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Review: Fix You: The Complete Collection

10/31/2015

 
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Title: Fix You: Books 1-3 The McDaniels Brothers
Author: Christine Bell
Publisher: Frog Prints Publishing
Publishing Date: May 24/2014
Genre: Coming of Age, Sports, Romance

Synopsis: 

Book One: She's worth the fight... 

Olivia Beckett's once-charmed life is falling apart. Her family is about to lose everything, and she has almost no chance of going back to college next semester. She can't even seek solace from her high school sweetheart. He's changed. She doesn't recognize the boy she used to know--his violent behavior is escalating and it scares the hell out of her. Her whole world is crumbling, and she has no one to turn to... 

Sebastian "Bash" McDaniels is an up and comer in the boxing world working nights at the local college bar until he can land the fight of his dreams that will get him the hell out of Boston and away from his family's tragic past. He's weeks from his goal when Olivia Beckett comes tumbling into his life in a flash of silky dark hair and haunted eyes. When he saves her from a potentially brutal beating, they begin to grow close, but Olivia's ex isn't ready to let her go so easily. 

Bash can't bring himself to walk away, but fixing Olivia just might leave him broken... 

Book Two: Everything she believed in was a lie… 

After facing the fact that her boyfriend was an abusive sociopath and their entire relationship was a sham, Olivia Beckett is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. If she was the only one suffering for her mistakes, she might be able to handle it. But when she went down, she dragged the one person she never wanted to see hurt down with her… 

Bash McDaniels was just weeks away from finally blowing out of his hometown to make it as a boxer and never coming back. Saving Olivia Beckett from her violent boyfriend should’ve been a speed bump at most, but love stopped him in his tracks. Now, instead viewing Boston in his rearview mirror, he’s viewing it through prison bars… 

Bash was her savior when she needed him most. Now, Olivia has to find a way to repay the favor, knowing all the while that freeing him might mean losing him forever… 

Book Three: If he's going down, he's going down swinging… 

Now that Bash has a second chance with Olivia, he doesn’t want to blow it, but if he tells her the truth about his nighttime activities, he could lose her forever. 

Olivia loves that Bash is willing to stick his neck out for those he loves, but not when it might ruin his career...or worse. When she finds out he’s left her bed in the middle of the night to compete in an illegal, bare-knuckled fight run by a notorious Boston mobster, Mickey Flynn, in order to get his brother out of debt, she’s furious. 

How can she trust Bash if he keeps lying to her? And how many more times can he put himself at risk before it finally catches up with him?

My Review: 


Bash is a knight in shining armor, though his shining armor consists of a t-shirt he wears as a bouncer at the local bar and he hardly rides in on a white horse. Instead, he saves Olivia from becoming a victim of her abusive boyfriend in the ladies room at the bar. Olivia has enough going on in her life at the moment and doesn't need the complication of being saved by this very hot guy, but she is thankful for his interference because for the first time ever, she is afraid of Andy. 

Olivia is a damsel in distress and Bash isn't sure why he does it, but he swoops in and frees her from the grip her rich, entitled boyfriend has on her throat. He knows it is going to be trouble and it's confirmed when he loses his job because the jerk's father knows a lot of people. And instead of Olivia walking away and leaving him in peace, she feels the need to prove to him that she isn't a helpless female. She hounds him until he agrees to teach her self-defense. It's just the beginning of a wild ride. 

Throughout the three books, they learn to trust each other and fight side-by-side when life throws obstacles in their path. Their families create issues neither of them are prepared to handle, the justice system seems to be playing against them, and their general distrust of each other may just end their relationship. It takes a lot of hard work to get past the pitfalls, but they are up for the challenge. 

Oh! And besides Bash, there are two more McDaniels brothers who have a story to tell as well. Their books are the following: 
Trust Me: Books 1-3 ~ Matty and Kayla's story, and Between Us: Books 1-3~ Reid and Lola's story

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Review: Wings of Gold: Beyond The Call of Duty

10/31/2015

 
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 Title: Wings of Gold: Beyond The Call of Duty
 Author: Tracy Tappan
 Publisher: B. Reed Publishing
 Publishing Date: September 25, 2015
 Genre: Military Romance, Suspense

 Synopsis: 

 Eric “LZ” O’Dwyer, a senior lieutenant stationed out           of San Diego, is in command of his own helicopter  detachment out of the HSM-75 Wolf Pack. Deployed  off the coast of South America on a counterdrug  operation, Eric jumps at the chance to take down a ruthless drug lord. But to do it, he’ll have to join forces with badass DEA Agent Nicole Gamboa.
Infiltrating the drug lord’s mansion is crucial to the mission, and to pull it off, Eric and Nicole have to play out an intimate scene together that leaves them both reeling. In the aftermath, Eric wants to foster something real with Nicole, but there is a secret part of Nicole’s life that makes a relationship impossible. The mission erupts again, and Nicole and Eric end up relying on each other in ways they’d never predicted. The stakes are raised to their highest when the drug lord gains the upper hand, and living or dying hinges on a final showdown between Nicole and her past…and whether Eric can get to her in time! 

Content warning: contains profanity and adult situations.

​My Review: 

Absolutely, hands down, the best military romance book I've read this year. Tappan hit it out of the park with this book and as is true with her other books, I can't wait for the next installment. She has a way with words and a knack for weaving a tale.

This tale is nothing short of brilliant. There is a perfect blend of action, suspense, sex, romance, and hot military men. My favorite character has to be Nicole though. She is a tough, fierce DEA agent who doesn't let anyone stand in her way. She is determined to prove herself in a world of men who want to use her for her feminine assets rather than her abilities. She has her emotional walls up and is going to guard her heart at all costs. She meets a man who will challenge her on every level, especially when they are thrust together on a job that will push their boundaries both personally and professionally.

Enter O'Dwyer. He's sex on a stick and works hard to be at the top of his game, but Nicole throws him for a loop and he can't get her out of his mind. Their lives are on the line throughout most of the book and I love their clear avoidance anything but the job for as long as possible. Eric has a soft side and a fiercely loyal side that is nothing short of hot. He is a born leader and others follow him without question, but Nicole tends to push against his leadership, making him slightly crazy. They clash, drift apart and come back together in a beautifully crafted dance. 

There are two short stories that are bookends to this book: 
Eightball Two-Three: Military Romance Suspense Novella (Wings of Gold Book 1) - (This novella now includes a second novella titled Cleared Hot.) 
AND 
The Reckoning Day - (
A free novella for her subscribers.)


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Review of Eightball Two-Three: Military Romantic Suspense Novella

10/31/2015

 
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Title: Eightball Two-Three: Military Romantic Suspense Novella (Wings of Gold: Book 1)
​Author: Tracy Tappan
Publisher: B. Reed Publishing
Published: August 10, 2015
Genre: Military Romance

Synopsis: 

**Please note: EIGHTBALL TWO-THREE is an introductory novella to the Wings of Gold series ONLY. It gives you an exciting glimpse of the men who will become the heroes of the first two full-length novels. This is not a complete romance story with a happily-ever-after…YET! 

Ensign Eric O’Dwyer is on the verge of graduating from naval flight training, with only one flight left to complete at training squadron HT-8 “Eighballers,” before he earns himself his wings of gold. The day of his final solo, Eric’s copilot, Ensign Kyle Hammond—a new student on his first hop in a helicopter—is to act as no more than a warm body… 

Until everything goes horribly wrong. 

Fresh from the cockpit of his near-death solo flight, Eric makes it to graduation, only to find that he is a lone man in a sea of his buddies’ celebrating relatives. He finds solace in the arms of a most unlikely woman the night before shipping out to San Diego…and learns more about himself than he ever planned. 

Content warning: Contains profanity and adult situations. 

In the first full-length book of the series, BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY, Eric O’Dwyer is now a senior lieutenant in command of his own helicopter detachment. Deployed off the coast on a counterdrug operation, Eric will face the most challenging mission of his life with DEA Agent Nicole Gamboa. 

My Review: 

This was a fun introduction to the series. I can't wait to get my hands on the first one and learn more about these heroic men. But....I digress. Eric is a confused man struggling to get his life back on track. He's finally graduated and ready to take on the world and all it has to offer him, but he's not sure he's ready. Enter Leslie, the Barracuda. She's known around the bar as the woman who takes home one student from the class of graduates and having a night with them, then taking off. 

Eric is sure its all talk, but he's not sure he cares at this point. She's hot. She's intriguing. And she wants him. He only wants to forget everything for a night and Leslie gives him that opportunity, but once she gets what she wants, she walks out the door and out of his life. I loved that she left him slack-jawed and wanting more. That's it. Much like Eric, I was shocked that it was over and if Tappan wanted a loyal reader, she's garnered one. Well played! 

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ARC Review: Stop at Nothing (Protect and Serve #1) by Kate SeRine

10/30/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: November 3rd, 2013
Pages: 352
Series: Protect and Serve #1
ISBN:  1492618349
ISBN13: 9781492618348

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Description

When a high-profile investigation goes wrong, FBI Agent Kyle Dawson is transferred back home where he is forced to confront his demons…and the only woman he ever loved. Three years ago, Kyle and Abby Morrow shared a wild, passionate summer—then Abby broke his heart.

