IN ISABEAU’S EYES by Lora Leigh 

March 24, 2023

Kentucky Nights, Book 1

From the publisher:

The first novel in a new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh—you’ve met the Mackays; now it’s time to meet their friends.

Danger is stalking Isabeau Boudreaux. After the deaths of her parents ten years ago during a violent attack that left her blind, remnants of her vision are returning. But a series of accidents has convinced her friends the Mackays of Somerset, Kentucky, that someone wants her dead. When a roadside blowout proves to be almost fatal for Isabeau and her good friend Angel, Angel’s brother mercenary Tracker Calloway knows this was no accident.

After a particularly bloody job, the last thing Tracker wants to do is get involved. But whoever is after Isabeau almost hurt his sister, and Isabeau is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Tracker is determined to protect her but knows staying away from Isabeau is impossible. He begins a steady seduction to tempt the innocent woman into a world of hunger like she could have never imagined. And keeping her is the only option—if he can save her from an unknown enemy as her sight begins to slowly return.

https://amzn.to/40p0PVS

This was a different sort of read for me; the best way I can describe is that it’s an erotic romantic thriller! Isabeau is blind, and her brother and his best friends treat her as a fragile object. Isabeau was blinded when her father killed her mother, shot her in the head, then killed himself. She has had several “accidents” since the murder, and has escaped each time. But when her friend Angel’s driving her to a party, someone shoots out the tire, but somehow Angel manages to keep the car on the road until it is safe to pull over.

Angel’s brother Tracker is a mercenary and has experienced enough horror in his life to protect his heart at all costs. Until he meets Isabeau. He is very observant, and quickly realizes that she is not completely blind. He also thinks she is beautiful and wants her in his bed. He quickly seduces her, but it goes beyond sex. She feels safe with him. She is warned to protect her heart as he is not the type to stick around. and she tries. But as her sight slowly returns, more “accidents” keep happening, and Tracker realizes the killer is closing in.

Isabeau could never understand how her father, who was so loving and kind to her and her mother, could have done what she was told. But even Tracker doubts the story – why would someone else be trying to kill her if the man who shot her was already dead? It makes no sense but he will figure it out – eventually.

There is violence throughout the story and a lot of very explicit sex. I finished the book, but I doubt I’d read another in this series; it’s all a bit too much for me but it is a page-turner for sure.

3/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

IN ISABEAU’S EYES by Lora Leigh. Berkley (March 21, 2023). ISBN:‎ 978-0399583872. 288p.

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Spotlight Review: SCANDALIZED by Ivy Owens

August 23, 2022

From the publisher:

A one-night stand between two old childhood friends turns into something more, but when a scandal threatens to tear them apart, they must decide how hard to fight for love—a steamy romance debut perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey and Kennedy Ryan​.

Exhausted and on deadline with a story that could make or break her career, investigative journalist Georgia Ross is on the verge of a meltdown when a cancelled flight leaves her stuck in the airport overnight. But when a familiar face appears—the older brother of her childhood friend—and offers help, Gigi seems to have caught a break.

Alec Kim is handsome, humble, and kind—exactly the sort of man that Gigi has forgotten existed after her own painful heartbreaks. An evening of reconnection followed by a night of no-strings-attached passion with Alec feels like a gift—that is, until Gigi finally realizes that their childhood connection isn’t the only reason he seems so familiar to her.

Alec is determined to prove to Gigi that he is truly the man she thinks he is, even if it means coming clean about his fame—and his family’s connection to the story Gigi’s been working so hard to break. But as their feelings for each other grow deeper, Gigi and Alec must navigate a new reality…one where both of their hard-won careers are put directly in the path of an international scandal.

“Ivy Owens’s debut brings the perfect amount of humor and heart to the story of childhood friends reunited under unusual circumstances. Scandalized imbues a fraught situation with more humor than angst, and readers will fall instantly for the charming, charismatic characters. The heated love scenes and intense emotional connection between the leads are sure to win Owens legions of fans.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Owens’s spectacular debut is beautifully written and a fun read. Fans of Suzanne Park’s So We Meet Again and Katie Delahanty’s “Brightside” series will have a hard time not consuming it in one sitting.” —Library Journal (starred review)

https://amzn.to/3TekEMz

I love finding a debut novel that is this good – it’s rare and wondrous, especially when it is also a super steamy romance! The chemistry between Gigi, a badass journalist, and Alec, a movie star, is so hot I’m surprised the book didn’t just incinerate in my hands.

