisses Only
Language: None
Content Warning: murder, assassins, mention of torture, child abuse(past), loss of parents, attempted assault on a teen(not graphic), violence 
Genre: Contemporary Mafia Romance
Lily’s verdict: A new favorite 

I fell in love with this story immediately! I think Christian mafia romance may officially be my new favorite genre

Grace is a new favorite character of mine, and I absolutely LOVED the way she broke things off with Bryan (FINALLY lol). She was such a sunshine character, making friends everywhere she went, and I just adored her personality so, so much!

This book has EVERYTHING… laughs, tears, mafia drama, and of course, SO many butterflies The humor was perfectly woven throughout the story, balancing out the more intense moments without taking away from them.

And can we talk about the faith themes?! Carrie did such an amazing job weaving them throughout the story, and I genuinely loved seeing faith play such an important role in a mafia romance!

Definitely found a new favorite right here I seriously cannot get enough of this story and am on pins and needles waiting for book two to release!!!

Christian Mafia Romance
He Hunts Her
Mistaken Identity
He Takes Care of Her
Grumpy x Sunshine
“Who Did This To You?”

BLURB: Grace Goodwin doesn’t look like a killer. She doesn’t act or think like one, either. But after accidentally witnessing a back alley murder, Grace finds herself the number one suspect and a target of both drug cartel and mafia organizations. There’s no one left whom she trusts except for her Italian pen pal—and she doesn’t even know his real name. Armed with nothing but “Jesus and jokes,” Grace zigzags the globe, running for her life while trying to uncover the truth.

Mafia enforcer Rafael Moretti was born into a world of darkness, where disloyalty is deadly and violence is expected. Trying to keep his family safe, he takes on another unwanted assignment. A pink-haired, kitten-loving American has been uncovered as the ruthless assassin known only as “The Ghost.” The longer she eludes him, the more his curiosity is piqued by the cat-and-mouse game they’re playing. But no matter how much he secretly wants her to survive, Rafe knows he will lose everything if he fails in his mission.

Will Grace and Rafe discover the truth about their identities before they irrevocably destroy their future?

The post Made Like The Moon by Carrie Cotten (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Lily’s Content Guide
Romance level: Kisses only
Language: 7 uses of h*ll
Content Warning: organized crime, torture, murder (including that of an unborn child), drug addiction ,suicide, child (sexual) abuse, rape, moderate violence and gore.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Lily’s verdict: New Favorite 

WOW. I loved this story with my whole heart

This is one of those books that I already know is going to stick with me for a long, long time. Absolutely riveting, completely impossible to put down, and so beautifully written. I genuinely did not want it to end!

But the faith themes were what truly made this book something special for me The way faith was woven throughout the story touched my heart so deeply and added so much meaning to everything the characters were walking through. There were multiple moments where I just had to sit there and FEEL for a minute.

And OH MY WORD. The tattoo?!?!

I loved these characters, I loved their story, I loved the suspense, I loved the romance—I just loved everything about this book. The emotional moments hit HARD, the protective MMC had my entire heart, and I was completely invested from beginning to end.

I already know this series is going to become one of my absolute favorites, and waiting until November for book 2 suddenly feels entirely unreasonable I NEED IT.

An easy 6 read and officially a new favorite

Dark Romance
Single Guardian
Don MMC
Faith Themes
Protective MMC
Light vs Darkness

Kisses Only
7 uses of h*ll

BLURB: ROME

I never thought my rotten heart would get hung up on another woman, but she proved me wrong.

My brother was about to take over our dying father’s legacy when he got busted. So now I’m in charge of the Marino family—and his ornery teen daughter, Giuliana. When she gets kicked out of high school and needs a teacher, I hire the woman I haven’t been able to shake from my mind since the first time we met.

I should keep my hands off Bella Ives, and not only because she isn’t built for the underworld. But I don’t—and find myself begging God for mercy.

BELLA

They warned me about him, but nothing could have prepared me for who he really is.

Everyone knows getting mixed up with the Mafia is a bad idea. Blame it on my savior complex or the reference I need for my dream job, but I agree to homeschool the niece of a mob boss.

