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ARC Review: Saving Mercy (Fatal Truth #1) by Abbie Roads

3/29/2017

 
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My Review

When the first chapter has you going “WTF?!?!?” in absolute horrific fascination you know you’re in for an interesting (understatement) ride and that’s what Abbie Roads served up in Saving Mercy. This book is more than just a romantic suspense. It has a touch of the paranormal mixed with all the goodness of a psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen next.

Cain Killion has lived with the stigma of been the offspring of a serial killer his entire life and all the crazy that comes with it. He’s learned to block it all out and does all he can to not only makes amends for the sins of his father, but to never become like him. My heart bled for Cain. From his first breath he was trapped in a nightmare and is always on guard. His walls are high and expectations of people, with very few exceptions, are low, so no one ever sees the sweet and considerate man with a gentle heart that only wants peace and a chance at happiness.

Mercy Ledger survived what should have been absolute death at the hands of a serial killer and has been living with the consequences ever since. She has had to pretend to be something she is not to survive as she hides away from the world.  God is Mercy strong, vulnerable in some ways, but so damn strong. The life she is living is definitely not the one she dreamed up before it all became a nightmare but by some miracle she’s been able to maintain her sanity and compassionate heart.

What happens when the only survivor of a serial killer and that serial killers offspring collide? The truth? No one can predict it, but what happens between Cain and Mercy was slightly cray cray and yet made perfect sense. While their nightmares may not have been the same, they were orchestrated by the same man and it forged a connection that neither could deny. From start to finish their relationship actually made sense to me and watching as they formed a tangible bond of their own making was the bright spot in the darkness.

Having read the Fatal Dreams series I knew Abbie Roads could weave a story and make even the most outlandish aspects work in a realistic way and she’s done that with Saving Mercy. The story was intriguing, though it does take a gruesome nature at certain times that may turn some off, but it is necessary to the storyline and I had fun trying to figure out “who done it” and found the reveal to be surprising and yet make absolute sense. There were some things that happened, or didn’t happen, that had me going. “Really? They didn’t...grrr.” and at times the book dragged for me and I had to keep from skimming things because I knew that there was a purpose to all of it and didn’t want to miss a thing. But overall, this was an awesome read and I’m looking forward to finding out if my guess at who the next book will be about is correct!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

First in a chilling new paranormal romantic suspense series from award-winning author Abbie Roads

He's found her at last
Cain Killion knows himself to be a damaged man, his only saving grace the extrasensory connection to blood that he uses to catch murderers. His latest case takes a macabre turn when he discovers a familiar and haunting symbol linking the crime to his own horrific past-and only one woman could know what it means.

Only to lose her to a nightmare
Mercy Ledger is brave, resilient, beautiful-and in terrible danger. The moment he sees Mercy, Cain knows he's the one who can save her. He also knows he's beyond redemption. But the lines between good and evil blur and the only thing clear to Cain and Mercy is that they belong together. Love is the antidote for blood-but is their bond strong enough to overcome the evil that stalks them?
Book Summary
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: April 4th, 2017
Pages: 320
Series: Fatal Truth #1
ISBN:  1492639230

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Meet the Author

Seven Things about Abbie Roads:

1.  She loves Snicker Parfaits. Gotta start with what’s most important, right?
2. She writes dark emotional books featuring damaged characters, but always gives her hero and heroine a happy ending… after torturing them for three hundred pages.
3. By day she’s a mental health counselor known for her blunt, honest style of therapy. At night she burns up the keyboard. Well… Burn might be too strong a word. She at least sits with her hands poised over the keyboard, waiting for inspiration to strike. And when it does—the keyboard might get a little warm.
4.  She can’t stand it when people drive slowly in the passing lane. Just saying. That’s major annoying. Right?
5.  She loves taking pictures of things she thinks are pretty.
6.  She’s represented by Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary.
7.  Her first book RACE THE DARKNESS was a Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick for Fall.

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ARC Review: The Unyielding (Call of Crows #3) by Shelly Laurenston

3/28/2017

 
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My Review

That’s why I’ve come to love and adore this series, the crazy, chaotic fuckery goodness. It didn’t start off that way, but now it’s what I look forward to when I dive into this series, just like her Dragon Kin series under her G.A. Aiken pen name. It’s over the top and at time even a bit much for me, but I love  how three dimensional the characters are under all the crazy and how the romance is quite unique to this crazy fun world.

I adored Erin and Stieg. Erin is irreverent and has no edit button, at least not one that she chooses to use in most situations. Her favorite past time is irritating as many people as she can and openly admits it to anyone who will listen. But despite her penchant for going off half cocked, she does care deeply for those she calls her own. Stieg is, well, a Raven. He is calm, collected and despite what the other Clans think, quite intelligent underneath the stern exterior. He’s more about thinking things through than going off half cocked and is content staying home watching American Greed and drinking a beer.

Their, um, romance is crazy, chaotic, fun, smexy and even sweet ~ in a way it can only be for a Crow and Raven ~ ride as these two extreme polar opposites collide. They end up getting under each other’s skin and find that despite their best efforts to stay away from each other, they keep being put together time and time again. But as they say, opposites attract, and Erin and Stieg end up fitting together in an almost practically perfect way as they fill in each others missing pieces.

The whole Hel/Gullveig/Ragnarok crazyness is amp’d up several times over and though I thought the storyline dragged a little, it was still fun to see how it all played out and I liked where things ended up.

I was hooked from the start and laughed all the way through the book. In fact I now have put a rule into effect that states that I am never to read one of the author’s books and be on the elliptical machine at the same time because I was laughing so hard I almost huli’d over (fell in Hawaiian) it was bad enough I was laughing while working out. As with the other books, this one is told in multiple 3rd person POV’s, some may get whiplash from it, but I enjoyed it. And with what happened in the epilogue, I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in series!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

Stieg Engstrom, Angriest Viking Ever, has got big problems. The human Viking Clans of earth are in danger of being obliterated—along with the rest of the world—and the only one who may be able to save them is a super pain-in-the-ass Crow. Most people annoy Stieg, but this is the one woman he really can’t stand…

Erin Amsel loves being a Crow! Why wouldn’t she when the other Viking Clans are so hilariously arrogant and humorless? She’s not about to let all that come to an end! She just didn’t expect to be shoulder to shoulder in battle with Stieg. Then again, he’s so easy to torment—and also kind of cute.

With the future of the world riding on them, Stieg knows he’ll have to put aside his desperate need to kiss the smirk right off Erin’s face. Wait. What? He didn’t mean that—did he? No! They have one goal: To conquer the idiots. Because nothing bugs Stieg more than when idiots win. If only he can keep himself from suddenly acting like one….
Book Summary
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Published By: Kensington
Release Date: March 28th, 2017
Pages: 400
Series: Call of Crows #3
ISBN13 9781617735141

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​Purchase Links

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Meet the Author

Originally from Long Island, New York, Shelly Laurenston has resigned herself to West Coast living which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Shelly Laurenston is also The New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, creator of the Dragon Kin series. For more info on G.A.'s dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, check out her website at www.gaaiken.com.
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Website | Goodreads

ARC Review of Hot Zone Series By Carly Phillips

3/27/2017

 
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MY REVIEW:

The entire Hot Zone series is a fun, fantastic read. 

The premise is amazing. Bachelor uncle forced to raise three nieces with the help of his beautiful secretary who is more than just his girl Friday from time to time. Now that they are older, he sets out to get them settled with three good men of their own. The series includes a book for each niece and one for a cousin. Definitely a series to take and read while at the lake this summer!

This series was received by me from the Author in exchange for an honest review.

Hot Stuff
Book 1

He’s about to find out …  She’s not just one of the guys.

Annabelle Jordan and her two sisters were orphans in frilly dresses when they went to live with their sports-lawyer uncle in his world of locker rooms, bookies and gambling. Now the girls are publicists in their uncle's firm, The Hot Zone.
Despite her upbringing, Annabelle is all woman. She's naturally drawn to real men—like her latest client, businessman and former football legend Brandon Vaughn.
The chemistry is potent, undeniable, irresistible. Annabelle soon realizes that Brandon is much more than just another jock. And that she'd better hold on tight if she doesn't want to lose her heart.  
Goodreads:

This new edition unavailable on Goodreads at this time

Buy links:

Kindle - http://amzn.to/2ggdE2T
Nook - http://bit.ly/2habcdT  
iBooks - http://apple.co/2hbi1tA

Kobo – http://bit.ly/2goP1jb
Google Play - http://bit.ly/2ggyRKk

​​Hot Number
Book 2

 
Micki Jordan is a tomboy as much at home on the playing field as in a locker room full of naked guys.
 
But the star publicist is looking to prove she’s also an irresistible woman in order to get a second shot at professional baseball player and major league playboy, Damian Fuller.
Micki transforms herself into one hot number Damian can’t help but notice and together they burn up the sheets and find themselves falling hard. Until Damian’s past returns, threatening their future.

Goodreads:

This new edition unavailable on Goodreads at this time

Buy links:

Kindle - http://amzn.to/2gG7PIv

Nook - http://bit.ly/2h11Ocr
iBooks - http://apple.co/2hkJJXz
Kobo - http://bit.ly/2goLGR0

Google Play - http://bit.ly/2gGuLHy

Hot Item
Book 3

Cool, collected Sophie Jordan loves her daily routine running her family's top sports management agency, as long as she gets to stay behind the scenes. But with big sister on maternity leave and little sis on her honeymoon, she's forced to step up to the plate. And a recent media crisis surrounding the disappearance of super-agent Spenser Atkins is not going to make the job any easier.