NOW SHE NEEDS HIS HELP
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Kyle never stopped loving Abby. So when Abby uncovers evidence of a human-trafficking ring, leading to her sister’s kidnapping, he swears he’ll stop at nothing to bring her sister home and keep Abby safe. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse and blindsided by their own explosive desires, they must set aside the past before it’s too late.
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My Review

I find myself in a bit of a conundrum with this book because it falls into the strange realm of a book that I simply liked. It was an easy and enjoyable read with likeable characters and a decent storyline, but didn’t really cause too much of an emotional reaction on either end of the spectrum. It was just a good read.

I liked Kyle and Abby. Yes. Liked. Both are in law enforcement, though in different sectors, and they have that same sense of ‘protect and serve’, though Kyle has a bit of an attitude problem which is attributed to his issues with his father, but other than that they are actually both level headed, do care about their families, though both have issues with them, and just good all around people.

Their relationship falls into the second chance realm, Abby cut things off abruptly with Kyle and neither had any contact with the other for a few years, so there is tension between them, but it is more of a slow simmer underneath the surface than a roiling boil because of the case and I actually liked the way things played out between them because of it. The case gave them something else to focus on and get to know who each was now while dealing with their feelings about what happened between them. The reason for Abby pushing Kyle away takes a while to be revealed but when it finally is you know a blowout is coming and I thought it was handled well on all fronts.

The mystery/suspense part of the storyline was an interesting one and I liked watching as all the pieces were revealed and fell into place. There was an even split of things I did and did not see coming, so in the end it was satisfying.

We get to meet the Dawson clan en masse and find out the reason for Kyle’s issues with his father, which do come to a head in the book, as well as get a glimpse as to what Gabe and Tom, Kyle’s brothers, may be in for in future books as well as catch up with Joe and Sadie from Torn, the novella that was in The Way of the Warrior anthology.  The family dynamic between them was probably my favorite part. It felt real and tangible to me and is what will have me looking out for the next in series. But my favorite character was Fielding. His thought process just intrigued the hell out of me and while we probably won’t see him again he was definitely memorable.

The Bottom Line: This was simply a good, enjoyable read if you like suspense with your romance.

~ ARC provided by SourceBooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~

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Meet the Author

Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love that lasts forever. So it's no surprise that when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed her characters would always have a happily ever after. She's the author of the award-winning TRANSPLANTED TALES series and will be releasing the PROTECT AND SERVE series with Sourcebooks in 2015 and the DARK ALLIANCE series with Kensington in 2016.

Kate is a member of Romance Writers of America and of Indiana RWA and has been a finalist in the Fire and Ice Contest (2010), the Finally a Bride Contest (2010), and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence (2013), and is the recipient of The Emily (2012) and the National Readers Choice Award (2012). She is represented by Nicole Resciniti with the Seymour Agency.
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Kate lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project--probably while consuming way too much coffee.


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ARC Review: Rock Me Two Times (Rock Band #1) by Dawn Ryder

10/28/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre:
Contemporary Romance/Erotica

Published By:
Sourcebooks Casablanca

Release Date:
November 3rd, 2015

Pages:
288

Series:
Rock Band #1

ISBN:
 1492616761

​ISBN13:
9781492616764


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Description

A partnership with the hottest new rock band, Toxsin, is a major opportunity for Kate's small custom leather shop, but she's determined to resist her burning attraction to the lead guitarist, Syon Braden. Sex is a commodity in his world, and that's just not enough for her. Or so she thought.
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With the multiplatinum success of his band, Syon thought he had everything he'd ever wanted…and then he met Kate. He knows that sleeping with her could distract him from his music and even interfere with his close bandmate friendships, but despite all this, Syon just can't seem to keep his mind—or hands—off of her…

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My Review

I swear this one took me on a roller coaster of a ride. There were parts that I loved and parts that almost had me chucking my Kindle, and phone, against the wall. Almost. But in the end despite some issues I had I couldn’t put the damn thing down. I was at work doing the whole furtive glances around my monitor thing while being sneaky and reading on my phone (Thank GOD for smart phones and reading apps). That’s how invested I was in this book and the characters that inhabit it. There is quite a bit of sex, it is erotic romance after all, but there are some also some really interesting characters, and relationships between the characters, that balance it out.

Kate’s profession as a custom leatherwear creator was what caught my attention and for the most part I liked Kate. I loved her passion for her craft and how for her, making custom leather garments, working with the media and seeing her pieces become reality was something ingrained in her soul. But she did tend to contradict herself by her actions and at times was thoughtless with the things that would slip out of her mouth, but when it was brought to her attention that her words were taken badly she did make amends.

Syon is pretty typical to most rockers in the genre. Larger than life, gorgeous, oozing sex and sensuality and filled with more than enough confidence to power a small nation. But what I really liked about him is that he was honest. He didn’t play games. He may get frustrated and react, badly. But when it came to those that mattered he told it like was and either you believed him or you didn’t.

Their relationship was very insta-attraction, which I got considering Syon is a rock god and I know I’d be tongue tied if I actually met my dream rockstar in real life, and it was also very insta-lust. To give Kate credit, she did try to resist, but Syon definitely outsmarted her and I have to say I love how he did it. It was pure genius, but it also showed how much respect he had for her and her craft.. The thing though with ‘insta’ relationships and erotic romance is that sex is a huge part of them becoming closer, and I’m good with that and the sexual tension between them was intense, but when it came to Kate and Syon I just wish there had been more sharing of their lives going on. We get bits and pieces and even then it felt skimmed over. They connect sexually and understand each other on the level of an artist, but we never get to truly know about their pasts and this was one of my issues and had this book really only focused on Kate and Syon I would have rated lower, but there was another aspect of the book that I thoroughly enjoyed and that was the supporting cast of characters.

I’ve said it many times, but I adore well written secondary characters. While the MC’s are the main focus, I’ve always felt that it’s the supporting cast that helps to give a more well rounded look, more depth, to the MC’s and the world in general and that’s what happened here. Ramsey, Taz and Drake, the other members of Toxsin, all captured my interest and I honestly feet as if I got to know them better than Kate and Syon. And when anyone of them were in a scene with both Syon and Kate I felt as if we got to really see who they were underneath the surface. And then there is Percy, Kate’s friend and business partner, and all I can say is that I want my own Percy...oh and Steve, because there can be no Percy without Steve. It is because of him that I got hooked from the beginning. He’s simply fabulous!

There is a bit of a mystery to solve towards the end of the book and while I figured out who the culprit was, I liked how it all finally got solved and how everyone came together over it. The writing was engaging, as I said I was hooked and couldn’t put the thing down, and I like how she brought the trials and tribulations of being a rock star to life.

The Bottom Line: I’m hooked and can’t wait for the next one! (I hope Percy makes an appearance :D )

~ ARC provided by SourceBooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~

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Meet the Author
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Dawn Ryder is the erotic romance pen name of a bestselling author of historical romances. She has been publishing her stories for over eight years to a growing and appreciative audience. She is commercially published in mass market and trade paper, and digi-first published with trade paper releases. She is hugely committed to her career as an author, as well as to other authors and to her readership. She resides in Southern California.

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ARC Review of Scarred by Elizabeth Montgomery

10/28/2015

 
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Author: Elizabeth Montgomery
Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly    Publishing
Publishing Date: June 24, 2015
​Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Synopsis: 

For those of us who come into the world different, we see it for what it really is. Harsh. 

Avery Chamberlin is special, unique. Beautiful words to gloss over the fact that she is different. She has never felt like she fit in. Why should she? 


She was reminded on a daily basis that she was not like her peers. 
Flawed. Damaged. A freak. 
Avery will have to come out of her shell to prove that even the bullies 
have their own insecurities. 

LIFE ISN’T ABOUT LABELS

My Review: 

This is a short, sweet book. I am always looking for new books for my students to read and was excited to get my hands on it. It has everything that kids worry about in school: bullies, something about themselves that makes them a target, parents who are supportive but don't know what to do to help, a friend who is there through thick and thin, and that guy everyone falls for. 

I enjoyed the characters and the premise of the story. Each of them is likable and has a lot of potential. I wanted more. There was so much that could have been done to develop the characters further. We only get a glimpse of who they are and a superficial one at that. Avery is a sharp protagonist who has a strong sense of self. Blake seems to change out of nowhere and there was little explanation offered until later in the story. Dylan is a great best friend and I would have liked to know more about what happens next with his prom date. Harper is a shrew in my opinion and Avery is very forgiving. I liked what I read, but felt it was lacking depth. I was disappointed because the pieces of the story wrapped up almost too neatly. It went too quickly. 

While it sounds like this is a bad review- it isn't. The characters are interesting and the story itself is well thought out with a lot of potential. I was disappointed that it was over and was looking for more. 



