The Way of the Warrior
| I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. I think that an anthology that was packed with authors that are as fabulous as they are can never go wrong. Each novella stood out individually and as a whole and each steamy man in uniform theme is enough to get any ladies kinky fantasy wheels going. One thing is for sure, God bless America for sexy men in the military and in The Way of the Warrior to make our steamiest dreams come true. |
Bite at First Sight
| I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca. It took me forever to decide how to write a review for this book. Bite at First Sight is an example of how eccentricity and weirdness sort of give birth to brilliance. The whole bartering for kisses scheme was something I wasn't quite what I was expecting but it certainly led to quite a bit of amusing scenes that in turn pulled me deeper into all the exciting debacles that kept me reading long into the night. Bite at First Sight is the first of Booklyn's work that I've read but I certainly look forward to reading more in the future and starting the Scandals with Bite series from the beginning. |
Mate Bond
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. Anyone that knows Jennifer Ashley knows that she's fabulous. Her work is phenomenal. Mate Bond surpasses that. Granted yes its a part of the Shifters series but it stands alone on the edges of our familiar area and can be read as a standalone even though we get some glimpses of previous favs. I had to give the mad props to Jen because she managed to create a political relationship and allows us to look in on what it took for Kenzie and Bowman to really grow on one another. I liked that. I liked that the relationship wasn't instantaneous and automatic, I liked that they had to work on it. I felt Jennifer handled that very well and appropriately. Kenzie and Bowman are fantastic examples of mature characters actually handling themselves like adults learning how to make it work as they grew together. Mate Bond was fantastic. I loved it.
Cat's Lair (Leopard)
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. I really wanted to give Cat's Lair five stars, I really wanted to say that I loved it but it appears as time goes on Christine's work has sort of... I'm not sure of the right word... Slipped? It doesn't have the same feel, it doesn't evoke the same emotion from me that her previous works have always managed to bring out of me. It doesn't seem to have that old Christine Feehan flair.
I know everyone changes over time and her work is going to change along with her and the story is still enjoyable but over all I didn't feel that same connection to her that I used to feel.
It probably sounds odd but it didn't feel like she wrote it?
Cats Lair is interesting and the characters carry most of the weight, I guess I just miss that old fire that always accompanied her work and made it great. It sort of just feels like shes only writing more books of the same series just for the heck of it and not really for any particular purpose.
Nice Girls Don't Ride
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Penguin. I had a difficult time rating Nice Girls Don't Ride because it mostly hit me on a personal level that made it difficult for me to read through it. Not particularly negative just emotionally. I think the book will touch with those that have been in this kind of situation before and can sympathize with Natalie and where her head is at the night she meets Monroe.
Nice Girls Don't Ride is a quick read that still manages to draw in its reader and proposes an interesting offer. Would you or wouldn't you? Before you make your decision though consider the fact that rebounds are always the ones that carry a story with them that get you into your next stage in life.
Sunshine
I'm giving Sunshine three stars and honestly can't say why. Probably
because its between 1-5 and I can't decide if I really liked the book or
really hated it. Sunshine made me feel like I'd been inside the mind of a mad scientist lost somewhere in psychosis.
I'm not sure if I should be impressed or intimidated but there's a stroke of genius in there somewhere.
Although I saw lots of ravings before I read the book over how sensual, sizzling, and sexual it was I didn't see anything of the sort - at all. (Unless you count the blood exchange event as sexual which felt as dry and disorienting as Sunshine did.)
There was a weirdly vague sense of intimacy in there somewhere but to be honest I was a little distracted by Sunshine's chaotic mind to notice.
I think I might have liked the story better had it been told from Con's point of view because even though he was mostly a blank slate I think he's the only character in the entire book I actually grew to like. But then most of the characters are baseless and empty and just sort of there without any true purpose (in my opinion anyway.)
Strangely enough despite the migraine the book gave me I'm fascinated. I wonder if there will be more of Con and Sunshine in the future? If there will be, are we going to get any development at all? (Characters? Plot? Purpose? Background? Emotion? Anything?) Would there even be a reason to continue? I don't know. I spent the entire book feeling like I was waiting for something to happen that just... didn't.