 
Enter star quarterback and notorious bad boy Riley Nash who, for reasons of his own, needs to track down Atkins. Up until now, Sophie has kept a strict no-dating-clients policy, but each day with Riley makes her rule near impossible to follow. With her job and her heart on the line, Sophie will need to make the toughest choice of her life!

Goodreads:

This new edition unavailable on Goodreads at this time

Buy links:

Kindle - http://amzn.to/2gGdWfS

Nook - http://bit.ly/2hkueij
iBooks - http://apple.co/2haw9W7
Kobo - http://bit.ly/2gG0OHD
Google Play - http://bit.ly/2hpv0Xi

Hot Property
Book 4

Just one short season ago, major league center fielder John Roper had it all: the looks—and personal life—of a sports hero and the public's adoration. But this hot property's lucky streak has run out. After a World Series disaster, fans diss him, shock jocks mock him and his dysfunctional family hassles him for money he really can't spare.

 
Now it's up to him, and Hot Zone publicist Amy Stone, to get his life back on track.
 
Amy finds it's easier said than done. What with the constant intrusions of his nutty family, a crazed fan playing stalker, and Roper's refusal to put his own needs first, she's starting to think that life in the fast lane isn't all it's cracked up to be. But when the two retreat to a secluded lodge, the sexy center fielder throws Amy a curveball—one she never saw coming...

Goodreads:

This new edition unavailable on Goodreads at this time

Buy links:

Kindle - http://amzn.to/2gG9QnL

Nook - http://bit.ly/2h3V6Q8
iBooks - http://apple.co/2ggG119
Kobo - http://bit.ly/2hp0zjY
Google Play - http://bit.ly/2h19c7g
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About the author:

After a successful fifteen-year career with various New York publishing houses, and over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels published, N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips is now an Indie author who writes to her own expectations and that of her readers. She continues the tradition of hot men and strong women and plans to publish many more sizzling stories. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She's a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she's a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at www.carlyphillips.com.

Website: http://www.carlyphillips.com/
Newsletter Signup: http://www.carlyphillips.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10000.Carly_Phillips
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Carly-Phillips/e/B001I9W0MS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlyPhillipsFanPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlyphillips

ARC Review: Kiss Marry Kill by Sidney (Iron Clad Security #1) by Sidney Halston

3/27/2017

 
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My Review

This was a fun, sweet, smexy and heartfilled second chance at love story with a well thought out and executed little mystery woven into it filled with interesting characters that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next with Jax and Megan’s relationship as well as find out just what the stalkers endgame was.

Jackson aka Jax is working on living a civilian life, but the guilt over an incident that occurred while still in the military is a huge weight on his shoulders that he cannot shake. I loved Jax. The man is a total take charge alpha male with a protective streak a country mile wide. He has his moments of going beyond being a neanderthal, but it’s not because he needs to feed his ego, it’s because he needs to protect those he calls his own. He’s charming and playful and has a heart of gold, even if he doesn't always acknowledge it.


Megan left one world behind to follow her dreams and through hard work, perseverance and a good dose of being in the right place at the right time luck she has achieved rock royalty status. I loved Meg’s moxie. She sassy and has a genuine and generous heart. I loved how she fought for what she wanted and didn’t have an issue voicing her opinion when necessary.

I loved how Jax and Meg were brought back into each others lives and how it kicked off their second chance romance. It wasn’t an easy one, what with the whole stalker thing and all the crazy that it brought with it, but it was a fun, smexy, sometimes frustrating, and yet ultimately satisfying one as we not only got to see them fight for each others happiness now, but from when they first collided. Being able to see who they were when they first met and who they were now was fun because in some ways they were the same in other not so much, but what was blatantly obvious was the spark between them had never died.

The writing was engaging and I was hooked from the very beginning. The 3rd person dual POV was done well and I thought the whole stalker issue was well thought out and executed. It kept me on my toes throughout the book wondering when the stalker would strike next and in what way. The supporting cast of characters were well written and added depth and entertainment to the story and I’m hoping that we get to see more of all of them as the series progresses.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~


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Description

Five years ago they fell in love after one whirlwind summer. Now she's an internationally famous musician and he's officially out of the military, but when their worlds collide, can they keep things strictly professional? Sweet, thrilling, emotional, and sexy, fall in love with Megan and Jax in USA Today bestseller Sidney Halston's Kiss Marry Kill.

He's been chasing a memory . . .

It was just supposed to be a regular Thursday afternoon…and then he saw her. Sitting in seat L214, one seat over from his at the baseball game, right next to her douche of a soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend. An impromptu kiss for the kiss cam, and Jax knew his life would never be the same. Five years and a tour in Afghanistan later, Jax is back stateside running his own private security firm, Iron-Clad, with his best friend. He isn't the man he used to be... but Megan isn't the sexy and sweet, though sheltered, twenty-two-year-old he left behind, either. And she's in trouble.

...but now they're on the run.

Megan Cruz has made something of herself. She’s turned her dreams of pop stardom into a reality. But when a deadly stalker breaks into her home claiming to be her number-one fan, the only person she can turn to is the boy who got away. But Jax isn’t the same carefree charmer who stole her heart, then broke it when he joined the military. This man is seductive, hard, guarded. And he'll do anything to protect what's his.
Book Summary
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Published By: St Martin’s Press/Swerve
Release Date: March 28th, 2017
Pages: 446
Series: Iron Clad Security #1
ASIN B01N02I98E

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Purchase Links
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Meet the Author

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: “Just Do It” Nike, and that’s exactly what she did. After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative romantic side and wrote Seeing Red, among four other novels currently in the works, including the sequel to Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal and she fell in love with writing.

Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she’s not writing you can find her reading and reading and reading… She’s a reader first and a writer second.

When she’s not writing or reading her life is complete and utter chaos trying to balance family life with work, and writing (and reading). But she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter ​

ARC Review: Forever Mine (Opposites Attract #2) by Erin Nicholas

3/27/2017

 
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My Review

Talk about living up to the series title. If you love an opposites attract story this is definitely the one for you.  Maya and Alex fall on the opposite ends of the spectrum in some ways and yet have such similar values that it makes it easy to how they can fit so well together despite their differences.

Maya is fearless. She goes after what she wants, sometimes without thinking and finding herself in not so great situations, but more often than not does end up achieving her initial goal. I loved her spontaneity and joy of life, as well as her huge heart.

Alex lives inside the lines. He plays it safe and rarely steps outside of the structured life he’s made for himself, but he is most definitely not a stick in the mud. He’s charming and has a way of setting people at ease around him and he’s easy on the eyes. But what made me love Alex was his need to connect with his daughter. He wanted to understand why she loved the things she does and made every effort to learn about all of it, down to the tiniest detail.

Maya and Alex’s journey to their HEA had a few bumps, but for the most part was a fun, sweet and flirty ride. I loved their flirtations as well as how honest they were with each other about their insane physical attraction to each other and it was fun to see Maya get under Alex’s skin and his struggle to stick to his self imposed rules. And though things do progress quickly, nothing feels rushed. They get to know each other and what makes them tick and end up admiring and respecting each other’s strengths instead of being intimidated by them.

As for the whole Charli (Alex’s daughter) and Rachel (Charli’s mom) situation I really liked how it was handled. It was done without an overabundance of angsty drama and more with common sense and maturity and put in a realistic light. I loved Charli and how comfortable she was in her own skin and loved what she loved.

This book was a fun and quick read. I did feel as if there was something missing from the story, what I still can name so I’m chalking it up to it just being a me thing, but overall if you love the opposites attract trope and likes things on the sweeter side of the spectrum then you most definitely need to give this one a go!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~


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Description

Maya Goodwin doesn't believe in holding back. Ever. As a cop, she never hesitated to throw herself into harm's way to save someone. Even after an injury on the job forces her to retire, she's not afraid to keep risking it all to get the life she wants. With a new career teaching martial arts to kids already underway, she's looking forward to the future - and taking a chance on the unbelievably hot Dr. Alex Nolan.

Maya - daring and spontaneous - is the exact opposite of what Alex always thought he wanted. But when a nine-year-old daughter he never knew existed shows up on his doorstep, Maya is the one who helps them hold it together. With love on the line, will the guy who's always played it safe be willing to take the biggest risk of all?
Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published By: Forever
Release Date: March 28th, 2017
Pages: 352
Series: Opposites Attract #2
ISBN:  1455539678

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erin Nicholas is the author of sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines and happily ever afters. She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they're shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

ARC Review of Claiming Grace By Susan Stoker

3/26/2017

 
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My Review:

Claiming Grace is the first book I've read by Susan Stoker, but certainly not the last and definitely not the first I've wanted to read. The first of the Ace Security series was a good start, in my opinion. It has all the feels one could ask for in a romance, including a few others, I hadn't expected.

Ace Security is the Anderson brothers who move back home after the tragic murder of their father, after years of abuse of their father at the hands of their mother. Her subsequent suicide means nothing to them, but their father's death solidifies their need to help others in the same situation. 

Logan, the eldest, having been the one who protected his triplet brothers from the fists of his mother growing up, was the cataylist behind the move, but not the only one with the expertise. All three brothers bring strong emotions to the table which will play an integral part in future books I am sure. In Claiming Grace, Logan's childhood sweetheart, of a sort, the girl who broke his heart by never writing to him when he went into the Army, is still his obsession as the story unfolds. 

