Review: ☆Hot Rebel☆ by @LynnRayeHarris

A rebel on the run…

Victoria Royal is a traitor. Or so the U.S. government believes. Victoria was once a promising sniper in the Army, but now she’s gone rogue—worse, she’s just landed in the middle of a Hostile Operations Team mission in the desert and blasted it all to hell.
Nick “Brandy” Brandon doesn’t expect to run into Victoria when he’s bugging out from a mission gone wrong. It’s been more than three years since she disappeared from the sniper course they were in together, and he’s finally stopped thinking about her killer curves and smart mouth.But now she’s back—and she’s far more dangerous than Nick ever believed possible…

Is she really a traitor? Or is there something more at stake? He has to decide fast—because time’s running out and too many lives hang in the balance…

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Review4.5 stars 

She’d disappeared a little over three years ago, and now she was here in the middle of a war zone, fucking up his mission.

You know what I love about this series? Freaking EVERYTHING. The fact that it only continues to get better and better with each new installment is just the icing on the cake. Lynn Raye Harris is able to deliver heart pounding suspense with a sensual and sizzling romance that all together adds up to an addicting and unputdownable read.

She looked like a somewhat frightened and helpless woman, and yet he knew she was a deadly assassin. The same as he was. She was like one of those startlingly beautiful creatures in the wild- colorful and attractive, but deadly when touched.

Nothing better than a bad ass heroine in my eyes, but make her a hot shot sniper and yet at the same time endearingly vulnerable and put her together with a cocky and yet endearingly protective hero?

Victoria Royal has been deemed a traitor by the US army and kicked out of the sniper training program all because her sister has been cavorting with a known terrorist. Determined to clear her name and rescue her sister who no longer seems to be voluntarily staying with a man that is on the US terrorist watch list, Victoria plays mercenary for a man that she hopes has some kernel of information about where her sister is. When her mission brings her face to face, or snope to snope as it were, with a face from her past, everything changes.

But this- him- she was out of her element.
It had come on fast. Too fast.
This crazy pull between hem was disconcerting and exciting all at once. 

Nick “Brandy” Brandon hasn’t seen Victoria since she left sniper training, but he’s never forgotten her. So when she comes in, guns blazing, and blows his mission to hell and back, he’s determined to not let her go this time. Whether she’s willing or not, he’ll bring her in, and she’ll work on the right side to help bring a known terrorist to justice.

I devoured this book just as I did the others in the series, but I think this one may be my favorite yet. The chemistry between Victoria and Nick was absolutely sizzling.

He reached for her, pulled her against his chest, and tilted her head back with both his hands on her face. He was a fucking goner. He was like an addict being offered a fix, and he couldn’t say no.

Both of them may try to fight it, but their pull to each other is undeniable.

I want you, Nick Brandon. I don’t know why, but I do. Badly. You’ve been under my skin since the first moment I saw you back in training, and while I have no fucking clue what I’m doing, I think I’d regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t do this with you.

I have to admit, I could have done without Victoria being a (highlight to view spoiler)virgin (end spoiler)[virgin at 25 (hide spoiler)]. I’m growing kind of bored with that particular thing, but then again her explanation of why did make sense, so it didn’t bother me too much.

I can tell you that absolutely everything about this book worked for me; the action, the suspense, the romance, the characters. I also loved that Lynn began to weave a secondary POV into the story of the MC from the next book. I loved getting that little peek inside of “Iceman”.

If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, I’ve said it in all my reviews of this series, and I’ll say it again; THIS IS A MUST READ. Trust me. You’ll thank me for it later 😉

Don’t miss the rest of the series!

Hot Pursuit (Hostile Operations Team #1)
Hot Mess (Hostile Operations Team #2)

 


 

Review: ☆Owned by Fate☆ by @mstessabailey

Her mind rejects his world. But her body knows its master.

Journalist Caroline Preston arrives at Serve, New York City’s hottest BDSM club, with one goal—to hate it. If her brother wasn’t trying to turn the family’s respectable financial magazine into a publication that features “lifestyle” pieces for the wealthy and adventurous, she wouldn’t even bethere, trying to write an article about a world she doesn’t understand. But then she sees him.

