Review: Take Me Deeper by Jackie Ashenden

Take Me Deeper by Jackie Ashenden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who can resist a brooding, conflicted and an emotionally scared sexy soldier? Not many is the answer. Zane Redmond, the youngest brother of the Redman brothers has helped to deliver one hell of a story. I will take to liberty to assume that an author's ultimate goal is to show the heart of their characters and I truly believe that Ms. Ashenden has achieved that with Zane. Yeah, we readers get the alpha male that we often crave but this one is well developed and believable. Heck, all the Redmond brothers are flawed beauties and that just makes the story even better.

For this installment, our hero is paired with a feisty redhead named Iris Callahan. Usually, when we readers pick-up these stories one of the main characters are wealthy or have come from a well to do family/lifestyle. Iris is a fit for our hero and our hero is a fit for Iris because they broth know what hard knocks are. Nope, the heroine isn’t some kick butt and take names kind of girl but she is a hero in her own right. The bottom line is that both characters ROCKED and this was well worth the read.

From the opening till the ending, Take Me Deeper will keep the reader glued to the pages. This book was part one to the Texas Bounty series. There is definitely more to come because there is a great cast of secondary characters (especially those Redmond boys) that readers will want to know about.

~*~*~Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. ~*~*~

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Review: Tru Blue by Melissa Foster

Tru Blue by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not all superheroes wear capes or fly in a fancy jet but all true heroes have one thing in common. They want to save as many people as possible without little thought to themselves.

Tru Blue was a treat to read and Ms. Foster did a beautiful job of telling Truman’s story. Yes, Truman a superhero that didn’t know he made Superman look weak. Nope, Truman wasn't leaping tall buildings or stopping bullets but his strength of heart was just a great as any caped crusader. This character has such a tragic background and is so full of passion that the reader couldn't help but to hope for his character to get to the other side of the rainbow.

Ok, why the gush fest? Well, the storyline for Tru Blue is absolutely believable. Truman’s character isn't some guy riding up on Harleys just to save the day. Don’t get me wrong he saves the day but not in some over the top hard to believe BS that would have the reader going “really” throughout most to the book. This books deals with the effects of drug use and their multiple victims. How one fellow rises above his circumstances, reestablishes himself and tries to help his loved ones who were left behind.

Any good story has a great heroine and for this tale Gemma Wright fits the description. Gemma the good girl from the right side of the tracks is the refuge that Truman needs. Assertive and a little pushy, Gemma fits right in the Truman’s ragtag family. For the first time, she belongs … she’s loved and that’s something she’s never had in her whole life. The chemistry between the two main characters is really good and the reader could feel the emotion flying from the pages.

This is must read for Melissa Foster fans.

Thank you to RockStarPR for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

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Ripper (Hunter #1) by Lexi Blake

Ripper by Lexi Blake
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

About the Book

A New Heroine Rises...

Kelsey Atwood is a private detective with a problem. She came from a family of hunters, growing up on the wrong side of the supernatural world. Tracking down bail jumpers and deadbeat dads may not make her a lot of friends, but it’s a lot safer than the life she turned her back on. She was hoping to escape from the nightmares of her past, but her latest case has brought them right back to her door.

A young woman has gone missing, and she didn’t go willingly. When Kelsey discovers that the girl is actually a shifter, she knows she should drop the case and walk away. But this shifter was a sweet kid, and she’s in serious trouble. More females are missing and the evidence points to a legendary killer. Bodies are piling up, and her case is becoming center stage for a conflict that could shatter the fragile peace between wolves and vampires.

As the hunt intensifies, she finds herself trapped between two men—Gray, a magnetic half-demon lawman, and the ancient vampire Marcus Vorenus. Both men call to her, but when a shocking secret about Kelsey’s family is revealed, it could ruin them all. To stop the killer, she will have to embrace the truth about who—and what—she truly is

The Review

Originally this book was just rubbing me the wrong way, but I'll get into that later. After continued reading my opinion began to change and I began to enjoy this first entry of the series despite the pessimistic, sarcastic and slightly suicidal female lead. Ripper had an average start (meaning it is very similar to other entries in the genre) with regard to the leading female character. Kelsey has a shadowed past, powers that she does not want or acknowledge but ends up embarking on a journey bring her powers to the forefront. All in all its pretty standard stuff. 

In comes the male lead, (though I don't believe he really was or deserved to be for that matter) Gray Sloane. To make a long story short, he was hinky from the beginning. I mean, they have known each other for all of two days (TWO DAYS!) and he was throwing around "I LOVE YOUs" like your grandmother handing out her famous pie on Thanksgiving. He trapped her in much the same way a good piece of pie would (I mean no one says “no” to good piece of pie). I did not like the relationship and I am glad that it was resolved (at least to some degree because it's obvious that he still will have some influence in her story later on). I personally like Marcus and hope their relationship will be able to flourish. 

Otherwise, I enjoyed this story and the action sequences were great. Additionally, I liked the world that the author created and I am anxious to see what happens next, see what else unfolds and what other mystery Kelsey will stumble onto. 

About the Author

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem. 

Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.

In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.

In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.

Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....

For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net)

Review: Under My Skin

Under My Skin by Judith Graves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised by this twist of the usual supernatural lore. I literally did a little happy dance when I finally settled down to read this book. I had been going through a slew of strange, poorly written and downright terrible YA books. It was refreshing to find a good action packed and funny YA book. Eryn was a highly amusing character with an equally sarcastic dry humor. It was surprising how the author was able to slip in the very creative sense of humor that she has. Also I was happy to see that this was not another vampire vs werewolf deal ( I had personally grown tired of that). But the fact the she acknowledged both lore; the gory disgusting SciFi werewolf and the skin changing werewolf (wolven in this case) was a welcome change. I have to commend the author because when Eryn was thrown for a loop so was I and I liked that aspect about the book. I am excited to see what happens in the next book.

