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Madison Kate by Tate James | Series Review

Jul 15, 2021

The ‘Madison Kate’ series by Tate James has been on my tbr for some time now. I didn’t know if I was going to ever read it, but it had always been in the back of my mind. Recently after joining TikTok my need to read this series so I did it. I love that it’s on KU – it makes reading these series so much easier and I can do it. And after reading it, I thought I should share my thoughts with you all.

Just a quick preface, this series does include a reverse harem, dark themes and is 18+. The ‘Madison Kate’ series follows Madison after she is set up and charged with a string of offences and made an example of by her father. Now she is back in town and wants revenge. But what she doesn’t expect when she arrives back is Archer D’Ath and his merry men to be living right down the hall. There is a thin line between hate and love – and many lines are crossed in this series.

WARNING – There will be small spoilers from each book in this discussion. I’ve tried not to spoil too much, but there might be some here and there.

Hate: The first book in the series is an interesting one. A lot is going on and the reader is thrown into the thick of it. I actually liked it that way. I think it’s a great way to start not only a book but a series. It’s not only engaging but demands the reader to keep on reading the book. Hate starts off the night that kicks of everything. It’s intense, will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won’t be able to put it down. You know what is going to happen but you don’t know how and when. And then it does.

When Madison Kate returns she is out for revenge. But she is in for one hell of a surprise. Archer D’Ath and his boys and her new housemates. What starts as revenge turns into something more and MK doesn’t know what to feel.

MK is a very interesting protagonist throughout the whole series. She isn’t easy to like – but that made me like her even more. I really enjoyed that she wasn’t likeable, it added another dimension to this book and the series. She isn’t nice, she doesn’t want to be nice and she does not care what people think. That makes for a protagonist that is sharp-tongued, smart and knows what she wants.

The romance is very interesting. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a romance here in the first one yet. While it does become that in the rest of this series. There is still a lot of hate going on in this book, which stops all of them from having feelings. I enjoyed the tension between all of them. MK and Archer have the most hatred between one another. But that doesn’t stop her from having feelings for him. Or having any feelings for Kody or Steel.

Archer is a dick – but I still really enjoyed getting to know him. Kody is crazy and I loved it. He was the first of the men that I was able to connect with. And then there is Steel, who I think just needs a big hug and someone to hold him tight. I feel like the men didn’t have massive arcs in this book.

I did find the pacing a little strange for the first half of this book. However, I can’t exactly pick up what I didn’t like about it, however towards the end it really picked up and I couldn’t put the book down.

Overall, this is a fantastic start to the series and I’m taken aback by how much I did enjoy it. It has elements that I enjoy reading from other books – so it shouldn’t have been a surprise.

Liar: After the previous book’s ending, I just right into Liar – and let me tell you it was a ride. I think this is my favourite of the four books. It’s that great combo of being intense and full of high stakes, while also having those quiet moments that you love in a romance.

Liar pretty much starts from the ending of the first book. So the reader is thrown back into the world of MK and her men. At the moment a lot of what is going on between them is full of hate and dislike. This drives each of them to do some questionable things.

Along with all of this, MK’s stalker is now becoming much more dangerous. You have no idea what is going to happen next and that is what makes this book so intense. I have said this before, and I still stand by it. I don’t mind when I can guess a few things that might happen in a novel here and there. Especially in regards to a mystery. I think that makes for good writing. The author has left enough crumbs for you to figure out what is going on. And I think that is what happens here. I was able to guess a few things – but then other things were thrown at me. And I loved that.

The romance in this one is very interesting. You can see that all the boys care for MK and she cares for them. But they don’t nearly let themselves see it. There were so many times throughout this book that I wanted to just scream at them all. In saying this we do get some moments here and I loved it so damn much.

I also feel like we get to see more of Archer, Steele and Kody throughout Liar. They get to really become their own people here. They start to form a great character arc that goes through this book and the whole series. The reader also gets to see the men a little vulnerable here. Their walls start to break down just a little and they let MK in.

The ending on this one was intense! It was so intense that I had to put the book down just to wrap my head around what was happening. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It’s full of high stakes, the romance is intensified and I couldn’t put it down.

