TITLE: Shifter’s Claim Part 3
SERIES #: Shadow Shifter’s #4
CHARACTERS: Priya & Sebastian
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Giving her body to Sebastian “Bas” Perry was inevitable, but sacrificing her heart wasn’t in the plan. Now, as they face a killer together she wonders just how far she will go to be with this man.Sebastian “Bas” Perry is in too deep—with Priya and with a rogue that’s out for revenge, but this sexy shapeshifter will protect Priya Drake from all paranormal terrors…by any means necessary in Shifter’s Claim Part III, from The Shadow Shifters series by A.C. Arthur.
REVIEW:
Part 3 of the installments. This one just gets better. There is more to the sexual element between the two but also Priya also meets Bas’s cat and we get to finally see the shift (more than once even). We see them really connect and realize they are falling for each other. They explain the problems between them and still connect.
Again this is the 3rd in the installments out of 4 so obviously you need to read them all to get the story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Prodigy
SERIES #: Legend #2
CHARACTERS: Day & June
AUTHOR: Marie Lu
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/29/13
ORDER LINKS:
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic’s most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots – a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?
REVIEW: This was book 2 of the Legend series and I couldn’t wait to begin it. The story picks up directly where it left off in book 1 and the intensity didn’t ebb at all up to the end. This installment took so many twists and turns. There was deception, intrigue, heartbreak and strength in all of these characters. June and Day are put through so many tests. Their devotion and dedication to one another is pushed to its limits when they are forced to follow different paths. One of the most intense scenes I’ve ever read was in this book. I found myself holding my breath and reading so fast so I could hurry up and know what was going to happen. A lot of the supporting characters in this installment drove me crazy. There was so much speculation, blaming and jumping to conclusions. I just wanted everyone to get along! Then I realized that would make for a very boring story. The angst is what made it so great to read. There were surprise revelations that I did not expect, and even deaths that I did not see coming that really hurt. Our characters had come so far in this book, yet there is still so far to go. I can’t be left with not knowing how it ended, so book 3 here I come!
Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Desired
SERIES #: Club Sin #3
CHARACTERS: Kyler Morgan & Ella Snow
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: July 22, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Readers of Fifty Shades of Grey are sure to love Desired, USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy’s latest seductive, electrifying novel of Club Sin, where fantasy becomes reality.
Kyler Morgan, Master at the legendary Club Sin in Las Vegas, knows how to give women what they want—too well. He hasn’t had a real challenge in a long time. Then Ella Snow enters his life. Beautiful, inhibited, and innocent in the ways of submission and domination, Ella is the new blood he’s been lusting after. Soon, the thrill of training her to embrace his world brings forth desires Kyler cannot control.
After ending an abusive relationship, Ella makes a promise to herself to start living life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons she seeks out Club Sin. Here, Kyler’s every touch is a lesson in liberation, stirring passions that have no bounds. But as she falls under Kyler’s command, Ella discovers that some secrets are so dark they must come to light. Submission alone may not be enough to save her, leaving her Master with only one question: How can he help Ella heal while unlocking the deep pleasures she craves?
Desired is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Stacey Kennedy’s third book in the Club Sin series was just as great as the first two. In Desired we get to finally learn more about Kyler Morgan and what makes him tick. As he watches closest friends each find the woman of their dream, he starts to realize that he wants that too. Only problem is that none of the woman that he are currently in his life will fit the bill. That very last thing that Kyler ever thought he would be drawn to is the very vanilla woman sitting across the room from him. But something about Ella draws Kyler in like a moth to a flame.
Ms. Kennedy is a great story teller her and maybe an even better kink story teller. I really enjoyed seeing how soft and kind Kyler really can be, yet still being a very good Dom. I will say that restaurant scene was……… well I think you need to pick up a copy of Desired and find out for yourself.
Looking forward to the next chapter in the Club Sin series.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts From the first couple of pages I knew this was going to be my favorite (so far) of the series. I have liked Kyler from book one. Something about his was so special and he seemed to enjoy the idea of love. He wanted to help his friends fall in love not just enjoy sex. So when a woman came into Kyler’s life he would love with all his heart and soul. And we finally got to meet this woman.
I enjoyed everything about this story and while the sex was written really well I really appreciated that Kyler didn’t change as the story progressed. I was worried that some how Kyler would decide he didn’t want to love and had made a mistake and the other Masters would have to come in and remind him of who he was but I was so glad that did not happen. He stayed true to the character from book one. Ella was an interesting character. And so perfect for Kyler. She needed him and Kyler needs to be needed. There were times I was not fond of Ella but I always seemed to like her.
If you are a fan of this series then this will enjoy this one as well and probably more than the others. If you are new to the series/author pick this one up because you will enjoy it so much and become a fan.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Legend
SERIES #: Legend #1
CHARACTERS: Day & June
AUTHOR: Marie Lu
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.