Review: Darkness of Light

Darkness of Light by Stacey Marie Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is literally Twilight with fairies. Ember is a pseudo- Bella with a bad attitude. And Eli is literally Edward Cullen with a foul mouth. Although well written, to a point (there were still some mistakes) I had a lot of issues with this book, therefore I going to give it 3 stars. As the reader, we were privy to listening to her ramble on for the majority of the book questioning what she was. I figured this out (partly anyway, the half demon thing eluded me until the end of the book and I’m not sure how I feel about that) in the beginning of the book when she mentioned her severe allergy to iron. Then we spent the other half of the book listening to her inner monologue on why Eli hated her so much. You know they had that whole “It’s unsafe for you to be around me and we are not supposed to be together but come here let me kiss you!” syndrome. What she should have been questioning is how he always turned up where she was and what he was. That for me was the best part of the book, questioning what Eli was. For the majority of the book I thought he was a wolf and I was pleasantly surprised when he was a Dark Dweller instead. What was awkward was that she spent the majority of the time telepathically talking to him? I don’t know that whole thing was kind of hazy. I mean I just think they were staring deeply into each other’s eyes and she was having a conversation with herself not with him. Also there was only so many times you could listen to her waxing poetic about how sexy he was every single time she saw him. Along with all this going on between Eli and Ember, there is Torin the boy of her dreams…literally. I guess he could be Jacob. I mean she had such a fiery reaction to him in her dreams, and felt so safe with him but she had the exact same reaction with Eli if not more. I honestly don’t understand what is going on in this book and if I’m being honest I probably won’t continue the series.

Review: The Jaguar King by Anna McIlwraith

The Jaguar King by Anna McIlwraith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 Ms. Emma Chase's world is getting ready to be turned upside down. Not only is her roommate a Jaguar shifter but he has brother (no big whoop ... right?) that shows up out of nowhere with a whole shifter horde on his tail. Not to mention the yummy god chilling in the backseat of the getaway car. The author did such a wonder job of bring all the elements of this story together. There was a great array of characters (heck there is a creepy yet sweet were tarantula and a hotter than hades blue skinned jaguar king), world building and the story telling is pretty darn good too. Readers shouldn't be confused by the title because that particular character is just a vehicle to introduce Emma and her gifts/importance to the readers. Though I love a cocky self-important male lead (they are the best when they fall) and the Jaguar King definitely had all of that going for him. He's just not going to serve the role that some readers would want him to. Heck, there are so many potential males leads that it is hard to pick a favorite. So far that cast of characters have been shifters, vampires and a couple of gods. Excited to see what turns the Caller of the Blood takes next.

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Review: The Boss (Book One) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliot

The Boss: Book One by Cari Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just a couple things ... more than a couple. 1) Story has promise. Meaning if it hadn't ended abruptly it would have been a fuller reading experience. Writing was good but when your just really getting into the characters ... BOOM its done. 2) Didn't get to know both the leading characters well. Would have liked to know a little more about the male lead (Mr. Carson) other than he had shoulders that fill a doorway. Though this peeks my interest (I like tall, brooding and sexy) it isn't enough to keep me interested in the next half of the story. 3) The story sums up to girl in trouble, workaholic/demanding billionaire is the pseudo bad guy, a lot of intense staring, some pseudo public sex, awkwardness and then the end.

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Review: Make It Hurt by Jackie Ashenden

Make It Hurt by Jackie Ashenden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sexy bikers and tough ladies ... well this was like getting that one piece of pie - you know the very last piece and everyone is looking for ways to steal your pie. THIS WAS JUST THAT GOOD!

This entry in the Texas Bounty by Jackie Ashenden has a classic theme with the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the innocent/sheltered rich girl. If the story stopped there it would be only half done and the reader would never get to enjoy the angst concealed within the pages of the story.

It was a treat to read about a heroine who doesn't buckle under the pressure of a strong male lead. The character of Nora Sutcliffe is well developed and is an equal to her male counterpart. There aren't any fight scenes in this entry where the heroine gets to kick a little butt (it really isn't that kind of story) but the reader gets to experience the hurt she has gone through. First with the loss of her first love and then the loss of father. The adult Nora is no longer the curious young woman lounging about. Heck, with her life as a bounty hunter who has time to lounge around? She's too busy burying her past and forgetting about lost opportunity.

Smith knew Nora as soon as he heard her, seen her, smelled her but that wasn't going to be enough to tempt him to let down his guard. After so many years apart he's let his heart harden and his 'golden girl' definitely wasn't going to change who or what he was. Riding into his domain putting his balls in jeopardy definitely won't win her any points either. But there is just something about sweet Nora that this battle harden MC president just can't stay away from.

Just a couple of elements that I would have liked to have seen but it doesn't take anything away from the story that is being told.


  Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.


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Review: The Strongest Steel (Second Circles Tatoos, #1) by Scarlett Cole

The Strongest Steel by Scarlett Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For those who are on the fence about picking this one up ... PICK IT UP! There isn't any guess work whether a reader would enjoy this one. Especially, if the reader is a fan of the genre. The Strongest Steel has great lead characters and a strong supporting cast.

Lets start with Harper (the female lead in this tale) who shows the reader how loving someone can blind you to the truth and when the blinders finally come off its way too late. You're stuck ... in way too deep to dig your way out. For Harper she finds that love can be down right deadly and once she survived its onslaught all she could do was run. Not just run but she has to heal (physically and mentally) from the torture she endured. But its hard to heal when you carry around the constant reminders ... many, many constant reminders. Lost in fear and self doubt Harper finally builds up t the courage to seek help. Trent Andrews is the least likely of those Harper would consider her knight in shining armor but hope and love sometimes can come in the strangest of packages. So, when this tattooed knight starts to break down her walls and bring her back into the world, I wasn't surprised to see the inner strength that the author had written into Harper's character. Though her character endured a lot the author made sure that this character's inner strength came shinning through.

So what works? 1) The relationship between our two main characters. Especially, in the romantic scenes, I totally got that Trent truly treasured, adored, loved (whatever you want to call it) Harper. There was true feeling written into a couple of those scenes and I must say that I appreciate the effort it took not to mess it up. 2) The secondary characters are really good. Cujo is a cocky ass and I LOVE IT. Harper's best friend Drea is feisty and ready wreck shop whenever she has to.