Romeo Marino is as brutal as they say. For some reason he wants me, and I let him pursue me. After all, he is bent on turning his back on the mob life.

But when his brother returns to claim his legacy, not only Rome but Giuliana and I are swept into a dangerous game. And it’s about to turn lethal.

Cruel Blood is a gritty Christian Mafia Romance about a mob boss caught between darkness and light, and is the first part of a trilogy.

The post Cruel Blood by Skylar J. Kent (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Lily’s Content Guide

Romance level: Kisses only
Language: None 
Content Warning: homelessness, victim with suicidal thoughts, human trafficking of women and children, vigilantes eliminate human traffickers, physical & emotional abuse in childhood, implied sexual abuse in childhood, drug dealers, parental abandonment, dementia
Genre: Contemporary romance
Lily’s verdict: Loved it

This was such a great addition to the Sweet Chaos series!

If you love protective MMCs, this series absolutely delivers. Every single book somehow manages to introduce another hero that steals my heart, and Vandal was no exception

I also really enjoyed the addition of the third POV. It made the story feel different from the previous books, and I completely fell in love with Vandal and Lola. Their relationship had me rooting for them from the very beginning and I sincerely hope we get to see more of them in future books!

One of my favorite things about this world is how interconnected everything is. There are so many familiar faces from both the Sweet Chaos and Sweet Atonement series, so I’d definitely recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate all the character crossovers and relationships.

And can we talk about Sheri’s friend group? I adore them. Watching each of their stories unfold throughout the series has been one of my favorite parts.

My final thoughts:
NOOOOOOO!! That ending could not have been the end! I immediately needed the next book. I have so many questions, and I honestly can’t wait to jump back into this world.

Dark Romance
Protective MMC
Never Been Kissed
Touch Her And
Morally Grey MMC
Millionaire x Homeless

BLURB: Sheridan
Evicted…
This is the third time I’ve been evicted, and instead of dealing with the problem, I do what I always do and walk away from it…well, more like fly away to one of my best friend’s wedding reception, which is being held at a motorcycle gang’s clubhouse. Being surrounded by sexy bikers isn’t usually a problem, except I’m not the type to kiss a man once…or twice and walk away.
Though I am the type to forget what I was doing and walk away from most anything, which is why I’m in this predicament. That kiss changed something in me. Maybe it’s finally time to start dating.
Fly
I’ve always known how dangerous a kiss could be, but until her, I didn’t know how addictive it could be, either. My brothers and I have enough going on with the club. Getting distracted by a beautiful woman isn’t a good idea right now. If things go wrong, she could get caught up in the crossfire…

Fly’s Path is a no spice dark motorcycle club suspenseful romance, featuring steamy kisses with a decided lack of cursing and violence.

The post FLy’s Path by Rora Noir (Book 3) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

This story hooked me from the very first chapter and never let go. The banter between the characters had me smiling the whole way through, and the romance was filled with so many moments that had me giggling and kicking my feet

The suspense kept the pages turning, and I found myself saying, “Just one more chapter,” long past my bedtime. Every twist made it harder to put down.
And can we talk about the romance? The protective hero, the “my wife” moments, and the way he quietly yearned for her absolutely stole my heart

This quickly became one of my favorite reads, and I already can’t wait to see what Jenessa writes next.

Tropes
Opposites Attract
Grumpy x Sunshine
Protective MMC
“My Wife”
Forced Proximity
He Yearns for Her
Only One Bed

: Descriptive Kisses Only
: None

BLURB: Thea

I’m fine. Really.
My latest breakup? Not a big deal.

Which is why I still took the trip—the one where I was supposed to get engaged. Alone. Totally normal.

Getting mugged in Mexico? Also not a big deal. Sure, I can’t remember where I’m staying, but I’ll figure it out. I always do.

At least there’s a broody, mysterious stranger who says he’ll help me.
Problem is… I’m not sure he’s on my side—especially when our faces start showing up on the news for a crime we didn’t commit.