Gigi is on her way back to Los Angeles from London, where she broke a story about an exclusive club where the owners/members drug women, rape them, and video the whole thing. Her connecting flight from Seattle to L.A. gets canceled. Gigi is so tired, and all she really wants is a shower and some clean clothes. Then she spots Alec, and with a flash of recognition, she realizes he is her middle school best friend’s older brother. She approaches him, and he remembers her as well. When the closest hotel to the airport is full, he offers her the use of his shower. Turns out Alex has the presidential suite and lots of room to share.

You can guess where it goes from here, but there is also a lot of intrigue about that London club. Turns out Alec may know something, but eventually, it all goes sideways despite the connection these two have. This book really does have it all; suspense, a sweet connection between these characters, not to mention some seriously steamy scenes. I loved it and if you can handle the sex, trust me when I say you will not regret reading this book. I couldn’t put it down and I hated turning that last page. Can’t wait to see what this debut author does next.

8/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SCANDALIZED by Ivy Owens. Pocket Books (August 23, 2022). ISBN: 978-1982199852. 320p.

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Spotlight Review: ONE NIGHT STAND AFTER ANOTHER by Amanda Usen

August 9, 2022

From the publisher:

Clara Duke lives to crochet wearable art. But right this second, she’s looking at the one guy who has the uncanny ability to unravel her in every possible way. Zane Brampton. He broke her heart in high school and now wants to make it up to her—in a single night. Just being in the same room as him feels dangerously volatile. A whole night with this delectable, gorgeous man would be nothing less than a total sexpocalypse. But oh, what a way to go.

The sight of Clara and her mouthwatering curves might actually kill restaurateur Zane. Ten years ago, their volcanic chemistry exploded… taking their social circle along with it. But Zane hasn’t forgotten the heat—and this feels almost like fate. He’ll be damned if he’ll let her run from their connection again. And he might just have found his chance to prove he deserves more than just one night…

Now Zane is driving Clara to California to meet her professional dreams. But between the road, the chocolate, and the ridiculously hot sex, Clara risks getting tangled up with her not-so-one-night-stand. And worse, Zane might just be the thread that snaps all of her perfectly crocheted plans.

https://amzn.to/3P8UWWP

This book is basically a bunch of sex scenes with a bit of story thrown in, so more erotica than romance, at least to my mind. There is not much depth here or even character development, but there is a happily ever after, which I liked. I also learned a bit about the “fiber industry,” which I knew nothing about, as the main character, Clara, is a crocheter of original designs. She also loves yarn, and I didn’t know that was a thing either. So maybe more story than my initial impression?! There is the romance requisite witty banter and a bit of angst before the happy ending.

If you like a very sexy romance, then this is your book!

8/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ONE NIGHT STAND AFTER ANOTHER by Amanda Usen. Entangled: Brazen (August 8, 2022). ASIN: ‎B0B66KTVRJ. 200p.

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THE TAKEOVER by T L Swan

October 22, 2021

The Miles High Club, Book 2

From the publisher:

Wall Street Journal bestseller.

In bestselling author T L Swan’s second hot installment to the Miles High Club series, he’s sexy, rich, and her mortal enemy. Hate never felt so good.

I first met Tristan Miles at a meeting where he was trying to take over my late husband’s company.

He was powerful, arrogant, and infuriatingly gorgeous, and I hated him with every cell in my body. In the shock of the century, he called me three days later and asked me on a date.

I would rather die than date a man like him―though I do have to admit it was good for the ego. Turning him down was the highlight of my year.

Six months later, he was the guest speaker at a conference I attended in France.

Still arrogant and infuriating―but this time, surprisingly charming and witty.

When he looked at me, I got butterflies.

But I can’t go there.

He’s just a player in a hot suit, and I’m just a widow with three unruly sons.

I just need this conference to be over. Because everybody knows that Tristan Miles always gets what he wants…and what he wants is me.