In the end I was hoping that harper had more time with her tormentor and with the legal system that failed her. I was all geared up and ready see our heroine bury her foot so deep in his backside and in the end I didn't get to see the revenge Harper's character totally deserved. In this case, was looking forward to the bad guy getting what her deserved.

  ~~~~Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review~~~~



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Review: For 100 Days by Lara Adrian

For 100 Days by Lara Adrian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, I was already aware of the author's other popular series and when I came across this one I didn't hesitate to try it out. Now, I am giving this a four star rating but there are some things that prevented it from getting a five star rating.

Like a lot of romance readers, I love a take charge alpha male lead and the author skillfully delivers with Dominic and he has that personality that leaps off the page that had me salivating. Other than knowing he was rich, secretive and used to getting his way, nothing else is really learned about this character. Meaning, I want to really, really, REALLY know this character's background. I want to know what makes him tick and I feel that it wasn't given (at least not fully). Maybe, I am a spoiled reader and I want all my candy at once. What Dominic's character has proven is that he has one hell of a heart. Now, to the heroine (Avery) who was good but didn't hold my attention as much as the male lead did. Readers will discover this portion of the series mainly is about Avery and whatever secret she is harboring. I just wanted her secrets to have a bigger role in how the story played out. Just wanted the element of danger or additional angst. Both characters worked because she was the happy recipient of Nick's attention.

This is an erotic novel and it's truly jammed packed with our lead characters getting it in but that alone can't carry a story. Though these scenes are fun to read sometimes it just over shadows the story that is being told. Don't get me wrong.I definitely appreciate Nick but there has to be balance. For sheer steaminess of this read it was hard to put down.

☆•☆•☆Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review☆•☆•☆


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Review: Fury Scorned (New England Furies #2) by Nicola White

Fury Scorned by Nicola R. White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fury Scorned book two in the New England Furies series started at a light jog and then shot off at a break neck pace. Alex the bad ass of the bunch or at least that's what everyone believes. With her tats and career choice everyone believes they have her pegged but Alex will have a few things to show them.

Fury Scorned hits all the right spots. Psycho bad guys, butt kicking heroine(s) and sexy yet confused heroes. The author does such a wonderful job tying Greek mythology and characters into a modern day setting. The concept of Pandora and her box in absolutely brilliant and forces the reader to think of old mythes/characters in a new light. Mostly all who've read anything about the Greek Pantheon of gods know that they are always meddling in human affairs causing havoc in their wake. This is no different and the Furies have to sort it out before its too late.

Now, I would have loved to give this a five star rating but there were a couple of things that threw me off. The first was a romance without any heat. While reading you get to know Alex's character and her insecurities. Especially, her view of whether she's worthy of receiving love but the book was so focused on solving the mystery and the Fury's jealous nature that there wasn't any room made for the romantic portion of this book. Some may disagree with me but unlike Jackson and Tara (the hero and heroine from the first installment) who were constantly featured in scenes together, Alex and Ty were not. Yeah, as the reader you knew that they were supposed to be romantic involved but there wasn't enough interaction of the romantic nature or just both characters being in the same space. Basically, Ty seemed more of an afterthought than the hero and this is too bad because his character is a good one.

The second quirk is minor but it really got me to asking why. I suppose good writing is suppose to make the reader ask questions but anyway here it is. The story revolves around Greek mythology but the god of the underworld is called Pluto (Roman mythology) and not Hades. I wondered if this ties into the author's description of this character's political views but it was enough to make me stop reading and stare for awhile.

The New England Furies is such a wonderful concept and a really good read. A couple of quirk do not take away from the author's ability to tell a great story.

~~*~~Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review~~*~~


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Review: Defending Hayden by L.P. Dover

Defending Hayden by L.P. Dover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

L.P. Dover writes another good one. Defending Hayden is one of those stories that is so easy to get totally engrossed in. I mean, growling and throwing crap at people when they come into your space trying to disturb you.

Our leading lady (Hayden) is smart, gutsy and pretty to look at. She is one of those beautiful women who don't know they're beautiful. Exspecially, if the ex boyfriend is a real dingle berry who berated her to cover up his own misdeeds. So, the pretty Hayden is determined to stand on her two feet and make her way in life. As most know, life is forever a trickster and sometimes place people in your path when least you expect it.

Well, life decided Hayden needed Derek and that Derek needed an anchor. Spiralling out of control Derek needed something ... someone to prove life was worth living. With the death of his girlfriend Brianna and the baby she carried, life wasn't worth it. The handsome linebacker thought that happiness would forever be out of reach. Until Hayden.

Another good entry for the series (Second Chances) where both main characters are developed and secondary characters are just as entertaining. Overall good stuff.

~~☆~~Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.~~☆~~


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Review: Catching Summer by L.P. Dover

Catching Summer by L.P. Dover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Catching Summer by LP Dover is the sixth entry in the Second Chances Series and it was absolutely fabulous. Sometimes, the contemporary romance genre can become saturated with so many similar works and the reader starts to expect the predictability. Though I started the series at book six I quickly caught on to who was who and once I started reading, I absolutely did not want to put it down. Of course the book was romantic but it was those other suspenseful elements that made the story hard to put down. For those who pick this up thinking it’s going to be one of those humdrum reads … well you would be mistaken. 

In Catching Summer we find the heroine (who happens to be Summer) recovering from loss of her husband and it is taking her everything she has to get over one last hurdle and reenter the world fully. For Summer reentry is a little scary but she’s lucky because she has a strong family base and good friends who will help her when she struggles. On the sidelines, we have the sexy and caring hothead of a football player Evan. He’s been keeping a respectful distance from Summer but if given the chance he’ll gladly become the second part of her life. This couple made such a neat match for one another, with him ready to throw down with anyone messing with his Sunshine and her ability to calm him down makes for romantic gold.

Please don’t get the idea that everything is sugar and roses because it isn’t. What’s a good romance without a couple of whack-nuts? Believe me, they have to run an obstacle course full of nut jobs. I love a romance with ex-lovers behaving badly and spurned suitors who just can’t take NO for an answer. The authors skillfully wove all of these elements into her tale and made it thoroughly entertaining. So, those who are fans of jaw dropping angst (which I am) and leading males and females who get the job done, then this is the read for you.

~~*~~ Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.~~*~~


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Review: Self Defense Against Vampires

Self Defense Against Vampires by J.A. Kahn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

J.A. Kahn's Self Defense Against Vampires is a very interesting concept. Its a fictional novel that reads as a possible textbook or self-help book. It skillfully takes jabs at popular vampire romance (the Twilight series especially) and pokes fun at individuals who may have contemplated becoming a vampire. The book discusses the anatomy and physiology of vampires in a way that no other book has and it fed my need for background and detail. Especially, if the reader of this book is a believer in vampires or just likes vampire based fiction, then this is the book for you. The author provides so much detail about the creatures physical appearance, likes/dislikes, thought processes, historical background, habitat and behavior that the content is totally believable. Now, this is not for those looking for a nice and neat vampire romance. Nope, not in the least but the read was very entertaining and informative. 

Thank you to the author for providing his work in exchange for an honest review


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Review: Willows of Fate (Lands of Sun and Stone #1)

Willows of Fate by Suzanna J. Linton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Where to begin?

First, lets start with a bit of praise. Willows of Fate is wonderfully imagined, well written and very, very well developed. In this first entry of the Lands of Sun and Stone Series, we encounter Desdemona (Des) who has come home to be with her ailing mother. Des is a troubled, she can see and hear things that no one else can. She is afraid to labelled crazy and who wouldn't be afraid. Especially, when you're the only one seeing knights in golden armor or mythical beasts. She soon finds out she isn't going crazy and there is a world of creatures and a land that outshines any fairy tale that she has read.