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ARC Review of 1001 Dark Nights: Stroke of Midnight

10/28/2015

 
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,Title: 1001 Dark Nights: Stroke of Midnight~ A Midnight Breed Novella
Author: Lara Adrian
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts Incorporated
Published: October 13, 2015
​Genre: Erotica, Paranormal Romance

Synopsis: 

Born to a noble Breed lineage steeped in exotic ritual and familial duty, vampire warrior Jehan walked away from the luxurious trappings of his upbringing in Morocco to join the Order’s command center in Rome. 

But when a generations-old obligation calls Jehan home, the reluctant desert prince finds himself thrust into an unwanted handfasting with Seraphina, an unwilling beauty who’s as determined as he is to resist the antiquated pact between their families. 

Yet as intent as they are to prove their incompatibility, neither can deny the attraction that ignites between them. And as Jehan and Seraphina fight to resist the calling of their blood, a deadly enemy seeks to end their uneasy truce before it even begins….

My Review: 

I've been a huge fan of the Midnight Breed series for years and am honored to do a review of this novella. To say I was excited to receive this is an understatement! On with the gushing....

​Jehan is interesting in that he has a life beyond the group of warriors he's chosen to work with side by side. He's a noble in his other life, but likes working with the other warriors and finds his true calling fighting for their race. The last thing he wants to do is fulfill the obligation his family has honored for generations. Seraphina feels the same way and has her own life to pursue, but because they both feel obligated and don't want to disappoint their parents, they step up and put on a show, agreeing to get through the handfasting one way or another. 

Both are equally stubborn and both find a strong attraction causing issues for them. Seraphina wants to remain detached, after all he is a warrior and a killer, how could she be attracted to him? And as far as Jehan goes, he believes she is after money for personal gain, which is not the type of woman he wants in his life. He doesn't have time for a 
self-centered female. In their time together though, they each discover that the other is not what they seem and sparks fly. 

There is mystery, some humor, a hotblooded vampire, a sexy Breedmate, and as usual, a wonderful story. Well done!

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ARC Review: Hard As Steel- A Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover Novella

10/28/2015

 
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Title: 1001 Dark Nights~ 
Hard As Steel: A Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover Novella
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. 
Published: September 22, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Synopsis: 
After identifying her employer's dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn't make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him--and always has. 

Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he's ever known, one he's purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike's not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself--or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.



My Review: 


Great, fun read! If you are a fan of the Hard Ink series or the Raven Riders, you'll enjoy the crossover. There is suspense, sexual tension, and lots of alpha male with Ike that leads to his own brand of romance.  He's hot and makes Jessica's temperature rise in more ways than one. I loved the banter going back and forth between the two of them throughout the book, but Jessica gives him a run for his money. 

Ike is used to giving orders and having them followed, but Jessica is not a wall flower, nor is she a woman to accept directions without knowing there is a purpose behind them. She's stubborn as a mule and he isn't exactly sure what to do with her. He knows what he'd like to do with her, but he's promised himself he would be hands off when it came to protecting her from those who would destroy the club, the tattoo shop and their version of a family. 

Hot story and even hotter biker! The stories included in the 1001 Dark Nights series are a temptation that are hard to resist. 



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ARC Review: Viking Warrior Rising (Viking Warriors #1) by Asa Maria Bradley

10/27/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Paranormal Romance /Fantasy/ SciFi
Published By: SourceBooks Casablanca
Release Date: November 3rd, 2015
Pages: 352
Series: Viking Warriors #1
isbn: 1492618845
​isbn13: 9781492618843

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Description

Immortal Vikings are among us

Leif Skarsganger and his elite band of immortal warriors have been charged to protect humanity from the evil Norse god Loki.

Under attack from Loki's minions, Leif is shocked to encounter a dark-haired beauty who fights like a warrior herself. Wounded and feverish, the Viking kisses her, inadvertently triggering an ancient Norse bond. But when Naya Brisbane breaks away and disappears before the bond is completed, Leif's warrior spirit goes berserk. If Leif doesn't find her fast, he's going to lose himself to permanent battle fury.
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But Naya doesn't want to be found...and he'll do anything to find her. Because they're both running out of time.

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My Review

Immortal Vikings, an uber strong mystery woman, Loki causing havoc and an eye catching cover (Yeah, seems I’m liking covers a lot lately, but this one definitely works and is a great representation of Leif *grins*)? I’m definitely down with that and found that I really enjoyed the ride! Viking Warrior Rising is a great blend of fantasy, action and sexual heat with a good dose of mystery and characters that you want to know more about.

Leif, I really liked. He’s got that whole alpha vibe surrounding him, which of course makes sense since he is the king of the group, but he’s not a staunch ‘my way only’ kind of guy, well in most cases, we’ll get to the exception. He respects the abilities of his warriors, trusts them and, being a warrior himself, wants to be by their sides so he can have their backs when in battle. He’s got a good heart and is sexy as all hell, especially when his berserker comes into play.

Naya, I liked the woman and admired her for surviving what she had and taking care of her brother. She’s highly intelligent and extremely strong, yes there were outside influences at play, but she uses those skills more for the side of good than bad, though there is a bit of a grey area at play. But because of these skills the woman did have me wanting to Gibbs smack her a few times. I wouldn’t say she was arrogant per se, because I understood where she was coming from, but she tended to believe that she didn’t need anyone because of them and that got her into trouble.

Their relationship was a rocky one. The sexual chemistry between them was intense due to the connection that made with the Norse bond, but secrets and lack of trust and communication between them as well Leif and his berserker, going all ‘my way only’ on Naya made things that much more difficult. I typically am not a fan of a lot of drama, but considering what each are dealing with, it made sense and I actually found that I wanted to see how it all came a head in the end and how it would be resolved.

Leif’s band of warriors were fun to be around and the learning about the different parts of the world they’d come from and the little details about the various languages totally appeal to the geek in me. Astrid is probably my favorite of all of them, but Irja and Ulf are right behind her and I am really looking forward to learning more about them all.

Ms. Bradley is a new author to me and I found her writing style and voice to be quite engaging and I like how balanced the fantasy, sci-fi and romance elements in the story were as well incorporating the Norse culture into the story. There are some issues that were not resolved, though I wouldn’t call them cliffhangers in any way, but all in all I liked how the story worked itself out.

The Bottom Line: Great start to a new series and can’t wait for the next one!
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~ ARC provided by SourceBooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~

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Meet the Author

​Asa Maria Bradley grew up in Sweden surrounded by archaeology and history steeped in Norse mythology, which inspired the immortal Vikings in her paranormal romances. She also writes romantic suspense and now lives on a lake in the Pacific Northwest with a British husband and a rescue dog of indeterminate breed.


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ARC Review: A Talent for Trickery (The Thief-takers #1) by Alissa Johnson

10/26/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Historical Romance/Mystery Suspense
Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: November 11th, 2015 Pages: 416
​Series: The Thief-takers #1
isbn: 1492620505
isbn13: 9781492620501

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Description

The Lady is a Thief

Years ago, Owen Renderwell earned acclaim—and a title—for the dashing rescue of a kidnapped duchess. But only a select few knew that Scotland Yard’s most famous detective was working alongside London’s most infamous thief…and his criminally brilliant daughter, Charlotte Walker.

Lottie was like no other woman in Victorian England. She challenged him. She dazzled him. She questioned everything he believed and everything he was, and he has never wanted anyone more. And then he lost her.
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Now a private detective on the trail of a murderer, Owen has stormed back into Lottie’s life. She knows that no matter what they may pretend, he will always be a man of the law and she a criminal. Yet whenever he’s near, Owen has a way of making things complicated…and long for a future that can never be theirs.

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My Review

I don’t read a lot of historical romance, a few here and there when I need a change of pace from my norm, and when I decide it’s time for one I tend to waffle over which one to choose, but A Talent for Trickery was pretty much a no brainer. It wasn’t because I’ve read anything by Alissa Johnson before, I haven’t, but instead it was the cover that caught my eye. I don’t typically base my choices on the cover, but I loved the composition and the contrasting colors used in and then I saw the opening line to the description “The Lady is a Thief” and after reading the rest of the description, I was sold on giving this on a go, because just the idea of a man of that era going to a woman, and thief, no less for help was just too intriguing to pass up.  And I must say that I’m happy I did because I found A Talent for Trickery to be a very enjoyable and engaging with interesting characters and some nice twists and turns to the story.

Owen I really liked. He is used to being in control and yet he isn’t unreasonable. He actually listens to the wants and needs of those around him and will adjust, or even apologize for his actions, if they prove to be logical. There is a sweet, sexy and playful side to him, and though he is quite confident in his capabilities, he’s not necessarily as confident when it comes to Lottie and it made him much more real and relatable to have even that slight vulnerability. Lottie is a smart, take charge and do what needs to be done woman who doesn’t allow people to walk all over her, but while she does like to have things done her way, she can look past her own wants and make exception. Lottie’s love of her family and the lengths she went to in order to keep them safe shows what a huge heart she has for those she cares about.