He’s guarded. Dangerous. And definitely hiding something.

But whatever secrets he’s keeping—and whatever trouble keeps finding us—I don’t have a choice.

If I want to make it home alive…I have to trust him.

Pierce

I don’t fail missions. Ever.

So how did this one spiral so far out of control?

It was supposed to be easy. Get the drive and get out.

But my contact is gone. Enemies are closing in. And somehow, I’ve picked up a civilian who has no idea what she’s walked into.

Now Thea is my responsibility, and while getting her home safely should be simple, things only get worse around every turn.

She looks at me like I’m more than what I am. Like I’m someone worth trusting. Wanting.

I’m not.

I walked away from every relationship that mattered six years ago—and I’m not looking for another one.

But the longer this mission drags on, the harder it gets to remember why.

The mission has shifted. Get Thea home, before they catch us. But what if it’s not safe there either? How long will I have to protect her?
Runaway Rule is an light-hearted adventure romantic comedy full of mystery and chaos.

Click the photo above to read this amazing story!

The post Runaway Rule by Jenessa Fayeth (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

Christian Fiction
Dark Themes
Vigilante 
Hidden Identity
He Saves Her
Thriller 

: 18 uses of h*ll, 2 uses of p*nis
: Eating Disorder, Emotional Abuse, Mental Illness, Addiction, Toxic Relationship, Sex Slavery, Murder, Violence, Drug Abuse, Body Shaming, Domestic Abuse, Kidnapping, Rape(not shown)

OVERVIEW: Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man. Soon, their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate.

Danny Hansen is a Bosnian immigrant who came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother’s life. Now he’s a priest who lives by a law of love and compassion. It is powerful men and hypocrites who abide by legal law but eschew the law of love that most incense Danny. As an avenging angel, he believes it is his duty to show them the error of their ways, at any cost. 

Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim of one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in that pursuit.

But when Danny and Renee’s paths become inexorably entangled things go very, very badly and neither of them may make it out of this hunt alive.

Judge not, or you too will be judged.

Click the photo above to read this fast paced thriller

The post The Priest’s Graveyard by Ted Dekker appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

One of my favorite things about this book was the balance between the darker themes and the humor woven throughout the story. The characters were entertaining, the banter kept me smiling, and the lighter moments provided the perfect contrast to the more serious parts of the plot.

I also loved spending more time with these characters and seeing their stories continue to unfold. There was so much heart in this book, and it left me even more excited to continue the series

If you’re planning to pick this one up, I would highly recommend reading the first book beforehand. So much of the character development, relationships, and backstory build on one another, and I think you’ll appreciate this story even more with that foundation.

Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next

Fantasy
Chronic Illness Rep
He Falls First
Fae Assassins
He Saves Her
Forbidden Love

: Kisses Only
: None

BLURB: The High Court of the Coffee Bean returns with a sassy, wicked streak.

Months after the deadly assassins-turned-baristas left the Four Corners of Ever behind for good, Doom comes knocking at Mor Trisencor’s door. And it’s wearing stilettos.

When the Fairy Post gets an unexpected, grand following in the human realm for its vintage feel and whimsical words, Mor gets busier than ever typing out articles, following up on leads of fairy mischief, and everything else that goes along with being a faeborn reporter. But his heavy workload comes to a screeching halt when he spots someone in the human realm that shouldn’t be there—an old foe of his. One he thought he would never see again. One he’d prayed to the sky deities that he wouldn’t cross paths with after the day Mor abandoned the Shadow Army, leaving a trail of flames and destruction in his wake. For the first time since the Fairy Post was published, the newspaper gets put on hold and Mor goes hunting.

Mor can think of nothing else but stopping this foe before ripples of doom begin to stir up the human realm.

Violet Miller is a journalist with a mysterious past her amnesia forbids her from remembering. But when she gets let go from her job at the most prestigious news station in the city, her unexplained past becomes the least of her problems. She thinks it’s all over for her as a journalist, until she sees a job posting for a secretary position at a niche, laughable “old school style” newspaper called The Fairy Post.