This story was a really great blend of subject matters. It hit on things like religion (polytheism vs. monotheism), betrayal, hurt, self sacrifice, gender equality and greed. In this installment of the series, the author spent a lot of time with world building and succeeds in creating a very convincing backdrop for her tale. I would have loved to have more interaction with the mythical creatures mentioned in the story as well as more displays of magic from the people of the Sun. The most important part of any story is how the characters work together. Here, both main and secondary characters fulfilled their roles well. The heroine (Desdemona) is a bit naive (in some aspects) and headstrong. She has finally found where she belongs and has found her purpose. The book concluded with an exciting rush to the end where their isn't a true happily ever after but the scent of one gently blows in the breeze. So, there is a sense of "this can't be it" because by the end of the book the author has hooked you. I am honestly looking for to what happens next.

~*~ Thank you to StoryCartel for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review ~*~

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Review: Bitter Ashes by Sara C. Roethle

Bitter Ashes by Sara C. Roethle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a good start to the Bitter Ashes series but I just couldn't get on board with the story 100%. There isn't any denying that the writing is good and the world building is okay ... it was just that some aspects of the story was flat out confusing. Mainly, the confusion has to do with what the main and secondary characters are. Spent most of my time trying to figure out if they're fae, shifters/were or some other creature that I cannot imagine. Due to the uncertainty of species of the characters (the book states that they're Vaettir) I had to look this up to find out at least what the word meant. Without a clear distinction between the characters and their natures made it hard to stay focused. The story was entertaining but I found the heroine (Maddy) to be extremely naive and a bit annoying. The story presents other characters along with the heroine that are much stronger. Hopefully, as the series progresses her character will grow and be able to balance out the male leads (Alaric and James).

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Review: Wolf of His Heart (Salvation Pack Book 7)

Wolf in his Heart by N.J. Walters
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just a quick note first. The cover art for Wolf in His Heart accurately depicts the main character Sage and I think that that's absolutely fabulous.

Now, this is book seven of the
  Salvation Pack Series

and the first time I've read any of the books. Honestly, I'm on the fence with this one. I liked it but there was something in the back of my brain going hurry up get to the point. I guess I expected certain things to happen with the main character that didn't. Not to mention I wasn't too crazy about the female lead.

Sage Gallagher is a 3/4 werewolf organic farmer and all the things the reader expects to encounter when it comes to male leads. He's tall, protective, well built and handsome with a heart of gold. Not to mention he has the patience of a saint. Unable to embrace the wolf luring under his skin, he sometimes feels inadequate compared to some of the full blooded males around. Heck, his identical twin (Reece) can shift but Sage just happen to draw the short end of the stick. His handicap doesn't get him down because he's more than capable of taking care of his mate and family if the need arises. Our female lead Rina is on the run. Banished from her pack for refusing a forced marriage, she finds herself alone and gaining the attention of one of the locale crazies. Forced to abandon the life she just started to rebuild for herself, she has no other option than to run from the men chasing her. Don't worry her rescuer is the wolfy farmer and he'll anything to protect her.

While reading you're able to feel the love and compassion but I got the feeling that the courtship between the two main characters was kind of lopsided. His character was overly indulgent while I found her's to be a little selfish. Its understood that the females lead's background plays a part in her behavior but in this instance it was a turn off. There's an underlying current that the hero isn't really good enough but he'll do. This was a solid read that neatly ties into the next installment.

Thank you to RockStarPR for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Treasured Find (Royal Pride #1)

Treasured Find by Nancy Corrigan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is really neat. Shifter PNR can be really monotonous. You know the same repeating ideas and situations. It’s refreshing to come across an author who takes a different approach to the subjects he/she is writing about. In this case, the difference is the shifters and the creation of their race/races. I've often thought about having shifters that could shift in multiple forms and the authors delivers on this with enough history and back story that isn’t overwhelming.

Nancy Corrigan’s Treasured Find book one of the Royal Shifters series is a damn good introduction. Royal Shifter, Rafe Alexander is on the trail of kidnapped shifter children but while on his search he never expected to come across someone as enticing as Jasmine (Jazz to her friends). He’s lived a long time and he just can’t believe that his goddess may have blessed him with the biggest gift of all – his true mate. Jasmine just wants to stay unnoticed. She knows the danger that’s around her and she would rather for everyone to just stay the hell away. Even her college sweet heart Josh is kept at arm’s length. Unfortunately, what we want and wish for doesn't always come true and we just have to play the hand that fate deals us.

Like most shifter males in a lot of different stories Rafe is tall, well built and handsome. His character is over protective and a bit domineering but this works for a heroine who is better suited for the damsel in distress than Mrs. Kick-Ass. Like always the chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts but the author did well to introduction some friction in the form of ex-lovers for bother characters. I really wanted to know more about the villain Jon because I think that his character needed a little more exploration. His character was off his rocker and would have loved more time with him. Besides the main characters, the kids were another highlight. Especially, the little girl. You’re left wondering how her character is going to impact the storyline in future installments of the series.

This was a thoroughly entertaining read and overall rating is 3.5.


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Review: Hard Rules (Dirty Money #1) by Lisa Renee Jones

Hard Rules by Lisa Renee Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lisa Renee Jones just put the smack down with this one! Okay, folks ... let me take a moment and just breathe ...

So, this ticks off so many boxes for me:

1. Sexy Male Lead
2. Feisty & Smart Female Lead
3. Angst. Seems simple but I need that push & pull between the characters.
4. Low Down Dirty Bad Guys
5. Characters skating the razor's edge between good and bad
6. A fully developed story

You know how you read some stories and they are just predictable and a bit humdrum? As the reader, you're just reading to get it over with? Well, this isn't the case in this nice little tale (I say little but there isn't anything little about this) and I can see this particular series picking up a real following.

To me, a good male lead can make or break a story and the same goes for the female lead. Here in Dirty Money #1 not only is the reader introduced to strong leads but equally as strong secondary characters. Shane Brandon is the sexy, smoldering (yep SMOLDERING) and dominated male lead who commands the reader to pay attention. The second son of the Brandon empire is home to save the family business from his corrupted family members. But among them, who can he really trust?

The feisty lead, Emily is on the run. Who is she running from or what caused her to give up her former life? We never really find out but the author delivers snippets of her past throughout the story that will have the reader glued to the pages to find out what her deal really is. What's important here is how well her character works with her male counterpart. So often some characters are lacking while the other is fully developed. Well, this isn't the case here and the interactions between these two is just compelling. The tension between all the characters is just so palpable and delicious.

This read was smoky and sexy with plenty of blurred lines. The author placed such great elements in this one that makes it such a worthwhile read.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.


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Review: The Theory of Deviance

The Theory of Deviance by Rebecca Grace Allen
 My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Theory of Deviance by Rebecca Grace Allen, in my case, happens to be a unique read. It’s unique (at least in my opinion) because it openly questions faith/religion, ideas of sin and personal belief. I can definitely say when I opened this on my Kindle this story wasn't what I expected.

More than anything, The Theory of Deviance is a coming of age story and a story of self-discovery. Like most young adults Mickey (our hero) is trying to figure out where he fits in life and at age 25 he’s kind of a late bloomer. Stuck behind the wall of parental expectations and social appearances, how can he be honest and true to himself? You see, Mickey is a 25 year old bisexual virgin whose personal religious beliefs and the idea of disappointing his parents have him spinning in a merry circle. Unfortunately, he believes that he can confess away his bisexuality or find that one miracle woman that will satisfy both halves of himself. Then sometimes, yes sometimes life gives you just the right amount of lemons for that lemonade.

Krissy has some personal demons of her own. Suffering from mental illness (she bi polar) she to is looking for the place where she belongs … that one safe place where there isn’t any judgment. The last piece of this trifecta is Rafe (Krissy’s roommate with benefits) who has some parental issues of his own. He’s been Krissy safety net almost from the beginning of her diagnosis but he’s yet to find the love he deserves.

This is my first time reading anything by this author and I must say that she made a bold move by bringing religion into focus in this story. This story deals with subjects (that I believe) are at the heart of the LGBT community when dealing with bisexuality and family pressures. The story is classified a contemporary /new adult romance but unfortunately I didn't find it very romantic. I found this story to contain mild angst, memorable characters and a whole lot of naughtiness.