I really enjoyed the progression of Owen and Lottie’s relationship from the moment they see each other for the first time in eight years, to them finally discussing and coming to an understanding about what had torn them apart and then to the two of them realizing and coming to terms with their feelings for each other. I like the fact that they both held an equal amount of power in their relationship. The respect they had of each other’s intellect was practically equal to that of their physical attraction to each other. And the bantering/arguing that went on between them was quite amusing and also showed how well suited they were for each other.

I’m a sucker for well written supporting characters and Gabriel and Samuel, Owen’s men, fit the bill. The bantering between them was fun and felt real. There is also a bit of mystery about them that has me wanting to find out more. Peter, Lottie’s brother and the youngest of the family, was very believable as a 14 year old boy on the brink of becoming a man with all the growing pains that go along with it. But it was Esther, the middle sibling, who intrigues me the most. Though she is younger than Lottie, there were many times when she appeared older and wiser and as the story reached it’s end, she is the one that I have the most questions about.

I liked the writing style and enjoyed the dual 3rd person POV. The twists and turns in the murder case were very well done and though it did take a while for things in regards to the case to really get going, once it’s did I had a difficult time putting the book down and I was quite pleasantly surprised at the outcome, especially since I definitely didn’t see it coming.

The Bottom Line: If you like your historical romance mixed with a little mystery and suspense and well written characters, then this one is for you!

~ ARC provided by SourceBooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~

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Meet the Author

​Alissa Johnson lives in the rolling hills of the Ozarks, where she is hard at work on her next romance.

Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter

ARC Review: Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2) by Jennifer Estep

10/25/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Young Adult
Published By: Kensington Books
Release Date: October 27th, 2015 Pages: 368
Series: Black Blade #2
isbn: 1617738263
isbn13: 9781617738265

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Purchase Links
Amazon  *  B&N  *  Kobo
Description

Something Wicked This Way Comes...


As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there's no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.


Even though he's my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what's supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious "accidents," it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.


​As if I didn't have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone's going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing's for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else...
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My Review

I have decided that the Black Blade series will now be known as my YA guilty pleasure series because I just really enjoy the hell of out it. I love the characters and the world and love getting lost it in. I actually went back to take a gander at what I wrote in my review for Cold Burn of Magic and found that everything I wrote still applies and then some. This was a book that slowly drew me back into the lives of Lila and the people of Cloudburst Falls and even after a few days everything that happened is still swimming around in my brain, along with a slight frustration at that cliffhanger of an ending.

Dark Heart of Magic starts a few weeks after Cold Burn of Magic ends and as with the first book a lot goes on. Monsters are being slaughtered and the Tournament of  Blades, a contest where the families pick their best guards to compete against each other in a ‘friendly’ setting. Then there is figuring out just what Victor Draconi is up to so they can bring him to his knees as well as all the everyday issues that seem to pop up in lives of these characters. But, even with so much going on, it all ends up making sense. The various plot lines are woven together smooth and I enjoyed the descriptions and details of what went on in during the events of Tournament.  Quite a few revelations are revealed in this book, some I actually guessed at after finishing CBoM, but others I didn’t see coming, but all served to add more depth to each character and make me that much more antsy to see how they would all play out in the end.


Lila I adore and actually really like when that immature teenager in her comes out to play because she, along with all of the other teens/young adults in the story, have had to grow up so fast because of the world they live in. Devon is still the calm in midst of the storm, though no pushover in any sense. Mo and Felix, who both half irritated me/half amused me in CBoF have risen on my likability scale. Claudia, Devon’s mother, is a force to be reckon with and not only do we get to see just how calculating she is, but get to see more glimpses of her heart. And then there is Oscar, our slightly ornery, grumpy yet lovable Redneck Pixie, who still ranks up there in my estimation. We get to spend time with Blake and Deah Draconi and Poppy Ito as well as meet a few new characters that brought a few surprises of their own to the mix.


​As you can probably guess, I found the writing to be engaging and flow well. I really like the author’s voice and the direction she is taking things. I’m on the fence about that ending, but will say that I could see it coming, so I can’t be too upset about it. And while one could read this as a standalone, Ms. Estep does a great job at recapping Cold Burn of Magic throughout the book, I must insist that you take the time to read the first book to fully understand why certain story lines have been set in motion.



The Bottom Line: The Black Blade series is my YA guilty pleasure, nuff said.

~ ARC provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~




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Meet the Author

I’m a Southern gal through and through. Sassy, sarcastic, and just a tad crazy. I spent my formative years doing the usual kid things – playing, hanging out with my friends, and making up wild stories in my head. It’s the last one that’s gotten me into trouble.I don’t remember the first book I read. Or the second. Or even the third. But somewhere along the way, I fell in love with books and reading. Fairy tales, fantasies, adventure stories, mysteries, romances, westerns. As a kid, I read every book that I could get my hands on.

My mom, bless her, encouraged this obsession by taking me to the library every week. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories. Most folks think penicillin, indoor plumbing, and the Internet are the world’s best inventions. Not me. The greatest thing ever created was a library. Indoor plumbing is a close second, though.

The more I read, the more I thought about writing my own stories. I penned a few poems and short stories over the years, mainly for class assignments. Somewhere along the way, I realized that I wanted to write books for a living.

In college, I majored in English because of my love of books. But what can you do with an English degree? I didn’t know. One semester, I got a job with the college newspaper and discovered you could write stories and make a respectable living. Since that light-bulb moment, I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism, and a master’s degree in professional communications. Currently, I’m an award-winning features page designer for a daily newspaper.
​

Now, after many, many years of toil and trouble, I’ve achieved my dream of being a bona fide, published, fiction author. I plan to keep on keeping on – writing, dreaming, making up wild stories in my head.
And getting myself into trouble.

Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter

ARC Review: Friction (Legal Affairs #8) by Sawyer Bennett

10/22/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Published By: Montlake Romance
Release Date: October 27th, 2015
Pages: 288
Series: Legal Affairs #8
​ASIN B00XCAOXI0
​

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Purchase Link
Amazon 
Description

At the powerhouse law firm of Knight & Payne, winning comes first and ethics a distant second. Leary Michaels uses her female charms to daze opponents, and it’s always worked well—until now. On her most personal case yet, she finds herself going up against a defense attorney just as skilled, shameless, and seductive as she is.

​Reeve Holloway has never met a woman as sure of her own sexuality, or as ruthless in wielding it, as Leary is. But he won’t be toyed with. What Leary starts, he’ll finish—in the courtroom, the bedroom, or any-damn-place he wants. The sex is uninhibited, electrifying, and absolutely against the rules. Reeve’s job is to ruin Leary’s case…even if it destroys her in the process and costs him the woman he’s come to love.


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My Review

Sawyer Bennett does it again!!

She’s given us another hot and steamy read with characters that you can’t help but fall in love with and a story that keeps turning the page.

From the moment I met Leary I admired the hell out of her and as the story progressed that admiration morphed into adoration. Everything from how she put herself through college, why she decided that Knight & Payne was the place for her and even how she learned how to use what her mama gave her to her advantage. She’s determined, intelligent, compassionate and devious, a lethal combination in a woman and one that I definitely appreciate. Reeve, I liked but had to wonder just how he’d be able to handle Leary, but I shouldn’t have doubted Ms. Bennett because holy hell does Reeve up the ante! The man is smokin’ hot, extremely intelligent and just an all around good guy, despite who he works for. I messaged a friend and told her that I wouldn’t be kicking the man out of bed for eating crackers.

Their relationship starts off as rivals/enemies but quickly morphs to lovers and more and it is all because they just had that spark. They are so compatible it’s almost sickening, but in a good way. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts (talk about needing a cold shower), but there is also a huge amount of mutual respect between them which can be seen as they duke it out on the case.
​

The writing, as always, is stellar. Ms. Bennett is a master at drawing you into the from the first page as well as writing 1st person dual POV’s. And as this is my first time reading anything of her Legal Affairs books, I never felt lost during the process of working a case and getting into the courtroom. I loved Midge and really hope that Ford will be getting his own book soon!

The Bottom Line: Another great and sexy read by an amazing author!

~ ARC provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~

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Meet The Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
​

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series.

Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter  *  Instagram

Audiobook Review: The Guardian: Shadowstone Legend by Angela Aaron, Narrated by Hollie Jackson

10/21/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre:
Fantasy/Romance

Published By:
Angela Aaron (Self publish)

​Release Date:
February 7th, 2015




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Purchase Links
Audible  *  Amazon  *  B&N
Smashwords  *  
CreateSpace
Blurb:

The past and present meet, a lover's secret is revealed, and doors to forbidden places 
open as the Shadowstone's power awakens. 

Rebecca never believed in the Fae or Faerie legends, let alone considered she was descended from one. Becoming embroiled in a dangerous quest with an invisible foe, Rebecca has no choice but to rely on the assistance of the cocky Scottish laird to stay alive.