Jonah Briggs doesn’t leave his post for just anyone. As the owner of the club, his sole purpose is to ensure that his clientele get everything they need, but when he sees Caroline, his only thought is what he wants—to dominate the sexy little reporter and give the most exquisite pleasure she’s ever experienced.

Caroline has no intention of entering that particular lion’s den—not with her family’s reputation at stake—no matter how dark, sexy, and complex the lion in question may be. But with every encounter, she craves more, and with every slide of his lips, she realizes Jonah might just be the man to break down all her defenses…if she’ll let him.

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Review
4.5 stars

So a respected financial journalist and an award-winning interior designer walk into a BDSM club…”
“And?”
“And nothing. That’s the entire joke.”

If you’ve read any other book by this author, then you already know that she writes books with heroes that can deliver some panty evaporating dirty talk. I swear to you, with every new hero of hers I meet, I keep thinking that they only get better. So what can I tell you after Jonah Briggs? Just one thing:

All hail the queen of dirty talk!

Sweet mother of all that’s pervy. I needed to ice my ovaries after this one in the worst way possible.

Caroline is an Ivy League graduate, award winning journalist, and heir to a legendary financial publication first started by her father. Unfortunately, the magazine is now in trouble and her brother has come up with an idea that will either make them or break them; to feature “lifestyle” pieces for the wealthy and adventurous inside the world of an elusive BDSM club. This is why she reluctantly finds herself sitting at Serve with her best friend, sipping on a lollipop martini, with every intention of hating it.

Are you going to suck it? Or just play with it all night?

Enter Jonah Briggs; Serve owner and resident Dom. One look at the dark and sexy Jonah, and Caroline simply can’t deny the chemistry that instantly sizzles between them. For a woman that lives her life in black and white and straight vanilla, she can’t help but take him up on the offer that his mere presence promises.

After sharing an unforgettable encounter, Caroline knows that no matter how much she wants it, with her reputation at stake she simply can’t handle more. Too bad that Jonah is determined to wear her down by any means necessary, and he’s not exactly going to fight fair.

Careful, baby. You’re giving yourself away. You love it, don’t you? That sharp bite echoing between your gorgeous, shaking thighs? Who’s the one providing the bite, Caroline?
You are, Master.”
“That’s right. Thank me for your punishment.

I am so happy to finally get a Dom (outside an actual BDSM romance) that truly lives up to the title and isn’t merely some domineering ass with some spanky tendencies. While I would really qualify this as BDSM lite, it still managed to hit all the right spots for me. It was a sizzling hot romance with some BDSM elements and a sexy as sin hero that you’ll never want to stop talking.

You’ve already shattered all my limits, baby. I’m going to make sure you catch up.

Jonah absolutely made this book for me. While Caroline was a great heroine, she did have a few moments where I wished I could shake some sense into her. Mainly in her treatment of Jonah in the very beginning. Though I must say, she more than made up for it at the end.

In the dark, unknown to anyone around them, they weren’t Caroline Preston, the Ivy League graduate, heir to a legendary financial publication, and Jonah Briggs, controversial BDSM club owner

Everything about this book just worked for me, especially the secondary characters. I’m so excited to get a book for Caroline’s brother, Oliver, and her best friend next.

Oliver, Oliver, Oliver… I am so ready for you…

Review: ☆No More Mr. Nice Guy☆ by @AmyAndrewsbooks

 

He’s done playing the nice guy…Newly single school counselor Josie Butler just made herself a Sexy To-Do list (featuring Bad Boys only). To her mortification, her best friend’s gorgeous older brother Mack finds it…and laughs. But when Josie goes looking for some sexy fun, Mack’s nice guy side turns all hot bad-assery, and suddenly she’s pinned against an alley wall. Hottest. Sex. Ever.

Veterinarian Mack Kennedy can’t believe Josie wants to ditch her sweet, girl-next-door lifestyle. Even worse, that she’d consider doing it with anyone but him. When she leaves for London they’ll go back to being ‘just friends’ but until then, he’s going to show her just how bad nice guys can be.

