Three Queens (Filthy Rich Vampires) By Geneva Lee

Three Queens is the third series in the Filthy Rich Vampire series. Thea and Julian are together and Thea is deeper into vampire society. This means more danger not just for Thea and Julian but for everyone. Thea and Julian have to learn how to navigate their relationship in vampire society and it's complicated.

The past makes its entrance adding to the twists and turns. Other characters are further explored the book ends on a cliffhanger! 

 

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Opps! This is the third novel in part of your world series. I had no idea until just a few seconds ago. The good news is - I don't feel as though I've missed anything. It feels like a stand alone book. 

Justin's reddit thread has gone vial. Justin is cursed! Every woman he dates ends up finding their soul mate after they break up! Emma has a similar issue and she slides into his DMs. In an effort to break the curse they decided to date one another and then break up.  If all goes as planned they will find their happily ever after! 

Their dating plan has rules they must follow. Their plan is seemingly perfect until complications enter the picture and things go awry.

Just for the Summer is told in dual point of views and full of complicated family dynamics. It's full of humor, romance and sweetness. This is the perfect summer read. 

Cracked Kingdom (The Royals, #5) by Erin Watt

 

Cracked Kingdom is the 5th installment in The Royals series and it continues to follow Easton Royal. Hartley Wright was in an accident along with Easton and the twins. Hartley's memory is full of gaps and people are filling those gaps with half truths and lies about Easton. Seb (one of the twins) is in critical condition and his twin is in a world of hurt. 

Everything is messy and complicated. Easton is in an tough spot and his character development grows by leaps and bounds. This book has me loving Easton and I'm a bit sad that this is the end of the series. 

I strongly recommend reading the entire Royals series. I would have skipped this entire series if I hadn't been handed the books and pushed to read it. I think this means spicy romance novels might start becoming my thing - something I avoid in the past. 

Second Rite (Filthy Rich Vampires #2 ) by Geneva Lee

Second Rite is the second book in the Filthy Rich Vampire Series. Thea Melbourne's beloved mother is in a coma and she has returned home to keep an eye on her. 

She is also working on healing her heart after Julian broke it. She is broken and fragile. She is also in danger and Julian has to make a decision to either disobey the council or help her. 

Second Rite starts about a month after the previous one ended. Stakes are higher and the book is better! There is more drama, spice and character development. Once again, I recommend the audio version. You feel as though your friends are telling you their story. 

Fallen Heir (The Royals, #4) by Erin Watt

 

Fallen Heir is the fourth book in the The Royal's series. This book follows Easton Royal. Easton is known as a party boy who relies on his good looks, family money and charisma to get out of trouble. He hides is more gentle, caring and softer side underneath his tough exterior. 

We've seen Easton's character development in the previous novels but this largest transformation takes place when he meets Hartley Wright.  Hartley's life is anything but easy and the last thing she wants or needs in life in the complication of Easton Royal in her life.  Hartley wants to do well in school, keep her life circumstances a secret and be left alone. 

Hartley catches Easton doing something he shouldn't be doing. He wants her to keep it a secret. Hartley just wants to forget about it and carry on with her life however Easton becomes intrigued by the girl who isn't interested in him. They slowly build a friendship of sorts but will it lead to romance?  Seeing a  softer side of Easton makes him a much more likable character and shows that sometimes the most vulnerable people hide behind a persona that protects who they really are. Easton just might be my favorite Royal.

The book ends with a massive cliffhanger that might change the course of life for all The Royals. 

Twisted Palace (The Royals, #3) by Erin Watt

 

Twisted Palace is the third book in the The Royals series. It starts right were Broken Prince left off.

Reed is being accused of murder and Ella's biological father Steve has come back from the dead. Secrets are bursting at the seems and they are quite scandalous. 

Reed is out on bail and struggling. Friends and strangers have turned their back on him and he is struggling to find his peace and prove his innocence. Ella doesn't trust Steve but he is determined to be in her life and as a result making her life chaotic and uncomfortable. 

Twisted Palace is told from both Ella & Reed's point of views. There is a level of predictability but the writing and characters keep you turning the pages because you become invested in them and need to know the outcome. 

Filthy Rich Vampires: (Filthy Rich Vampires Book 1) By Geneva Lee

 

Julian Rousseaux is a vampire. He is single, wealthy and belongs to a prominent family.  Thea is college student who is innocent, sweet and has been taking care of her ailing mother. Thea is also a cellist. Thea and Julian run into one another at a gala when he saves her from a vampire. They have a connection tht they can't explain and when Julian offers her protection in exchange for being his fake girlfriend (to get his mom off his back) she takes it with reluctance. 

Thea quickly discovers that the vampire world is darker than she could ever have imagined. Things are further complicated by Julian's mother having a strong dislike for her. She also might have feelings for Julian and maybe he does too?!

I listened to Filthy Rich Vampires on audio and the narrator is amazing! He really brings out the voice and personality of Julian. I strongly recommend the audio version. I felt as though I was a part of the story. The storyline and the relationship as is develops is addicting. I didn't think I would like a vampire romance book but I did and you might too. 

Killer House Party by Lily Anderson

 

Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2024

Arden and her best friends throw a party on graduation night. Seems quite normal for couple of High School kids but this party is anything but normal. The party is going to take place a Deinhart Manor. The manor has been in the background of the city for as long as anyone can remember. Like many old places this one has stories attached to it. 

It's said to be haunted and it's currently empty making it the perfect place for party but when unusual events start to take place and people start dying the fun stops and finding a way to make it alive becomes a priority.

This is an excellent read for those looking for a thrill and a bit of a fright.  It comes out October 1st making it a prime time for the spooky season. 

** I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

7/8

Honey by Isabel Banta

 Amber Young is only 17 years old when she is given the chance to join a girl group called Cloud9. She leaves her small town and heads out to L.A. Cloud9 doesn't work out for Amber but a solo career does. Amber is alone and has to learn to navigate fame, friendships and relationships. 

Honey fills readers with information regarding the danger and explotations of those in the industry. Many of the characters will remind you of headline relating to Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson. You'll feel as though you are being thrown back into time during the late 90s and early 2000s.

It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. There are some cringe moments but it makes the characters more believable. There are also song lyrics in the book. They along with poems within books drive me insane. I usually skim or skip them. This time I took the time to read them and .... it was a mix of adding to the story and not being necessary.

This is a good book for those looking for nostalgia and a view into Hollywood. 

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Ellie Black is only 17 years old when she goes missing from a party she was attending. Two years later she reappears in the woods. Her parents are overjoyed. Detective Chelsey Calhoun is put on the case but Ellie won't open up to her. Chelsey Calhoun is driven by her sisters disappearance over 20 years ago. Something doesn't sit right with her and she fears that there is a lot that Ellie is holding back

Ellie uncooperative nature only pushes Chelsey to work harder on the case. As more information is revealed the story gets darker and makes readers question Ellie's character. Is she hiding something, traumatized or scared?

The story flows making it a fast read full of complex and well developed characters. I was able to enjoy this in an audiobook fashion (not something I do often) and the audio brings the story to life. Making the story intense, emotional and real. 

The story is told in dual timelines and in single and third person point of views. This is one book that should be made into a movie.