Torn from his time, Cailen is thrust in to the mystical role of Guardian by an ancient pledge. Sworn to protect the bearer of the enigmatic Shadowstone, he must unravel the magic and power of the sacred Fae object before the Fae can reclaim the stone and the one who bears it.

As undeniable passion ignites, and the talisman's secrets are revealed, Cailen and Rebecca must confront the looming heartache that threatens their future. 

*A Fantasy Romance full of Magic, Mystery and Sizzle!*

* Adult content.*
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My Review

This was a total trifecta of new for me. New author. New narrator and my first ever audiobook review. The first two didn’t bother me so much, but to review an audiobook is definitely a different beast from reviewing a book because much of my enjoyment lays heavily in the hands of the narrator bringing the story to life and that can be a slippery slope, but in the case of The Guardian, Hollie Jackson did a wonderful job of bringing Angela Aaron’s characters and story to life all the while keeping me engaged the entire time.

As I said, Hollie Jackson did a wonderful job narrating The Guardian. Not only was she able to convey the emotions of the characters well, but she did a great job with the Scottish accents and being able to change her tone so that each character had a distinct voice. Not an easy feat by any measure and after listening for about an hour I was able to tell who was speaking because of it.

Rebecca and Cailen were characters that I really came to like and want to see if they could get past certain roadblocks that could keep them apart. Rebecca was spunky and though she could be impetuous, she had a good head on her shoulders, even when faced with the fact that the Fae were real and that she was one. Cailen was protective and compassionate. He was every bit the Scottish laird, and good lord could he brood, but he never wavered from his oath. Their road to their HEA was a fun, if not bumpy one thanks to the fact that they were raised in very different times, had Fae trying to kidnap Rebecca and a prophecy of sorts hanging over their heads. But as the story progressed the chemistry and connection between them grew stronger and I found that I really wanted them to be get their HEA.

The story was well crafted and I enjoyed the pacing of the story. Nothing was rushed, whether it was Rebecca and Cailen’s budding romance to figuring out how to keep both the Shadowstone and Rebecca out of  the Fae’s clutches. Everything felt as if it occurred as it should. One of my favorite aspects of the story was how Ms. Aaron included the various festivals that take place throughout the year in Scotland into the plot line. The geek in me definitely liked learning what each celebrated and learning about the preparations for them.

The Bottom Line: If you like stories about the Fae, hot Scottish lairds, intelligent and feisty women and a well thought out and written story, as well as an excellent narrator, then you should definitely give this one a listen


~ Audiobook provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ~

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Excerpt from The Guardian ~ Shadowstone Legend

Rebecca opened the heavy library doors and slipped inside the darkened room. She could see Cailen's silhouette sitting at the desk and stepped toward him cautiously. As she drew close, she could see he was wide-awake, watching her as she approached. He sported a rough growth of beard; she thought looked pretty sexy. His eyes held the tale tell strain of a massive headache, as did his hand, which was rubbing his temple. 

"I brought you some coffee." 

"I have not acquired a taste for this drink." 

"Maybe you should start. It helps with a hangover." 

"If you refer to the morning after a drinking binge, then aye." 

Cailen lifted the steaming mug to his lips. 

"You look like shit, by the way," Rebecca commented on his disheveled state, 

"but the beard is nice." 

Cailen half-heartedly smiled. 

"So did drinking yourself into oblivion help?" 

"What do you think?" 

"I think you're mad I know what transpired with your brother. I think this is the 

reason you keep pushing me away." 

"You know nothing." 

"Why don't you enlighten me, then?" 

Cailen just glared at her, a scowl furrowing his brow. 

"Cailen, your intentions were honorable. You acted in the best interest of your 

clan." 

"But what of my brother? Did I act in his best interest? Blood comes first, and I 

failed him. I am not a good person, Rebecca." 

"Yes. Yes, you are." 

"Donnae make me a saint. Your assumption that I accepted the role of guardian to atone for not helping my brother is incorrect. My purpose is nothing more than vengeance toward the Fae. My actions are nae noble, only necessary retribution." 

 "Cailen, the sacrifices you've made in order to ensure the safety of Brynn's bloodline are the epitome of noble. I've seen firsthand the heartbreak you suffered at being displaced, of seeing everything you defended reduced to a pile of stones. I've seen your willingness to protect me, to be taken to Fae with me, to die for me. Those aren't the actions of a spiteful person. Those are the essence of nobility and speak volumes of your loyalty to your brother. You said yourself you wondered if you played the role fate had in store for you. Maybe everything happened the way it was supposed to." 

Cailen's face had the most pained expression; it reached right inside her chest and twisted her heart. She sighed. "I'm so sorry I brought up these memories. There's 
more I wanted to tell you, but it can wait." 

"More? Tell me." Cailen requested. 

Rebecca rose and picked up her coffee cup. "It can wait until you feel better." 

"Tell me, Rebecca," Cailen demanded in a much firmer tone. 

"Not now. Not when you are hung over and pissed." She turned to leave. 

Cailen rose from his chair and came around the desk, standing right in front of her, blocking her exit. 

"God's blood, Rebecca. Tell me," he bellowed, grabbing her arm to turn her around. Coffee splashed over the edge of the mug. 

This moment was the second time in her life Rebecca felt like she was in a Hollywood movie, anticipating the action of the scene. The first time was when she first walked into John's pub, and she knew all eyes would be upon her, and now as Cailen's stormy eyes bore right into her. She knew he would kiss her the instant he grabbed her arm. His whole body exuded sexual tension. He was rigid with frustration on so many levels, and her reluctance to speak of what she saw in the stone only added to his already pent-up rage. He had reached the end of some self-imposed limit, and now crossed over that invisible barrier. 

His lips slammed down on hers with such heat and desperation, the intensity stunned her. And just like the first time he had grabbed her and kissed her to keep the Fae from seeing her, denying him was not an option. He ripped the coffee mug from her grasp, dropping it on the desk with no regard for the liquid sloshing over the sides. His arms encircled her, pulling her tight against him. He tasted of Scotch and coffee and unleashed fury that rolled off him in waves she could not resist. Every part of him was hard with need as he backed her up against the desk, moving between her thighs, grinding his hips against her. 

His kiss was hot and passionate and left fiery trails along her jaw and neck. His tongue demanded entrance to her mouth, tasting, exploring…claiming. His hands roamed the length of her, stroking and caressing as if reacquainting themselves with something that had been lost. 

Everywhere he touched, she burned with total surrender, and she would have capitulated right then and there to anything he wanted of her. However, through her passion-induced haze, Rebecca became aware that Cailen stiffened, and his movements ceased as the voices of Ewan and Fenora reached them. They entered the library, unaware of what was transpiring. 

"Oh," Fenora exclaimed. 

Everything froze in that awkward instant, until Cailen stepped back. Regret washed over his features like a veil falling into place. He took another step back, allowing her room to scoot off the desk. She discreetly straightened her shirt and returned her gaze to Cailen. 

"Don't do this," she whispered, knowing exactly what he was about to do. He took another step back, increasing the space between them. 

"Don't." 

Cailen glanced back over his shoulder at Ewan and Fenora who were making a hasty retreat. He spun his head back toward her, his eyes boring deep into her. 

"I let my need overshadow reason," he gave her an apology of sorts. 

"Oh, Jesus, Cailen. Cut the self-sacrificing crap. I was just as caught up in the moment as you. Twice you've done this to me. Twice you've retreated from me. Don't let this happen again. You can't do this to me." Her voice fell away. "Please don't do this to me. Whatever it is that makes you pull away from me, tell me." 

Cailen turned away from her. 

"Don't walk out of here." 

 Ignoring her plea, Cailen strode to the door and walked out of the library.
Meet the Author

Angela Aaron is a writer of Romance with a fantasy twist. Her stories have stormy courtships, intriguing secrets, magic, mystery, lots of downright HOT moments between her characters and of course, happy-ever-after-endings. Angela loves to write big, strong alpha heroes and a story that can suck you in and make you believe every word of it is true. She has been writing for as long as she can remember and credits her vivid imagination for the visual appeal of her stories. Angela has four books published to date, The Guardian - Shadowstone Legend, The Fire of Beltane, Pleasure Island and A Mediterranean Affair.
Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter  *  Amazon

ARC Review: Playing with Seduction (The Players Club #3) by Erika Wilde

10/19/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published By: Erika Wilde
Release Date: October 19th, 2015
Pages: 249
Series: The Players Club #3
ASIN B01258E2G2


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​Purchase Links
Amazon  *  B&N  *  Kobo    Google Play
Description

SEDUCTION HAS NEVER BEEN SO SCANDALOUS . . .

Kendall Shaw loves her job as a boudoir photographer. When she enlists hot, gorgeous, 100% alpha male, Jase Burns for a custom photo shoot for a romance novel cover, she quickly discovers that he only took the job to get close to her. But her painful divorce has made her wary of men, and especially one who is eight years younger than she is.
The moment Jase sets his sights on beautiful, sexy Kendall, he wants her. Despite their mutual attraction, she's rejected his every advance. But Jase loves a good challenge, and one steamy, seductive night at The Players Club changes everything between them.