~~~ Thank you to RockStarPR for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review~~~

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Review: Dangerously Red

Dangerously Red by Kristin Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Its such a beautiful thought, that a person's one true love will cross their path and each individual would be spared to grief of a lonely (possibly singular) existence. Once the fated lovers/mates cross paths then they will live happily ever after or at least that is what the fairytales would have you believe. Can these chanced meetings that result in insta-love really end in a HEA? I really can't answer that but Red really tried her damnedest to make that a reality.

Our Red is in a very complicated situation. She has to find a pack and obtain a mate all before her 25th birthday. She with the pack she wanted but the mate part is a bit complicated. She has two hotter than hades males clamoring for the job and all she has to do is choose correctly. Choosing the correct mate maybe the hardest task of her life and to find out who she chooses you're going to have read for yourself. What I can say is that the author has whipped up a fast paced conclusion to her three part serial (Dark and Dirty Tales ).

Both alphas (Reaper and his cousin Lukas) are intense male leads with appeal dripping from the pages and both characters are as different as night and day. Reapers is dark, large framed and just a big softy where Lukas is lighter in coloring, slighter in build and a definite control freak. These differences in style and appearance help to show the reader how the story will unfold. Though Red's (Ivy) choice is the focal point of this last installment, the other elements of the story aren't lost.

Dangerously Redwraps up with a tidy Happy Ending, but I can't help to think that there is possibly more to had from this story. Though you're left wondering what will happen to Lukas next. He is definitely the bad guy of this three part serial but I get the feeling there is more to be told about his character.

~~~Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review~~~


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Review: Dark Lily

Dark Lily by Jenna Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Many of us have shyly confessed to hearing or seeing things that we couldn't quite explain. A bump here, trinket out of place there or maybe a fleeting shadow out of the corner of the eye that's easily explained away. At least, with a rational person these instances have easy explanations. What if these things are your heritage … your normal? 

For Gaby Jordan talking to ghosts is as normal as breathing and she has dealt with the strangeness of who she is all of her life. What's strange is the sudden appearance of the very sexy Mitchell Stone, but the cop in him won't let him resist the request to protect Gaby from the crazed madman that has been hunting her family.

The author has penned a great story here and captures the smoky/seductive appeal of the Louisiana bayou. The suddenness of its storms to the mysterious nature of its nights, it seems that the author was able to dip her pen directly into the swamps inky blackness and transfer it directly to this story. It is always wonderful when an author does a beautiful job at world building because it really helps to set the tone for the story.

All the characters of Dark Lily (really have to read to find out why this title is significant) fit so well together. The villains were just that with some that may be redeemable but that didn't take away from their main roll. This contained a hero and heroine that didn't spend the entire time swooning over one another or a heroine that is completely clueless. Also contained good guys who came in varying shades of gray. This tale is chalked full of shoot outs, happy gators, dead people, overly active ghosts, a pyromaniac and one creepy ass dolly. Just simply good stuff.