Grace, we discover, has never let the torch for Logan burn out. Instead, things are brought to light which may be difficult for many readers may have difficulty reading, or may trigger memories they wish not to remember. How Stoker addresses abuse is definitely not placating and very real. 

The romance and healing processes of both Logan and Grace is sweet, loving and moves from innocent love of children to the lust and physical love of adults. I would really like to have gotten more into both their heads, but the story was fulfilling. We need more real Ace Security Agencies around.

**Received from NetGalley and Rockstar PR from the Author in exchange for an honest review.***

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Book 1 of 2 in the Ace Security Series
March 14, 2017


For Logan Anderson, moving on from a traumatic past means moving back to his hometown of Castle Rock, Colorado, to start a personal-security business with his brothers. But it's not long before Logan runs into Grace Mason, his best friend from high school…and the woman who never answered his letters during his Army years.
Grace was pleasantly surprised to see Logan return to Castle Rock, despite their falling-out ten years ago. Everyone always assumed they would end up together, including Grace, who had eyes only for him. But as Logan eventually escaped their town, Grace got pulled further into her family's controlling grasp—and farther away from the man she loved.
Now, united by scars both visible and not, the two must fight to free Grace from the suffocating hold of her family. But the Masons won't let go easily—and they'll do whatever it takes to keep the couple apart.
Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31562479-claiming-grace

Buy links:

Amazon Kindle - http://amzn.to/2fKDnNz
Amazon Paperback - http://amzn.to/2lzWtZM
Audible - http://amzn.to/2mgZ6Q5

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About the author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all-American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

Website: http://www.stokeraces.com/
Newsletter: http://www.stokeraces.com/contact.html
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8247140.Susan_Stoker
Amazon: http://amzn.to/23bGFeY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker/
Instagram: https://twitter.com/Susan_Stoker

ARC Review: Wild & Sweet (The Haven Brotherhood #2) by Rhenna Morgan

3/24/2017

 
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My Review

I loved Rough & Tumble (Book 1 in the series), the romance was smexy as hell and I the need to get to know the men of the Brotherhood and those they call their own better had me wanting to dive into Wild & Sweet sooner rather than later and I wasn’t disappointed. The romance was just as smexy, but with a touch of sweet that had me swooning and the need to sidle up to the brothers and find out just what makes them tick has been kicked up exponentially.

Zeke’s life could have gone in a very different direction had it not been for Jace and Axel’s interference and subsequent offer of joining Haven and has never looked backed. This man is all kinds smexy, determined, cocky alpha male without the asshattery, has the patience of a saint an iron clad code of honor and a compassionate heart which makes him all kinds of swoon worthy - panty melting goodness.

The trauma and fallout from a situation that occurred when Gabrielle, aka Gabe, was a young girl has sent her on a path where she has constructed walls so high that not only keep people out, but has trapped her inside her own tumultuous head. It’s funny, normally I’d be at my wits end with a character like Gabe no matter the events of that character’s past, horrible to admit, but true regardless, but that wasn’t the case here. I had my fair share of frustration with her where I wanted to Gibbs smack her, but despite her issues she is a sweet woman with a heart of gold that’s a bit bruised but not broken who does want to live, but doesn’t trust herself to let go. Her journey was a large part of what held my interest throughout the book and I really like where she was at in the end.

While there is insta attraction between Zeke and Gabe, their road to their HEA is a slow, sweet one with a lot of smexyness woven into it. The bumps in it aren’t surprising given Gabe’s frame of mind, but I loved how the were worked through with Zeke leading the way. His patience and honesty brought out Gabe’s true nature which in turn actually gave him an anchor that he never knew he needed. Their interactions were a bit awkward to start, but I loved how they grew more comfortable with each other in every way and though they do have a blowout, the end result brings them to a solid starting point for both of them and how they want their futures to be intertwined.

As always, the writing was engaging and the 3rd person POV was done very well. My one issue comes with the pacing and more specifically with the suspense aspect of the story. I loved that it didn’t overtake Zeke and Gabe’s budding relationship, that it was a true secondary storyline, but even though I figure things out long before the ending, I do wish it had been a little more present in the story. It took awhile to finally get to that moment where the pieces come together and then the resolution was, not rushed, but quick in the big scheme of things. It’s not a bad thing, I just wish we’d gotten a little more out of it. I loved getting to know Danny better and I’m really hoping we see more of April as the series progresses. As for the rest of the brothers and their family, I loved spending more time with them and wish I could be apart of their family. Axel is still my fav, but Knox is a very, very close second with Beckett not far behind, though after one particular scene Trevor is very much on my radar, so bring on Claim & Protect!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

Zeke Dugan is not a man who walks the straight and narrow. He may have sworn an oath as a trauma doc, but he has zero problem leveraging his medical skills outside a hospital if it means giving the Brotherhood—the group of men he calls family—an advantage. Blood before business. All that changes when shy Gabrielle stumbles into his life and ignites his protective instincts.

Mechanic Gabrielle Parker prefers the complexities of an engine over men. Her life wasn't always quiet and well-ordered, but now that it is, she finds peace in the solitude. When a robbery in her neighborhood forces her out of her safe bubble, she never fathoms that a dangerous, cocky trauma doctor will fix more than her injuries.

Zeke doesn't play by the rules that Gabrielle follows but knows that he's exactly what she needs in her life. He'll show her the fierce and uncompromising protection that comes from belonging to a man like him.

When tension outside the Brotherhood threatens Gabrielle, Zeke will do anything to keep her safe, and damn the consequences. No one will hurt his woman, even if it means putting the very men who saved his life at risk.
Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published By: Carina Press
Release Date: April 10th, 2017
Series: The Haven Brotherhood #2
ISBN13: 9781488024474

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Meet the Author

Rhenna Morgan writes for the same reason she reads—to escape reality.

A native Oklahoman with two beautiful girls and a fantastic husband, her resume reflects her passion for new experiences. Since graduating with a Bachelors in Radio, Television, and Film at Oklahoma State, she’s racked up positions ranging from on-air radio talent, skip tracer, and promotions director, to real estate agent, project manager, and business analyst.

Like most women, she’s got obligations stacked tight from dusk to dawn. That’s where the romance comes in. Reading, or writing, romance has been her happy place since she cracked the spine on her first Christine Feehan book years ago. Nothing thrills her more than the fantasy of new, exciting worlds, and strong, intuitive men who’ll fight to keep the women they want.

Whether it’s contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy you’re after, Rhenna’s stories pack romantic escape for the women who need it.
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ARC Review of The Wolf Mirror By Caroline Healy

3/23/2017

 
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Title: The Wolf Mirror
Author: Caroline Healy
Publisher: Fire and Ice Young Adult Books
Publish Date: February 14, 2017
Genre: YA, mystery, romance, time travel

Synopsis:

Cassie throws the first punch in a brawl at Winchester Abbey Girl’s School. Her subsequent suspension is a glitch in Cassie’s master plan; Finish School/Get Job/Leave Home (and never come back). As punishment her mother banishes her to Ludlow Park, their creepy ancestral home. In the dark of a stormy night Cassie finds herself transported to 1714, the beginning of the Georgian period.


With the help of a lady’s maid and an obnoxious gentleman, Mr Charles Stafford, Cassie must unravel the mysterious illness afflicting Lord Miller, a malady that could guarantee his untimely death. If Lord Miller kicks the bucket the house goes to Reginald Huxley, the brainless cousin from London.

Cassie’s task is to figure out who is poisoning the Lord of Ludlow without exposing herself to the ridicule of her peers, getting herself committed to the asylum or worse, married off to the first man who will have her.

Cassie must learn to hold her tongue, keep her pride in check and reign in her rebellious nature - because the fate of her entire family, for generations, rests on her shoulders.

Meanwhile, Lady Cassandra Miller frantically searches for her smelling salts or her trusted governess Miss Blythe, whose soothing advice she would dearly love. Instead Cassandra finds some woman and a boy squatting in the Ludlow mansion; her father, her lady’s maid and all the servants have magically disappeared.
Tell-a-vision, the In-her-net, horseless carriages and women wearing pantaloons; Cassandra is afraid that she might have inhaled fowl air causing her to temporarily lose her senses.

With the help of Tallulah, a black witch, Cassandra finds her feet in this strange land, challenging Becky ‘The Troll’ Travers , learning about feminism and standing up for what’s right.

Only when both girls can get over their pride, societal prejudices and self-importance will they be able to return to their rightful century. Until then, they are free to wreak maximum damage on their respective centuries.

My Review: 

The description of the book was intriguing. I was excited to start reading since I'm always looking for books I can recommend to my students; especially the girls. This book has two strong female protagonists, which is a huge draw, and the story line itself is interesting. Cassie's part of the story starts off with a bang and I thought the rest of the story would hold my attention like her clash with her mother did. 

The characters struggle to find their footing in the time periods they find themselves  living in unwittingly. Cassie has to curb her usually stubborn personality and Lady Cassandra has to learn to let go of her control. Both girls are facing unfamiliar territory as they try to maneuver through the different centuries. Cassie has to be careful though because the fate of her family rests in her hands whether she likes it or not. Lady Cassandra has the more interesting transition due to her lack of knowledge about the modern world. She's stumbling through discovering technology and understanding why girls wear pants which is funny in and of itself. 

​Unfortunately, I struggled to get through the book. I liked the idea of falling through a mirror and discovering you're in a different time period. That was a unique approach that had so much potential, but this story fell a little flat. I suppose it is because nothing was really surprising- I could guess what was going to happen next and that was disappointing. 

