Natasha’s Review – Page 4

April 3, 2015March 30, 2015

Natasha reviews Cursed by Ice by Jacquelyn Frank

TITLE: Cursed by Ice
SERIES #: Immortal Brothers #2
CHARACTERS: Garreth & Sarielle
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: March 31, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes the smoothly sensual second book in an exciting new series featuring four immortal warrior brothers who must stake their hearts against their fate.
As punishment for plotting with his brothers to steal immortality, Garreth is suffering a freezing torment until the end of time. Again and again, his fierce fighter’s physique is frozen into a chiseled ice sculpture, his heart hardening like a diamond in his chest—only to thaw and resume the chilling torture. Until, like his older brother Dethan, he is offered a reprieve from a goddess—in exchange for his allegiance in a celestial civil war.
Garreth lives to fight and fights to live. But while laying siege to an embattled city, he finds another reason to go on—a beautiful warrior woman named Sarielle, who commands a mythic beast through a mysterious and powerful bond. Terrified of her strength, the city rulers have kept her captive, and now she refuses to submit to a new master. As Garreth seeks to unleash her passion and melt the icy resistance of her heart, will he become her ultimate salvation—or lead them both to greater destruction?

REVIEW:
This is the second installment in the Immortal Brothers series and this was just as strong as the first. I really liked Garreth and Sarielle. They each had distinct personalities that were easily likable. Garreth is definitely more likable and personable than Dethan was. Dethan was kinda just a big jerk for the majority of this book. I understood why, but I was also disappointed with him. However, Garreth and Sarielle definitely made up for it. I like how this author takes the time to let the characters truly develop and get to know one another. It gives a clear foundation that she can build on. It’s refreshing and believable. We also see new supporting characters introduced in this book that have real potential. I’m very curious what role these characters could potentially play in future books.

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group Ballantine and Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 18, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Christmas At Carriage Hill by Carla Neggers

TITLE: Christmas at Carriage Hill
SERIES #: Swift River Valley Novella
CHARACTERS: Alexandra & Ian
AUTHOR: Carla Neggers
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/2/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Celebrate the holidays with this magical Swift River Valley novella from New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers
When fashion designer Alexandra Rankin Hunt is asked to create the dresses for Olivia Frost’s Christmas wedding in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, she jumps at the chance. She’s certain she’ll never get to design one for herself not with her history of falling for the wrong men. Ian Mabry, the sexy fighter pilot whose bravery reminded her of her beloved great-grandfather, was the worst yet.
To Alexandra’s surprise, Ian is also at Carriage Hill, Olivia’s picturesque country inn. And if anyone can charm his way into a wedding, it’s him. Ian wants more than an invitation he’s determined to find a way back into Alexandra’s life.

REVIEW: This was a nice short read just in time for the holidays. This novella is a part of a series that I have not read, but luckily the author gives us plenty of background information to make sure we understand the world she’s created. I enjoyed meeting all of these characters who fans of this series likely already know so well. I really liked Alexandra and her personality, she’s pretty easy going and sweet. Ian is super cocky and confident, but it works for him. They were cute together and I enjoyed their story. If you have an hour to kill, snuggle in with this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 17, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Broken Open by Lauren Dane

TITLE: Broken Open
SERIES #: The Hurley Boys #2
CHARACTERS: Tuesday Eastwood & Ezra Hurley
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/25/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beyond passion. And beyond their control.
Five years ago, Tuesday Eastwood’s life collapsed and left her devastated. After an empty, nomadic existence, she’s finally pieced her life back together in the small Oregon town of Hood River. Now Tuesday has everything sorted out. Just so long as men are kept for sex, and only sex.
Then she met him.
Musician and rancher Ezra Hurley isn’t the man of Tuesday’s dreams. He’s a verboten fantasy,a man tortured by past addictions whose dark charisma and long, lean body promise delicious carnality. But this craving goes far beyond chemistry. It’s primal. It’s insatiable. And it won’t be satisfied until they’re both consumed, body and soul

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts First off, I have to say – kudos to this author for featuring an interracial couple in this story! It’s a reality in the world, and one we don’t see represented a lot in the romance genre, so I’m super excited about that. Ezra and Tuesday were so great together. Each equally head strong and stubborn but both gravitating toward one another in a way neither could fight. This story is full of heartbreak. Ezra and Tuesday have overcome extremely painful situations and are both in a place where they can see the brighter side of life. All of the cast of characters have strong individual personalities and I loved getting to know all of them. This is the second book in the Hurley Boys series but can easily be read as a standalone since the author gives a lot of background information to the reader. I really enjoyed this story and it’s definitely worth a read!

