Natasha’s Review – Page 9

June 9, 2014June 9, 2014

Natasha reviews Knight Of Love by Catherine LaRoche

TITLE: Knight of Love
CHARACTERS: Lenora & Wolfram
AUTHOR: Catherine LaRoche
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/9/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this saucy romance, an English lady turns the damsel-in-distress tale on its head as she escapes her malicious fiancé and fights for both her life and that of the lustful rebel that has become her protector.

Lady Lenora Trevelyan, a naïve yet stubborn young lady born to the highest noble houses of England and Germany, finds herself betrothed to the brutal Prince Kurt von Rotenburg-Gruselstadt cruelly. But after she is cruelly bruised and flogged by her fiancé, she decides to take the reins of her fate. In the midst of a German revolution, Lenora escapes Kurt’s iron fist and embarks home to England. She quickly finds herself in the hands of a rebel group and their robust, gentle, and handsome leader, Wolfram von Wolfsbach und Ravensworth, the English Earl of Ravensworth.

Lenora struggles to deny the passion she feels towards the frustratingly chivalrous Earl but her desire for him continues to bloom. Wolfram hungers nothing other than to fight for democracy and civil rights in uniting Germany and to protect what he assumes is his damsel in distress. Through nights of immeasurable pleasure, Lenora and Wolfram learn that their passion is no match for the revolutionary chaos that ensues. And when Lenora discovers that her protector’s life is threatened, she must risk everything to save her Knight of Love.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Wow, so many things going through my mind about this book. I still can’t decide on my feelings, so I’ll just concede to them all. I fell in love with Lenora very early on in the book when in she said, “…don’t let me fall. I don’t want them to see me fall.” I knew instantly that this was an incredibly strong character who would never be swayed by anyone else save herself. I wish I’d known how true that really was! Lenora did not pull any punches, especially when it came to Wolfram! That naïve, sweet, hopeful man. He did not understand what he was getting into when she walked into his life. I will say, a pretty traumatic event happened to cement these two together and I found it VERY difficult to get past that throughout the book. I was convinced I would not be able to look past this to let myself enjoy the book. However, Wolfram and Lenora turned things around for each other and I was pleased with the outcome of this book. I’d definitely read more by this author!

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

May 30, 2014May 15, 2014

Natasha reviews Circle Of Fire by Keri Arthur

TITLE: Circle of Fire
SERIES #: Damask Circle Series #2
CHARACTERS: Kirby Brown & Doyle Fitzgerald
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: March 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In one, vicious night, Kirby Brown’s world is torn apart. Her best friend is dead, killed by a madman who is now after her. And she has no idea why.
Doyle Fitzgerald has been sent to Melbourne, Australia to hunt down a killer. What he doesn’t expect to find is a circle of witches capable of controlling the elements and a sorceress determined to take that power for herself. And he certainly isn’t expecting to play bodyguard to a woman who is more than she seems. When the police prove incapable of protecting Kirby from the monsters that chase her, she has no choice but to place her safety in Doyle’s hand. And while she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him, she fears to trust him because of the magic that lies in his soul. It quickly becomes evident that the reason behind the killings lies in Kirby’s past. But it is a past she has no wish to remember.
Because Doyle isn’t the only one with magic in his soul.
Only her magic is capable of destroying the world.

REVIEW:
Keri Arthur never disappoints. This was a great addition to my already extensive Keri Arthur collection. I loved the character interactions between Kirby and Doyle right away. Though set in a paranormal world, the story was refreshingly believable. Kirby and Doyle had just the right amount of angst, questions and apprehension I’d expect to find in the type of situation they were thrust into. Their interactions together were intense, funny and promising. The story line itself was interesting and full of suspense. I was actually sad when we got to the climax of the book because it meant the hunt was nearly over. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading book three in this series.

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

May 23, 2014May 15, 2014

Natasha reviews Circle Of Desire by Keri Arthur

TITLE: Circle of Desire
SERIES #: The Damask Circle #3
CHARACTERS: Ethan & Kat
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A TEMPTING FATE

Two children have been found dead, their souls torn from their bodies. Two more are missing, and Ethan Morgan’s niece is one of them. A dedicated cop, Ethan has every intention not only of bringing her back alive but of catching the monster behind these kidnappings. And he will use anyone and everyone to achieve those aims—even a crazy woman who claims to be a witch. But time is ticking. The victims rarely stay alive for more than seven days. Four of those days have already passed.

