TITLE: Her Wild Hero
SERIES #: X-Ops #3
CHARACTERS: Declan MacBride & Kendra Carlsen
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: May 5, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Name: Kendra Carlsen
Rank: Trainer, Dept. of Covert Ops
Objective: Get out of the office and into the field
Name: Declan MacBride
Rank: Munitions Expert, Dept. of Covert Ops
Status: Bear Shifter
Objective: Protect Kendra at all costs
The steamy Costa Rican jungle brings out the bear in Declan MacBride when he and new operative Kendra Carlsen are ambushed. In the midst of relying on each other to survive, and fighting his explosive attraction to Kendra, this shifter is about to lose control
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As a reward for being a model employee Kendra is finally getting her chance to go out in the field. It should be a simple trip down to Costa Rica, observe the team and then head home. But that is not exactly how it goes. Let’s just say things get dirty really fast.
Declan is not thrilled about his newest teammate. But like the good little soldier he is he will deal with it. That is right up until Kendra is in the crosshairs of the enemy. At that moment Declan’s beast is fully unleashed.
Another good story from Ms. Tyler. The ongoing plot in the X-Ops keeps getting more and more twisted with each book. I keep trying to figure who, what and why. Oh and a new character drops in……..
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Say My Name
SERIES #: Stark International Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Sylvia & Jackson
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/07/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner kicks off a smoking hot, emotionally compelling new trilogy that returns to the world of her beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me. Say My Name features Jackson Steele, a strong-willed man who goes after what he wants, and Sylvia Brooks, a disciplined woman who’s hard to get—and exactly who Jackson needs.
I never let anyone get too close—but he’s the only man who’s ever made me feel alive.
Meeting Jackson Steele was a shock to my senses. Confident and commanding, he could take charge of any room . . . or any woman. And Jackson wanted me. The mere sight of him took my breath away, and his touch made me break all my rules.
Our bond was immediate, our passion untamed. I wanted to surrender completely to his kiss, but I couldn’t risk his knowing the truth about my past. Yet Jackson carried secrets too, and in our desire we found our escape, pushing our boundaries as far as they could go.
Learning to trust is never easy. In my mind, I knew I should run. But in my heart, I never felt a fire this strong—and it could either save me or scorch me forever.
Say My Name is intended for mature audiences.
REVIEW:
First let me say that I enjoy the books by J. Kenner… mostly. For some reason I just never seemed to enjoy the Stark books and when I requested this I didn’t even notice it was a spin off of the Stark books so when I started to read it I was a little hesitant. But I am so glad that I did read it. I enjoyed it very much.
Jackson is sexy and Sylvia can’t seem to resist him even though she really kind of wants to. They share a history together as sorted as it is it is still a history that they both want to repeat and yet are unsure if it is the right thing to do.
This is another great read from J. Kenner. If you enjoy the genre then you will enjoy any works by Kenner so give this a try. While you do not need to have read the Stark books to read this I can see how it would be helpful.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Chasing Danger
SERIES #: Deadly Ops #2.5
CHARACTERS: Dax Costas & Hannah Young
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: April 21, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the New York Times bestselling author of Bound to Danger, a tale of a woman in danger and the one man who will keep her safe at all costs…
Chief Nursing Officer Hannah Young is accustomed to working under pressure, but even she’s still reeling in the aftermath of a horrific terrorist attack on Miami. And things only get worse after a knife wielding maniac tries to kill her. Desperate for help, Hannah must turn to the one man she never thought she’d see again.
After spending an intensely passionate night with Hannah, NSA Agent and former Delta Force operative Dax Costas fell off the face of the earth. He got called away for a two week mission with no way to contact her. Now he can’t get the smart, sexy woman out of his head. She might be angry at him, but when it appears she has a stalker, Dax moves her under his roof and into his protection.