The Enticement: The Submissive Series
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. I was surprised how much more I enjoyed The Enticement compared to the last novel. I felt that Tara managed to redeem some of the issues I had with the previous book and I enjoyed getting some of the reunion factor brought in because I always enjoy follow through. I will be giving the next installment a looksie and I have to admit I'm looking forward to seeing if it gets even better and convinces me to start all over from a fresh perspective.
Wolf Bride
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca.I was really on the fence about how I felt toward Wolf Bride. There is so much to love, so much dynamic story telling going on and the chorus of characters all buzzing in kept me interested enough to follow through.
The story itself sort of leans on the complex power struggles of difficult relationships that aren't all the typical shades of blue, red or green. Eloise ofcourse was the typical female heroine of historical romance, fragility, weakness, child-like and not all that bright. Yet there's also this other side to her that brings in a sort of underlining of strength and determination or if not that then sheer stubbornness.
It plays well off of Wolf who also has quite a bit of roughness and stubborn mind. Sometimes he's a bit too much but when you consider the times and how it could have been realistically in that situation, their issues almost become believable.
I enjoyed Wolf Bride mostly because it plays in my favorite time in history I felt that Moss has researched it very well. I look forward to reading her next installments.
Her Wild Hero (X-Ops)
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca. I seriously have to add this series to my print collection. I have the second book and getting to dive into the third is like Christmas for me.
I have such a blast reading Paige's work, she creates characters - both male and female mind you, that are strong minded and strong willed and carry the story all the way through. What's even better is that she allows Declan to be one of those men women always want and long for but never see it when its right in front of their face. Her Wild Hero is fun, its witty, its sweet, its sexy... Its got everything a reader needs to fill the heart and the fantasy.
I liked that we got to see Kendra be fleshed out and really brought to life in this installment and I am so excited to see where Paige takes us in the next one.
Strictly G.I.: The WWII Letters of Cpl.Wanda M. Renn
Amazing. A really wonderful book. I always love reading letters from the
past and feeling a person through the words they've written. Strictly
GI touches well into that type of thing for me. I really wish that we (the reader) would have gotten either a better introduction or conclusion that gives us an idea of what happened later in her life and maybe answered some of the topics and questions that had been introduced in the letters because it leaves you wanting to know- what happened to this person? What took place after? How does what happened affect her later on?
All in all a wonderful read.
Kilts and Daggers (Highland Spies)
I recieved a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Loved it, loved it, loved it. I want to add this series to my print collection at home. Rough and tough Scots and fair ladies in love. Kilts and Daggers are fabulous. Even the accent of our hero drew me in for a little weepy sigh since accents are a huge turn on for me. The story itself was easy and fairly calm without much excitement but the relationship and personality clash between Grace and Fagan was something that kept me entertained through the entire story. Sit back and relax for a fun read with plenty of laughs.
Last Breath
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. Last Breath is another example that should have been slotted as an Adult novel instead of YA/NA but still managed to create a grizzly story that isn't always shed in light but instead treads a line of the darker side giving credit to Jessica's capability for creating a story with both sexy and dangerous in it.
The Serpent Kings
I thought the Serpent Kings was a fairly interesting book with quite a
few stacked multiple plots weaved within but there was quite a bit that
really left me wanting ... just wanting. There is just too much I think
the author was trying to depict all at once in the same story to fit it
all in.
The Demon Signet
The Demon Signet was a little confusing and not a little twisted but I
thought it was an interesting read with more than enough twists to keep
me interested. It did lag quite a bit to build a sense of impending doom
and apprehension but all in all its a fairly decent read.
Unmasked: Volume One
So... I think this book would make a better anime movie than a book if
it made more sense. I think it has potential but most of it was just
over the top out there than anything. I don't really have too much to
say about it other than that because honestly I'm not really sure what
to think about it.
Piercing the Darkness
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Samhain.
Despite being confused as far as the history for most of the book I actually really enjoyed Piercing the Darkness a lot. I thought it was funny, witty, and I loved the supernatural world Angela has created.
I really wish that I'd read the previous books in the series because there are quite a few references to Hilda and Canes past relationship that she doesn't quite explain for readers that are new to the series starting with this book (like myself) however I enjoyed getting to see Cade and Hilda reunite. I thought they were a great couple and I had a great time being a part of the journey.