Tristan Miles is in charge of acquisitions for Miles Media, the conglomerate he owns along with his brothers. They are all billionaire playboys, except for Jameson, who recently married. Tristan is determined to take over Anderson Media, which is in serious financial jeopardy. The owner died and his widow, Claire, has been running the company for five years, but things are not going well. When Tristan shows up in her office with an offer to buy her out, she is incensed and throws him out. A few days later, he asks her out. Saying no felt good. Tristan is rich and gorgeous and has never heard “no” before, but he respects her wishes and keeps his distance.

About six months later, Claire’s assistant and best friend, Marley, convinces her to attend a motivational retreat in France. Claire fights it at first, but soon realizes she really needs a break and off she goes. The opening speaker at the conference is none other than Tristan Miles. He singles her out, repeatedly, and eventually she decides to she could use a fling and since their chemistry is off the charts, why not.

Claire is a few years older than Tristan and they are in very different places in their lives. She married young and was widowed, and has three sons who are not always easy to deal with. He is single and a player with his whole life ahead of him. After the conference, he invites her to spend the weekend with him in Paris, and she goes. The sex is amazing, he makes her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, and is funny and charming. But then she ends things.

Tristan has never been dumped and he isn’t sure what to do about it. He has had a few serious relationships in his life, but with a distinct type; young, blond, beautiful. Claire is older and comes with a lot of baggage, namely her kids. But he can’t stop thinking about her. One day he shows up at her house on Long Island, and meets her three sons in one of the funniest scenes I’ve ever read. Her oldest Fletcher, is just cold to him and asks him to leave. He is very protective of his mother. The youngest, Patrick, isn’t sure what to think. But it’s the middle child, Harry, who goes ballistic on him.

Seeing a billionaire playboy lock horns with teenagers is hilarious, and the relationship he develops with these boys is funny but also heart warming. Meanwhile Claire keeps breaking up with him then taking him back. Repeatedly. She can’t seem to stay away, and he is determined to make a life with her. That leads to some serious issues and another really bad breakup. But these two cannot stay apart, and they all find their happily ever after.

This is my favorite book of the series. The sex is steamy as in all the books in this series, but it’s the humor that really made this special. Single moms will appreciate how protective Claire is of her children, and will swoon at Tristan’s relationship with her boys. These books all stand alone so if you want to try one, I highly recommend this book; it is equal parts super sexy, heartwarming, & hilarious! I loved it.

10/2021 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE TAKEOVER by T L Swan. Montlake; 8/1 edition (August 27, 2020). ISBN: 978-1542017336. 479 pages.

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THE STOPOVER by T L Swan

October 19, 2021

The Miles High Club, Book 1

From the publisher:

A memorable night of passion refuses to stay just a memory in this sizzling and scandalous romance from bestselling author T L Swan.

I was upgraded to first class on a flight from London to New York.

The food, champagne, and service were impeccable.

The blue-eyed man sitting next to me, even better.

He was suave and intelligent.

We talked and laughed, and something clicked.

Fate took over and the plane was grounded, and we had an unexpected stopover for the night.

With no plans, we made our own.

We danced and laughed our way around Boston and had a night of crazy passion that no woman would ever forget.

That was twelve months ago, and I haven’t heard from him―until today.

I started a new job and met the CEO. You can imagine my surprise to see those naughty blue eyes dance with delight when he saw me across the mahogany desk.

But I’m not that carefree girl anymore. My life has changed, I have responsibilities.

I just got an email.

He wants to see me in his office for a private meeting at 8:00 a.m.

Naughty blue eyes have no place in the workplace.

What kind of private meeting does he have in mind?


I read the third book in this series, The Casanova, first, and immediately went and purchased the first two books in the series. Being that there are four Miles brothers, I’m hoping for one more.

Emily Foster is having a horrible day, topped off by being assaulted at the airport. But that does seem to turn things around for her; the airline upgrades her to first class. Sitting beside her is the sexiest man she’s ever seen. He introduces himself as Jim, and they flirt like crazy for the whole flight from London to New York. Except their flight is rerouted to Boston due to weather, and they end up spending the night together. A steamy, sexy night. But he doesn’t ask her for her phone number, and she shrugs it off. She can’t forget him though.