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ARC Review: Royally Roma (The Royals #1) by Teri Wilson

3/22/2017

 
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My Review

I was really looking forward to diving into Royally Roma. New to me author, Rome as the setting and who can pass up a retelling of Roman Holiday? But as much as I tried, and believe me I tried, I just couldn’t seem to find a way to connect with the characters and without that connection I couldn’t get lost in the story.

This isn’t to say that I didn’t like Nico or Julia, I thought that they were both quite likeable characters in all honesty. Nico has toed the line since the day he was born and never thought twice about it. His sense of duty, honor and responsibility were all qualities I admire in anyone. His act of “rebellion” also fit along those lines because instead of going on a bender, he went sight seeing. Julia’s life was torn apart. Twice. But she is still determined to have her dreams become reality and is doing all she can to make it happen. I honestly loved how Julia picked herself up, pulled on her shitkickers and moved on with her life, this isn’t to say that she doesn’t have wounds and scars from what happened to her, because she does. But instead of fully immersing herself in a pit of despair over it all she’s only wading in while trying to find a way out of it.

Their relationship was very ‘insta’, insta-lust, insta-attraction, almost insta-love ~ yes, it is a thing when they think it and the waffle over it ~ and while I normally have no issue with it and can roll with it with the best of them, it didn’t work here for me. The spark was missing for me and by the time they got to the bare your soul portion of the story, I was just like “Okay”. Which was pretty much my reaction at the end when they do finally end up together.

But while Nico and Julia didn’t get me going, I did really enjoy the fun little historical facts about Rome that were in the book, some I new, others were brand spanking new to me and were definite bright spots in the story. It’s always painful to admit a book didn’t move you because we always want them to be absolutely, but it happens and while I can see how others will absolutely love this story and the characters, it’s a miss for me and I’m chalking it up to being a “It’s not you, it’s me” situation.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~


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Description

In this charming, modern retelling of the classic Audrey Hepburn film Roman Holiday, a royal prince tries to escape his hectic and rigid life and ends up leading a young graduate student on a chase through the Eternal City.

Julia Costa is too busy trying to complete her PhD while also holding down a full-time job as a private tour guide in Rome to keep up with celebrity gossip. So when she crosses paths with a real, actual prince, she mistakes him for a client and takes him on a daylong tour of the city.

Intrigued by the idea of spending time with someone who obviously has no idea who he is, and delighted at the prospect of a day free of royal obligations, Niccolo La Torre, Crown Prince of Lazaretto, acts on impulse and assumes the role of Julia’s client. He swears to himself that he’ll return to his royal duties after only half a day…but he’s having the time of his life.

Until Julia presents him with the bill. Since he snuck out of the hotel without so much as a dime, he tries to escape, only to discover that she won’t let him out of her sight until he can pay her back. She’s determined to get her money…and perhaps more from the handsome stranger she’s fallen for
Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published By: Gallery Books/Pocket Star
Release Date: March 27th, 2017
Series: Royals #1
ASIN B01JGQAHQU

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Meet the Author

Teri Wilson is a romance novelist for Harlequin, Pocket Books and Tule Publishing. Her novel UNLEASHING MR. DARCY is now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie, and she currently has three other films in development with the Hallmark Channel. Teri is also a contributing writer at HelloGiggles.com and Teen Vogue, covering books, pop culture and everything royal. She's crazy about cute animals, vintage fashion and traveling. Visit her at www.teriwilson.net or on Twitter @TeriWilsonauthr.

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If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock

3/21/2017

 
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If I'm Found
by Terri Blackstock
  • Published: March 21, 2017
  • Publisher: Zondervan (March 21, 2017)
  • Print Length: 384 pages
  • ASIN: B01HAKH212
  • Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads







Synopsis 

Casey Cox has been framed in the murder of her best friend by a shady detective on the local police force. She goes on the run changing her identity a few times to stay one step ahead. Dylan Roberts is a private investigator hired by the detective to find Casey. Little does the detective know; Dylan believes Casey is innocent. Together Dylan and Casey must find a way to prove her innocence so Casey can stop running.

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My Review

I didn't know going in that this book was the second in a series as I was given an ARC to read. Had I known, I would have read If I Run first. However, this was still a good story. I only wish I had the entire story, the background. My suggestion is, read the first book before this. It will save you the hassle and wonderings of 'what?' that you will ask yourself quite a few times.

Casey is on the run from the law. She was found to have been at the scene of her best friend's murder. Casey didn't do it. But she thinks she knows who did, she just has to prove it. She cannot prove it from behind bars though, if she even would live once arrested. But she has to find the killer and prove it. 
To find this killer means Casey is on the run --on the run from the police, the investigators, and the killers. She buys wigs, fake IDs, travels by bus, uses cash to buy a car, and using her fake name, lands a job. 

However, Casey is a fixer of problems. Anyone or anything she comes across that she finds to be not right, she has to make it right. But in doing so, she causes more problems for herself, and sometimes others, than she bargains for. She just cannot keep her nose out of other people's business... even though she only means well. 
A murdered friend, an abused child, drug addicts, police-gone-bad, and a detective who believes her, but has to pretend that he doesn't. 

This story takes the reader through a whirlwind of head-spinning ideas and actions, but only solves some of the issues in the book. This means there HAS to be another story to finally give us the answers we are all needing, the answers to the main concept of the story. 

The writing is not too shabby at all. I enjoyed the book, the writing style. But each chapter can be told by a different character, and each character is in first person, present tense. This was mind-boggling to me, so make a note to pay attention to the title of each chapter. The dialogue isn't always the greatest, nor is the interaction with other characters, it feels stiff at times. But Casey, on her own, in her own thoughts, her ideas, her actions - superb!
The quotes added to each chapter were a grand touch. Much appreciated by me at least. 

I am now in need of finding answers - which means I need the next story. Have I ever mentioned how I do not like cliff hangers? This one isn't a cliff-hanger per se, as it does give clues and answers to some of the mysteries of the book... but more is needed. Is it the same people who killed her father? Will they ever declare her father's death a murder, not a suicide? Are there more police officers, detectives, agents involved? Is it extortion? Or is there another concept behind it all? And will Casey's sister be left alone - or will they go after her next?

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Home by Ginny L. Yttrup

3/20/2017

 
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Home
by Ginny L Yttrup
  • Publication Date: March 15, 2017
  • ​Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (PB 4.1.17)
  • Print Length: 322 pages
  • ASIN: B01LXRCAGH
  • Genre: Women's Fiction
  • Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads


  • Synopsis


When novelist Melanie Vander faces a looming deadline, she decides it’s time for an escape to an inspiring, novel-worthy locale. She’s not running away. Really. She just needs time to focus. But as she disappears into her writing, she encounters a man whose tenderness leaves her reeling. Engaging and wise, psychologist Elliot Hammond tempts Melanie to question everything, including her marriage.

But that’s ridiculous. Dr. Hammond isn’t even…real.

Melanie’s husband, Craig, has his own problems, including a recession that’s threatening his business. Waning finances, a looming home foreclosure, and a wife who’s checked out emotionally, has Craig feeling as though he’s carrying his burdens alone. When his client, the beautiful and single Serena Buchanan, offers him a solution to his financial woes, he’s tempted by more than her offer of a business solution. 

At a crossroads, Melanie and Craig seem headed in opposite directions.

As Melanie runs away from her problems by escaping into her own fictional world, Craig dives into his struggles, seeking God for strength and healing for his marriage. Ultimately, Melanie must choose whether she’ll check out completely, or allow her characters to lead her home​.


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My Review 

This is not just the story of Melanie and Craig. This is a story of their friends, mental illness, depression, OCD, the thought of an affair, children, marriage in general, and the hardships that marriage can face, especially after a great loss. 

I found myself completely enthralled with this story. I couldn't stop reading. Whether it was Melanie's POV or Craig's, or her best friend's, it didn't matter. It grabbed ahold of me and wouldn't let go. Perhaps it is because I have felt what the characters felt, or because I am going through in my life now what they are going through, or maybe it is just because the story is so well written, it filled my heart and mind. 

Melanie and Craig have been married for numerous years. He's a contractor/construction worker, building the grandest of homes. She's an author, and presently is having the hardest time putting her thoughts into words, her words into a story, and even more, keeping her thoughts from wondering. She has an idea to change the story, but her editor isn't thrilled. So she tries to make the story fit, but it just isn't happening. A friend of hers offers a beach house to get away to for some time, to find peace, to find the story that needs to be written. 

While this is going on, her marriage is on the rocks. Is it just Mel that checked out? Or did Craig check out too? Does it have anything to do with the woman Craig has been renovating a house for? Or is it due to a loss so great, so heartbreaking, that when never dealt with properly, lead to the effects of this shattering story of theirs?

Even when trying to find their own place in their relationship, their work, this world; both Craig and Melanie are still there for their best friends, their neighbors, who are having a go of their own. Can they keep their own heads above water (or wine), or do their own troubles and turmoils tear their marriage apart? Or will they truly find themselves called back home?


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ARC Review: Crossing Hearts (Atlanta Skyline #1) by Rebecca Crowley

3/20/2017

 
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My Review

I waffled over my rating for this one because as a whole, I enjoyed the book. I loved seeing the U.S. through Rio’s eyes and experiencing his struggle to find his place in it. What I had a hard time with was the roller coaster ride that was Rio and Eva’s relationship. I didn’t hate it, in fact there were some great moments between them, but oh god the angstyness drove me batshit crazy and had me wanting to toss my Kindle into the freezer a few times.