Final Surrender (The Surrender Series)
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Samhain. I had a few issues with her characters outward personalities because Jennifer made it difficult to understand or sympathize with their actions toward eachother and with themselves. Too many times I felt frustrated in the way they acted or spoke but I still stuck with it because under all of that I wanted to know what happened.
Final Surrender wasn't written poorly at all but I do wish that the author had given us as readers a more indepth and more fulfilling exploration of both Clay and Angela's minds.
SPOILER ALERT!
Halo: New Blood
I loved New Blood. The recaps were fantastic and I thought that Matt
has done a fantastic job capturing Buck's voice and personality. I liked
that we get both past and present events that flesh out his journey
both physically and emotionally and well, personally (being his
relationship with Veronica) and the Palmer guest spot. Being that I
haven't particularly cared for the way she has been depicted in
Escalation I felt that Matt has done a better job giving her a different
attitude (but then again Halsey isn't around so that could just be a
fluke) I liked getting to see *spoiler* Buck go through the Spartan
augmentation process - although I wish we'd gotten a more in depth feel
into what he was feeling aside from just basic noting of what we already
know it does to their (the Spartans) bodies during the process itself.
(Which we know from the books if you've been reading them) For those
that know ODST already the recap of what took place is a little
repetitive since (game players) will already know what happened even
with the added look into what was going through Bucks head at the time
newcomers will be able to enjoy the journey all the way up to the
reunion with Johnson. Side note: its just speculation but by appearances and comparison - using the cover art as an example, for those that know Halo 2 Anniversary we all know that Locke is pursing Masterchief (supposedly for going AWOL or for what he did to kill the Didact - as depicted in Escalation) since we know that Buck continues on - it appears in H2A during Locke's discussion with Arbiter we see Buck in the background.
Could he be with Locke in the search for Masterchief? It could just be someone else with similar armor however it does look eerily like the one on the cover of this book depicting Buck himself. Again could just be speculation but it is interesting and would be great to see him in action in 5.
*Spoiler* I was bummed that we lost Rookie because I felt there could have been so much more done with him to give fans a Masterchief type hero, unfortunately that wish is cut short however there is plenty to enjoy throughout the book and I felt it was a great reunion for fans of Buck and his unit and I look forward to seeing what Matt comes up with (if he comes up with) further installments. There were a few things that I had issues with but over all I thought that new blood was a great book.
Bound by a Dragon
I felt Bound by a Dragon had so much potential to be really great and I
think it will be if the author later on decides to do a secondary print
of the book with new edits and more development on both the plot and the
characters.
Desolate - The Complete Trilogy
The Desolate trilogy was a little weird but it was unique, I liked that
the author put a lot of thought and creativity into it even with the few
flaws and the added oddness. I was glad for the lack of zombies because
I am zombied out to the max. I do wish that we'd gotten more fleshing
out but it was interesting and new compared to what I've been reading
lately so I was happy with what the author had to give. I do think that
Robert has some potential to create some great stories in the future.
His Captive Princess
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Samhain. Eleri and Warren are fantastic. They're both strong, intelligent and capable characters with the ability to stand on their own independently or individually facing surmounting odds against them. I really grew to respect Eleri as a person and I began to feel sympathy for what she was going through and trying to do. I also felt for Warren and his willingness to sacrifice himself just to end the burden hanging over his head. I really felt for both characters and I was happy that they sought out the journey together through all the craziness and plot twists. His Captive Princess was a fun story full of political intrigue and romance.
Bring on the Dusk
As a five-nation war simmers
in the Caspian Sea, Captain Claudia Jean "Cee-Cee' Casperson of the
Night Stalkers and Colonel Michael Gibson of Delta Force are called in
to subdue the conflict. They'll need all their combined ingenuity to
stop a clash that could have catastrophic global repercussions. And
they'll need to do it while remaining under the radar. It'll take all
the strength they have—but it will take even more for the pair to breach
the walls they've built around their hearts.