Emily finally lands her dream job at Miles Media and on her first day is given a tour of the offices. There she meets the CEO, Jameson Miles, who turns out to be none other than her former flying seatmate, Jim. The chemistry between them is palpable, and she cannot believe the man she has been fantasizing about ever since their night together is now her boss.

Billionaire bad boy Jameson has never forgotten Emily, either. Known as the Casanova for the obvious reasons, he has never really felt the need to see a woman once the fling ends. Except for Emily. She doesn’t want to jeopardize her job, but finds it impossible to say no for very long. They end up in a relationship that neither of them planned or thought they wanted, and it is scorching. But more than just heat, there is love and caring and a happily every after.

This is a really fun read with some humor, interesting characters and situations, and a lot of sexy scenes. I was shocked to see this book is over 500 pages, because those pages just flew by. I loved it and The Takeover, book 2 in the series, is up next for me.

10/2021 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE STOPOVER by T L Swan. Montlake Romance (October 29, 2019). ISBN: 978-1542015875. 523 pages.

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DEFINITELY YES by Ella Miles

October 8, 2021

Maybe, Definitely

From the author:

Disgusted with my love life, I join a dating app under a fake name. I start chatting to a man named Edgar.

One question from an ex-lover.

One text message from a complete stranger.

The same answer to both…Yes.

Scarlett Bell has found a way to move beyond a dark past that threatened to take her best friend, Kinsley, from her. Now ten years later Scarlett has everything. A multi-billion dollar fashion and beauty empire. A fabulous New York apartment filled with everything a girl could need. And an awesome best friend. What more could she want? Love, marriage, and a baby. Everything her best friend has.

One ex-boyfriend could give her everything she thinks she wants. Even if he is a little too nice…One dark stranger could give her everything she never knew she wanted. But he could destroy her life…Two men. Two choices. One answer to both: Definitely Yes.


It looks like this series is divided into two parts; Maybe, and Definitely. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I definitely (see what I did there? HA!) felt like I was missing backstory. It looks like the first three books of this series are Maybe, and this appears to be the first book of the Definitely part of the series. A tiny bit confusing, but no matter. I still enjoyed this book.

Scarlett knows what she wants, but she is afraid to go after it. The anonymous man she calls Beast definitely knows how she wants to be treated – in bed, that is. But she hasn’t even seen his face. And her ex is suddenly available, but he may just be too nice for her.

Scarlett’s best friend Kinsley is pregnant and Scarlett feels like maybe she is missing out. Beast is very mysterious, but will he come through for her and give her what she wants? Or should she settle for the nice guy?

The suspense is light, the sex is hot, and the story moves. Not sure I care enough to go back and read the earlier books, not to mention that being they are self published, my library isn’t carrying these. I got this book free from Amazon through BookBub and if they offer up anymore freebies, I’d read them. So who knows.

10/2021 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

DEFINITELY YES by Ella Miles. Independently published (May 20, 2019). ISBN: 978-1099478321. 258 pages.

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THE CASANOVA by T L Swan

September 23, 2021

The Miles High Club, Book 3

From the publisher:

In T L Swan’s steamy third installment of the Miles High Club, Kate’s hot new pen pal is a welcome distraction from her horrible boss. But nobody is as distracting as Elliot Miles…and he knows it.

My favorite hobby is infuriating Elliot Miles. Just the sight of my boss’s handsome face triggers my sarcasm. God knows how he earns his Casanova reputation―if a million women want him with his personality, what the heck am I doing wrong?

Disgusted with my love life, I join a dating app under a fake name. I start chatting to a man named Edgar. He’s not my type and lives on the other side of the world, but we hit off a friendship, laugh and confide in each other.

But lately things are getting weird at work. Elliot’s being…attentive. His eyes linger a little longer than they should, and there’s a heat behind them that I haven’t felt before. And then, in the shock of all shocks, he tells me that my vulnerability is appealing. But when was I vulnerable?

Horror dawns…Has my boss been reading my emails to Edgar?

Damn it, why did I use my work email?

Oh no, does he know what I really think of him? I’d rather die than ever admit it.

Or, even worse: is it possible that the man I loathe in real life is the man I’m falling for online?