~~~ Thank you to RockStarPR for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review ~~~

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Review: In the Line of Fire

In the Line of Fire by Jett Munroe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The pretty, Delaney Murphy is the product of a cheating/abusive husband and a verbally abusive mother. How was she to believe she was a beautiful person inside and out if the two people she loved most only beat her down? So, the shy uncertain Delaney is free to discover who she really is.

Neck breakingly tall Beck is just the man to help with all these new discoveries that Delaney is about to make. Beck Townsend is an ex Marine, handsome, tall and possibly every woman's dream, has been keeping his eye on Delaney . He hopes that she is the answer to his prayers, his dream of finding love and being accepted for who he is.

The characters in this tale were well developed and I would like to get to know more about the secondary characters. Especially, the other members of Beck's group. The story as a whole seems to have something missing. It seems that that the entire story missed some spark or some type of zap something ... something that would draw you further in.

~•~•~Thank you to Rockstar PR for providing this Arc in exchange for an honest review.~•~•~


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Review: Desiring Red

Desiring Red by Kristin Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blue eyed and flaxen haired Ivy has a dilemma, she has to join a pack before it's too late. To make things scarier her chosen pack (Arcana Pack) requires that she chooses a mate. So, how and who do you choose when you don’t know anyone? Well, good ole Fate  (that twisted sister) has a way of stepping in when you least expect it. Yep, Fate is that lady who sometimes pitches unsuspecting victims deeper in the poo and poor, poor Ivy doesn't know what hit her when a little breather turns into Fate’s Special Poop Hole. 

Honestly, I think that I kinda envy the girl. If the Special Poop Hole are two absolutely gorgeous alpha males then sign me up. Reaper the passionate former alpha of the Arcana pack didn't return to his granny’s fairytale castle expecting to find his possible future. but when fate throws him a treat wearing a nice red cloak, how can he not take a bite. Ivy and Reaper are drawn to one another immediately and he could be the answer to her mate dilemma. But as Poop Holes go … it only gets deeper and as she comes out the other side there is the pack alpha Lukas.

So, I like a good retelling of a classic fairytale. Who doesn't know the story of Little Red Riding Hood and wondered what the heck was she really doing in those woods. Well, this Red may have a little of the little cinder girl mixed in because she has two princes (of sorts) who happen to be worthy in their own right. The characters fit the tale very well because have Red the not so classic damsel but as the reader you have to decide which alpha is the real Big Bad Wolf.

~~~Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review~~~

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Bad Boys After Dark: Mick

Title: Bad Boys After Dark: Mick
Author: Melissa Foster
Type: Novel
Length: 300 pages (Kindle)
Publisher:World Literary Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Everything's naughtier after dark...

Amanda Jenner is done being a boring-man magnet and has finally taken control of her love life. As any smart paralegal would, she's researched the hell out of how to seduce a man. She's waxed, primped, and ready to put her newfound skills into action--and a masquerade bar crawl is the perfect venue for her solo coming-out party.

Entertainment attorney Mick Bad lives by two hard and fast rules. He never mixes business with pleasure, and he doesn't do relationships, which makes the anonymity of a masquerade bar crawl the perfect place for a onetime hookup.

.

Amanda thinks she's hit the jackpot when she bags a tall, dark, and sinfully delicious masked man--until she discovers the man she's made out with is her off-limits boss. Mick's already crossed a line he can never uncross, and one taste of sweet and sexy Amanda has only whet his appetite. When Mick offers to give Amanda a lesson in seduction--no strings, no regrets, and for goodness' sake, come Monday, no quitting--the tables turn, and Mick's totally unprepared for the lessons this sweet temptress provides.

Review

Warming Up Nicely!!

Amanda Jenner is out to add a little spice to her love life. Tired of attracting Mr. Boring and Mr. Predictable she sets out with her purse sized guide book with changing this in mind. Dressed and ready for her new role, the pretty paralegal attracts the one man she believed she couldn't have. 

Mick Bad (he’s so bad in all the right ways) isn’t looking for a permanent relationship. Heck, he isn’t looking for anything close to one at all. But coming across Amanda ignites all his buried desires. Mr. Bad is in a really tough place. Does he cross the line with his employee? Can he have Amanda and walk away?

This was an enjoyable romantic tale with just enough kink that keeps the reader's eyes glued to the pages. Though the main characters have an established relationship (co-workers and connection through previous characters) there’s still enough room left to watch these characters navigate towards their HEA. Would have been good to have these characters start without any prior knowledge of one another but this doesn't hinder this from being a good read. Appearances from the other Bad boys give readers a glimpse of the male leads for future installments for this series.

Review: Fury's Kiss

Fury's Kiss by Nicola R. White

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Furies ...
Was on the fence about this one because initially I had trouble connecting with both female and male lead. Not to mention, reading about Furies isn't my norm but I decided to give it a go. I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed. The storyline is good even if I have/had a problem with the lead characters.

Tara Walker is just a young lady working hard to fulfill some of her dreams. Then an attack by a not too bad looking stranger changes everything in an instant. Now, she must move forward with the . Tara as the the female lead took to getting used to. I found her to be a little too happy go lucky when it came to being possessed by an ancient Grecian god (of sorts). Her character kind of automatically fell into superhero mode rather quickly. Not that she's supposed to sit back and brood about it but there is something missing between discovery and full steam ahead. Never the less, the author wrote a strong female lead to introduce readers to the  series.

The male lead, Jackson Byrne on the other hand is hard to like. His character is so hot and cold. He's just an a-hole times 100 but I think that is just a part of his appeal. He wasn't one of those I see you, I love you and now let me hump your leg the rest of the book kind of lead. He has the sex appeal some readers look for but Jackson's character isn't the smoldering looks kind of guy. His character's personality fits considering he's a former Navy Seal.

The really great thing about Fury's Kiss are the secondary characters. They're all good and memorable. The other good thing about the story is that it started off full steam ahead and didn't stop until the final action sequence.

Overall I give this a 3.5 rating.

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Review: Kidnapped By Her Husbands

Kidnapped By Her Husbands by Rebecca Royce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She's Melissa 'f'ing' Alexander and she doesn't know who she, where she is or whose baby she carries. What she is sure of is that she's going to do whatever she has to do to reform herself and become the proper lady for a husband. Or at least that's what she thought.

Yep, the name says what the story is about (literally) but this is a very entertaining tale with a cast of dreamy secondary male leads that the reader is never lacking from male attention. Melissa is the Rebel Princess and as readers we get to journey with her as she discovers who she is and rediscover who she was. Between her unsightly ship and her five ... wait six husbands she has her hands full. Will there be a way for this heroine to combine both halves of herself and save her family?

Wait! Will she be able to take down the empire? Who knows. But our heroine is a pissed off pregnant lady with good aim who will leave a trail of dead bodies if she doesn't get what she wants. I must say that this entry has a really descent storyline where I wanted to know what was really going on with all the other components of this story. Especially, the social structure where the treatment of women on both sides (rebels vs empire) is completely different. Good entry and I am looking forward to reading the next installment.

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Review: Dirty Sexy Cuffed

Title: Dirty Sexy Cuffed

Author(s): Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde
Type: Novel
Length:231 pages (Kindle)
Publisher: CP Publshing
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb

As a cop, Levi Kincaid is all about discipline and control . . .in the bedroom, and out of it, and he's always been very careful about choosing women who abide by his rules. Hot sex and intense pleasure? No problem. Emotional commitment and forever promises? No way. But he never anticipates falling for a blue eyed angel who makes him want to cuff her to his bed and do dirty, sexy things to her. And that control of his? It doesn't stand a chance against Sarah Robins, the one woman he can't resist . . .

Review

In Deep Like!!!

Sarah Robins isn’t the drop dead gorgeous heroine that some readers come to expect. No, Ms. Robins has had a hard go of it in her young life but it’s just something about her character that makes the reader like her a lot. Brown haired and blue eyed Sarah is operating in survival mode and she really doesn't have time for romantic notions. But if she had time for such things, Levi Kincaid would be the ideal candidate for the job. 

What’s that old adage … it’s always the quiet ones and the quiet one , Levi Kincaid makes Dirty Sexy Cuffed a worthwhile read. The quiet unassuming Kincaid brother commands the reader’s interest. His quiet demanding personality is front and center throughout the pages. Sarah makes his control slip but I guess that’s what happens when one character finds their other half. Both Levi and Sarah are so well suited. From book one of this series the readers learn about the heart breaking circumstances the Kincaid boys grew up in. In this latest installment the reader gains the opportunity to read about the female counter part to their struggle. With similar childhood backgrounds both Levi and Sarah grew up without parents and lacking love. After finding out about the heroine’s background, the reader gains the opportunity to feel for her. Like all other alpha males, Levi rushes to her rescue. 

As a male lead, Levi is attractive with green eyes and happens to be a bit kinky. It seems that the quiet ones always have something going behind the calm façade. He is supposed to be controlling domineering in the bedroom area but the intensity that is promised isn’t completely fulfilled. But this is just a small component of his character and doesn't detract from the hero factor that Levi has going for him. What the reader really gets to view with Levi is the abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother and how those experiences colored his adult life. Though I like a happy ending, I would have liked a little more interaction between the male lead and his rival. A little more antagonizing between the two would have put the story over the top. 

One of the highlights of the story is that the previous characters of the other installments of this series show-up. As always, the interaction between the three Kincaid brothers is entertaining and have the reader wishing for more. 