***
| I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks. Bring on the Dust is an amazing story. I am really impressed with the authors writing style and character personalization. I am in love. I love Cee and Mike, they're a fantastic match and I had a blast being a part of their journey. Bring on the Dusk is the first book in the Night Stalkers series I've read and I have to say, I'm really impressed. Now I want to go out and buy the entire series for my collection at home. What an action packed story that not just the hero carries but Cee is the heavy lifter heroine I love to see. I love an author that supports strong females to take the reigns. I look forward to reading the previous and following books that ML has planned. Way to go! |
2
Vapires Never Cry Wolf
Sadie Pemberton is the DJ at the hottest vampire club in New York City, and she loves her freedom almost as much as she hates werewolves. She has no desire to tie herself to anyone for eternity—even the deliciously sexy Killian Bane—werewolf prince and heir apparent who has been sent to patrol the city.
But Sadie bears the mark of the moon—the mark that Killian has been looking for, the mark that's meant to reveal his perfect mate. How can the fates be so cruel? Even more importantly, how is he ever going to change her mind?
***
| I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks. Vampires Never Cry Wolf is a novel that has really impressed me so much that I am convinced that I want to buy the previous Dead in the City books so I can add it to my collection. What a great book. Sara Humphrey's has written a story that plays much like Buffy the Vampire Slayer series with its intricate characters, its complex plot and wonderful story line. I really enjoyed her writing and I enjoyed being drawn into her world. I really hope Sara writes more wonderful books like this one in the future. |
2
Every Little Kiss
The second novel featuring small New England town of Harvest Cove, where the residents know that Emma Henry likes things nice and orderly—but everyone has to let loose sometimes…
Event planner Emma Henry is used to focusing all her attention on reaching her goals and letting romance fall by the wayside. But when her sister Sam’s bachelorette party prompts the most tightly-wound Henry to let her hair down, Emma’s night ends with the entire town linking her to a man who could lay waste to anyone’s best-laid plans.
Army vet Seth Andersen thought that joining the police department in sleepy Harvest Cove would offer a quiet, normal life. But when he finds himself responsible for uptight Emma Henry at the end of her wildest night ever, his world turns unexpectedly complicated—and he’s surprised to discover he doesn’t mind at all…
***
| I received a print and digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. Every Little Kiss is a really slow building slow paced book full of really emotional depths to explore for both the characters in the book and the reader. There are many varieties of pain people suffer and there are many ways people find healing both alone and with others. Every Little Kiss is a great story of how both love and family come together in good and bad to move through those times and come out the other side with both heart and happiness in hand. |
2
Freedom's Promise
I feel like I need to read the whole series to fill in the many plot
holes and missing information gaps that left me asking so many questions
most of the way through the story but over all was decent except why
did it take so damn long and why didn't Sarah do something a whole lot
sooner? I hated waiting. I enjoyed Freedom's Promise and only rated low
because of personal feelings and feeling lost due to not knowing history
from previous books.
Last Hit
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. I felt that Last Hit had quite a bit potential and would have doubled had the author bumped the genre to Adult instead of YA/NA so that the characters would feel more believable and their "histories" would have felt more genuine. I had a difficult time adjusting to Daisy because often times I felt she was more like a little child verses a young girl/ woman and it made the intimate scenes feel a little out of place which in turn made me a bit uncomfortable or unable to enjoy the building relationship between her and Nik.
I typically enjoy Jessica's work even though most times she brings heady adult themes into younger geared works her writing is fantastic and her creativity is something I always enjoy being a part of.
Horses and Heroin
I felt Horses and Heroin was more of a suspense/mystery/ contemporary
novel than a romance but then again there is more romance going on than
the actual story so its an even split. I would say that the book as far
as character personality and maturity would suit NA genre well but all
in all I felt it was a decent read.
Hot and Bothered
On the dusty outskirts
of Vegas, there’s a down and dirty saloon where all sorts of lethally
charming—and genuinely dangerous—men carouse to seduce the women who
happen to venture inside on their way to and from Sin City.Despite the many women he’s bedded over the years, Gideon Lane has never been able to get Rochelle Burton completely out of his head. He certainly never expected to see the city girl again, now a successful author, all grown up in all the right places and asking for his protection.
After their disastrous night together, Rochelle was determined to put Gideon—and the things he made her want—far behind her. But when an obsessive fan expresses their anger over her latest book in a disturbing way, Rochelle’s overprotective cousins insist she hire the best bodyguard the Rough & Tumble saloon can offer.