In ten years of working for the Damask Circle, shapeshifter Katherine Tanner has never come across anything that goes after kids the way this monster does. The last thing Kat needs is interference from a cop who has no idea what he’s up against. But the greatest threat to Kat may come not from the forces of darkness, but from the man she is beginning to love. Because Ethan is a werewolf . . . and the full moon is rising.

REVIEW: This was another strong addition to this series. I really enjoyed the interactions between Kat and Ethan. Though, I have to say – I think Kat’s grandmother, Gwen tried to steal the show. I loved how the female characters in particular were so strong and independent. I really enjoyed seeing Ethan grudgingly submit to their expertise and follow their lead. It was a fun read and I really like Ethan and Kat together!

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

May 9, 2014May 3, 2014

Kelly & Natasha review Hell For Leather by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Hell for Leather
SERIES #: Black Knights Inc #6
CHARACTERS: Bryan “Mac”McMillan & Delilah Fairchild
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: May 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Only the most urgent crisis could force Delilah Fairchild to abandon her beloved biker bar and ask the surly Bryan “Mac” McMillan for help. Her uncle—the man who raised her—has vanished into thin air, and Mac is the only person with the right connections to help her find him. What the ex-FBI agent has against her is a mystery…but when the bullets start to fly, Mac is her only chance of finding her uncle alive.

Mac knows that beautiful women can’t be trusted, but he has to put his natural wariness of Delilah aside in order to help her. With the clock ticking, Mac and Delilah find themselves holding on to each other in the wildest adventure of their lives

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts This was an okay story for me. I liked Mac & Delilah but something was missing. Some kind of connection to these two. I am not sure what it was. It was a good enough story. Lots of action. Lots of things going on. But something was missing.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I love this series. Julie Ann Walker never disappoints in these books. She’s created truly lovable characters that you can’t help to want to get to know. Her stories never lack action, passion and intrigue. This was no different. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

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

April 29, 2014April 16, 2014

Natasha reviews Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter

TITLE: Burning Dawn
SERIES #: Angels of the Dark #3
CHARACTERS: Thane & Elin
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A tormented past has left Thane with an insatiable need for violence, making him the most dangerous assassin in the skies. He lives by a single code: no mercy. And as he unleashes his fury on his most recent captor, he learns no battle could have prepared him for the slave he rescues from his enemy’s clutches–a beauty who stokes the fires of his darkest desires.
Elin Vale has her own deep-rooted scars, and her attraction to the exquisite warrior who freed her challenges her every boundary. But Thane’s unwavering determination to protect her means she must have her greatest fears–and enter a world in which passion is power, and victory means breathtaking surrender.

REVIEW: Yay! With this book I was able to see once again what made me fall in love with Gena’s books in the first place so many years ago! In one word, this book was FABULOUS! Elin just might be my favorite female character Gena has written – in her words – in the history of ever! Elin is strong, fierce, down to Earth and wickedly hilarious. She is the perfect match for Thane, challenges him at every turn and asserts herself in the male dominated world she finds herself in. I can’t even pinpoint parts of the book that were my favorite, because they were ALL my favorite. Elin and Thane’s story – the struggle, the devastation, their pasts – it was all so intense and I couldn’t put the book down, I had to find out how it would all play out. The supporting characters also played an important role in making this book so fun to read. The girl power in this book is so much fun, and I really hope to get deeper into these characters in future books. I laughed so hard any time any of the other barmaids made appearances. Oh and of course cameo appearances by some of the Lords sure didn’t hurt this book in any way either! This series can go so far, all of the characters we meet are intriguing and I know their personal stories will be amazing. I so hope Gena continues this series for a long time so I can see all of my favorites stories play out!

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

April 17, 2014April 12, 2014

Natasha reviews The King by J.R. Ward

TITLE: The King
SERIES #: Black Dagger Brotherhood #12
CHARACTERS: Wrath and Beth
AUTHOR: J.R.Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/1/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle–with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything–and everyone–at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response–or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out… or tortured legacy take over?