I really liked Rio. He gives his all and wants to be the best at what he does so that he doesn’t disappoint other, but also himself. While a great trait he doesn’t know the meaning of moderation and balance and that gets him into trouble. But despite that issue, he is truly a genuine person and definitely falls under the category of what you see is what you get and watching as he worked to find his footing in his new life only endeared him to me even more.

For the most part, I liked Eva. She didn’t have an easy childhood, but she has worked hard to rise above it when it comes to her professional life and has more dreams that she that she is working on making a reality. She has a generous heart and truly wants to help those who have no one to turn to. But, and believe me when I say that it’s painful for me to say this, BUT the girl’s got issues and dear lord did she drive me batshit crazy. I understood where her insecurities came from, I did and my heart hurt for her, but damn the woman needed to have someone give her a huge dose of tough love and then a big hug.

The push and pull of their relationship because they didn’t communicate, kind of ironic considering their professional relationship, was frustrating and though much of it came from Eva, Rio threw his own issues into the ring as well. If having conversations in your head and assuming you know exactly what the other person is thinking/feeling was an event in the Olympics, these two would win the gold. It was crazy. But when they weren’t doing their best to keep the other at arm’s length and were chill, I really liked them together. There was an ease to their interactions as they got to know each other that showed how good they could be together once they both got over themselves. Their journey was a bumpy one, very bumpy, but they both did evolve along the way and became stronger for it.

This was my first read by Rebecca Crowley and overall I enjoyed it. I thought the author handled the hot topic issue with care and respect and while I’m no soccer aficionado by any means, and my knowledge is on the low end of basic, but her descriptions of what was going on either on the pitch or in training made it easy to visual what was going on. I’m interested to see what is coming up next for the series and will keeping an eye out for the next book.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

New to the U.S. soccer scene, not to mention the English language, compact yet explosive Chilean soccer legend Rio Vidal is driven to define a role on his new team, Atlanta Skyline. But he must also adapt to a new culture—and accept that he can’t do it alone. His beautiful interpreter, Eva, has been his voice, his refuge. But she is becoming so much more. If only he could convince her he isn’t like the other men she’s worked with, players on—and off—the field.

As a translator for pro athletes, Eva Torres is used to dealing with self-interested super stars. But Rio seems different, and she’s blindsided when he locks eyes with her across a church pew. By now, after weeks of close contact with the endearing athlete with whom she shares a language, her thoughts are far from holy. She must remind herself flirtation is probably just his default style. Plus, she’s the only one he can really talk to. But when his ambition threatens to derail his career—and their deepening connection—they’ll both have to lay their hearts on the center line.
Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Sports    
Published By: Kensington
Release Date: March 21st, 2017
Series: Atlanta Skyline #1
ISBN13:  9781516102624

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Purchase Links
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| Google Play

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Meet the Author

Rebecca Crowley inherited her love of romance from her mom, who taught her to at least partially judge a book by the steaminess of its cover. She writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense with smart heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, and never tires of the happily-ever-after. Having pulled up her Kansas roots to live in New York City and London, Rebecca now resides in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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ARC Review Sight Unseen By Susan MacNicol

3/17/2017

 
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My Review:

Whenever I read a Susan Mac Nicol book I never know what to expect as I turn each page.  From her Men of London series to her individual titles, each story holds something new and yet familiar.  This book was no different, because I did not know what to expect.

What jumped out at me at first was where the story took place.  As a native from Southern California myself, it is always interesting to see a story set in an area that an author does not live near, but Susan did a great job setting the scene.  While not everyone from CA is a free spirit who either surfs or frequents night clubs, she was able to make these fit into a story that was not only believable but helped to see the other side of what some would think is a glamorous lifestyle and show it for what it can be; consuming and sometimes lonely.

The characters, Nate and Cody were sweet, and it was easy to follow their story of a love that never had a chance.  It was heartwarming how Cody held a torch for Nate all the years that they had remained “just friends” and was clueless to as why it was that way.  It was something that happens quite often in everyday life, and it made it all the more joyous when the two were able to get beyond their friendship and take the next step.  Cody’s undying support of Nate and the way that he does not let his new disability change the way he feels about him, gives the reader hope and makes him all the more loveable.   Nate’s ability to work past his tragedy, and not only flourish but succeed in his career is something that the reader needs… because it opens up the possibility that we can truly makes something happen if we believe that we can do it, and ultimately if we try and never give up.  

All in all, the story was a great read, and I am left wondering if Susan is going to make another series, or leave this story as a stand alone book.  But, I can tell you this… you will be wondering if “something” is going to happen throughout the book, and no… I won’t tell you what.  You will just have to find out for yourself or rather… ‘see’ for yourself!

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Blurb/Synopsis:
 Sometimes we don’t see love coming ♡
Tragedy brings together a reserved but brilliant sculptor and an outgoing gallery owner, friends whose love was sidetracked but was always meant to be deeper.

BLINDSIDED

SoCal natives, Nate and Cody have been friends since childhood. Both knew they were different—and the same. At seventeen, a stolen weekend in the Florida Keys drove their connection deeper and hotter than either could imagine. They were meant to be together. Then, for reasons only Nate knows, suddenly they weren’t.

They’re still friends. Best friends. But they’ve moved on and found other partners. The yearning remains, however, despite the long-ago secret that drove them apart, when tragedy strikes, both men find themselves in the dark. They must grope their way back to who and what they are…which they will find in each other’s arms. Sometimes, losing one’s sight can open one’s eyes—and heart.
Book Links
Smashwords| Amazon US | Amazon UK | iTunes | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
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Susan Mac Nicol
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Susan Mac Nicol is a self-confessed bookaholic, an avid watcher of videos of sexy pole dancing men, self-confessed geek and nerd and in love with her Smartphone. This little treasure is called ‘the boyfriend’ by her long suffering husband, who says if it vibrated, there’d be no need for him. Susan hasn’t had the heart to tell him there’s an app for that…
She is never happier than when sitting in the confines of her living room/study/on a cold station platform scribbling down words and making two men fall in love. She is a romantic at heart and believes that everything happens (for the most part) for a reason. She likes to think of herself as a ‘half full’ kinda gal, although sometimes that philosophy is sorely tested.
In an ideal world, Susan Mac Nicol would be Queen of England and banish all the bad people to the Never-Never Lands of Wherever -Who Cares. As that’s never going to happen, she contents herself with writing her HEA stories and pretending, that just for a little while, good things happen to good people.
Sue is also a PAN member of the Romance Writers of America and a member of their Rainbow chapter as well as a member of the Romantic Novelists Association in the UK.
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Nicholas Downs
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Nicholas Downs is a successful film, television and stage actor, who has also appeared in many national television ads. Originally from a small town in Iowa, Nicholas is one of ten children. He fell in love with acting the moment he first discovered a stage and has been working on his craft ever since.
His feature film roles include both Hollywood blockbusters Pearl Harbor, The Girl Next Door, Constantine, The Holiday as well as award-winning indie features 16 to Life, The Awakening of Spring and Anderson’s Cross. Nicholas can be seen on hit television shows including NCIS: Los Angeles, Castle, Cold Case, Boston Public, The Young and the Restless, The Guardian, Make it or Break it and the recent Lifetime Movie, Beautiful and Twisted.
This has been a busy few years for Nicholas, who was cast in leading roles in the feature films, Is It Just Me? (winner of numerous festival awards) - and The Apocalypse… According to Doris. He has traveled internationally to promote Is It Just Me? and 16 to Life at several film festivals (Palm Springs International Film Festival, Polar Lights International Film Festival, Asheville Film Festival). In Detroit, Is It Just Me? won Best Feature at the DIFF and in Hawaii it won the prestigious Rainbow Award.
Nicholas website:  http://www.nicholasdowns.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas-Downs-97159977384/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicholasDowns

ARC Review: The Black Lily (Tales of the Black Lily #1) by Juliette Cross

3/16/2017

 
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My Review

When I heard that Juliette Cross was going to be putting her own paranormal twist on some very well loved fairy tales I started making grabby hands, while doing a lot of the practicing patience thing and though it did take me a little longer to dive in that I intended, I wasn’t disappointed. She has created a vibrant world and filled it with characters that I need to know more about, even the baddies and woven humor, heart, suspense and a good dose smexyness into it that had me turning the pages until there were no more to turn.

I adored Marius. He is a vampire and a prince, but he’s nothing like you’d expect him to be. He believes in the superiority of his race and status within it and though the arrogance that comes with that belief is woven into his very being, it doesn’t suffocate. He’s all kinds of charming, confident, intelligent, smexy alpha male goodness and all of that combined with his compassionate heart makes him all kinds of swoon worthy.

Arabelle and I had an interesting go of it. Overall I loved the girl. She genuinely cares for her people and though she is just a servant she is willing to do all she can to better their lives, even if it mean sacrificing hers. She could have turned her back on the problems, and even turned callous and cold, but didn’t. But for all I admired her, her tunnel vision in the beginning had me twitching. She has just cause for her feelings, but the soapbox she put herself on was not as sturdy as she believed.

Marius and Arabelle’s road to their HEA was a bumpy one for many reasons, but it was a fun and smexy one as they forced each other to open their eyes to the true reality of the world they lived in. I enjoyed the push and pull between them because it not only made the sexual tension between them that much hotter, but it forced them to get to know each other beyond their station in life and come to realize that they had much more in common than they could have ever imagined.