Unfortunately, whoever wants Hannah dead will stop at nothing. And if Dax can’t identify the perpetrator in time, it could be too late to discover if there is more between him and Hannah than just heated passion
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Hannah Young has seen her share of drama. Being kidnapped will do that to a girl, but thankfully she was saved and the wonderfully sex Dax was there for her. While right up to the time he stood her up. But he is back. But will Hannah give him a chance? Or does faith have other plans for her
Dax Costas is in love with Hannah. But disappearing is not the best way to show someone you care. But nothing will stand in his way this time. All Dax needs is to get Hannah alone for a few minutes and to explain.
Chasing Danger was a quick read, but exciting read. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Full Contact
SERIES #: Redemption #3
CHARACTERS: Sia & Ray
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/07/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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.
REVIEW:
Another hot and steamy read from Castille. I have really enjoyed this series and this is another one that I really enjoyed. Sia has been through some stuff that causes her to have trouble with relationships and yet she is mesmerized by Ray. Ray feels like he has the opposite of the Midas touch. But something about Sia makes him realize that he needs to take the chance.
I really am not into the whole MMA reads but I have enjoyed this series very much. While in that world every other page is not about the fight which I appreciate. I think anyone would enjoy this book and series even if you are not into the MMA world.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire
SERIES #: Half Moon Hollow #3
CHARACTERS: Nick & Gigi
AUTHOR: The Awesome Molly Harper
NARRATOR: The Equally Awesome Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: March 24, 2015
RUN TIME: Not long enough 🙂 real run time 9 Hours & 13 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N | Audible
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the next book in Molly Harper’s beloved Half Moon Hollow paranormal romance series, Gigi starts her first job (at Vampire Headquarters), gets over her first love, and may even fall for her first vampire!
Gigi is no longer an innocent teen. All grown up and looking for love, her family and friends worry she’ll go for the sexy, alluring vampire instead of a nice, safe human. But sexy and alluring, with a penchant for biting, could be just what Gigi wants
REVIEW:
What is better than a Molly Harper story read by Amanda Ronconi? Uummmm, I can’t think of one thing at the moment. I love everything about the world the Molly has created.
Gigi has popped up in multiple books in the past that it was so much fun to finally see Gigi all grown up and fighting for what she wants. Even if big sister Iris and her very over protective brother-in-law try to ground her to her room every step of the way.
But Gigi is just as tough as Iris and Cal has trained her very well. But Gigi just met her match in Mr. Tall Dark and Bitey. (I know right. Mr. Tall, Dark and Bitey. Hahahaha. God I love this book.) But Gigi has a few more problems, like a new job, a new unwanted admirer, a curse and a little battle with some deadly nightshade.
As always Molly writes an amazingly fun, laugh out loud, “oh my god is that the last page NNNNOOOO’ story. Then you add in Ms. Ronconi and you have an great awesome read. Amanda brings the whole Half Moon Hollow characters to life. I have personally loved every book that these two have collaborated on (and I am already having withdrawals waiting for the next book).
If you have yet to step into Molly’s world of crazy fun paranormal, sometime deadly, yet always full of laughter and love series. I ask you “why the heck not?”.
Disclaimer:
I purchased this audiobook from Audible. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: On the Run
SERIES #: Sugarland Blue #4
CHARACTERS: Tonio Salvatore & Angel Silva
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: April 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest Sugarland Blue novel, Detective Tonio Salvatore always puts his job first—until a beautiful piece of trouble has him questioning the rules he’s sworn to live by…
Tonio knows that loneliness is the price he has to pay to avoid being hurt again. But the strictly by-the-book cop never expected to be blindsided by a woman who pulls him right out of his self-imposed isolation.
Angel Silva isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks—she’s on the wrong side of the law. She’s desperate to break free from her dangerous brother and his gang, but when a sexy new recruit joins them, Angel is more trapped than ever—because the ruthless Tonio Reyes isn’t what he seems. When she discovers the man she’s falling for is one of Sugarland’s finest, she’s forced to go on the run.
Instead of taking Angel into custody, Tonio finds himself risking his career to keep her safe. And as the beautiful woman tears down all his defenses, Tonio realizes he’ll risk his very life to set her free.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As always Ms. Davis takes us on a wild journey of ups and downs. But there was something off on this story for me. I can’t say the story was not good because it was. I just personally felt a little discounted to the characters. I have loved Tonio in the prior stories was really excited to read his story. So I can’t really put my finger on the discount, but I do believe it was all me.