Kendall has never experienced such overwhelming passion, or been pursued so tenaciously. Jase is addicting, in every way, and she soon finds herself falling for a man who doesn't fit into her ideal future.
​

Can Jase convince Kendall to let go of her past and take a risk on a second chance at love—with him?
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My Review
​

After reading and enjoying Playing with Pleasure it really was a no brainer to pick up the next in the series when it became available and I found Playing with Seduction to be just as engaging, fun, sexy and well written as it’s predecessor. The previous book was about second chances, and while this one has a similar theme it is also about timing and learning that even the most well thought out plans don’t always work out they way we want them to.

I liked Jase from the moment we meet him and as the book progressed I decided I wanted my own Jase. He’s sweet, charming, intelligent and when he decides to go all hot and sexy alpha male, look out because you won’t want to say no. His upbringing and why he chose to enter the military was quite interesting, and a little heartbreaking, but gives great insight into what motivates him, as well as why he has made, and is making, the choices he has. Kendall was one of those characters that I liked and understood why she was the way she was. She’s sweet, hardworking and loyal to those who are her friends. She’s built up her own business and is enjoying that aspect of her life, but she was hurt badly by her ex and now that she’s worked through that pain and moved on she has a “plan” as to how the rest of her life will play out.

I liked the way Kendall and Jase’s relationship progressed, and give total kudo’s to how Jase upped his game to get his woman because it was genius and smokin’ hot, and as the story moves along we get to see Kendall become more comfortable in her own skin, which Jase definitely helps with. I also liked the way that the author handled the age issue. There were a few ways that it could have been dealt with, but the path that was taken showed how mature they both were and kept things from getting overly dramatic.

The Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a fun, quick, need to take a cold shower read, this is one is for you!

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~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~

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Meet the Author

Erika Wilde (aka Janelle Denison) is the USA Today bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances for multiple print publishers.
So, why the new pen name?

As Janelle Denison I’ve always written sexy books, but lately my writing has taken on more erotic elements that I wanted to keep separate for readers because not everyone likes their reading material on the spicier, kinkier side of romance.   
However, please be assured that even as Erika Wilde, you will still get an emotionally layered story with characters you’ll care about and fall in love with.   That is always my goal, whether I’m writing straight contemporary romances, or more erotically charged stories.
​

Currently, I’m working on The Marriage Diaries and making sure that Dean and Jillian enjoy exploring the more erotic side to their marriage.  The series will be on-going, with no foreseeable ending as of right now, for as long as readers want to be voyeurs to Dean and Jillian’s sizzling new relationship.I’m also planning a spin-off series in the future, featuring the hot military men that work security for Dean at Noble and Associates.

Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter

ARC Review: Dragon on Top (Dragon Kin #0.4 ) by G.A. Aiken

10/14/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy/Romance/Humor
Published By: Kensington Books ~ Zebra
Release Date: October 27th, 2015
Pages: 176
Series: Dragon Kin #0.4
ISBN:  1420138987
​ISBN13: 9781420138986

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Purchase Links
Amazon  *  B&N  *  Kobo
Description

Try a little dragon tenderness.

I am Glheanna the Decimator. I am a warrior. A soldier. I know no fear. No pain. No mercy. I do, however, know acute embarrassment! How could I not after getting dumped by a bastard dragon in front of my own troops? So I tuck tail and return to my cave, drowning my sorrows in ale—as is my family’s way. But instead of leaving me to my misery, I’ve been summoned to the Dragon Queen’s court.
​

As if my life wasn’t pathetic enough, Her Majesty now has me escorting the highborn Bram the Merciful through dangerous territories—not exactly the best use of my military training. And just so he can negotiate with enemy dragons instead of battling them? Honestly, what has my world come to? Then again…Bram is quite easy on the eyes. And the perfect distraction for what ails me. Perhaps I’m looking at all this the wrong way. Maybe there is a place for a little “mercy” in my life…

**Note: This novella was originally released in the Supernatural anthology in 2011***​
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My Review

God I love the Dragon Kin series and after reading it I’m ALWAYS in a better mood than I was when I first started reading one of the books. The characters are crazy and over the top (okay most are dragon shifters but still), even the ones that appear “normal” are crazy, but they are all distinct and likeable in their craziness and their antics always make me laugh. Not the polite little chuckle kind of laugh, but the laugh out loud and sometimes snort while laughing variety. That’s how much I enjoy the characters, story and world that G.A. Aiken has created and this one was no different.

Dragon on Top is a prequel to the series as well as a re re-release and is about Glheanna the Decimator and Bram the Merciful and the road they took to their HEA. Since they both appear in the series there is no question that the get it, so it was fun to just sit back and watch as they got past their own hang ups and finally took the steps to making their feelings known and doing something about it. Part of the fun of their courtship was that Glheanna is the Dragonwarrior, she is a Cadwaladr after all, and Bram is the peacemaker. So on the surface they look like polar opposites, but as things progress we get to see just how alike they are in how they think and why they are perfect for each other. Of course the other Cadwaladr’s get to have their say in the process, as well as a few nudges from Queen Rhiannon as well as.


The writing was clean, engaging and paced well and I really enjoyed getting glimpse of the Fin’s, the sea dragons, and their world, which we don’t get a lot of in the main books.  The one thing that I’m on the fence about isn’t so much the story, but recommending this as a story to start with if you have not started the series already. It is a prequel and there really isn’t much in it that would ruin any of the storylines in the series, but I think it would be in a ‘newbies’ interest to at least read the first couple of books to get a feel for the crazy that constantly goes on with these characters. But if you like a good dose of crazy, by all means jump right in!


​The Bottom Line: Another crazy fun ride with a cast of characters who are more likely to hit you than hug you...and that’s when they actually like you.


~ ARC provided by Kensington Books ~ Zebra via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~

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​Meet the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author G.A. Aiken lives on the West Coast and spends most of her time writing and making sure her rescued Pittie doesn’t love everyone into a coma. When she’s not writing about sexy dragons, she’s writing about sexy wolf, lion, tiger, and other fang-filled predators under the name Shelly Laurenston. Find out more about this New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors books at www.shellylaurenston.com.
Website ​ *  Goodreads

ARC Review: Alasdair (Masters Among Monsters #1) by Ella Frank

10/13/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Urban Fantasy Erotic/M M 
Published By: Ella Frank LLC
Release Date: October 13th, 2015
Series: Masters Among Monsters #1
​asin: B0122DD7HU


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​Purchase Links

Amazon  *  B&N * Kobo * ​iBooks
Description

A DANGEROUS ALLURE

Bestowed with eternal life by the Ancient Vasilios, Alasdair Kyriakous is one of the most feared and ruthless vampires in existence. His name carries weight across all of the seven continents.

But he is a mystery to his kind, an anomaly among the self-indulgent. While he enjoys the pleasures of the flesh, he is exceptionally particular in his choice of partners and prides himself on his ironclad self-control.

Yet with one look his control will become a thing of the past, and Alasdair will discover that eternal life doesn’t always last forever…

A DEADLY ATTRACTION

Thrust into a world he could never have imagined, Leo Chapel awakens in his worst nightmare. Taken hostage by the dangerously mesmerizing vampire, Alasdair, Leo must rely on his intelligence to escape before he reveals a secret he isn’t even aware he’s hiding.

A FORBIDDEN DESIRE

Unaware that they’ve been brought together by an outside force and are little more than pawns to a higher power, Alasdair and Leo spend time trying to uncover the other’s secrets, the attraction between them growing stronger all the while.

But enemies are watching and preparing to act against them. When decisions that will alter lives and destinies have to be made—can a dead, grey heart learn to beat again?


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My Review

Have you ever continued to tap the screen of your ereader, or stared blankly at an actual book and flipped through the last pages, after reading “The End” because you couldn’t believe that the author actually ended it THERE?


Well I did with this one and actually snarled, mostly because it really wasn’t a nice place to end, but outside of that cliffhanger of sorts *takes a deep breath and let it out* I have to say that I really, really enjoyed Alasdair. It was sexy, sensual, erotic intense with a good dose of suspense, or what I like to call ~ WTF is going on? ~ thrown into the mix.


Alasdair is the total ‘I’m intense you can’t touch me’ badass vampire, but then again he is over 2000 years old. His arrogance simply ratchets up his allure and you can’t help but be drawn in. Leo I adored. I loved that he worked at a museum and that his inquisitive side tended to overrule his sense of self preservation, which made him even more real for me because it gave him an inner strength that nothing could counter.


The chemistry between Alasdair and Leo is smoking hot and much of that is because they are totally attracted to each other, almost obsessively so, and both know that they shouldn’t be. Not only because Alasdair is a vampire and Leo is a human, whose only purpose should be as a plaything and food source for Alasdair, but because of the danger Leo poses to Alasdair. This deep seated attraction causes quite a bit of confusion for both of them and I actually found it adorable because it is so at odds with their personalities, especially Alasdair’s. Then you add in Vasilios to the mix and that not only ratchets up the heat factor (total cold shower or have your BOB close at hand HOT) but the danger factor as well.  What I actually enjoyed the most about what was going between Alasdair and Leo was that it never slid into sweet, fluffy romance between them. It stayed its course as two males who were inexplicably drawn to one another and it was so intense that neither could ignore it, even it would be the best thing for both of them in the end.