Thanks to E L James and the Fifty Shades world she created, “billionaire romance” is a thing now. This book also runs with the enemies-to-lovers trope and does it really well. It’s a lot of fun for sure, and one of the steamiest romances I’ve read.

Kate is the tech guru at the company the Miles brothers own. She lost her parents several years earlier, and hasn’t gotten close to anyone since. She’s afraid of losing someone she loves again so she’s not going there. Elliot runs the London office of the media company his family owns. Young, rich, and good looking makes for trouble if he gets involved with anyone. The one relationship he had ended when the paparazzi wouldn’t leave them alone, so he sticks to one night stands. The press has nicknamed him “Casanova Miles.”

Elliot loathes the nasty woman in IT, and she despises him equally. She’s also not afraid of him and gives as good as he does in their war of words. Then one night Elliot happens to see a woman in a red netball dress (I had to look up netball, I never heard of it) dancing around her office. He is shocked to find it is his nemesis, yet he is completely turned on.

Meanwhile, Kate’s friends have convinced her to join a dating app. She begrudgingly agrees then creates a profile that is so outrageous no one will ever contact her, including using a picture of a gigantic cat as her profile pic. Shockingly, someone does contact her, Edgar, and he seems to find her amusing. They live a world apart, and since their is no pressure, they start chatting online and a friendship is formed. They even discuss their dating life.

Elliot finds his attraction to Kate distracting, but he can’t help himself. She is shocked to find that he is worming his way into sleeping with her, and the sex is off the charts hot (and frequent.) Elliot is spending more time with her than any woman before, but he knows she’s not “the one” because he is a romantic at heart, and is waiting for love at first sight. Of course that doesn’t happen, and he almost loses Kate in the process of seeking it out. But the girl eventually gets the billionaire, and they get their happily every after.

There is a lot of humor here, especially when they are butting heads. There is also a lot of emotion, which I wasn’t really expecting; the characters have depth. If you like scorching hot romance, this is your book!

9/2021 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE CASANOVA by T L Swan. Montlake (August 26, 2021). ISBN: 978-1542028073. 512 pages.

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THE SPARK by Vi Keeland

August 19, 2021

A new, sexy standalone from #1 New York Times Bestseller, Vi Keeland.

Before I even met Donovan Decker, I knew his shoe size.

You see, I’d gone away for a few days, and in my haste to get out of the airport, I’d grabbed the wrong suitcase.

After checking out the expensive footwear and tailored clothes, I dialed the number on the luggage tag hoping maybe Mister Big Spender might have my bag.

A deep, velvety voice answered, and as luck would have it, he had my suitcase, too. Donovan and I met at a coffee shop to do the exchange.

Turned out, it wasn’t just his voice that was sexy. The man holding my luggage was absolutely gorgeous, and we had an immediate spark.
He got me to admit that I’d snooped in his bag and then convinced me to make it up to him by letting him buy me coffee.

Coffee led to dinner, dinner led to dessert, and dessert led to spending an entire weekend together. Donovan wasn’t just handsome with a panty-dropping voice. He was also funny, smart, and surprisingly down to earth for a man who wore seven-hundred-dollar shoes.

Did I mention he also did my laundry while I slept? Definitely too good to be true.

So what did I do to repay him for his kindness?

I waited until he was in the shower, then ghosted him. My life was too complicated for such a great guy.

In the months that passed, I thought about Donovan often. But New York City had eight-million people, so what were the chances I’d run into him? Then again, what were the chances I’d run into him a year later…when I’d just started dating his boss?


This author is my Hoopla find. I don’t think I’ve seen her books when I’m requesting egalleys because I believe her books are all self published, but my library offers Hoopla and I found her there. I read The Invitation, and now this one, so I can tell you I will be going back to Hoopla to find more.

This book really surprised me. Based on the cover, I thought it was going to be more erotica than romance, but that was way off. There truly is no judging books by their covers sometimes. This book had a lot of depth to it and great character development.