Both Rochelle and Gideon intend to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when the threat to Rochelle puts them in close quarters, Gideon can’t help wanting the chance to prove that some things are better the second time around…
***
| I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. Hot and Bothered is a good reunion story with a lot of fill me in moments for those that are jumping in half way through the series so that new readers won't be too lost in case they're just stepping in. Rochelle and Gideon are a decent pair but I felt there could have been more of a connection with all the angst the author created for them. Still it was a decent story and I enjoyed reading it. |
Binding Ties
They are the
Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each
possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against
their eternal foes: the Synestryn. Now a warrior must protect his
onetime enemy—without succumbing to his darkest desires. Lyka Phelan is a Slayer, sent to live among her enemy to guarantee lasting peace with the Theronai. Yet she has a secret—and it could make her a slave to their power. But when a pack of Synestryn destroys her home and captures her packmates, Lyka realizes her freedom is a small price to pay for the safety of her people. So she strikes a bargain with the leader of the Theronai—one that reveals her true identity and binds her to him forever.
Joseph thought he knew better than to tangle with the beautiful, hot-blooded Lyka. One misstep could send their races straight back to war. But now he has no choice other than to help her. Forced to protect her with his life, Joseph finds himself increasingly drawn to Lyka. As they risk everything in their fight against the demons, he realizes he must convince her to surrender to him completely—otherwise she will never truly be his.
***
| I received a digital and print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. I was really hoping that Binding Ties would be a return to the start of the series and what made it great. I still love the world that the author has created but her characters are starting to annoy me. What happened to the head strong, driven, hot blooded people we knew in the beginning? I really miss them and the Sentinel Wars books are one of my favorites. Binding Ties still touches on some past events which has been nice to get to see. I hope Shannon brings back the old touch and feel of this fantastic series. |
The List
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't believe in the characters or their back story yet I still enjoyed the interaction between Til and Dan. The List is an interesting story with just enough redeeming points to keep me interested. I'm definitely going to check out the remaining books Anne has written for the Irresistible series.
A Shadow in the Flames
Again here is another book with a lot of potential as far as its concept that didn't quite reach its own greatness.Full Contact
When you can't resist the one person who could destroy you...Sia O'Donnell can't help but push the limits. She secretly attends every underground MMA fight featuring The Predator, the undisputed champion. When he stalks his prey in the ring, Sia is mesmerized. He is dominant and dangerous and every instinct tells her to run.
Every beautiful thing Ray "The Predator" touches he knows he'll eventually destroy. Soft, sweet and innocent, Sia is the light to Ray's darkness-and completely irresistible. From the moment he lays eyes on her, he knows he's going to have to put his dark past behind him to win her body and soul.
***
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks.
I totally need to add the redemption series to my print collection. Sarah Castille has created a fantastic story with characters so full of personality that I couldn't put it down. Full Contact is witty, sexy and full of scenes that outright had me gripping the pages. Sia and Ray are are fun couple I felt suited eachother perfectly. What a great read! Thank you Sarah for a great story.
The List
Who’s on top?Matchmaker and stationery shop owner Matilda Davies brings people together. For those on her list, Tilda will find the man or woman of their dreams—whether it’s for an hour or a lifetime. But due to a painful past, the British expat has never put her own name on the list. Instead, she limits herself to emotionless and commitment-free hookups. Then she meets Daniel, who wants not just her body, but also her heart…
Daniel Logan hides the soul of a poet under the suit and tie of an FBI agent. Specializing in financial crimes, he pieces together stories of greed and ensures justice is done. He plays by the rules—until he meets Tilda. He’s drawn in by her passion as well as her mysteriousness. Daniel knows that no matter her secrets, he’s the perfect match for Tilda. But even pleasure doesn’t come with a guarantee
***
| I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't believe in the characters or their back story yet I still enjoyed the interaction between Til and Dan. The List is an interesting story with just enough redeeming points to keep me interested. I'm definitely going to check out the remaining books Anne has written for the Irresistible series. |
The 27 Club
You don’t know when…You don’t get to choose if…
When it’s time to join…you’ll know.
You might think you want to be a member—but trust me this is one club you don’t want to join. It’s not a place where people go to live out their deepest, darkest sexual desires—there are no handcuffs or blindfolds.