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 17, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Three The Hard Way by Sydney Croft

****Warning: This book and review is an m/m/m story. If you are offended please do not continue to read.****
TITLE: Three the Hard Way
SERIES #: ACRO #7
CHARACTERS: Ian, Taggart & Justice
AUTHOR: Sydney Croft
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Lovers Taggart Brody and Justice McKinney possess special abilities that make them valuable to agencies who employ—or enslave—people with extraordinary talents. When tragedy tears them apart, Justice finds purpose working for the good guys: ACRO, the super-secret Agency for Covert Rare Operatives. But he never forgets Taggart or the past they once shared.

Heartbroken, Taggart runs from who he is . . . right into the arms of Ian Bridges. But Ian, battling his own demons, betrays Tag to the terrorist organization Itor. After months of torture, Tag manages to escape, but kills an ACRO agent in the process.

With nowhere left to turn, Tag disappears into the Alaskan wilderness, but it’s only a matter of time before his enemies track him down. He reaches out to Justice, and somehow Ian finds him too, hoping to right his wrongs. With ACRO and Itor both bearing down, the three men must figure out how to forgive, how to work together, and how to love each other—or the coming battle will destroy them all.

Twenty percent of all proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the It Gets Better Project.

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them. Visit their website at itgetsbetter.org for more information and to find out how you can get involved.

REVIEW:
Finally! Another installment of the ACRO series! I have loved this series for years and have been anxiously awaiting a new story for years. Hats off to Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler who step out of their typical day to day storytelling as Sydney Croft and delve into a m/m/m story that is so passionately loving and important. I loved all three of these main characters. Ian, Tag and Justice are all extremely hardheaded and independent. But they all have a common need: to love and be loved. I loved this little glimpse into ACRO and these characters. It was written perfectly and I applaud these authors for their bold writing skills. It definitely is appreciated by fans of this series that you do not shy away from these characters that we love so much – no matter where they take you! I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this amazing series and hope it comes sooner rather than later.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 12, 2015March 8, 2015

Natasha reviews Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

TITLE: Black Ice
CHARACTERS: Britt and Mason
AUTHOR: Becca Fitzpatrick
PUBLICATION DATE: October 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger is hard to resist in this sexy thriller from Becca Fitzpatrick, the New York Times bestselling author of the Hush, Hush saga.
Britt Pheiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn’t prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants; but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.
Britt is forced to guide the men off the mountain, and knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target.
But nothing is as it seems, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally?
Black Ice is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really enjoyed the Hush Hush series, so when I saw that Becca Fitzpatrick had a new YA book out I jumped on it. I have to say, I loved this book! There were a few times where the characters annoyed me and where I thought the book was moving along too slowly – but I was wrong. There was a purpose to it all and I found that all of the build up was necessary for the epic ending. This story is an emotional roller coaster that I couldn’t put down. The characters are intriguing and I was truly invested in Britt and Mason. I will say, I guessed at the big reveal pretty early on, but there were still twists I didn’t see coming – so I was still somewhat guessing up until the end. Britt was a strong lead character and I enjoyed seeing her come into her own. The epilogue seemed a little lengthy at a glance, but I loved it! Hands down, my favorite part of the book. I sobbed…a lot.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 10, 2015March 8, 2015

Kelly & Natasha review Rock Hard by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Rock Hard
SERIES #: Rock Kiss #2
CHARACTERS: Gabriel Bishop & Charlotte Baird
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: March 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In New York Times Bestselling author Nalini Singh’s newest contemporary romance, passion ignites between a gorgeous, sinfully sexy man who built himself up from nothing and a shy woman who has a terrible secret in her past…

Wealthy businessman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Baird.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO—a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake—clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts T-Rex is on the hunt. But this time the mouse has come armed with weapons. Lots and lots of weapons to take down the big bad T-Rex.

I was so very excited to get my hands on Gabriel and Charlie’s story. I had falling in love with Charlie in book 1 Rock Addiction. I knew from the moment Charlie stepped on the since she was a lot tougher than even she thought she was. In Rock Hard she proves that over and over again. And of course we can forget listening to Charlie talk about her horrible new boss to her best friend Molly.
Gabriel is most definitely a T-Rex kind of guy. But even T-Rex’s need love right? Or they need to be knock up side the head a few times. But either way Gabriel is nice on the eyes, a whiz at his job, bossy and a super nice guy who will do anything for those he loves.