This was my first book by Ella Frank and I’m hooked. I enjoyed the writing style and flow of the story. It was paced well, and though there are still more unanswered questions than answered ones, I didn’t feel as if I’d been cheated, okay maybe a little, but when you get the “The End” you’ll understand why I kept tapping on my screen in utter disbelief. But as far as the plot goes, there was enough information given to keep me going and wanting to know more. The vampires are pretty standard fare as far as vamps go, but I loved how she incorporated ancient Greece and Greek mythology into their origins ~ totally made the geek in me a happy, happy girl, and I found the name choices of some of the characters pretty interesting and can’t wait to see if they play into what’s going on.


The Bottom Line: Dark, sexy, intense and leaves you wanting more.


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​~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~ 

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Meet the Author

Ella Frank is the author of the #1 Bestselling Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, A Desperate Man. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”


A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR.  You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author


Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.


Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter  *  Pintrest

ARC Review: Obscured by Tara Sue Me writing as Cat Waters

10/12/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Erotica/Dark/Suspense/Thriller
Published By: After Six
Release Date: October 12th, 2015
​ASIN B0143A10XS


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​Purchase Links
Amazon  *  B&N  *  Kobo
Description

There’s the truth you know….

At age 16, Athena Hamilton traded her body for survival when a powerful Vegas hotelier and pimp lured her into his world. Ten years of turning tricks has taught her to trust no one and feel nothing. Yet a chance meeting with a childhood crush sparks hope for something more.

The truth you believe…

There’s no way Isaiah Martin could want her. He’s a pastor. Too good. Too pure. But when she learns her days are numbered, she runs into the safety of his arms and trusts his promise of protection.

And the truth you never imagined...

The aftermath of a tragic accident and a bitter betrayal leaves her destitute and alone. The one man she shouldn’t trust offers her a chance to escape. But when good and evil collide, what do you do when the truth is Obscured?

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My Review



Tara Sue Me’s name is synonymous with erotica with a darker edge and bdsm, and while Obscured falls under the ‘dark’ genre as it deals with human trafficking/prostitution it isn’t erotica. This story falls more under the suspense/thriller side of things with some romance thrown in but by the time I realized that I was dealing with a different beast I was hooked and didn’t mind the change of pace at all because I needed to know if I had guessed right about the various characters motives that we meet in the story.
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This was one of those books where I was more interested in the overall story and how things would play out than the actual main character, Athena. I empathized with her and her situation, especially after finding out how she was lured into being a prostitute and the repercussions that she’d have to face if she didn’t tow the line, but some of the choices she made drove me bat shit crazy and had me muttering “Don’t do it. Don’t do it...you did it.” then doing the heavy sigh thing and watching as the fall out happened. As for the other players in this story. One is absolutely shady, no question about it, but the other two? I gotta say that the author did a great job at making it difficult to get a true read on them and what their game was. I will say that at least my instincts about them were correct, in a general sense, but the specifics did end up surprising me.

It seems a bit redundant to say that I enjoyed the writing since I’ve already said I got hooked on the story, but I am. The twists and turns were done well, the writing was clean and though it does fall under 200 pages I didn’t feel as if the plot or characters were cheated out of anything,  including what ends up happening to them in the end, though there is one surprise that I am hoping may get a novella or something similar so we can see just how THAT came to be.


The Bottom Line: This was a quick, well written book that kept me turning the pages until the very end.


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​~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~

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Meet the Author

Tara Sue Me wrote her first novel at the age of twelve. It would be twenty years before she picked up her pen to write the second.

After completing several clean romances, she decided to try her hand at something spicier and started The Submissive. What began as a writing exercise quickly took on a life of its own. An avid reader of all types of fiction, she soon discovered she enjoyed writing a variety as well.

Tara lives in the Southeastern United States with her family, two dogs, and a cat.

Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter  

Crossing the Ice by Jennifer Comeaux

10/11/2015

 
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Published By: Jennifer Comeaux
Release Date: August 2014
Pages:  308 (Paperback)
Genre: Fiction/Romance/New Adult
Language: English
Purchase Links:
Amazon • B&N • Goodreads


Synopsis

Falling hard never felt so good.

Pair skaters Courtney and Mark have one shot left at their Olympic dream. They vow not to let anything get in their way, especially not Josh and Stephanie, the wealthy and talented brother and sister team.

The heart doesn’t always listen to reason, though…

The more time Courtney spends with sweet, shy Josh, the harder she falls for him. But they are on opposite sides of the competition, and their futures are headed in opposite directions. Will their friendship blossom into more or are their paths too different to cross?

This is the first book in the ICE series. The series continues with book #2, LOSING THE ICE.

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My Review

When I first started reading this book, I had just come off of a two-month-long otherworldly-binge-read. I read 3 series of nothing human. It was all sidhe, night human, witches, etc. So, it took quite a bit to get into this book. I finally had to take a break and start fresh, forcing myself to not expect anything otherworldy in this story. That's when it clicked into place and I actually enjoyed the restart. 

I know nothing about ice skating outside of enjoying it myself every few years and watching it on television. It is not something I understand the references of. I did have a bit of a time with the names of such moves in this book, but it was okay because by the end I could picture the moves in my head with ease. Otherwise, I liked this book so well that I came to have edge-of-my-seat-anxiety at times where my husband would ask me what was wrong and I'd have to hold up a finger to 'hang on' or just hold up my Kindle. The competitions were definitely that way. 

I loved the spins in the story by having it all figured out ahead of time in which it then crashed down in my lap. Wow! Great spins! 

Now let me get to the love-story part. Court and Josh were too different to be anything but competitors. Especially with his b*tch of a sister always being in the way and gracing everything with her snide remarks and snottiness. Stephanie was the exact opposite of Josh, thank God, as I would not have been able to read the book if they were similar. 

But then Josh and Court spend more time together on and off the ice. And off the ice, they were steamy and had much more in common than they ever thought. Their chemistry rose off the charts many times, and many times there were crash landings that hurt... and by that I mean it hurt me as the reader. I wanted to strangle Court so many times. 

Then mixing the competitions in with the on-again-off-again chemistry... it was almost too much for the reader. As for the steamy couple...let's just say have your pillow ready to bury your face in so you can scream and yell at the characters. Then have your kleenexes ready. Then your glass of wine. Then grab your pillow once more. By the end of this roller coaster of a story will be one you will be so glad you read, you'll be recommending it to others. 

I am now off to purchase the 2nd book in the series because I need more of the plot twists and turns. 


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About the Author

Jennifer Comeaux is a tax accountant by day, writer by night. There aren’t any ice rinks near her home in south Louisiana, but she’s a diehard figure skating fan and loves to write stories of romance set in the world of competitive skating. One of her favorite pastimes is traveling to competitions, where she can experience all the glitz and drama that inspire her writing. Jennifer loves to hear from readers! Visit jennifercomeaux.blogspot.com for contact information and to learn more about her books. You can also find Jennifer on Twitter, Facebook, and GoodReads.

ARC Review: Rock Redemption (Rock Kiss #3) by Nalini Singh

10/7/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published By: TKA Distribution
Release Date: October 6th, 2015
Pages: 349
Series: Rock Kiss #3
isbn: 149456193X
isbn13: 9781494561932


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Purchase Links
Amazon  *  B&N  * Kobo
Description

Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness…until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.

Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.

When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting—needing—to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful…and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.
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My Review

After finishing Rock Addiction there were two things that I knew were coming down the chute when it came to the Rock Kiss series.

  1. That Noah and Kit would end up with a book

  2. That it would send me on a roller coaster of an emotional ride.

Both have come to pass in Rock Redemption and while their story is definitely filled with heart wrenching moments (I got a little teary, I’ll admit) it is also filled with heart breakingly sweet and funny ones that beautifully balance out the angst and sorrow showing the reader that while the road to redemption isn’t easy, it can be attainable when you have the right people helping you along the way.

I already loved both Kit and Noah after devouring Rock Addiction and jumped to adoration with this book. Learning about Kit’s background and the steps she took to attain the status as an actress to be looked at in Hollywood was admirable and showed that she wasn’t, and isn’t, about getting a free ride. She understands how the system works and will use it to her advantage, but doesn’t go overboard. She is also a warm, loving and caring person who will give the shirt off her back for those she cares about and is loyal to the extreme to those who are loyal to her.

Noah. I think chasing oblivion is an understatement when it comes to the choices that he’s made to quiet the demons of his past. There was quite a bit that I didn’t agree with, what happened with Kit being one of them, but he has his reasons and dear lord when you finally found out what he went through and it’s aftermath all you want to do is hug him tight and throttle those involved in it. But what we come to learn about the damaged guitar player is just how sweet he is. His loyalty to the guys in School Boy Choir and those he considers friends was already known, but his seet, considerate and even vulnerable side make him someone that you’d go to the ends of the earth to save.