~~~Thank you to RockStarPR for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review~~~

Review: Weregirl

Title: Weregirl
Author: C.D. Bell
Type: Novel
Length: 400 pages (Kindle)
Publisher: Chooseco
Published: November 1st 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Blurb

Eager to escape her small hometown, high school junior Nessa Kurland is focused on winning a college scholarship for cross-country running. A chance encounter with a trapped wolf while out on a run leads to powerful and frightening changes, and one day, Nessa is transformed into a full werewolf. Now Nessa must navigate the challenges of high school while coming face to face with true human darkness, as she tries to make peace with her new wild nature.

Review

Warming Up Nicely

The first thing that the reader notices about this book is the cover. The cover image sparks immediate interest and one of the main reasons that I chose it.  I find the cover of Weregirl mesmerizing. 

This is the first book I'm reading by CD Bell and I found that the writing to be very good.  Weregirl is interesting and pulls the reader in.  Nessa wants out of her small town and if she can accomplish this by winning a college scholarship for cross country, then she is going to put all she has into it. So, as the reader off you go with this character as she runs her way to college or maybe that would have been in her future if she hadn't stopped to help a trapped wolf, then was attacked by another wolf, then started to sprout little white dog hairs all over, then got perfect vision, then got bionic hearing and was freaking out every animal she comes across.  Though its a good story I feel that as the reader I didn't get to know the leader character too much. The secondary characters are virtually unknown as well.

I like Weregirl because it captured my interest and I want to know what's really going on. I need to know what's so special about the heroine? Would like to know what's going with a couple of the other kids at her school? Did one of them bite her? Is there a love interest or is she going to be a superhero ass-kicker? What about the environmental issues? Do they play a part in this or any of the other research stuff?