REVIEW: I loved this book. The story was strong from the first page and had me hooked. Day and June are such an unlikely pair and are thrown together in a terrible twist of fate. The emotional drama of this story was agony, and I loved it. I wanted to cry, I laughed and couldn’t wait to see what was happening. The world building in this book was vivid and I could feel the environment, I could feel the emotion of the characters. I was impressed with the author’s willingness to take us out of our comfort zone and throw things at us that were completely unexpected; things that we thought were off limits. It was a refreshing, though scary experience. For all of these reasons, I loved this book and finished book 2 immediately!
Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Shifter’s Claim Part 2
SERIES #: Shadow Shifter’s #4
CHARACTERS: Priya & Sebastian
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Shifter’s Claim Part II, from The Shadow Shifters series by A.C. Arthur, Priya never imagined there was truth to the story she’d been forced to track down, she never imagined coming face to face with a man that can shift into a cat.Bas hadn’t meant to reveal himself to her, he’d tried to protect the secret. Now, it was out and he wonders what the reporter will do with the information and more importantly, how the woman will react to this new facet of the man.
REVIEW:
This is part 2 of the story (only about 6 pages). Part one was mainly getting to know the main players of the story. This one is more action and a bit more sexual content but not a lot. Again as with part 1 there is really no shape shifting in this. There is so much going on with these two behind the scenes that the other doesn’t know about and that I am sure be a part of the next two installments.
So far an enjoyable read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The City
CHARACTERS: Jonah
AUTHOR: Dean Koontz
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The city changed my life and showed me that the world is deeply mysterious. I need to tell you about her and some terrible things and wonderful things and amazing things that happened . . . and how I am still haunted by them. Including one night when I died and woke and lived again.
Here is the riveting, soul-stirring story of Jonah Kirk, son of an exceptional singer, grandson of a formidable “piano man,” a musical prodigy beginning to explore his own gifts when he crosses a group of extremely dangerous people, with shattering consequences. Set in a more innocent time not so long ago, The City encompasses a lifetime but unfolds over three extraordinary, heart-racing years of tribulation and triumph, in which Jonah first grasps the electrifying power of music and art, of enduring friendship, of everyday heroes.
The unforgettable saga of a young man coming of age within a remarkable family, and a shimmering portrait of the world that shaped him, The City is a novel that speaks to everyone, a dazzling realization of the evergreen dreams we all share. Brilliantly illumined by magic dark and light, it’s a place where enchantment and malice entwine, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart.
REVIEW:
As a fan of Koontz I was excited to read this story. Much to my surprise I found this book awful. It moved so slowly that I had to force myself not to skip chapters – not pages, chapters. The main character Jonah Kirk, was just plain boring and he felt the need to tell you every single thought he had. I didn’t care what he did or why. My only desire was to get to the end of the book. I never got invested in anyone or anything in this book at all.
I wish I could say something good about this book but honestly I am disappointed.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Knight Avenged
SERIES #: Circle of Seven #2
CHARACTERS: Henrik Lazar & Cosmina Cordei
AUTHOR: Coreene Callahan
PUBLICATION DATE: July 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alone in a world on the brink of war…two unlikely allies will discover a love greater than time.
Exiled from her home, powerful oracle Cosmina Cordei holds the key to uniting those protecting mankind from evil. But just as she makes her way into the holy city to perform an ancient rite, the enemy closes in for the kill…
Drawn by a destiny he won’t accept, elite assassin Henrik Lazar detests the mystical curse handed down by his mother. But when the sorcery in his blood is activated and past pain comes back to haunt him, his new abilities come into play and he must learn to control them.
Rescued by Henrik in the heat of battle, Cosmina must decide whether to trust the assassin who loathes the goddess she serves or face certain death on her own. Forced into an untenable position, Henrik is left with a terrible choice—protect the magical Order he despises, or deny destiny and lose the woman he loves forever
REVIEW:
Oh Henrik… How do I love you? Let me count the ways. One you are bad ass assassin. Two you are a hot bad ass assassin. Three you are a deadly, hot, bad ass assassin. Do I need to keep going? I guess not. I loved Henrik in book one Knight Awakened and loved him even more in Knight Avenged.
Henrik does a lot of growing in this book. He finally comes to terms with who he is, why he is and what he is.
Cosmina. Really liked this girl. She is tough when she needs to be. Yet she is really a sweet girl. And really knows how to get under Henrik’s skin 🙂
Another great read from Coreene. I just love this world of the Circle of Seven warriors. Although, I really wish Halál would get his just desserts already. That man gets on my last nerve. But like every good villain he knows when to tuck tail and run. Henrik & Cosmina are great together. I loved their bickering and the pull that they feel to each other despite the fact that they don’t want to feel it. I loved that we got a closer look at some of the other warriors. I want to know what makes Tareek tick, this boy has secrets. I want to know what Kazim is and why Thea loves him so much. So many need to knows. But one thing for sure I am so glad that Henrik is finally in a good place.