Autumn is the heroine, and she meets Donovan when she accidentally takes his suitcase home from the airport. At least his has his name and phone number on the luggage tag. When she calls, it turns out he has her suitcase and they arrange to meet at a Starbucks for the swap. There is immediate attraction there, and they have coffee and talk and the next thing you know, they have spent the weekend together. No sex, but he did her laundry! But come Monday morning, Autumn disappears, completely ghosts him. He doesn’t know her last name or where she lives or her phone number. Donovan has always been a bit of a player, but he fell hard and fast for Autumn, so he is not happy when she ghosts him. He thought she felt the same way.

Donovan is a wealthy lawyer but it turns out he came from a very damaged and poor background. Autumn’s father is a lawyer, and she comes from a wealthy, sheltered background. But she is working as a social worker. and that’s where the story really starts.

Donovan is up for partner in his law firm, so when his boss asks him to take on a pro bono case, he can’t say no. And when he meets his client, he is shocked to see Autumn. She is the boy’s social worker and even though they haven’t seen each other for a year, the spark is very much there.

Autumn has some serious baggage in her past, and for six years has only been dating men that she doesn’t form any attachments to – no emotional connection, just dinners and sex. These “relationships” don’t generally last very long because as soon as a man seems to be more interested than she is, she is gone. That’s why she ghosted Donovan. And now she’s dating his boss, and that’s why he got the pro bono case.

They spend a lot of time together with the child she is trying to protect, and Donovan finds himself taking a strong interest in the child as well. The partnership won’t be his if he hits on his boss’s girlfriend, and he really wants that partnership. But the more time he spends with Autumn, the more he falls in love with her. But she is scared, really scared, and it takes a lot for them to get past all her issues. But a happy ending is achieved. I really enjoyed this book, in fact I couldn’t put it down and read it in one night. There is some sex eventually, but with all the romance it worked well in this story. Highly recommend!

Note: If you want to see an enlarged pic on the cover, it’s on the Amazon page!

8/2021 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE SPARK by Vi Keeland.  C. Scott Publishing Corp. (July 12, 2021). ISBN: 978-1951045500. 300 pages.

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UNDERCOVER ENGAGEMENT by Samanthe Beck

August 9, 2021

Private Pleasures, Book 5

Buttoned-down Eden Brixton is less than thrilled when she’s partnered with smooth-talking wild card Marcus Swain in an undercover op. Both their careers hinge on convincing folks in tight-knit Bluelick, KY that he’s the love of her life. She’d sooner tase him than prance around in practically nothing, hanging all over his chiseled body like she can’t get enough.

For Swain, being partnered with the too-gorgeous-for-his-sanity Eden promises to test his well-honed control. She’s smart, she’s skilled, she’s not just by-the-book—she knows the damn book backward and forward. And she hates his guts.

When Eden absolutely nails her role as his sexy fiancée—where the hell did she learn to seduce with a single glance?—Swain is knocked right on his ass. Living with a temptation like Eden makes it hard to remember their chemistry is strictly for show. And when the heat gets too real, doing the undercover op might prove to be their undoing.


This author was new to me, so I haven’t read any of the other books in this series. But when I read this one, I had no idea it was part of a series so it definitely works on its own. I also hadn’t seen the cover when I read it, or I might not have picked it up. I hate covers like this with half naked couples.

Eden and Marcus are in the police academy together. She is at the top of their class, he is right behind her. She is the studious type and he trusts his instincts. And they hate each other. Or at least, Eden hates him.

As they graduate, he is hired by the county sheriff, she by the local police. But their first assignment puts them undercover to try and break up a drug ring with both agencies working together. They are to portray an engaged couple, make friends with some of the known dopers in town and try and get to their source. But first they have to find a way to live together without killing one another.

They say there is a fine line between love and hate, and this couple burns it down. There is a lot of explicit sex in this story, so if that is not your thing, look elsewhere for your next read. I liked this book a lot; I liked the main characters and totally bought their relationship. There is a bare modicum of suspense needed for the story to make sense, and it meets that goal. All in all, this was a fast, fun, sexy read and I enjoyed it.

8/2021 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

UNDERCOVER ENGAGEMENT by Samanthe Beck.  Independently published (July 28, 2021). ISBN: 979-8545457939. 300 pages.

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FREED by E. L. James

July 6, 2021

Fifty Shades of Grey Series, Book 6

Fifty Shades as Told by Christian, Book 3

From the publisher:

An instant #1 New York TimesUSA TodayWall Street Journal, and international bestseller!