It’s not secret I’m a huge Juliette Cross fangirl and a good portion of that has to do with how well she builds the world her stories are set in. They are vibrant, even in their darkness, and she has a way of making you want to explore every nook and cranny of it. She creates a history of the world that is believable even though you know in your logical mind that there is no way it can exist and yet you want to get lost in it and that’s what she done once again with The Black Lily. On top of all of that she brings to life characters that you want to know more about and spend time with, even the ones you want to gut with a spoon and there are many I’d love to cozy up to here. As this is the first in series, there is a lot of information being thrown at you, but it’s done in a more show not tell way so it isn’t overwhelming. I do have one, well, two bones to pick with Ms. Cross, but neither are about the overall story arc of the series, which I thought was well done and cannot wait to see how everything plays out down the road!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

Cinderella like you’ve never seen before…

With the threat of the vampire monarchy becoming stronger every day, the Black Lily must take drastic measures. As the leader of the underground resistance, Arabelle concocts the perfect idea to gain the attention of the Glass Tower. Her plan? Attend the vampire prince’s blood ball and kill him. Fortunately for Prince Marius, her assassination goes awry, and Arabelle flees, leaving behind only her dagger.

Marius is desperate to find the woman whose kiss turned into attempted murder, hunting for the mysterious assassin he can’t push out of his mind. But what he uncovers could change the course of his life forever…

Book Summary
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published By: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: March 27th, 2017
Pages: 300
Series: Tales of the Black Lily #1
asin: B06XC4R44J

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Purchase Links
Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Google Play | iBooks

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Meet the Author

Juliette lives in lush, moss-laden Louisiana where she lives with her husband, four kids, and black lab, Kona. Multi-published author of paranormal and urban fantasy romance, she loves reading and writing brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

You can discover more of Juliette and her books on her website.​
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ARC Review: Ride Hard By Laura Kaye

3/14/2017

 
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My Review: 

I've been wanting to read the interconnecting series for awhile now and have several in my personal library. However, I knew I needed to read Ride Hard before I read Hard As Steel, if just for my own personal reasons. I was not disappointed. 

The first of any series, to me, is like an awakening. It's fresh, alive, vibrant. The coming of age from idea to reality. In this case, Haven. From girl to woman. Dare. From President to President and man. Any adult knows having what you want in life isn't always easy. Loving, respecting one another is fundamental to sharing this world with those who live in it no matter their back grounds, history or the way or circumstances they were raised in.

Kaye does a wonderful job of showing us this. Taking what is perceived as the rough and unforgiving world of MC and illustrating to us in every world there is the good, bad and horrible. The outward appearance matters little. Yes, this is a love story. Yes the sex is hot, fantastic and the story predictable in certain areas. What is also true, is the depth of each character is displayed in such a way you would believe Dare is the guy you may avoid every summer when pays for gas before hopping on his hog and riding away. It also means the lady waiting patiently for him beside the bike could be Haven as she wraps her legs tight to his thighs. This is a story more about what family should be, than what it legally is. Touching on the prettier face of abuse, skimming just the top of why women do not leave abusive relationships and why some men do whatever it takes to protect those who cannot help themselves. It's a winner in my book.

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Brotherhood. Club. Family.

They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders…
 
Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He’ll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers—the only family he’s got—as well as those who can’t defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club’s doorstep scared that she’s being hunted, Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.
 
Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man’s promises, including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens’ leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life, Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.
 
The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon’s never backed down before…
 
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ARC Review: Claiming Grace (Ace Security #1) by Susan Stoker

3/10/2017

 
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My Review

I didn’t expect that. The description is accurate. Very much so. But I wasn’t expecting THAT. It’s not a bad thing, not really, because that whole situation kept me at the edge of my seat, but holy hell. But outside of that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was sweet, smexy, suspenseful and filled with characters that I want to get to know better.

Logan’s childhood was no fairy tale. He battled every day to keep himself and his brothers safe and left as soon as he could with the knowledge that his brothers were also getting away from the hell they lived in. I really liked Logan. He’s got a good heart and once he sets a path for himself he doesn’t back down. But there were moments where he needed a good swift kick in the arse, in fact one time I really did wish his friend had hit him, but he quickly got his head out of his ass and showed what a good guy he really was.

On the outside Grace looks perfect. Well off family. Good looks. Intelligent.  A secure job in the family business, but looks can be deceiving. I loved Grace she has a kind and gentle soul and, when given the opportunity, can be quite feisty. But the secrets she has to hide are slowly killing her and though I understood what was happening to her, I wanted to smack some sense into her and have her fight for herself and her happiness. Thankfully, we finds the strength and it was a joy to watch her become the woman she was meant to be.

Logan and Grace’s road to their HEA was an interesting one. The obstacles they faced weren’t due to anything they did or didn’t do, but due to outside interference. The one main issue between them was resolved early on in the book and I liked how it was dealt with and though I liked them together in the end, the beginning, after they resolved their issues, was a bit off for me. I can’t put my finger on it, but I wasn’t feeling the intensity of their feelings towards each other. As the book progressed and they re-connected it got easier to see why they were a perfect fit for each other as they not only helped each other to heal, but become stronger.

While the reason for the birth of Ace Security is a sad one, I loved what it stood for and what the brothers wanted to accomplish through it. All of the characters peaked my interest for one reason or another, some because I really liked them, others because I wanted to gut them with a spoon, but they were all well written and I can’t wait to get to know them all better. The suspense element was done very well, scarily so, and though I won’t go further into it because it may or may not teeter into spoiler territory, I will say that the topics may be triggers for some. As I said, I was surprised by it all and that doesn’t happen all that often. It didn’t put me off reading the rest of the book, in fact it hooked me even more, but some may have issues so be prepared.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

For Logan Anderson, moving on from a traumatic past means moving back to his hometown of Castle Rock, Colorado, to start a personal-security business with his brothers. But it’s not long before Logan runs into Grace Mason, his best friend from high school…and the woman who never answered his letters during his Army years.

Grace was pleasantly surprised to see Logan return to Castle Rock, despite their falling-out ten years ago. Everyone always assumed they would end up together, including Grace, who had eyes only for him. But as Logan eventually escaped their town, Grace got pulled further into her family’s controlling grasp—and farther away from the man she loved.

Now, united by scars both visible and not, the two must fight to free Grace from the suffocating hold of her family. But the Masons won’t let go easily—and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep the couple apart.
Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Published By: Montlake Romance
Release Date: March 14th, 2017
Pages: 286
Series: Ace Security #1
ASIN: B01KNV4AZQ

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​Purchase Links

Amazon US * UK | Audio
Meet The Author

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

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ARC Review of Passion Restored

3/9/2017

 
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Title: Passion Restored~ 
The Gallagher Brothers Book 2
Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Publisher: Carrie Ann Ryan, 2/28/17
Genre: Romance, Mystery/Suspense

Synopsis: 

The Gallagher Brothers series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with the one brother who thinks he can handle it all and the one woman who could change that.

Owen Gallagher likes everything in its place and is organized to a fault. While his brothers have each dealt with their own personal tragedies and stresses, Owen figures he’s had it pretty easy. That is until his perfectly ordered world is rocked at its foundation and he’s forced to rely on others. Now, he must heal his body and his soul while trying to ignore his delectable and utterly off-limits neighbor.

Liz McKinley is stressed out, exhausted, and not in the mood for a bearded and growly man in her ER. When she patches him up to the best of his ability, she’s prepared to push him firmly from her thoughts. Of course, that would be easier if she and her best friend hadn’t bought the house next to his. Now their paths seem to cross daily, and she is finding it harder and harder to say no to the injured and angry man next door. But she’s been scarred one too many times in her life, and even though this Gallagher looks good enough to eat, she knows that sometimes, sating that craving is the worst thing she can do.

My Review: 

LOVED this book! Owen is a pretty wonderful guy who is a bit OCD, but that just makes him more endearing. He's a wonderful brother and uncle who cares for those around him and wants nothing more than to see his family's business succeed. The Gallagher brothers work hard and play harder, but not too hard. They have a reputation to keep up and a business to run, so there isn't a lot of time to take a moment for themselves. BUT...they are all learning. 

Liz is strong, independent to a fault, and stubborn. She is sassy. She is smart. She's the perfect woman all wrapped up in a nurse's uniform and will challenge Owen at every turn. He feels an attraction to her immediately upon seeing her at a bar and she feels the same when he enters her ER, but she is stronger than he is and decides he is not worth losing her job over. Tempting as he is, she makes a decision and sticks with it. 

Then they learn they are neighbors and the sparks fly. With Owen recovering from a freak accident.... he could be the perfect patient or the bane of Liz's existence. The odds are good either way. Everyone else sees the attraction between the two of them, but Liz isn't admitting to it and Owen has no idea how to break through the solid wall she's built around her heart.

When she caves and gives into the attraction she's been fighting, they do it right and discover they are both pros at dirty talk. This was a kick to read. They are playful, loving, and HOT between the sheets. When this translates outside the bedroom, no one is more surprised than Liz, but she throws up roadblocks when he gets too close. Owen is not deterred and learning about her past only makes him love her more. The twist in the story line is great and I didn't see it coming. Well done! 

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✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2gmyyfO
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✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2bsEhxU


About Carrie Ann Ryan
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Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

ARC Review: The Billionaire Beast (Billionaire Fairy Tales #2) by Jackie Ashenden

3/9/2017

 
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My Review

I decided to give this one a go simple because of the fact that it was based on the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, which hands down is my favorite of them all. I hadn’t read the first book in the series, nor anything by the author, so I went in blind and was hooked from the first page and found that I had very difficult time putting it down. I was absolutely intrigued by both Nero and Phoebe and enjoyed watching as they got under each others skins, stripped each other bare and forced the other to take a good, hard look at what their truths really were.