I could keep going but I really want you to find out for yourself why Rock Hard is so far (because I hope there are lots more books) my favorite book of the series. :). If you liked the first two stories in the Rock Kiss series you will love Rock Hard. If you are new to the series never fear. Rock Hard can be read out of order (but I would suggest starting with book one).
Can’t wait to see what Ms. Singh has in store for this series next.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts This was another great installment in this series. I loved Charlotte and Gabriel together. He’s such an intimidating yet loving leading character. I have to say, Charlotte’s behavior was frustrating me for a good portion of the book – however she began to grown on me after more of her background emerged. The supporting characters in this series continue to be intriguing and the relationships genuine. I love this series and will continue to read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & TKA Distribution in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 4, 2015March 1, 2015

Natasha reviews My Sister’s Grave by Robert Dugoni

TITLE: My Sister’s Grave
SERIES #: The Tracy Crosswhite Series
CHARACTERS: Tracy Crosswhite & Dan O’Leary
AUTHOR: Robert Dugoni
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tracy Crosswhite has spent twenty years questioning the facts surrounding her sister Sarah’s disappearance and the murder trial that followed. She doesn’t believe that Edmund House — a convicted rapist and the man condemned for Sarah’s murder — is the guilty party. Motivated by the opportunity to obtain real justice, Tracy became a homicide detective with the Seattle PD and dedicated her life to tracking down killers.

When Sarah’s remains are finally discovered near their hometown in the northern Cascade mountains of Washington State, Tracy is determined to get the answers she’s been seeking. As she searches for the real killer, she unearths dark, long-kept secrets that will forever change her relationship to her past — and open the door to deadly danger.

REVIEW: This was a new author to me and I found I enjoyed the book a lot. The storyline takes place twenty years after the incident and the mystery unfolds in real time along with tidbits of information from twenty years ago. I was intrigued and found I couldn’t wait to get more pieces of the puzzle. The whodunit was completely speculative on my part, and I was definitely surprised by the ending – which doesn’t happen often! The characters were all real and genuine in their own ways – love them or hate them. And there were plenty that I hated. For the most part though I enjoyed them all and was very pleased with the story.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 24, 2015February 22, 2015

Natasha review Cursed by Fire by Jacquelyn Frank

TITLE: Cursed by Fire
SERIES #: Immortal Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Dethan & Selinda
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/24/15
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:
What a great beginning to a new series! I loved this book! Dethan is a strong hero that carries this book wonderfully. I love the potential for this series – four strong brothers all suffering and hopefully brought back into the world. Selinda and Dethan are really great together. Though their association starts off a little shaky things really begin to turn for them throughout the story. Selinda is a meek, fragile little thing for most of the book – and I did wish she would toughen up a little earlier, but it worked out. I was completely captivated by the story and couldn’t put the book down. Things were moving a little slow at times, but I enjoyed the characters so much I didn’t mind it too much. I cannot wait for book two!

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Ballantine Books and Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 19, 2015February 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Serena by Ron Rash

TITLE: Serena
CHARACTERS: Serena Pemberton & George Pemberton
AUTHOR: Ron Rash
PUBLICATION DATE: August 1, 2008
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
**Soon to be a Motion Picture starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper**
The year is 1929, and newlyweds George and Serena Pemberton travel from Boston to the North Carolina mountains where they plan to create a timber empire. Although George has already lived in the camp long enough to father an illegitimate child, Serena is new to the mountains—but she soon shows herself to be the equal of any man, overseeing crews, hunting rattle-snakes, even saving her husband’s life in the wilderness. Together this lord and lady of the woodlands ruthlessly kill or vanquish all who fall out of favor. Yet when Serena learns that she will never bear a child, she sets out to murder the son George fathered without her. Mother and child begin a struggle for their lives, and when Serena suspects George is protecting his illegitimate family, the Pembertons’ intense, passionate marriage starts to unravel as the story moves toward its shocking reckoning.
Rash’s masterful balance of violence and beauty yields a riveting novel that, at its core, tells of love both honored and betrayed.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a dark tale. Serena and her husband Pemberton are very dark entities indeed. They are entangled in a dark love story that envelopes the both of them so completely it shadows the rest of the world. They only care for one-another and power – and will destroy or kill anyone who stands in their way. That includes investors, business rivals and even the 18 year old mother of a 2 year old Pemberton got pregnant before marrying Serena. All of the characters in this book have distinct personalities and something hidden behind the surface. I will say, the last quarter of the book was very stressful and full of angst – which I love. Very good read!