I can’t wait to see what the next book holds for Cristobal.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Coreene Callahan in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Naughty Bits: The Highest Bid
SERIES #: Naughty Bits #4
CHARACTERS: Madison & Logan
AUTHOR: Joey W Hill
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
To understand her customers’ desires at her lingerie store, Naughty Bits, Madison has been exploring her own deep yearnings with the help of neighboring store owner—and oh-so-sexy Dominant—Logan. After overcoming her fears and allowing herself to truly submit, Madison is ready for her ultimate sexual adventure: an auction where she’ll be offered up to the highest bidding Master.
But when her fantasy brings her face-to-face with her true feelings for Logan, she’ll have to figure out if she’s ready to trust her heart as well as her body to him forever…
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Here it is. The last installment and I am so upset. I do not want it to end. I could read about Logan and Madison for the rest of my days and not get enough. There is something so real and true about them. Madison is how I imagine every woman would feel in this situation and I am sure there are many women who would love to be in her place. Who have the feeling they are a sub in the bedroom but never knew how to tell their previous lovers and felt when the relationship fell apart it was their own fault. And Logan has something I doubt many men do. The insight of knowing who he is and what he is.
I enjoyed the fantasy part and was glad Madison got her fantasy but the “reality” part of their relationship is priceless. The author somehow managed to take every thought and feeling and put it to paper and make you feel like you were there to see themselves blossom.
I am so sad that this story has ended. I know Madison and Logan are together and will have their HEA but I want more. As sad as I am to see this story end I am so thrilled I was able to read this and be a part of such a great relationship.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Vampire Trouble
SERIES #: Dead In The City #2
CHARACTERS: Maya & Shane
AUTHOR: Sara Humphreys
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shane Quesada, a four-century old vampire sentry, is known for cold, unemotional precision when hunting rogue vampires.
Maya Robertson is a youngling vampire who will not be controlled—and to prove it, she rejects Shane’s protection—only to find herself in over her head with an alpha werewolf.
Soon, a war between the coven and the werewolf clan ignites, and Maya and Shane flee to Louisiana, where their passion for each other grows—as does Maya’s power. When she finds herself at the center of the conflict, will she finally trust Shane with her life—and her heart?
REVIEW:
I had a hard time getting into this book. I never really warmed up to Maya. While I realize she is a young vampire she is just plain young. She acts like a spoiled brat and while I hoped that was just in the beginning I never got over the feeling that she is just immature and it bugged me. Shane is fine but too indulgent if you ask me.
The story is just too wordy. Also a lot of liberties were taken in the vampire lore. While was kind of interesting but also a little off putting since being a fan of the genre I am used to there being certain “rules” to the vampire world and this changes that and some so drastically that it is a bit odd. This was just off for me but that being said it still held my attention and I wanted to know what was going to happen.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Peanut Goes to School
SERIES #: Elder Races #6.7 A Shorty Story
CHARACTERS: Liam (Peanut), Dragos & Pia
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/14/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dragos Cuelebre is no longer the only dragon.
Dragos’s son Liam Cuelebre (a.k.a. Peanut) is springing into existence, reminiscent of the first of the Elder Races who were born at the beginning of the world. At just six months of age, he has already grown to the size of a large five-year-old boy. He can read, write in complete sentences, and his math skills are off the chart.
A white dragon in his Wyr form, Liam also holds more Power than almost anyone else. In an effort to give him a taste of normality, no matter how fleeting, his parents Pia and Dragos enroll him in first grade.
They hope school will help teach Liam how to relate to others, a vital skill that will help him control his growing Power. But school has a surprising number of pitfalls, and relating to others can be a tricky business.
When a classmate is threatened, Liam must quickly learn self-control, how to rein in his instincts, and govern his temper, because there’s no doubt about it—he is fast becoming one of the most dangerous creatures in all of the Elder Races
REVIEW: I am admittedly a huge Elder Races fan. I’ve read every book and every novella. That said, I haven’t always had a real strong interest in Liam aka Peanut – Dragos and Pia’s son. I felt like the series was starting to center around him and that wasn’t fair to the rest of the characters in this amazing world Thea had built. I was intrigued by Peanut though, and wanted to see why Thea had decided to invest so much into this one particular character. So I read Peanut Goes to School. This is a very short story and I read it in about an hour. I have to say, I loved it! I now understand what is so important and special about Liam. It was so nice to read the story from his point of view, and see this world through the eyes of what should be a child, but somehow is so much more. Liam has an amazing mind, and a need to relate to those around him, just like any child. He, however, is very different than any other child. My favorite line of the story, and when I knew that I had just completely fell in love with Liam was when he said, “I’m not going to be a kid for very long, so I can’t make any long-term commitments.” I was cracking up! He’s so matter of fact, but sweet all at the same time. I loved it. I’m happy that Thea decided to give us this glimpse into Liam’s character. Though I don’t want the entire series to center so much around the Cuelebre’s as it has recently, I’m really excited about how he’ll grow up, and the things we’ll see change in the Elder Races series because of him.
Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.