The day Violet shows up at Mor’s house—or, creepy, dark cathedral is more like it—is the day that everything changes for her. Before Violet even has a chance to ask about the job, she’s mistakenly marked as Mor’s lover by his “enemies” and she finds herself in the crosshairs of a battle of inhuman creatures who’d rather “stab first and ask questions later.”

This marks the beginning of a love-hate relationship (mostly hate) between a fae assassin born of the Shadows, and a lipstick-wearing, mascara wielding human born to be in the spotlight.

While reading this second installment of the High Court of the Coffee Bean series, you may find yourself craving macarons, listening to the wind for signs of fairy magic, and wishing you had a “creepy, dark, creaking, abandoned cathedral” of your own to call home.

Click the photo above to read this amazing story!

The post Sincerely, Secretary Of Doom by Jennifer Kropf (Book 2) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

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MY REVIEW: This was such a fantastic addition to the series! So far every book has been a 5 read for me and this one was no exception! It is a fast paced story that is impossible to put down with just the right amount of suspense to keep you guessing! The MCs were so fun to read about
I loved Charlotte so much and Lady Jane’s Aunt as well! 
Overall this was such a fun read and I can hardly wait for more in this series to be released! 

Protective MMC 
Friends to Lovers
Historical Fiction 
Touch of Suspense 
Disowned Lady 
She Saves His Life
Slow Burn 

: Kisses Only 
: None 

BLURB: Society turned its back. So she rewrote her fate.

Lady Jane Lyttelton had always done precisely what was expected of her—until the moment she stood at the altar beside an aged duke. Rather than seal her fate, she ran. Disowned by her family and shunned by Society, her future seemed hopeless… until an unexpected inheritance offered her a chance at independence and a second chance at life.

Alistair Winslow, Viscount Alcott, returned from war with more than a title and scars. Haunted by what he had been forced to do to survive, he now shoulders the weight of protecting his sister and upholding the family name. When Jane saves his life in a dark London alley, he finds himself drawn into her troubles and into feelings he cannot afford to have.

But danger lurks in every shadow. As Alistair’s investigation regarding the questionable deaths of men in his Army company takes a deadly turn, Jane refuses to remain safely out of harm’s way. To protect her, he must confront his past and the man intent on destroying them both. Yet the greatest battle he faces may be against his own heart, for to love her could cost them everything.

As the sixth novel in the Courting the Unconventional series by author Laura Beers, A Brilliant Defiance continues the series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.

The post A Brilliant Defiance by Laura Beers (Book 6) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

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MY REVIEW: I truly think this might be one of my favorite books!! I am absolutely loving this! Cress is making me laugh so hard the FaceTiming was a favorite his POV is the absolute best the four are seriously the best thing ever!
This book made me laugh more than any book I think I’ve read so far, making it definitely one of my favorites! I also cried a bit. Almost had a heart attack there at the end but whew, we’re all good I bought a physical “trophy” of this book immediately and will be devouring the rest of this series!
Loaded with humor that will have you laughing out loud with just enough of suspense and intrigue to make it impossible to put down!

Protective MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Romantasy
Never Been Kissed
Fae Prince
He Falls First
Fairies

: Kisses Only
: 1 use of a*se

OVERVIEW: There are ten golden rules if you want to survive an encounter with a fae:

1. Don’t ask their name.
2. If they ask you what your name is, lie.
3. Avoid looking directly into their eyes.
4. Don’t invite them to your book club. 
5. Don’t instigate a snowball fight.
6. Never let them burn their mouth on coffee. 
7. Don’t ask them where they’re from.
8. Don’t tell them where you live.
9. Never mention their queen.
10. Don’t try to kill them with an ordinary human gun.

If you fail to do any of these things, enslave them immediately.

On a cozy fall morning, Kate Kole is nestled in a coffee shop in the city of Toronto reading her favourite novel when she accidentally kills a guy who’s being rude to the coffee shop’s cashier. Unfortunately for Kate, the person she killed was a fae assassin of the North Corner of Ever, visiting the human realm in secret.