I plan on re-reading On the Run when I personally am in a better mind frame.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Girls Of Mischief Bay
SERIES #: Mischief #1
CHARACTERS: Nicole & Shannon & Pam
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Susan Mallery, the New York Times bestselling author of Three Sisters, is world renowned for her “insightful, funny, and poignant” stories (Booklist). With her brand-new Mischief Bay series, she brings vivid color to the story of three friends on the brink of a new life.
Nicole Lord wants to be a good wife, but there’s a difference between being supportive and supporting her husband, who quit his job to write a screenplay she’s never seen. He won’t even help take care of their son, leaving Nicole to run the house and work full-time.
Sacrificing a personal life for her career is how Shannon Rigg became VP at her firm, but she wonders now whether she made the right choice. An exciting new relationship with a great guy convinces her that it might not be too late—until he drops a bombshell that has her questioning whether she really can have it all.
Although Pam Eiland adores her husband, she feels restless now that the kids are grown. Finding sexy new ways to surprise him brings the heat and humor back to their marriage, but when unexpected change turns her life upside down, she’ll have to redefine herself. Again.
Through romance and heartbreak, laughter and tears, the girls of Mischief Bay will discover that life is richer with friends at your side.
REVIEW:
I’ll be honest. I love the works of Susan Mallery but my favorites are part of the Fool’s Gold series. But every year she adds another book to a trilogy series and this is the first of the new Mischief Bay series. And while wonderful it is not Fools Gold.
The three women of this story are so different and yet somehow they mesh together. Their lives are going through some growing pains and they are having a hard time figuring out what to do so they rely on each other.
The story is heartwarming and while a delightful read the trilogy series Mallery writes always has a moral to it and this one is no different. But you need to read the story to know what that moral is.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: According to Hoyle
CHARACTERS: Flynn, Wash, Rose & Cage
AUTHOR: Abigail Roux
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/29/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
By the close of 1882, the inhabitants of the American West had earned their reputation as untamed and dangerous. The line between heroes and villains is narrow and indistinct. The concept that a man may only kill if backed into a corner is antiquated. Lives are worth less than horses. Treasures are worth killing for. And the law is written in the blood of those who came before. The only men staving off total chaos are the few who take the letter of the law at its word and risk their lives to uphold it. But in the West, the rules aren’t always played according to Hoyle.
U.S. Marshals Eli Flynn and William Henry Washington are escorting two prisoners to New Orleans for trial when they discover there’s more to the infamous shootist Dusty Rose and the enigmatic man known only as Cage than merely being outlaws. When forces beyond the marshals’ control converge on the paddlewheeler they have hired to take them downriver, they must choose between two dangers: playing by the rules at any cost or trusting the very men they are meant to bring to justice.
REVIEW:
I did not anticipate liking this book at all, I do not like Westerns. However, I’m a huge fan of Abigail Roux’s Cut & Run series so figured I’d give this one a try. I actually loved this book. As always Roux’s characters have extremely strong and likable personalities. You’re instantly connected to each character to the point that you forget you’re reading a book. It is a m/m story, but nothing too bad that would make you blush. The relationships were organic and real and I was completely engrossed. There was a pivotal scene in the book that I personally felt went on way too long. I got kinda bored with that part of the story, but I understand her reasoning for it. The characters kept it alive for me at that time, but I was ready for a change of scenery by the end. As far as I can tell there is no plan for a sequel to this book, however I would definitely read one. I’m still interested in these characters and would love to see more of them.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Riptide Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Cursed By Fire
SERIES #: Immortal Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Dethan & Selinda
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/15
ORDER LINKS: :Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes the scorching hot first book in a thrilling new series featuring four warrior brothers who have the power—and the curse—of immortality.
For centuries, Dethan has been trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality. Condemned to have his battle-hardened body licked by flames only to regenerate and be consumed all over again, Dethan has lost all hope—until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She will release him from torment—if he’ll use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods.
