Secrets (Web of Sin) - Aleatha Romig

I’m Sterling Sparrow, kingpin of Chicago.
I rule the world you see and the one good people pretend they don’t.

Nearly two decades ago, my father showed me a photograph—a girl with golden hair and light brown eyes—and told me that one day, if I proved myself, the girl would be mine.

Seasons turn to years and years pass.
Chicago is now mine.
It is time to claim my queen.

Araneae has been living in secret all of her adult life, from the clutches of a man and one man only, Stirling Sparrow. With no idea's on why she was forced out of the country by her own mother with the name of a strange man, Araneae must now try to piece together the clues she's been given even if the clues lead to memories she'd rather forget. 

Stirling has had his eyes on Araneae for a very long time, he knows what he wants and he certainly knows how to get it. Though trying to convince Araneae this is a little tricky. She's smart, independent and incredibly sexy - Is there more than meets the eye to her that Stirling doesn't know? Hardly, he knows all there is to know about her life and more. 

As the two become entwined in passion and hate, Araneae must learn how to trust the one man she's been told to stay far away from, though is it easier said than done? Once she trusts him, how much will she learn of her past that she would rather forget...including him? 

Secrets by Aleatha Romig, is the first in the Web of Sins trilogy series and oh my I loved it so much! I know I say this all the time but I actually may have found my match for Kitty French. The wording, world building and the characters just oozed class and sexiness. 

I adore Araneae so much, she's such a fierce and relentless woman who won't stand for anyones nonsense, which is bloody refreshing in books like this. She's certainly no hopeless damsel in distress. Stirling on the other hand, well...I don't know what to say, I mean he was extremely sexy (not as sexy as Lucian) but he's pretty close and the scenes! 

I did have a few down points, the way he sometimes spoke to Araneae didn't put me off as such but I don't think anyone would be talking to me like that anytime soon! Though she did put up a good fight, if not better!

I thoroughly enjoyed this series, it was full of action and suspense, many erotic scenes and the plot got thicker as I read on. I can't wait to start the next in the series and more of Romig's work. 

I will be giving this book 4 out of 5. 

Cawpile rating of 8.14

Girl, Stop Apologising - Rachel Hollis

Rachel Hollis has seen it too often: women not living into their full potential. They feel a tugging on their hearts for something more, but they’re afraid of embarrassment, of falling short of perfection, of not being enough.

She knows that many women have been taught to define themselves in light of other people—whether as wife, mother, daughter, or employee—instead of learning how to own who they are and what they want. With a challenge to women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams.

I'll be honest, 'Girl, Stop Apologising' is a book that I didn't know I needed in this Lockdown garbage at the moment. But I did need it and I'm so glad I read it.  

Hollis goes into all the nitty gritty on how you may be feeling, want to start a new business prospect or even just a hobby but don't know where to start? How about de-cluttering your mind or those pesky 'To Do' Lists? Or maybe even wanting to just have a bit more control on your life at the moment? 

I'm really happy I picked up this book, I read it on Audio through a Sribed trial and it was just what I needed. I know that many people have slated this book recently, which is fine and everyone has their own opinions. 

Yes she may have a big business, yes she may use nannies and other luxuries that many of us may not have...but why shouldn't she? She has worked her socks off and if she has the money and wishes to do so, then why not? I for one would probably do the same if I had the means - no I'm not bashing on her because she has worked! *Insert hand clamps here* 

Things that I have taken away from this book and plan to use for the future: 

• Change up my 'To Do' lists, make it into a task that has a reachable goal, that has more to it than just one words - I tried this as soon as I heard it with work and my god did it help me. 
• The 10/10/1 goal - I have written down my 10 things I would like in life, my 10 tasks on what I can do to achieve them and my 1 goal on how to get there. I see this everyday when I open my Bullet Journal. 
• Go FOR IT - If I want to start something new, or have a new idea, I now have it into my head to just bloody go for it and if it doesn't work, then at least I can say I tried. I'm no longer thinking "Someone else has done it, so there is no point" People may have already done it, but I have my own unique way of going about it and my own personal talents. Don't give up on something because it's already been done.  

If you're in need of a pick me up, you have ideas and just need a bit of a push or maybe, you just need a bit of a self-confidence boost, then I would suggest giving this book a read/listen to. 

I will be giving this book 4 out of 5

Cawpile rating of 7.00