The 27 Club only admits those who die young and tragically. My brother was recently bestowed membership and joined many of our ancestors before him. I know I’m next. This is my destiny, and I was ready to yield.
But then I met Nate. He awakened a sensuality in me that had never been explored, never satisfied. I knew then I could no longer accept my destiny. Nate’s presence controls me. I’m overwhelmed by his touch, his words; my every thought is consumed by desire. I believe he was brought into my life for a reason.
Nate doesn’t believe in destiny.
But I do.
And if there’s a way to cheat it—I must.
***
| I received a print and digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. I thought the 27 Club was a great idea, I would have really loved it if the characters felt more mature. Too bad they all felt like they were fourteen trying to be twenty. I think Kim Karr has come up with a good story with a really interesting twist that will definitely keep readers entertained. It would have won me over with five stars if the maturity and mentality had been brought up a bit but all in all was a decent story. |
Hero
The emotional and unforgettable new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that she and her mother weren't his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.
Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.
Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they're on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again
***
| I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. I mostly rated this book so high because the sex was good. That being said I really could have liked Alexa and Caine a lot more if their childish antics and temperament - including the treatment of each other didn't grate on my nerves so much. The story itself is one with enough intriguing ends to keep you interested through the book so I rated it overall at four stars. |
His to Take
Racing against time, NSA
Agent Joaquin Muñoz is searching for a little girl who vanished twenty
years ago with a dangerous secret. Since Bailey Benson fits the profile,
Joaquin abducts the beauty and whisks her to the safety of Club
Dominion—before anyone can silence her for good.At first, Bailey is terrified, but when her captor demands information about her past, she’s stunned. Are her horrific visions actually distant memories that imperil all she holds dear? Confined with Joaquin in a place that echoes with moans and breathes passion, he proves himself a fierce protector, as well as a sensual Master who’s slowly crawling deeper in her head…and heart. But giving in to him might be the most delicious danger of all.
Because Bailey soon learns that her past isn’t the only mystery. Joaquin has a secret of his own—a burning vengeance in his soul. The exposed truth leaves her vulnerable and wondering how much about the man she loves is a lie, how much more is at risk than her heart. And if she can trust him to protect her long enough to learn the truth.
***
| I received a print and digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. Shayla Black is a wonderful writer and she always manages to create fantastic stories but His to Take turned out to not be one of her best projects. The writing wasn't horrible but the characters and the story just didn't convince me that they were genuine. It didn't really feel to me like Shayla believed in this book and it showed in the lackluster relationships and the pale storyline. I think the back stories weren't the right one's for Joaquin and Bailey. I think they had potential to be great characters but in the end neither felt right or comfortable with themselves which left me unsettled through most of it as well. I still believe in Shayla's work and hope that she finds the heart of her writing in the next book she puts out. |
His to Take
I received a print and digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. Shayla Black is a wonderful writer and she always manages to create fantastic stories but His to Take turned out to not be one of her best projects. The writing wasn't horrible but the characters and the story just didn't convince me that they were genuine. It didn't really feel to me like Shayla believed in this book and it showed in the lackluster relationships and the pale storyline. I think the back stories weren't the right one's for Joaquin and Bailey. I think they had potential to be great characters but in the end neither felt right or comfortable with themselves which left me unsettled through most of it as well. I still believe in Shayla's work and hope that she finds the heart of her writing in the next book she puts out.
Cowboy Heaven
Cheryl Brooks, well known for her blazing hot love scenes, presents a smoking new erotic romance series set at a Wyoming ranch and featuring sexy-as-sin cowboys.
When widow Angela McClure decides to let loose and start a secret affair with a younger ranch hand, she inflames rancher Dusty Jackson's long simmering desire. Both men are irresistible - and forbidden - so Angela forms a plan to divert her old-fashioned father's suspicions: flirt with all of "her cowboys.' The new competition makes Circle Bar K ranch hotter than it's ever been before.