Photo by Nikola Jovanovic on Unsplash

Fake: I was not prepared for this book. I was not ready to be hurt. I was not ready for the pain. But also some of the confusion. I didn’t particularly like the way that this one started. It just felt like we lost something as a reader because of the time jump and what happened in it. Because of this, I felt very disconnected at the start. It took me a little while to get back into the story. But once that I did get into it, I wasn’t able to put it down.

This whole series has kept me engaged from the start. I managed to read the whole series in about a week because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. And this one especially kept me on the edge of my seat. There was just so much tension not only between characters but because of the plot as well.

MK is having a really hard time in this book. She feels alone, disappointed and betrayed. She trusted Archer and the boys and now she doesn’t know what to do with herself. Because of this, she puts her trust in some old and new faces – and things aren’t exactly how they seem.

Things are also starting to heat up in regards to MK and her stalker in this one. Things are getting out of hard. And while she knows that she can’t trust Archer, Kody and Steel. She does know that they will protect her. She is feeling helpless and she doesn’t like that at all.

I think we really get to see another side of not MK, but her men as well. MK starts to become not just physically but mentally stronger – and with what is coming she has to. The reader can see Archer, Kody and Steele vulnerable side. Which isn’t something they want anyone to see.

The romance in this one has its many ups and downs. After we find out the big news at the end of book three, there is a lot of hate going on between MK and the boys. There is also a lot of hurt in this one. But slowly as the novel goes on and the stakes get higher MK walls to start to break again. And she can’t help but let her men back in.

Overall, this was a great third novel in the series. The stakes are becoming even higher, the romance is heating up and MK is even more dangerous than before. But she not only has Archer, Kody and Steel by her side, but a few others that she didn’t know she would have.

Photo by Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash

Kate: I know I said it before but the intensity of this series is insane. I had to jump on the last book right away because I needed to know what on earth was going to happen next. If you thought the other books in the series had high stakes, then you are not prepared for this one. Everything we know has been leading up to this book and it didn’t disappoint. It’s high paced, intense and exactly what I wanted it to be.

Following the events from previous books, MK just wants everything to end. She has been stabbed, tormented, stalked and everything in between. She wants to move on, she wants freedom. And she wants her men. This is the book where we finally get to see them all let down their walls and let each other in.

As I said before, there were a few things that I already guessed in the previous books in the series. But there were a few surprises in Kate. I loved that I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen next, it made for a more intense and entertaining read.

The romance absolutely intensifies in this one. MK finally lets her walls down full and lets all her men in. She knows that they would do anything for her, especially love her. Archer was the most stubborn of the lot, but that is what makes their relationship much more interesting. It was fantastic. Both Kody and Steel were sweet and charming, but you never wanted to mess with them. You know from the start that they would do anything for MK. It was just great to see them all work together, try and figure everything out.

I haven’t really talked about this much, but I did want to make a quick mention of it. The writing style of Tate James is very easy to read. It just flows nicely, and I was never really stumped by anything. Sometimes I did feel that the pacing was a little off here and there, but it wasn’t a major deal. These are long books, and if you don’t like long romance books these aren’t for you. But I really did enjoy it.

Overall, this was a great ending to the series and a great pathway to the Hades series. MK was such a fantastic protagonist. She isn’t easy to love, but that is what makes her so interesting and addicting. Archer, Kody and Steel are rough and tough, but they protect their women with everything they have.

Photo by Sophie Keen on Unsplash

Overall, I had a blast reading the Madison Kate series. It’s not going to be for everyone. It’s dark and rough and it has a reverse harem. But it was so enjoyable. And now not only do I want the physical books of this series, but I can’t wait to start more from Tate James. I’m waiting till the Hades series is finished before I pick it up. But does anyone have an idea of what I should read next?

Have you read this series before? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Have you read many darker romances before? Let’s Chat!

Book Review: For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks

Jul 8, 2021

For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks

Pages: 308
Publish date: June 11th 2021
Publisher: –
ASIN: B08T8118SH
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

When wealthy Blake Mulligan gets jilted at the altar, he breaks free of his ‘predictable’ reputation by going on the honeymoon cruise anyway—without his snobby, socialite fiancée. For the next fourteen days, he hopes to escape reality and pretend he hasn’t suffered the humiliation of a lifetime. The last thing he expects is to meet beautiful songstress Jubilee Collazo with her honey-sweet voice.