The description of Nero in the synopsis is perfect Damaged. Bastard. Beast. and I absolutely adored the bastard that Nero was. I did. I know most hated him instantly, but not me. Nope. That was the hook. I loved how he owned the asshat he was and didn’t apologize for it. But I also loved watching as his well construction kevlar armor started to crumble and revealed the heart that he so desperately wanted to believe was dead, only to find that it wasn’t as black as he thought it was. And to find out what formed him into the beast was heartbreaking.


Phoebe  Uptight. Misunderstood. Engaged and all three descriptions were of her own making. This is how she describes herself and yet there is so much more to her. I loved how controlled she was, the facade she presented to the world was amazing. Her strength of will was insane, some may have seen a doormat, I didn’t. I saw a woman who had a goal and worked it. But the fire that lay underneath, once unleashed, only made her that much stronger and I loved how she embraced it.

Nero and Phoebe’s journey was erotic romance with a bit of dark rolled in it and it just worked for me because they were so evenly matched. While Nero was big, bold and in your face, Phoebe  was slow, subtle and a hit you when you least expected it. The force of their personalities made it so neither one could be ignored and that lead to so many truths being exposed and dealt with, sometimes painfully, but dealt with.
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This can be read as a standalone since it’s a character driven story and while there are references to Nero’s family, they don’t play a major role in anything that happens. This retelling was a fun,  quick and smexy read that hooked me from the start and I found the ending more than satisfying.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

Dark, tortured, and intimidating, these dominant billionaires will steal their innocent heroines' breath away. Overwhelmed by their desire to control their world, they push their heroines to explore their deepest desires. But even the most unworldly of heroines can unlock these billionaires' secrets.

Nero de Santis: Damaged. Bastard. Beast.

Nero hasn’t left his house in ten years—he demands the world come to him, and the world is only too happy to bend to the strong-willed billionaire. Ruthless, cold, and selfish, Nero wants for nothing and takes care of no one but himself. His last handful of assistants have left his house in tears, but the prim redhead applying for the job looks up to the task. Nero has spent his life shut within the walls he built, with no care to have more than a window to the outside world. But the fiery passion he senses beneath his reserved assistant’s exterior makes him want to break down the barriers he lives behind, and unleash the beast within.

Phoebe Taylor: Uptight. Misunderstood. Engaged.

Phoebe needs the obscene amount of money that comes with being Nero’s personal assistant for one thing, and one thing only—to pay for the mounting hospital costs that her fiancee’s two-year coma continues to incur. She’s heard rumors that the de Santis beast is a force that cannot be tamed—but even she isn’t prepared to handle the smoldering intensity simmering beneath his hard shell of feral dominance. Nero is hiding something, something he is fighting with every step he takes. Yet he can’t help but stake his claim on this woman who has shaken up his life, and Phoebe can’t believe this animal of a man is the one person to ever look into her eyes and see her soul. Nero wants to keep her. He wants to devour her. And Phoebe just might let him.

Book Summary
Genre: Erotic Romance
Published By: St. Martin’s Press
Release Date: March 7th, 2017
Pages: 212
Series: Billionaire Fairytales #2
ASIN B01N6392CJ

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​Purchase Links

Amazon | B&N | Kobo
Google Play |
iBooks
Meet the Author

Jackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.

She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Pintrest ​

ARC Review: The Wingman by Natasha Anders

3/7/2017

 
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My Review

Have you ever read a book where you spent half the book loving the characters and the other half wanting to reach through the pages and smack ‘em and yet couldn’t put the book down? That was this book for me. I swear it was being on the mood swing express except I couldn’t for the life of me get off the damn ride. I had no choice but to keep turning the pages because I needed to see how everything turned out and what that lightbulb moment would be for both Mason and Daisy when they finally figured out what was right in front of them.

I had a major ‘love/need to smack some sense into them’ relationship with both Daisy and Mason. Daisy’s belief that she is ‘less than’ everyone else has become her armour and she’s become quite comfortable with it to the point that she points out her “failures” with so much ease that it’s like breathing for her. I honestly loved Daisy. She has a quick wit, compassionate heart and once she finds a comfort zone has quite the backbone. Her constant devaluation of herself was irritating and yet I understood why she believed the things she did. When you are told something enough it’s easy to believe it and only see it as a slap in the face. Thankfully she does start to gain more confidence in herself, it’s a slow process, but it happens and I loved watching her shed the armour.

Mason has grown up always projecting a certain image and keeping his emotions locked down tight. In some cases it was necessary, in others it was done out of pure fear at being put in a vulnerable situation where emotions would be exposed. This man. Gruff, abrupt and broody alpha male all while being sweet, charming and compassionate. His heart is truly golden, even when he’s trying desperately to make others, and himself, believe he doesn’t have one.

To say their relationship is rocky is an understatement. Between their insecurities and desperate need to keep from falling for each other it’s a constant roller coaster ride, but when they let their guards down a spark starts to grow and becomes this beacon in the night that you want them to keep burning between them because they are that good together. Their bantering was fun and I liked how they pushed each other to overcome their personal obstacles. Sometimes it was a bit much, but considering how set in their ways they needed good, hard kicks in the arses...a lot.  The build up to their HEA was pretty intense in quite a few ways and though I’m still debating over how I feel about how it all went down, I’m happy that they figured their shit out because I really do love them together.

This is my first book by Natasha Anders and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing was engaging, pacing good and I enjoyed the dual - ish 3rd person POV’s. This is a character driven story and I really liked how both characters evolved over the span of the book. Nothing felt “insta”, physical attraction aside, and I liked where they both ended up at the end of the book. The supporting cast was well written and there were even a few I wanted to gut with a spoon, but they definitely made the book interesting.  And if that epilogue is anything to go by, there may be another couple from this book getting their own which may prove to be an interesting story, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for it.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

She was supposed to be his one-night distraction. But their attraction is undeniable.
Introverted Daisy McGregor is used to being a wallflower, but what she lacks in style, she makes up for with an acerbic wit, a passion for life, and a deep devotion to her family. So she’ll suffer through her sister Dahlia’s bachelorette party and accept the cloud of pity for going stag to the wedding.

Out at the pub, sexy bad boy Mason Carlisle is a reluctant wingman tasked with entertaining Daisy while his brother flirts with her oldest sister, Daffodil. When the plan fails and Mason’s true intent is revealed, he feels intense guilt—and a sensual spark of desire for the unlikeliest of women.

Daisy decides to use this unfortunate encounter to her advantage: to make it up to her, Mason will be another kind of wingman, playing the role of her boyfriend and wedding date. Will their ruse unravel completely—or will Mason and Daisy’s undeniable attraction ignite a scorching love affair that knows no rules?
Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published By: Montlake Romance
Release Date: March 7th, 2017
Pages: 316
ASIN: B01KNV4AU6

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Purchase Link
Amazon

Meet the Author

Since making her publishing debut in 2012, Natasha Anders has been drawing praise and attention as a new voice in romance. The Unwanted Wife, which became a self-published bestseller, is the first title in Anders’s forthcoming Unwanted series. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Anders spent nine years as an associate English teacher in Niigata, Japan, where she became a legendary karaoke diva. Anders currently lives in Cape Town.

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ARC Review: Souljacker (Lily Bound #1) by Yasmine Galenorn

3/5/2017

 
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My Review

It’s been awhile since I dove into one of Yasmine Galenorns worlds so when I saw the cover and title I couldn’t help but be curious to see what she had up her sleeve and being a fan of tattoo’s and a resident of Western Washington I decided to give a go and really enjoyed the book. The world is similar to those of the author’s other works, but I really enjoyed the characters and getting to know each of them as they work to stop a psychotic vampire before he can get to them.

I really liked Lily. She’s kind, compassionate and approachable and if it weren’t for the whole succubus I need sex and your chi to survive she’d appear to be any normal person off the street. Quite a bit changes for her in the book, both good and bad, and I liked how she handled them all ~ though there were a few times where I wanted to smack some sense into her, but they all worked. And though Lily is the focal point of the series she is surrounded by a varied and interesting group of people of various ages and species. Each were well written and I enjoyed getting to know each of them and what they brought to the story and am looking forward to seeing how they all develop throughout the series.

As this is the first book in the series, the pacing was a little slow due to introducing the characters, their backgrounds and the world itself but it was all done well and the flow never felt choppy. The Souljacker storyline was simple and yet well thought out and did a great job at being the catalyst for the series story arc as it introduced the majority of the main players and set up smaller storylines in the process. What I ended up liking the most though was how the relationship between Lily and Archer wasn't as big as the synopsis suggested it would be within the story. Instead it was woven well into the story and helped to move things along.

Overall I really enjoyed Souljacker and am definitely interested in seeing how certain storylines play out throughout the series.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

Lily O'Connell, a succubus, has put her unique talents to work. She owns Lily Bound, an elite sex salon in the Blood Night District of Seattle. When a client turns up dead in her club, and she hears the news that the Souljacker--an old tattoo-artist friend-turned-vampire, who was institutionalized years before--has escaped to reclaim his "artwork," Lily knows she's next on his list. With one of his tattoos on her thigh and nowhere else to turn, Lily hires Archer Desmond, a chaos demon and PI, to track the vampire down before he tracks her. But she didn't expect to fall for Archer-and they say a succubus who falls in love will destroy the heart of the one she seeks to claim...