Definite cliffhanger. Wasn't expecting the book to end when it did but I am looking forward to see where the author takes the story.

~~~ ARC was graciously provided by the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.~~~

Review: Runes of Fate

Title: Runes of Fate
Author: Lena North
Type: Novel
Length: 320 pages (Kindle)
Publisher: Flat Out
Publication Date: June 24, 2016
Genres: Fantasy

Blurb

It's the annual midwinter gathering, and Sissa Raudulfsdatter is locked into a shed – bound, gagged and waiting to be led out to the altar where she will be sacrificed.

There has never been any human sacrifice in the village before, but this year Jarl Ingolf decided that the gods require one to give their good graces back. 

Sissa is determined to face her fate with dignity and courage but as she waits for them to bring her out to the altar, the herbs her mother has put in her final meal makes her dizzy and finally, she faints.

The morning after the sacrifice she wakes up, still alive and still in the shed. After shouting for help, Sissa's brother opens the door, but he's shocked to see her because they all thought Sissa was killed the evening before. It's soon discovered that another girl was sacrificed instead. The village is in uproar and Jarl Ingolf, who performed the sacrifice himself, is devastated. 

The Jarl’s brother, Einarr, is given the task to find out what has happened and because of her ability to figure things out, and since she's the only one clearly innocent, he asks Sissa to help him. One of the suspects is Einarr’s only son Josteinn, the boy Sissa has had her eyes on her whole life, but there are others who could be guilty, and as Sissa and Einarr learn more, things start to become dangerous.

When Josteinn starts to pay her attention, Sissa has to decide how she wants to live her life. Can she be content living her life in the village as Josteinn's thrall, his property? Or have the gods carved different runes of fate into the roots of Yggdrasil for her?

Review

Warming Up Nicely!

This was absolutely not what I expected. Going in I thought that I was going to get Norse gods interacting with our heroine. Thought that she was going to gain some sort of supernatural gift from the gods or she was going to complete some miraculous feat that only she could do. But as I read, this first installment of the Sissa Raudulfsdatter series (Runes of Fate) wasn't what I expected it to be.

Our heroine (Sissa) is a smarter than average slave girl (but not exactly a slave) who dreams of the possibility of freedom someday. Or at least to end up in a comfortable home with a owner that would be considerate of her. Those dreams are shattered when she is offered up as a sacrifice to the gods, but fate has a way of changing a person's destiny. Now, Sissa has to prove that her spared life was worth saving and find the individuals responsible for her still being alive.

Simply, this was a who done it that was executed nicely. There are twists and turns throughout this read but it never lost focus. The main characters are well developed and the secondary characters hold the readers interest as well. Now, Sissa didn't get any super powers but for the time period the story was set she had something better. She possessed courage and above average smarts. Looking forward to reading what happens next in this series.

~~ Thank you to ROCKSTAR LIT for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.~~

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Review: Cocked

Cocked by B.B. Hamel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an exciting race to the finish line!

There wasn't any sacrificing of the story in this to fit in more coitus. Though the scenes where it occurs is smoking' ... it wasn't the main focus or the main, main focus. 

Car thief to CIA informant, Camden is in alot of trouble and he's brought hell to his family's door. Being the self-sacrificing hero that he is, no one is going to die on his watch ... unless he kills them personally. Camden is a well developed male lead and was a joy to read.

Lacey, the forever good girl has been angry with Camden ever since he disappeared. So, when he shows up out of the blue saying everyone is in danger, she's not having it. As far as she's concerned Camden can just disappear again. Lacey's is a strong female lead and is willing to get her hands dirty. I always believe that female characters can do a little more than wait for rescue and Lacey steps in to try to do just that. Both lead characters fit well together and Cocked was suspenseful enough to keep the reader wondering. 

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Review: After the Hurt

After the Hurt by Shana Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So, what happens when run away from the love of your life and then suddenly reappear? Don't know? Well, don't worry because its a head scratcher for me to.

I love a book that have both lead characters on equal footing. Pepper the reformed spitfire abruptly returns to the wintry cold of Canada from the soothing tropics of Bali with the hopes of winning back her true love Francis (aka Tank). After six months of no communication Tank may not be so open to Pepper.

The lead characters were well thought out for After the Hurt , Pepper an attractive red head and Tank the huge and sexy retired MMA fighter. Both characters drove me a bit bonky with their constant uncertainty about one another. Also, interaction with secondary characters was very limited so there wasn't anything really to break-up the merry-go-round that Pepper and Tank were on. Overall, 3.25 rating for finally getting to the HEA.

~~ Thank you to Netgalley for providing the ARC for After the Hurt in exchange for an honest review.~~

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Review: Stiff

Stiff by B.B. Hamel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sometimes, its hard to balance a good plot with the kink that's needed to fit in a specific genre. With this entry by BB Hamel a good balance was almost met. The male lead (Easton) a former FBI agent is back home after taking the wrap for a bad call by his former partner. Drowning in self pity, he's not interested in rising above mediocre. For all his cockiness, Easton is a real softy. As for his counterpart, Laney is smart and well matched with Easton. I feel that its important in these stories that one character doesn't overshadow the other.

Now, back to the balance. Stiff was a good story because it didn't constantly revolve around the main characters attraction to one another. Yeah, there is the traditional eye-popping scenes and the book definitely lives up to it's name. I was more intrigued by the secondary plot and the serial killer. This portion of the story should have been expanded a little more. Overall rating for this one is 3.5.

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Serial Review:Riches to Rags, Book 3 (Stepbrother's Fall) by Bella Lawless and Lena Bourne

Stepbrother's Fall: Book 1 by Bella Lawless

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great start to a series. In this installment we meet Julia - the disowned heiress - who is stuck between hurt and betrayal. Betrayed by father who has alot to answer for and a lover who betrayed then tossed her aside.

Brandon has the bad boy thing in full effect. From the wrong side of tracks and with a conniving mother, Brandon isn't willing to return to his uncertain future.

In this installment you can feel the pull between these two characters and so far this had been entertaining to read.

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Stepbrother's Fall: Book 2 by Bella Lawless

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, in an act of stupidity he kidnapped her. The heroine (Julia) is better than I am ... Brandon would definitely have a permanent limp. Like the first installment, there is really good chemistry between the two leading characters. Brandon is truly Julia's hero but unfortunately with all the past hurt, getting back to their normal will be hard. Trust issues. Just waiting to see who the true "bad guy" is in this.

This is a great quick read.

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Riches to Rags by Lena Bourne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really hope that this isn't the final installment of this series. Really seems that there could be another installment in there. Then again ... the ending the author provided was very smart and made the best resolution (in regards to the family business) for both leads. Now, the idea that either character is in the relationship for the money has been removed. If this was the last in the series ... good ending but spent alot of this entry in Julia's head while she puzzled over her feelings for Brandon. BTW, I would have kicked Brandon to the curb last installment due to the prostitute thing. Though he is truly Julia's hero, there would have been some real payback for that.

Overall 3.5

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