REVIEW:
Let me start by saying how much I love this series. I have been such a dedicated fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood for the past five years and believe it is one of the most intense paranormal drama series out there. J. R. Ward writes in a way that is dark and lovely all at the same time. Her character development, world building and ability to allow readers to truly feel every, single emotion her characters portray is absolutely phenomenal. With all of that being said, this book was really hard for me to like. The past few books in the series have involved a changing plot line and lots of new character introductions. Each book has had a main couple and then three to four side stories developing at the same time. Though it’s been noticeable in the past, it was flat out distracting in this book. There were five different stories happening all at the same time in this book and the constant flipping back and forth was slightly disorienting. I found myself getting sucked into a storyline, then all of a sudden it would switch to two different characters and I had to start my mind processing all over again – it was exhausting. In addition to this, I found the story lacked any type of intense climax, unless you count the very end – which was intense yet predictable. I am happy that the big “problem” with Beth and Wrath was addressed and we can now move forward without that hanging over the heads of readers. Overall the book was enjoyable, yet it lacked the deep connection that I usually get from the BDB books. Maybe it’s just because all of the main characters have been exhausted and we’re starting to explore new characters. It’s a little like watching your child walk into a kindergarten classroom for the first time – bittersweet. Of course I will continue with this series, the characters are still amazingly flawed and loveable and I can just never get enough of these Brothers!

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

April 8, 2014March 29, 2014

Natasha reviews The Genesis Project by Tigris Eden

TITLE: The Genesis Project
SERIES #: New Earth #1
CHARACTERS: Genesis Blackmore, Xander Treegold and Adam Reynard
AUTHOR: Tigris Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/28/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Old earth has been deemed unsuitable for life, New Earth is home. With the Uni-Wars over, races have joined together in order to sustain their way of life. All life was considered worth saving, but only one race failed to submit. Humans.
Now extinct, humans are a thing of the past. The people of New Earth won’t acknowledge their hand in their eradication, but they have benefited from it. Dr. Vaggo Blackmore has found the answer, he’s restored his races way of life- sustenance through farming. The one thing that will give them back their long lives….. Blood, human blood.
Biologically engineered in a lab, Genesis Blackmore has always been different. Her father has told her it’s due to her enhancements, the Federated Council sees her as a genetic mutation; and her fellow peers see her as the shiny new toy. Gen has had better days.
Everyone on New Earth has milky white skin, platinum blonde hair, and electric blue eyes. It’s the norm. Genesis’ glossy, black hair, ice blue eyes ringed by gold, would have almost made her socially acceptable- if it wasn’t for her golden skin and blue, gold veins. In a sea of milky white she alone is the dark anomaly.
All Pars get their life’s nourishment through blood plasma. All Pars find their match through the tasting. Gen can do neither, forbidden by her father to do so. She can neither taste, nor be tasted. Something that’s never bothered her until now.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Oh, I’m intrigued! I really enjoyed this book. The beginning is filled with a lot of information that kinda bogs down the story a bit. There is a lot of back-story and information to be shared about the world the characters live in, and at times I was confused by it all. But it does eventually pick up and I’m happy I kept reading. About halfway through, I couldn’t put it down! Genesis is a very strong character, and the author wrote her in such a manner that she will continue to grow and become even stronger. I can’t wait to see the things that Genesis will work through and discover. I also really enjoyed the other two main characters: Xander and Adam. I will say though, that I’m kinda Team Xander! He’s a sweetie, underneath it all – I’m convinced! As a general rule I don’t enjoy love triangles, but the uncertainty with these characters is exciting and I’m enjoying the tension. The book had a few minor editing issues, but it did not take away from the story at all. I’m very excited to read the next installment of this series, because that ending just wasn’t fair!

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

March 25, 2014March 25, 2014

Natasha reviews Night Of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Night of Pleasure
SERIES #: The School of Gallantry #4
CHARACTERS: Clementine Grey & Derek Holbrook
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: March 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An arranged marriage is daunting, but not as daunting as seducing a spouse whose passions you do not understand…

Derek Charles Holbrook, Viscount Banfield, knew his fate since he was seventeen when his father announced his union to the
beautiful but mysterious American girl by the name of Miss Grey.
To protect the troubled estate, Derek submits to his father’s wishes, not realizing he’s about to entangle himself in a hell of a lot more than marriage.

Miss Clementine Henrietta Grey may be worth millions, but not a single coin has ever bought her a smidge of happiness. When she marries the charasmatic and dashing Viscount Banfield, whose only strife in life appears to be the uneven seams in his coat, she finds that siring the heir he wants requires far more than her heart is prepared to give.