Free to live as a man once again, Dethan meets Selinda—heir to the throne of Hexis—and his thoughts quickly turn from the conquest of cities to the conquest of this headstrong beauty. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion, and so Dethan enters into another bargain: If she will share her bed—and her body—with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all—even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict—for a chance to make Selinda his forever.
REVIEW:
I was worried about starting a new series from an author that I recently found. I enjoy the other series so would I like this one? The answer is yes. I enjoyed it very much.
Dethan is a great character. He is a conflicted character who never believed he could find something as great as being a warrior but then he finds love. Selinda was just ok for me. She was hard to get to like but eventually I did.
Give this new series a try.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Fury of Obsession
SERIES #: Dragonfury #5
CHARACTERS: Venom & Evelyn Foxe
AUTHOR: Coreene Callahan
NARRATOR: Cole Ferguson
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2015
RUN TIME: 12 Hours & 37 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He can’t escape the sins of his past…
Toxic to all those who touch him, dragon-warrior Venom lives in self-imposed isolation, a prisoner of the poison in his veins. But when a chance meeting with a woman challenges the belief he is destined to be alone, he pulls out all the stops, vowing to put the savagery of his past behind him and take a chance on love.
She doesn’t want to face her future…
Wanted by the Russian mob, creative accountant Evelyn Foxe isn’t looking for love. She searching for the fastest way to escape instead. When Venom offers to get her out of trouble, she accepts his help, but remains skeptical, afraid he’s in league with those sent to harm her. But when someone unleashes a biological weapon in her hometown, and she gets caught in the firestorm, little choice remains—trust Venom to keep her safe or risk her life by going it alone.
REVIEW:
Venom is the one Dragonfury warrior that never thought he would ever find his mate. Yet a night of going AWOL Venom has done just that. Despite everything thing that make him up he finally found her. But being the hopeless romantic he is, Venom wants to woo Evelyn the way a human would. But that means letting her walk away.
By walking away, Evelyn just went from the fry pan into the fire.
Evelyn Foxe has not been have a good couple of months. First she get’s fired, then she finds out that mob is after her because of her mother, and lastly she finds herself doing something she never would have ever thought she would have to do. But when her first John walks through the door there is something, something very strange about this man. Yet, she is drawn to him.
But she must walk away. Because if she doesn’t walk away right now you may never want to leave him ever.
Venom!!!! Yay!!! Finally Venom get’s his story.
I enjoyed Venom story, although I was a little sad that Venom had to share so much of his story with Ivar and Gage. These storylines are important to the series, but I really wanted more of Venom. There were also a few questions and topics that I felt were left unresolved. I am hoping that we will get some closure on these in the next book. Overall, I loved Venom’s story.
We got a new narrator for Fury of Obsession. This is the first time that I have listened to Cole Ferguson. I will say that at first I was a little confused and sad, mostly because I was use to the old narrator. But after a little bit and a few chapters I started to enjoy Cole. I will say that I think he did Venom perfectly *fans self*. I mean come on Venom is danger wrapped in yummy.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series and I hope that Cole will continue as the narrator. Question is who is next?
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. I also purchases a copy from Audible. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Duke of Andelot
SERIES #: The School of Gallantry #7
CHARACTERS: Thérèse Angelique Bouchard & Gérard Antoine Tolbert
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: April 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For fans of Tom Jones and The Scarlet Pimpernel comes a twisted, sexy tale that takes the French Revolution to smoldering new heights.
Long before becoming the flamboyant courtesan known to men as Madame de Maitenon, Thérèse Angelique Bouchard, dreamed of becoming an actress capable of commanding not only the stage but all of Paris. Until she meets an extraordinary aristocratic gentleman who sweeps her into his arms and the danger of his life, while offering her the sort of wealth she never imagined. What starts off as a seductive alliance, ends in her giving him the one thing she, as a mere bourgeoisie, cannot afford to give: her love.