Jubilee is talented and passionate and doesn’t just march to the beat of her own drum—she dances to it. While she longs to do more than croon cover songs from a cruise ship stage, she enjoys seeing the world. Her love of travel makes her the perfect person to show Blake around each exotic stop of the Mediterranean cruise.

What starts out as a simple tour guide arrangement, quickly grows into something more. Despite their different backgrounds, Blake and Jubilee discover an incredible connection they never imagined possible. But as their final destination approaches, so does reality. Like points on a compass, their lives seem to be charted in opposite directions—his to the Hamptons and high-society, and hers back out across the rolling seas. Can anything short of a perfect storm keep these two lovebirds together?

For Vacation Only:

I received an earc of For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks. I had seen it floating around the romance verse and it seemed just the read that I needed. A fun, easy romance that will just take my mind of everything. And it was that for sure. Even though I didn’t love the book, it was still a fantastic book.

For Vacation Only follows Blake Mulligan who is left before his wedding even begins. To get away from the aftermath that his ex-fiance has left him in, Blake jumps on the fourteen-day honeymoon cruise that they booked together. What Blake doesn’t expect is for Jubilee to turn everything he knows on its head. Jubilee love for travel has kept her working on cruise ships around the world, but she wants more than that. Blake and Jubilee hit it off right away. But they only have fourteen days together. They come from different worlds, but cannot help their feelings. However, will they last everything that is thrown at them?

Photo by Georgy Trofimov on Unsplash

This book was such a delight to read. Blake and Jubilee immediately made me want to keep on reading. You know those characters that just make you smile and warm your heart. But Blake and Jubilee did that for me. Even though the book is set over a short period of time, the character development of both Blake and Jubilee is fantastic. Add to that a great summer romance – and you are good to go.

Blake was such an interesting character in For Vacation Only. Blake has just been left at the altar and needs to get away from the pressure of his high maintenance family. What better way than on a cruise ship. Blake has come from money there is no denying it. He doesn’t know what it’s like to live day today. Blake lives in luxury. Jubliee opens his eyes a little more. His growth throughout the book was fantastic. He went from doing what was expected of him to someone who stood up for himself.

Jubliee was just so fantastic. I liked her spunk. Her determination. Though there were times where I felt frustrated with her. She just looked on the negative side of a lot of things and I just wanted her to happy. The reader is able to see her grow throughout the book. Another thing that I really enjoyed about Jubliee was her passion. She loved music, she loved getting to share that – and throughout the book, we not only get to see her grow as a person but with her music as well.

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

And while I did love so much about this book, things were missing for me. I wanted more from Blake and Jubilee. While I felt there was some connection between the two, I also felt that I was missing pieces. It was at like 90%, and then it dropped off. I was waiting for that last 10% to hit and it just didn’t. I loved that the romance was sweet and endearing but also didn’t shy away from sexy time. It’s something that I don’t read a whole lot of – and I really enjoyed that part of it. But as I said I felt like I was missing something between them.

I didn’t particularly like the time jumps at the end – we didn’t get to see them grow on the page here. While on the cruise we see nearly everything that happens, but after it is just told. It was only the last 10% or so of the book that I didn’t particularly love. I just felt disappointed in the ending. Not so how it ended – but things leading up to the ending.

I also wish we got to see a little more interaction between Jubliee and Blakes family and friends. We get to see Blake’s friends at the start but then we really don’t hear anything about them after that. His family isn’t great – like at all. But I adore that Blake is able to stand up to them. Jubliee’s family also is that crash hot. Her mother you can see does love her, but she doesn’t understand Jubliee. And that made me sad.

Photo by Fernanda Nuso on Unsplash

Overall, For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks is a great mix of sweet and sexy. It’s something that you can read in one sitting or over a few days. A great summer read that will take you on a journey. The romance was adorable. And I loved that we slowly got to see Blake and Jubilee fall for one another. A perfect read for you if you are looking for a sweet romance with a little spice.

Have you read For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks yet? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Let’s Chat!

I have also caved and recently joined Tiktok – give me a follow if you would like. I’m having a lot of fun at the moment.