Relive the sensuality, the romance, and the drama of Fifty Shades Freed through the thoughts, reflections, and dreams of Christian Grey.

E L James revisits the world of Fifty Shades with a deeper and darker take on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the globe.

You are cordially invited to the wedding of the decade, when Christian Grey will make Anastasia Steele his wife. But is he really husband material? His dad is unsure, his brother wants to organize one helluva bachelor party, and his fiancée won’t vow to obey…

And marriage brings its own challenges. Their passion for each other burns hotter and deeper than ever, but Ana’s defiant spirit continues to stir Christian’s darkest fears and tests his need for control. As old rivalries and resentments endanger them both, one misjudgment threatens to tear them apart.

Can Christian overcome the nightmares of his childhood and the torments of his youth, and save himself? And once he’s discovered the truth of his origins, can he find forgiveness and accept Ana’s unconditional love?

Can Christian finally be freed?


Is this the end of one of the most successful franchises in publishing history? I think James is finally finished with this series (unless she & her “new publisher”* figure out a way to milk it for more.) She did write another book before this one, The Mister, which is not part of the 50 Shades world, which I started but couldn’t get through. I think it did well, sales wise, as her fans are diehard and legion. Even the reviews were kinder than for the Fifty Shades books so I’m not sure why I couldn’t get into it. But this book, Freed, drew me in from the start.

It’s the retelling of the final book in the Fifty Shades series, but you may have noticed that this book seems to belong to two series; the Fifty Shades series and Fifty Shades as Told by Christian series. The last three books were just a rehash of the first three. This was brilliant marketing and the sales proved it. The same story but told from Christian’s perspective, so interesting. Plus it’s been years since I read the earlier books and didn’t remember all the details so who knows how different it really is. I will say if you read Fifty Shades Freed then you know the plot and how it ends, so I’m not even going to go there. This book is a couple hundred pages longer than Fifty Shades Freed, but I’m not sure what the extra is. Oh, and there are rumors that all three of the Christian books were “written” by a computer program but what the hell do I know.

I almost fell off my chair laughing when I saw this:

It reminded me of an experience a co-worker had when the first of the “as Told by Christian” books came out. A library patron came to the desk and wanted to reserve the “Christian Fifty Shades” book. The librarian thought that perhaps someone came out with a cleaned up version or something, partly due to the fact that there was NO NOTICE that this book was even coming out until like a day before it did. It was crazy! Most books are turned in a year or so in advance to get on the publishing calendar, but James had a turnaround in a matter of days. Or so the story goes. It’s not “Christian fiction”, also called Inspirational fiction and is usually a sweet romance with absolutely no sex whatsoever beyond a chaste kiss at the altar; it’s Christian Grey fiction, a huge difference!

What I did like about this book in particular was that we see how strong Ana really is. She may enjoy being controlled in the bedroom, but she is definitely her own woman in real life. Even in the Red Room, she safe-words and stops Christian when she’s had enough. Christian wants to include “obey” in the marriage vows; Ana is not having it. She drives his sportscar with as much finesse as he does, and gets her own for her birthday. She gets pregnant and he doesn’t want the baby; guess whose baby is sleeping in their bed?

I will say this: if you liked the other books in this series, and I did, then you will probably like this one. If you read the first book and thought there is no way you can put up with another smirk or Ana biting her lip, then pass on it. The same repetitiveness that plagues all the books continues here. The writing is still not brilliant; I’m guessing James does what she wants because IT WORKS. Screw the editors and have a good time reading this last chapter.

*Originally, James self published the Fifty Shades books as they were Twilight fan fiction. They were purchased by a small Australian publisher, then Vintage (an imprint of Penguin Random House, the largest publisher in the world) bought the rights and reissued the books with slightly better covers and the tiniest bits of editing they could get away with – not nearly enough. These last 3 “as told by Christian” books are published by Bloom Books, which appears to be James’ own publishing company. So self published again. She probably makes more money that way.

7/2021 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

FREED by E. L. James. Bloom Books (June 1, 2021). ISBN: 978-1728251035. 768 pages.

Kindle on sale for $3.99; not sure for how long but your library should have it as well. That’s where I got it.

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