***
| I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks. Cowboy Heaven is a slapstick hilarious silly book full of constant laughs. In the end I couldn't take the book seriously as a romance novel but it had enough entertainment to keep me reading to the end just for the hilarity. Cheryl Brooks brought the odd humor to this little page turner. |
Unraveled
In this sizzling continuation of the Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a man will find the domination he’s always craved…Shiori Hirano and Knox Lofgren are left to run the martial arts program at Black Arts while Ronin Black travels. On the surface, the two highest ranked belts appear to cooperate—but in private, they butt heads constantly, despite the undeniable attraction between them. Soon their power exchanges start to make for a sweltering dynamic in the bedroom…
At first Knox is shocked to be living out his submissive desires, but Shiori sets out to prove that embracing his true sexual nature doesn’t make him a weak man. But even while their sexual relationship grants him a power and fulfillment he finds surprising, there’s no training regimen for the fight that comes with loving a strong woman…
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| I received a print and digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. Unraveled appears to be a stand alone novel of the Mastered series even though I haven't read the previous books I felt that Unraveled was a decent read. Although I don't care for submissive males it was an interesting twist to have in the story because its not overly done and at the same time Lorelei manages to write an even give in both her characters where they meet in the middle of their relationship both in and out of the bedroom. Although neither Shiori or Knox is what they appear to be on the inside, it was an interesting dynamic to watch them play off of eachother. |
Rising Fire
What if the standing stones and stone circles across the old Celtic world had a secret origin and use? What if some opened into another world? What if the goddess of fire was trapped beneath one?
Lovely and innocent, Brienne of Yester has always been able to manipulate fire, but when her powers suddenly surge, the simple life she once knew explodes.
Handsome, fearless, and commanding, William de Brus has been summoned by the king to investigate a nobleman rumored to have powers linked to the fabled fire goddess. When he chances upon Brienne, his desire for her is immediate. But as his mystical quest unfolds, William realizes that she is at the center of it — for Brienne possesses the very power he has been sent to vanquish....
As their attraction deepens, William attempts to free Brienne from the dark force beginning to control her — even when his duty demands that he treat her as an enemy. With emotions flaring, fire rising, and evil threatening at every turn, can the two lovers survive the coming battle and save all of humanity?
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| I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. Rising Fire is a mix of everything in the paranormal world. It has fantasy, romance, mythology, and mystery among many other things. Although not quite it does have the workings that could be compared to Terry Goodkind's work. I enjoyed the world that Terri creates and I enjoyed the banter our characters exchange as they progress through their journey. Rising Fire is fun, its creative and what I liked to think was a really good beginning to what could be an extraordinary series. |
Of Silk and Steam
Enemies. Allies. Lovers.When her beloved father was assassinated, Lady Aramina swore revenge. The man responsible is well beyond her grasp, but his dangerously seductive heir, Leo Barrons, is fair game. When Mina obtains evidence proving that Leo is illegitimate, she has the means to destroy both the killer and his son, a man who troubles her heart and tempts her body.
A woman of mystery, Mina's long driven Leo crazy with glimpses of a fiery passion that lurks beneath her icy veneer. He knows she's hiding something, and he's determined to unravel her layer by silken layer. He just doesn't expect the beautiful liar to be the key to overthrowing the corrupt prince consort… or to saving his own carefully walled-off heart.
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| I received a digital copy from Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Of Silk and Steam has turned out to be the best novel in the Steampunk series to my relief since its the last book of the series its only proper that the author close it out with a bang. Bec's characters and her writing is unique and special unlike other steampunk books I've read yet. Many authors try to blend paranormal romance with steampunk and it does fairly well but Bec has just the right mix of both to create a steamy action packed epicenter of thrills and frills that continues to keep me coming back for more even after the last page is read. |
Slow Burn
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review. I wasn't expecting to enjoy Slow Burn as much I did but honestly it really became one of my favorite books by the time I finished it. I can promise you that there will be frustration, there will be the possibility of tears, and quite a bit of pillow hugging moments mixed with some pillow tossing moments between the two.
There are a few areas in the book that bring up history I am not quite sure link to possible previous books in the Driven series but Bromberg gives readers just enough information to give new readers a general idea of what linked the current book (Slow Burn) to past events.
There is so much complexity that is involved in Haddies journey from beginning to end and the fact that she is so closed off is something I think all readers can understand and sympathize with.
I am so happy and grateful to the author and the publishing company for supplying this book. Haddie is a character that really connected to me on a personal level and I will always hold her close. Thank you so much, what an amazingly written book.
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