Book Review: Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries

Jun 20, 2021

Undercover Duke (Duke Dynasty #4) by Sabrina Jeffries

Pages: 352
Publish date: May 25th 2021
Publisher: Zebra
ISBN: 9781420148589
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Along with his stepsiblings, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, is determined to finally solve the mysteries behind the suspicious deaths of their mother’s three husbands. Tasked with investigating a possible suspect, Sheridan finds himself in dangerous proximity to her captivating daughter, Vanessa Pryde. But still haunted by a tragically lost love, the duke is resolved to resist the attraction—and avoid any “scheming” husband-hunters. Besides, lovely Miss Pryde seems utterly smitten with a roguish London playwright…

Vanessa thinks a little scheming may be in order—for it’s Sheridan she truly has her sights, and her heart, set on. Her theatrical flirtation is intended only to break through his business-like demeanor and guarded emotions. And as Sheridan’s jealousy becomes aroused, the two soon find themselves propelled into a scheme of an altogether different kind, involving a pretend engagement, a secret inquiry—and a perhaps not-so-secret leap into true love…

Undercover Duke:

I received an e-arc of Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings.

If you don’t know already, I love reading Sabrina Jeffries books – I think she has become one of my favourite historical romance authors. This is the third series of her’s that I am making my way through and just loving it. You can check out my reviews on the rest of this series here and here. As well as my other Sabrina Jeffires posts.

Undercover Duke follows Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, as he and his family try and figure out, once and for all who has been killing their mother’s husbands and their own fathers. Now tasked with getting information out of one of the suspects Sheridan needs to get in her daughter’s good books. But it’s much more complicated than that. And as Sheridan and Vanessa become closer, things start to heat up. But they both have their burdens, but will they allow themselves to overcome them?

Photo by Liam McGarry on Unsplash

I adored this book. I couldn’t put it down and I was only a few chapters in. It’s not hard for me to read a Sabrina Jeffries book in one or two sittings. And the only reason this took me a little longer was that work has been crazy. Undercover Duke is filled with high stakes, a tense mystery and a romance that is addicting and a perfect slow burn.

I already enjoyed Sheridan from the previous books in this series, and Undercover Duke made me love him even more. He is charming and made me smile throughout the book. Throughout the book, the reader can see that Sheridan does care a lot about his family and wants to find out what happened to them. But he also didn’t expect to like Vanessa as much as he did. I liked that we get to see him grow throughout the novel and not only come to understand himself, but Vanessa as well.

Vanessa was a fantastic addition to Undercover Duke. I adored her so much. She was sassy and knew what she wanted. She played Sheridan in a way and I loved it. We also get to see her grow throughout the novel. At the start she is shy, but as the novel goes on and she and Sheridan get to know each other a little more, she pushes him. She is also very sneaky and I loved it! So much.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

I also really enjoyed the romance in Undercover Duke. What started as a fake courting – turned into something way more. I loved that they both used each other for other purposes, but they both fell hard and fast for one another. While Vanessa has liked Sheridan for some time, Sheridan has his own demons that he has to deal with. I do wish that this was explored more. I felt that once we were told about it – it wasn’t really talked about much again.

One of my favourite tropes, especially in historical romance is fake courting/marriage of convenience. And it worked just so well here. Everyone could see that Sheridan and Vanessa were falling for one another. But both of them were obvious to one another’s feelings. I also liked that it was a mix of sweet and sexy. It was a great combination of being soft, but then the heat can be turned up.

Now to the mystery element of not only this book but the series. While Undercover Duke isn’t as intense as the previous ones in the series, the ending had some high stakes. And I loved it. While I did guess little bits of the mystery, I still really enjoyed it. I always say, I necessarily don’t believe a book is bad if you guess what is going to happen. It means that the author left enough clues that you were able to figure out what is going to happen.

Photo by Diogo Nunes on Unsplash

Overall, I adored Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries. I think it was a fantastic addition to the series and just fit perfectly. Sheridan and Vanessa were fantastic together. I adored their banter, tension and just wanted to keep on reading. The romance was a nice slow burn and warmed my heart. If you are looking for a new historical romance series with a little mystery and some high stakes then pick up this series for sure. Not only does it have great characters, fantastic romances but it’s such a fun series to read.

And there we go! Have you read Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries yet? Have you read any of this series? What do you think of them? Have you read anything else from Sabrina? What is a recent historical romance that you have loved? Let’s Chat!