After the murder of his older brothers, Gérard Antoine Tolbert, becomes the last heir to the powerful dukedom of Andelot, leaving him to fight for not only his life, but the allegiance he holds for the crown. During the final rise of the French Revolution that whispers of the violent change about to shake the entire country, Gérard meets an aspiring actress who entices him into wanting more out of not only himself but life. In trying to protect her from their overly passionate alliance and those that want him dead, he must decide what matters most: his life or his heart.
WARNING: This book contains strong language and sexual content which may cause respectable people to swoon.
REVIEW: Finishing this book was wonderful, yet sad. I was ecstatic when Delilah announced she was continuing with this series and have enthusiastically awaited each new release. The series has been a phenomenal journey, spanning so many amazing characters and stories. It is with extreme excitement that I began this story, knowing it centered on the sun of this wonderful universe Delilah created – Madame Maitenon! Her story is full of comedy, tragedy and plain ‘ol scandal! I have loved Therese ever since we were first introduced to her in Mistress of Pleasure. She is such a daring, strong character that you can’t help but admire her courage and strength. This story begins over thirty years prior to where the entire series ended up. We get to see Therese as a young girl, getting into all kinds of craziness through her association with a dashing Duke – Gerard Tolbert. Slight spoiler alert – Therese and Gerard meet in the forest. I swear I could have lived this entire story in that forest. Seeing these two characters interact literally exploded the pages of my book. I was so deeply invested in their story I couldn’t put it down. They are extremely funny together, sinfully explicit and wonderfully flawed. So much heartache between these two – so much love. It is a gripping tale that completes the stories of two of our favorite characters in this series. I am very sad that this is the end of The School of Gallantry, but thank goodness for the amazing tales.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Delilah Marvelle Productions, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Night’s Blaze
SERIES #: Dark Kings #5
CHARACTERS: Rhys & Lily Ross
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: March 31, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
That one simple kiss slayed him as nothing in his very, very long life had ever done. It physically hurt him to release her and turn his back on everything she offered, but it was for the best.
A KING WHO WALKS IN DARKNESS
The Rhys who has existed for centuries is gone. Stripped of his ability to shift forms, Rhys can no longer embody the majestic, powerful dragon he was at birth. Cut off from his heritage by one of his own, this Dragon King must remain a man, haunted by demons who torment his every waking moment. The darkness would swallow him whole . . . except a woman so beautiful and haunted becomes the one beam of light in his world…
A DESIRE THAT WILL NOT BE DENIED
Lily Ross is taking the first step in building a new life for herself. Still reeling from a relationship that nearly broke her spirit, Lily is wary of her attraction to brawny, brooding Rhys. The passion burning so brightly between them is a potent temptation, but any entanglement is destined to end in disaster. Yet when a spectre from Lily’s past threatens their growing bond, Rhys is forced to choose with his heart, or lose this woman who has become his one chance at salvation.
REVIEW:
I read Night’s Blaze in four parts here are my thoughts after each part. A full review of all four parts will be posted on the blog during release month.
Review of Part One:
Oh it is good to be back with Ms. Grants Dragons. They are all so snarly and yummy. Where to start with Rhys? Poor guy. I feel so much for him right now. But at the same time I want to slap him silly. Come on Rhys get it together Lily needs you.
As always reading this book in parts is both fun and nerve racking, because I am ready for part two now!!!!
Review of Part Two:
Oh why must it be in four parts… Just when things are getting good. Bam end of part two. I am dying to know what part Henry will play in… well you need to read to find out what I am talking about. Rhys and Lily are so sweet together. But I wish she would just open up to him and tell him her problems.
On to part three……
Review of Part Three:
Talk about leaving me hanging… Authors just love to give readers anxiety. But I guess without a little drama the story would be boring… I could not wait and had the luxury of having part four waiting for me. So off I go.
Review of Part Four:
Oh my goodness more and more anxiety. Man alive I am glad I didn’t have to wait to read the final part of this story. Well we may have gotten a happy ever after I think we were left with a sneak peak into what and who is torturing Rhi. But the ending. OMG NO RHI!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOO.
Overall review.
Another great Dark King story. Although, we are left with a lot of questions about what is going to happen next. Just thinking about it gives me some anxiety. I really enjoyed Rhys and Lily.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & St. Martins Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.