From there, four deadly fae assassins come to the human realm to hunt her down for breaking a fairy law and killing one of their own. Leading them is Prince Cressica Alabastian, the most feared and deadly fae assassin of the North and heir to the North Corner of Ever.

After the assassins arrive in the human realm, things go terribly wrong. To Prince Cressica’s horror, his assassins unwittingly get roped into running a cozy café on Kate Kole’s behalf. To blend in, the fae assassins are forced to learn how to do basic human activities like cleaning up after themselves, driving without road rage, reading popular fantasy books at book club without getting into alpha male fights over what they’re reading, and in general, be nice, all to blend into regular human society.

With a temper like no other, and deadly power that’s unmatched, Prince Cressica seeks to get revenge on Kate Kole. But as he aims to strike where it will hurt her the most, the Prince finds himself enchanted by his human target in more ways than one. And when the darkness of the Ever Corners comes knocking at the human realm’s door, he needs to make a choice that could cost him everything.

The post Welcome To Fae Cafe by Jennifer Kropf (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

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MY REVIEW: Where to even begin?!?! I fell in love with Caleb and Amelia’s story immediately! There is a perfect blend of mystery, playful banter, slow burn romance, and of course so many hysterical moments that had me laughing out loud. The book is full of so many amazing moments that just keep you wanting more!
I absolutely love Amelia’s obsession with Psych because it completely mirrors my own obsession with it
This book fast became one of my favorites and I absolutely cannot wait to read more from Jenessa

“You may be a menace, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy being caught up in your tornado

OVERVIEW: 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.

Date With Danger is a closed-door romantic comedy filled with mystery and suspense. A quirky FMC, a protective MMC, and a simple case of mistaken identity that turns into a mystery they never expected.

• Have you read this one yet? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

The post Date With Danger by Jenessa Fayeth (Book 1) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.

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MY REVIEW: Internal thoughts while reading

• Ok Max has me giggling and kicking me feet with how tongue-tie and scatterbrained he gets around Fea
• Fiona why?!?! Just why would you do that? You’re killing Max here
• When I tell you I’m am screaming and kicking my feet over here…I literally am
• Umm I need a book for Hope and * (you know who, no spoilers here) immediately!!
• He calls her Tesoro Mio, officially swooning over here
• I’m not crying, I’m not crying, I’m not crying…ok I’m crying

This was absolutely phenomenalOk 5 is not enough for this book! 6 all the way!!! I am in love this book was impossible to put down and I literally read it one sitting(minus a snack break lol) it is a favorite there were so many moments I loved and was screaming and kicking my feet! Please, please hear me and read this book as soon as you can(just make sure to check the trigger warnings!)

Single Parent
Dark Romance
Only One Bed
Morally Grey MMC
He Falls First
Mafia

: None
: Kisses Only

Trigger Warnings: Self harm, human trafficking, sexual assault(not on page), death

OVERVIEW: Don’t Touch Me…
Fiona
After being trafficked in my youth, I’ve finally found peace. It’s my own little safe haven where everyone knows and respects my boundaries. Until my new intern’s father shows up. The son of a mafia don shouldn’t be allowed to be that sexy or sweet. He keeps trying to push my boundaries and break down my walls. Which is especially dangerous coming from a man who’s patient and persuasive. When my past comes back to haunt me, Max steps up putting even more people at risk.
Max
The greatest joy and biggest sorrow of my life is being a single father. Losing my wife when we were just teenagers tore apart my heart. No one told me it would take more than a decade for me to mourn her loss. But thanks to my stubborn daughter and meddling grandmother, Fiona keeps popping up in my life, making me remember what it feels like to love someone again. Only she won’t let me. I thought I was a patient man, but waiting for her tries every ounce that I have. How can I keep her safe when she keeps pushing me away?

Dark Rage is a no spice dark suspenseful romance, featuring steamy kisses with a decided lack of cursing and violence.

Have you read this one yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

The post Dark Rage by Rora Noir (Book 3) appeared first on Lilys Reading Corner.