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 11, 2015February 7, 2015

Kelly & Natasha review Bridged by Kendra Elliott

TITLE: Bridged
SERIES #: Mason Callahan #2
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Ava McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: February 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a congressman’s tortured body is found dangling from a Portland bridge, the FBI joins the Oregon State Police to investigate the case—and FBI Special Agent Ava McLane, still recovering from a bullet wound, hunts the twisted killer alongside the man who captured her heart, police detective Mason Callahan.

But once a third body appears and all evidence points to a serial killer, the public furiously clamors for answers—and the couple’s relationship grows fractured under the pressure. Ava and Mason search in the past for clues that predict the future. And when Ava’s mentally ill twin spins out of control, the FBI agent who battles monsters every day wonders if she shares her sister’s self-destructive streak…

In the latest thrilling romantic suspense novel from award-winning author Kendra Elliot, the past and the present violently collide…and the fallout can be deadly.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Bridged is book 2 in Ms. Elliots Mason Callahan series. After the events of Vanished (bk1)(which you need to read) I was not sure how Ms. Elliot was going to top this story, but she did. Bridged is truly an amazing story.
In Bridged we find Mason & Ava loving life and looking forward to a little down time. But in the Rose City there is no rest for the wicked, which means no rest for the Oregon State Police and the FBI.
There is so much that I want to tell you. But I don’t want to give anything away. But I will tell you that this story just keeps building and building and building with each chapter. Building to the point that you can’t put the book down until you get to the end.
Amazing!!! It truly amazes me how twisted and complicated a suspense romance authors mind works. I can’t wait for the next journey in Mason & Ava’s life, although I do hope that they will get a nice quiet weekend soon. 🙂

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
I am so in love with this series! This story follows Mason and Ava as they try to adjust to life as a couple and chase a whole new brand of serial killer. They are great together and I love getting to see them work together. I do wish that we saw them together more outside of work. I wanted to see how they interacted, why they were so happy together. We got glimpses – but I’d be ok with much more! We mostly saw the supporting work characters of these two in this installment and that’s ok with me. I love Ray! I’m curious about Zander…I wonder what he’ll add to this series moving forward. Such a great read!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 9, 2015February 7, 2015

Natasha reviews Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

TITLE: Seeker
SERIES #: Seeker #1
CHARACTERS: Quin, John & Shinobu
AUTHOR: Arwen Elys Dayton
PUBLICATION DATE: February 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’.
Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin’s new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her.

REVIEW:
It’s taken me a few days to write this review after finishing the book because I didn’t know where to start. This book held a lot of promise and the characters were likable – but I feel like the story didn’t go anywhere. Quin, John and Shinobu are all training to become Seeker’s and it’s this huge deal that they’ve looked forward to their whole lives, but I still have no idea exactly what a Seeker is. Lots of things happen in the book, but nothing that solidly explains anything. I kept hoping that it would all make sense at the end, but that was not the case. I did hope for a more in-depth understanding of the story however it wasn’t really delivered.

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 5, 2015February 1, 2015

Natasha reviews Just in Time for a Highlander by Gwyn Cready

TITLE: Just in Time for a Highlander
SERIES #: Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands #1
CHARACTERS: Duncan MacHarg & Abigail Kerr
AUTHOR: Gwyn Cready
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/3/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s tough being a woman in a man’s profession, especially for Abby Kerr, the unexpected chieftess of Clan Kerr. Loathe to marry but in need of a strong arm, Abby wishes for a Scots warrior and gets . . . Duncan, the historical reenactment hobbyist.
Wall Street Impresario Duncan MacHarg isn’t bad with a fencing foil, but he’s no Highlander. When a misdirected spell plucks him from the 21st century, he lands in 1705 Scotland at the feet of the fiercest woman he’s ever laid eyes on…

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book! Immediately, Duncan is a very likable character and the way he goes with the flow has me cracking up constantly. Abby is a little more difficult to get to know and therefore start to like because she’s in such a difficult position. I loved how she was clan chief though, that was a great role for her. Duncan and Abby are thrown together in a series of stressful and unbelievable situations. Both characters easily accept the unexplainable and ask very little questions which seemed a little hard to believe and made the story a little less believable. Despite my sometimes frustration with the characters lack of meaningful conversation I still enjoyed the story and supporting characters. It was a great highlander story and I look forward to the rest of the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.