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Book Summary
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published By: Diversion Publishing
Release Date: March 7th, 2017
Pages: 292
Series: Lily Bound #1
ISBN:  1682307018

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Purchase Links
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks


Meet the Author

Yasmine Galenorn is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of the Otherworld Series (Sisters of the Moon), the Fury Unbound Series, the Whisper Hollow Series, and the Fly By Night Series. In the past, she also wrote the Indigo Court Series, two mystery series and eight nonfiction metaphysical books. She is now turning toward the indie side of publishing and bringing out her own work.

Yasmine is a caffeine junkie and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos--the former in her china closet, the latter on her skin.

She is a shamanic witch, has been married to Samwise Galenorn since 1993, is the mother of four cats, and they reside in Kirkland WA.
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ARC Review: Riot (Scarred Souls #4) by Tillie Cole

3/3/2017

 
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My Review

From how Ravage ended and knowing that 152 was a Mona, sex slave, I knew that this one would be hard to stomach, not that the previous three were, but this was the first time we would be in the mind of a female slave and if you thought Raze, Reap and Ravage were dark and disturbing you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Tillie Cole unapologetically went balls to the wall with Riot, proving once again why she is not only one of my favorite authors, but one of my favorite dark romance authors out there.

It was hard not to bleed for 901 and 152. Both were taken by the Wraiths at a young age and through drugs and fear molded into what Master Arziani wanted them to be. 901 is the Champion of the Blood Pit and 152 is one of the most beautiful of all the Mona. Both are coveted by Arziani because they, in his delusional mind, are a physical representation of his Godhood. What he doesn’t see is the inner strength that simmers in both of them that, if ever let to boil over could lead to his downfall. The thing with these two is that underneath the layers of protection they had to cast over themselves to survive were two people with amazing hearts that deserved to get out of that hell hole by any means necessary.

As with the previous books, there is a kind of insta-lust that happens between the characters that hits them both and then they are off and running towards their HEA, but of all the couples I felt that 901 and 152 were so evenly matched that it made absolute sense to me that they would end up falling in love with each other. They may be used in different ways, but they both live the horror of it every day and in each other they find a soulmate who will understand exactly what they went through and what they had to do to survive.

With this being the last book in the series, to say shit hits the fan is an understatement, but the end result is absolutely satisfying. Luka, Zaal and Valentin play critical roles in the book as do their women, Kisa, Talia and Zoya and I loved what was shown to us in the epilogue. I will reiterate, Riot is dark, brutal, crazy and chock full of triggers, but it’s all worth it in the end, if you can suspend reality for a few hours. Also, this is not a standalone, don’t start here. Go back and read from the beginning so you can truly appreciate this brutal world and how love can grow in it. The fact that this is the last book is bittersweet for me. Raze was my first introduction to the world of Tillie Cole and I was hooked, so to say good-bye to these characters is difficult, though I do give Ms. Cole mad props for not dragging the storyline out unnecessarily, but at least I can console myself with the fact that there are audiobooks so I can dive back into the crazyness whenever I need a fix, especially of Raze/Luka.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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Description

Stolen by the Arziani Georgian crime mob as a child, 152 was raised and conditioned to be a Mona—the most subservient of the Arziani Blood Pit slaves.

Gorgeous and kind, she has been and under the imprisoning influence of the Type B drug and under the command of the Blood Pit Master’s sister, Mistress Arziani, for most of her life, until the Master calls her back home to Georgia.

He wants her under his total control, and Master always gets what he wants.

But when 152 is gifted to the Blood Pit’s fearsome champion death match fighter as a prize, 152 suddenly finds out that the men who appear most brutal, may just own the kindest hearts. And love may be found, even when living in hell.

Freedom, family, love, 152 will have to fight for what she wants and ultimately make an impossible choice.
Book Summary
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
Published By: St. Martin’s Griffen
Release Date: March 7th, 2017
Pages: 352
Series: Scarred Souls #4
ISBN:  1250086280

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​Purchase Links

Amazon US * UK * AU * CA

B&N | Kobo | Google Play | iBooks


Meet the Author

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.


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ARC Review For His Eyes Only

3/1/2017

 
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​Title: For His Eyes Only
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(Masters and Mercenaries Book 13)
Author: Lexi Blake
Publisher: DLZ Entertainment, February 28,2017
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Romance


Synopsis: 

A night he can’t forget

Five years ago, Nick Markovic found himself consumed by his quest for vengeance. The one time he managed to find peace was in the arms of Hayley Dalton. Being with her was like bathing in sunlight, and he ached to feel that again, but he couldn’t. He gave his oath to Hayley’s cousin Desiree, his partner at McKay-Taggart and Knight, that he’d never let his darkness infect Hayley’s innocent world. 

A spark she can’t put out

It was years before that Hayley offered everything she had to Nick. After that one amazing night, all she wanted was to be his forever. Unfortunately, Nick’s reaction was to walk away from her and never look back. The warm and caring man she’d discovered was gone, and after Des’s death, he’d only grown colder. But when Hayley finds herself in mortal danger, she’s forced to seek protection from the man who broke her heart.

A flame that threatens to consume them both

Haunted by the women he failed, Nick can’t allow himself to grow close to Hayley again. Running to stay ahead of the powerful forces that endanger their lives, they travel from the lush Garden in London to the glittering lights of Rio. As the threat against her becomes clearer, he realizes that to keep her safe he must confront the demons from his past, even if it costs him a future with the woman he loves.

My Review: 

Nick is a complicated, tense man. He has a past and isn't proud of it, but has found that he has learned to live with it. As long as he works with the Taggert group, he can redeem himself on some level. All of that fits in his world until Hayley, the one woman he felt calm and safe with, walks back into his life. 

I like Hayley- she is tough and strong willed. She is independent and doesn't let her family influence her opinion of others. I like Nick too. He's got a kind heart, even if he sees himself as tainted and not good enough for Hayley, but he holds onto the past and won't let go. He can't get past it. As a reader, this was frustrating. I wanted him to get past it and move forward a bit faster. 

Hayley finds friends amongst those people she's sought shelter and safety with at the Gardens, a sex club that everyone there has a stake in. Each of the men and women there plays a role once the lights go down and it will be up to Nick to teach Hayley the ropes or let her go. He isn't about to let her go it alone, so he begins to teach her the ropes.... literally. 

She is pulled into a world with Nick she had no idea she'd slip so easily into. Hayley wouldn't have admitted to having submissive tendencies, but with Nick, she's willing to give up control and let him take charge of her pleasure. Outside the play rooms, they are caught in a tug-of-war with each other and those after Hayley. This makes for some interesting interactions and tense exchanges, but reading about their growth and eventual complete trust in each other is worth the time it takes. 

I thought it read a bit slowly, but I enjoy Blake's work. Her writing is descriptive, well crafted and her characters are always multifaceted. Get to know Nick and Hayley- you won't be disappointed. 

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Amazon: http://amzn.to/2gGxX5R
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2hbldFk
iBooks: http://apple.co/2hpOuuY
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2hbkxQd
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2gGAMDU
 



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Kobo, All Romance ebooks, and Smashwords coming soon!
 
 
 
ABOUT LEXI BLAKE:
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NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.
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ARC Review of Going Down Hard

3/1/2017

 
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Title: Going Down Hard~ A Billionaire Bad Boys Stand Alone
Author: Carly Phillips
Publisher: CP Publishing LLC February 21, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Synopsis: 

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell. 

Derek West rose from poverty to take the tech world by storm. He's sexy, confident and gets any woman he wants. And who he wants is Cassie Storms, the rich girl he’s never been good enough for.

She’s desperate to save her family company and there’s only one man who can help. But Derek isn’t interested in helping. He wants to possess both the company and the woman he’s never been able to forget. 

His plan? To seduce her out of his head. Except once he’s had a taste of Cassie, he doesn’t want to let her go. Her family remembers where he came from, and they won’t allow it. When the truth about their pasts comes to light, though, it may be Cassie who’s going down hard.
 

My Review: 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Derek is a wonderful, self-made man. He is confident and has overcome his childhood to be successful. He was the hot boy next door for Cassie, but he was also off limits. Not because he was a bad influence, but because he was beneath her. She was raised to see him as "the help", but she always saw something else in him. He knew she was out of his league, but he noticed how beautiful she was. 

When his family faces hard times, Derek is forced to grow up and become the man of the house, but he never forgot Cassie and her family or the way they treated his family. He never forgot and used that anger as fuel to become the successful billionaire he'd be as an adult. He's got amazing friends and a solid group who support him regardless of the situation. Even if that situation involves confronting the girl from his past who isn't exactly as he remembered her. 

Cassie, in an effort to save her family's company, must ask for a favor from the man she believes hates her. When she returned from a summer trip, his family was gone and she never thought she'd see them again. Now that she has to ask him for an interview, she realizes she is out of her league and might have to do some groveling to get him to agree to an honest interview. In order to get honesty out of him, she has to  agree to sharing information with him as well, and this information might just break her. If it doesn't break her, it will at least reveal things about her family even she didn't know about. 

While she learns things about her family she doesn't want to know, she and Derek build a relationship from the ground up. They compliment each other and Derek's friends, who we've met in Phillips's previous novels, are welcoming.... well, not exactly welcoming.... this part was a kick to read. His buddies are protective of him, but learn he is stubborn and not willing to walk away from Cassie. 

Great characters and I love the way she weaves the other Billionaires into the story as well. Ties up some of the loose ends and keeps us in touch with the other stories. Some twists and turns I didn't expect kept me interested to the end! 
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