Noah and Kit’s journey to their HEA is admittedly a long one. They were friends first and had an undeniable connection and chemistry with each other that hinted that there could be something more, but was squashed by the choice Noah made one fateful night, so what much of this book is about is the two of them becoming friends once more and moving forward. As I said, their journey is a long one and some may not care for the pacing of it, but I found it to be perfect for the situation that Kit and Noah find themselves in and shows once again why Ms. Singh is one of my favorite authors, she stayed true to her characters and didn’t rush their courtship and showed why they belong together.

The writing, as always, was amazing! I don’t think there has been a book by Nalini Singh that I haven’t experienced some level of a book hangover upon finishing and Rock Redemption is no different. Not only do we get a beautifully written second chance-ish romance that shows that forgiveness and redemption are possible, but a nice little look into the life of a Hollywood starlet, a dash of mystery/suspense  (I did try to solve it and failed miserably) and we get some quality time with the School Boy Choir gang and extended friends and family, which is probably my favorite part of the book outside of the H/h’s story. If you didn’t love Fox, Molly, David, Thea and Abe before, you will after finishing this one. They truly are a family. They push when necessary and are honest even when it may hurt, but no matter what they have each other’s backs.  And while Charlie is only mentioned briefly, we do get to spend a little time with Maxwell and get a little more knowledge about Abe.

The Bottom Line: Loved Noah and Kit and can’t wait to for Abe’s story and will keep my toes crossed that we get to catch up a bit with Ms. Baird and The Bishop *Grins*

~ ARC received. in exchange for an honest review ~



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Meet the Author

I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.

I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).

So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.

Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter

ARC Review: Irresistibly Yours (Oxford #1) by Lauren Layne

10/4/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published By: Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept
Release Date: October 6th, 2015
Pages: 236
Series: Oxford #1
ISBN:  1101884843
​ISBN13: 9781101884843

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Description

Hotshot sports editor Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford for years, so when he hears about a staff position opening up, he figures he’s got the inside track. Then his boss drops a bombshell: Cole has competition. Female competition, in the form of a fresh-faced tomboy who can hang with the dudes—and write circles around them, too. Cole usually likes his women flirty and curvy, but he takes a special interest in his skinny, sassy rival, if only to keep an eye on her. And soon, he can’t take his eyes off her.​

Penelope Pope knows all too well that she comes off as just one of the guys. Since she’s learned that wanting more usually leads to disappointment, Penelope’s resigned to sitting on the sidelines when it comes to love. So why does Cole make her want to get back in the game? The man is as arrogant as he is handsome. He probably sees her as nothing more than a barrier to his dream job. But when an unexpected kiss turns into a night of irresistible passion, Penelope has to figure out whether they’re just fooling around—or starting something real.
Purchase Links
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My Review

This was my first book by Lauren Layne and I have to admit that the two reasons I decided to take a chance on Irresistibly Yours was first the description, I have a healthy love of sports (if only I had cable and could watch it more) and loved the concept of a woman possibly being the sports editor at a men’s magazine. And second the fact that my book whore friend from the land of Oz had enjoyed the Sex, Love and Stiletto series and since she has yet to steer me wrong on any of her recommendations I knew that I just had to give it a go and I’m so happy I did. Irresistibly Yours is a quick read that is sweet, sexy, flirty and funny with just the right amount of angst and drama and filled with lovable and likeable characters that make you simply want more time with them.


I was hooked on Cole from the first chapter, but it was the second chapter that sealed the deal and had me absolutely adoring him and that feeling never went away as I continued to read and learn more about him. Is he perfect? No. Does he do things that made me want to smack him? Yes. But he’s just that guy. He’s sweet, charming, flirty, sexy but not sleazy and  just all around good guy who you’d do anything for. Penelope really was adorable. I already liked her based on the fact that the girl is a total sports fan, not just one sport but ALL sports and after reading a section of chapter ten where she describes herself I immediately thought of one of friends (and actually told her she needed to read this book because I found her literary twin). But it was easy to relate to Penelope. There were times where I thought she was too good to be true because of her easy going nature, but it was just her and she was no pushover. She had her insecurities, but she knew her worth and just took everything in stride.


There were many ways that Ms. Layne could have taken Cole and Penelope’s journey to their HEA, as well as the other aspects of their relationship, but I loved the route she took with them. As I said, there wasn’t an overabundance of angsty drama going on, just enough to keep things interesting and ratchet up the chemistry between Cole and Penelope. They were both shown to be adults who had their own demons/insecurites to battle and were struggling with what they really wanted versus what they thought they should want. I’m not always a fan of the whole ‘pull you in with one hand, while pushing you away with the other’ thing, but it works here because each of those moments showed just why they needed to be together.


If you couldn’t tell from the opening, I found the writing to be engaging and the pacing of the book to be well done. I loved the author’s voice and thought she did the 3rd person dual POV beautifully. And as I am sucker for well written secondary characters and the bantering between them, I must say this one has it spades. I will now be devouring the Sex, Love and Stiletto’s series because I loved them all and loved Lincoln! (When does his book come out??)


The Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a fun, sweet, sexy and sassy book filled with well written characters this is definitely the one for you!


~ ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~

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Meet the Author

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren's gone on to publish ten books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in Chicago with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you'll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly hair.

Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter  *  Instagram

ARC Review: These Battered Hands by Laurel Ulen Curtis

10/2/2015

 
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Book Summary
Genre: Contemporary Romance/New Adult/Sports
Published By: Laurel Ulen Curtis
Release Date: September 29th, 2015
Pages: 233
ASIN: B015VQ0U5M
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​Purchase Links

Amazon  *  B&N
Description

Callie

Blood, sweat, hard work, and a disconcerting lack of tears—my entire life—was meant to culminate in a flourish of glory and significance.
I’d thought I’d always known exactly what that meant.
But I’d had the timing wrong by about three minutes.
I knew now.
This moment wasn’t everything. The one person I found myself wanting more than anything during it was.

Nik

One preconceived notion can haunt you for the entirety of your life.
I thought I owed it to myself and to everyone who’d ever backed me to do what was expected. What was right. What I was supposed to do.
But nothing is forbidden in love. Not circumstances or propriety or the denial of the object of said affection.
I knew now.
This was it.
If I wanted it, I had to take it.

This gymnastics love story is more than grips, rips, and battered hands.
For Calia Nickleson and Nikolai Bagrov, it was everything.
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My Review

This is my first time reading anything by Laurel Ulen Curtis and I have to admit that the main reason I picked it up was because of the fact that it took place in the gymnastic world and a wave of nostalgia hit me and took me back to when I was a young child watching the summer Olympics and wishing I was one of the girls competing and I found that These Battered Hands was a thoughtful and sweet character driven romance about learning to enjoy life and finding that once you do dreams you never thought to have could actually come true.

From the moment I met both Nik and Callie I liked them. Nik is steadfast, loyal and thinks outside the box, which comes in handy when dealing with Callie because he definitely needs to dig deep when dealing with Callie. Callie I liked because while she may not be warm and cuddly on the outside, she had her reasons. Her entire life has been dedicated to gymnastics and her father’s dreams of Olympic glory and that makes for an awkward and strained for her when she’s not feeling the love and joy for the only life she’s ever known, but doesn’t know what else to do. That is until Nik enters the picture

Nik and Callie’s relationship is one that has many facets to it that make for a rocky road for them both. There is the building of trust on the coaching front as well as working through the fact that they are both physically attracted to each other and figuring out if it would be worth it to cross that invisible line into what would be deemed a forbidden relationship (I am not one of them in Nik and Callie’s case). And on top of all of this is the spectre of Callie’s father’s expectations thrown into the mix to make things just that much more complicated. But Ms. Curtis does a great job at keeping all aspects of their courtship balanced and show how each step brings Nik and Callie that much closer to gaining their HEA.

The prologue peaked my interest, but it was the first chapter, and first time that Nik and Callie meet, that really hooked me. In that one chapter I got to see who Nik and Callie were while getting glimpses of who they could be together and knew that I needed to be on this journey with them.  The writing was engaging and I really liked the dual 1st person POV and the attention to detail when it came to the gymnastic world and Olympic trials. My only issue was that the story did drag at times, but considering that this is a character driven story I understood why and appreciated the author took the time with both Callie and Nik’s evolution instead of rushing it.
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The Bottom Line: This was a sweet romance that had me rooting for the H/h from start to finish.

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~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~

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Meet the Author

Laurel Ulen Curtis is a 28 year old mother of one. She lives with her husband and son (and cat!) in New Jersey, but grew up all over the United States. She graduated from Rutgers University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and puts that to almost no use other than forecasting for her friends! She has a passion for her family, laughing, and reading and writing Romance novels. Oh, and she's addicted to Coke. The drink, not the drug.

  Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter  *  Pintrest  *  Instagram
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