Lilian MonroeCritiques

Not enough groveling to overcome H’s 3rd act tantrum.

Low 3. Weird exterior drama that lacks enough exposition.

Stopping here with this series. Secondary characters (MCs’ families) were WAY more entertaining than the protagonists. Also, the “traumas” that sent the MCs spiraling? Pffffft. Not credible.

I am going to start off by saying that I wish this book had a different title. I get that the author was going for a series with catchy titles that were similar, but I think it sells the book short. While there is a little steam to this book, it is a lot more than that. If it had been left out, it would have been just as good of a romance story - at least to me. Fiona is recently divorced and Grant has been alone for 15 years after a very traumatic break-up. They seem to have an instant connection and there is definitely some physical attraction. They move a little fast and there is some fallout towards the end of the book, but we all know that there cannot be a true romance without an HEA. The personal growth both characters go through is the best part of the book.½

This was a solid 2.5-3 star book. This is an accidentally pregnant story, so you kind of know going in what's coming. Girl meets boy. Girl sleeps with boy. Girl gets pregnant. But beyond that, there is a bit more substance.

This is a "retelling" of Cinderella. You have a poor girl named Elle who gets dressed up and sneaks into a ball and ends up meeting the Prince. She even leaves behind her shoes. But that's pretty much where the similarities end. What follows is a sweet story of a good girl making the bad boy fall for her and change for the better.

And this boy is bad. He's the oldest and heir to the throne, but is constantly bumping heads with the king. His escape from the castle madness is random hook ups with different women. Until he meets Elle. At first he just can't get her out of his mind, but he eventually falls in love with her. However, they are in an impossible situation. He needs to find a suitable bride and Elle isn't "suitable" in his father's eyes.

Some people might not love this book. There is an introduction scene of the prince and he's in bed with another woman. And we learn later that he was in a scandalous affair with his governess when he was 15 and she was twice her age and he blamed himself because he wanted her even though she was so much older than him and he was a minor. So that part was gross. But the story overall wasn't bad.

DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: Being a U.S. Senator is my dream job... until my new bodyguard walks in and turns my whole world upside down.

Chris is the brooding, silent type, and he does something to my insides...
He turns them into a hot, sticky, not-befitting-of-a-public-servant, unholy mess.

When he swears an oath to protect me, I must admit my heart flutters the tiniest bit.

But as the danger around us heightens, I start to wonder who Chris really is.

Is he here to protect me, or is there something else going on... something he's not telling me?

When everything falls apart, I don't know if my new hero will still be by my side...
...and that scares me more than anything.

DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: I vowed revenge, and nothing can stop me. Nothing… except her.

Fifteen years ago, Senator Nathan Blanchet destroyed my life and ripped my family to shreds.
Then, I joined the Marine Corps and became a man.

I served my country,
...and I bided my time.

Now I’m back, and the senator has to pay.

This mission is headed straight for success.
Nothing can get in my way, until I see the senator’s daughter.

Sadie Blanchet is all grown up.
With those sweet, innocent eyes and never-been-kissed lips, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my vow.

Revenge is sweet… but Sadie is sweeter.
Before I know it, I have to choose between vengeance...

… and love.

DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: My high school sweetheart is trying to ruin my life… again.

A decade ago, Freddy Finch betrayed me. Now he’s back, and he wants me to be an undercover asset for the CIA.

When I think everything is going well,
when my paintings are finally selling,
when I might actually make it as an artist...

He shows up. He’s wicked, brooding, and every girl’s most sinful fantasy.

… including mine.

No problem, Finch. Just ruin my life, why don’t you. Again.

I’m stuck between a rock and a very large, very hard place.

But as the operation gets more dangerous, Freddy becomes more irresistible. I have to choose between trusting the man who betrayed me, or closing my heart off to him… forever.

Have you ever found yourself so engrossed in something that it pains to look away? Swear to Me is a tale of betrayal, redemption and drama that is a shock to the system. Mara is trapped in a world of dangerous games and vengeful people. She finds solace in the arms of the one man who could destroy everything she holds dear. Including her heart. Dominic is a man with much to prove, an ax to grind and a trusting heart to give. When his world crashes in around him, can he survive the aftermath? Lilian Monroe creates a story full of malicious hearts hiding in plain sight. Weeding out the predators from the survivors is an uphill battle, but an emotional experience. Hauntingly beautiful.