Unable to seduce his overly-serious and reluctant wife, Derek realizes his dreams of creating a loving family has turned into a nightmare. But with the unexpected assistance of a retired courtesan and her outrageous school, Derek and Clementine discover that passion is a language spoken not just from the body, but from the mind, heart and soul.

REVIEW:
I just love this series! I thought I knew the characters well since I’ve encountered them in previous books, but I was so wrong. Focusing on Derek and Clementine rather than them being mere mentions made me see them in a whole new light and I loved it! Poor Derek, he expected so much from his marriage to Clementine, and she just wasn’t having any of it. She is extremely strong-minded and doesn’t submit to anyone’s authority over her own. She initially was a very difficult character for me to like, which is not the norm with Delilah’s novels – I instantly fall in love with everyone. However, as we got to know Clementine better I feel like I began to understand her at the same time Derek did, and I realized how wrong I’d been about her. She is a truly unique and complicated individual. By the time I got to the end of the book, I was astonished at how beautifully Clementine was written and admired Delilah for her bravery in writing a character as different as Clementine. It was a new and great experience for me and really made this book even more amazing. I absolutely loved the interactions between the main characters as well as all the side characters – I’m really hoping we’ll get to see more of them in future books. This is another great story to add to an already fabulous series. Delilah always amazes, and this book was no different. Read it now!

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

February 21, 2014February 2, 2014

Natasha reviews Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith

TITLE: Wicked Designs
SERIES #: The League of Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Emily Parr & Godric St. Laurent
AUTHOR: Lauren Smith
PUBLICATION DATE: January 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple—find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.
It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.
Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends, and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with. He has no plans to marry anytime soon—if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler’s niece, the difficult debutante’s blend of sweetness and sharp tongue make him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love.
Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric’s shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard—and rob him of the woman he can’t live without.
Warning: This novel includes a lady who refuses to stay kidnapped, a devilish duke with a dark past, and an assortment of charming rogues who have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Natasha House
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
REVIEW: This was a great read! I’ve never read Lauren’s work before so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I love historical romance so was excited to get started. From the beginning Lauren introduces us to a wonderfully diverse and intriguing cast of characters. I wanted to keep reading just to learn all I could about them all. Emily is a very strong and likeable female lead. She fights for what she wants and for what is right. I loved watching her get to know the members of the League and of course Godric. He is such a devilish character, and you just love him for it. How could you be rooting for the man who abducted this innocent woman in order to settle a score, but you are rooting for him. You want him and Emily to find a way to understand each other and come together. They have so many obstacles in front of them and are both so stubborn. The supporting characters were a great addition to this story and I am very excited to get to know all of them in future books!

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

February 18, 2014February 3, 2014

Natasha reviews A Matchless Romance by Christi Barth

TITLE: A Matchless Romance
SERIES #: Aisle Bound #4
CHARACTERS: Tabitha Bell & Drew Watson
AUTHOR: Christi Barth
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/17/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Tabitha Bell is the face of Chicago’s premiere matchmaking service. At least, she hopes it will be someday, once business really takes off. What she needs is more clients, so when she meets a sexy gamer in need of help, it’s the perfect opportunity.
His discomfort with talking to women almost cost Drew Watson his job. He’d be happy holed up in his office, designing blockbuster video games, but his boss considers talking to investors a non-negotiable requirement. Who better than a matchmaker to teach him how to be comfortable around the opposite sex? Trouble is, Drew wants to get more than comfortable with Tabitha, while she’s determined to keep their relationship all business.
But soon Tabitha learns that beneath the geek-chic hoodie lies six feet of sexy physique—and the more time she spends with Drew, the more she appreciates his brainy brand of charm. Will she succumb to his sweet-but-nerdy charm offensive or will it be game-over before he can win her heart

REVIEW: I really enjoyed this book! It was an easy, quick, fun read. This is book 4 in a series, and as a general rule I don’t like to start books in the middle of the series. However this book carried enough of its own weight that I didn’t find myself upset that I had missed a lot of the history of the characters. You see a lot of the side characters from previous books and it gives you a really fun look into their personalities. Those books must have been fun if their interaction with these main characters is any indicator. I really enjoyed Tabitha and Drew. They were both strong lead characters. I found myself laughing A LOT at the things they said and did. The only thing that threw me off was just how fast the story wrapped up in the end, – it seemed a little rushed. But that’s just a minor criticism. It was a great read and I’m happy I was introduced to this fantastic new (to me) author!

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