And it’s the perfect plan, as long as no one finds out… and no one falls in love.

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Review
4.5 stars

He was going to hell for this. Guys-who-screw-their-little-sister’s-best-friends hell.

If you’re looking for a whole new and sexy spin on a trope that’s been done countless times but still an old time favorite? This is definitely the book for you. Yes you get the brother hooks up with his little sister’s best friend thing…and yet, it was also so much more.
Josie Butler is a good girl. Having just gotten out of long term relationship that had all the excitement of watching paint grow, and just as much passion, she decides that now is the time to add a little excitement to her life. Considering she leaves for London in two weeks, it gives her the perfect opportunity. First things? No more nice, safe, and boring guys. Nope! She needs passion, excitement, she needs a bad boy….she also needs a to-do list to keep track of this.

Gotta be organized when embracing your bad girl side, right? So imagine her surprise when her best friend’s older brother and nice guy, Mack, notices her list the night after.

Mack Kennedy is a nice guy. Considering his ex cheated on him with a bad boy because he was just too “nice” for her, it’s not exactly a title he holds dear. But when he finds Josie’s list, suddenly he stops seeing the sweet girl next door and his sister’s best friend. All of a sudden she’s a woman…with breasts…that his lower half is suddenly very happy to get to know better.

His belly clenched tight, his heart thundered in his chest, and he could hear Barry White playing in his head.
Barry goddamn White.
Sal’s words echoed around inside his head.
You need to get back on the bike, Mack.
And Barry said, Oh yeah, baby.

When he calls Josie’s bluff on the list, she’s more than happy to prove him wrong. And when he realizes this, all of a sudden his inner bad boy and caveman come roaring to life.

Thus begins their agreement. Mack needs to get back on the horse, so to speak, and he’ll happily help Josie check (almost) every item off her check list and when Josie is off to London, they’ll go back to being friends.

Hold on to my shoulders.”
“Wh-what? Why?”
“Because I’m about to number ten you, and at some stage you WILL lose the ability to hold yourself upright.

Mack may be a nice guy, but let me tell you, when he embraces his inner bad boy? Oh but he does it right.

I want you hot and wet and naked. I want you crying out my name when you come, and I want to be deep inside you when you do.”

This book was positively SIZZLING. The chemistry between Mack and Josie was scorching. It was also funny and sweet and everything I absolutely love in my romances.

…she bit down on her lip to stop the whimper as her senses infused with the smell of Mack.
Without a doubt, she’d put Oliver Twist to shame tonight.

If you’re looking for a new author to love, a heroine to root for, and a hero to pant over, this is the book for you.

I feel like I’ve been hit by a Mack truck. And I want to do it all over again.”

I absolutely loved this book. Amy Andrews caught me completely by surprise. While this was my first book by her, it certainly will not be my last. I really hope that she turns this into a series and gives us Sal’s book next. A sexy romance that I enjoyed from beginning to end.

Review: ☆Watch Me Fall☆ by Nora Flite


Pain, abuse, brutality. That was my life. I struggled and stressed; cried until I forgot what tears were. But I worked hard. I clawed to the peak.
And then I lost everything.
Most people would have shattered.
I’m not most people.
My dreams are gone, but that’s fine. I could have lived this tiny, broken life. I could have suffered in silence.
Until I met her: Noel.
God, she’s so alive. She makes me ACHE and I just…
I can’t ignore her.
So I won’t.
Noel thinks she can handle me. Survive me.
If she knew the truth—could see into my mind—she’d smarten up and run.
I’m so lucky she doesn’t have a clue.

–Author’s Note– This is a dark romance novel, it contains themes of violence and mature situations that could make readers uncomfortable.

Amazon (Only $.99 right now)


3.5 Stars

Pain doesn’t scare me. It lures me in.

When I read the blurb for this book, I knew I needed it in my life. I am a sucker for all things dark, and this one sounded right up my pervy little alley. Then I read the first chapter and I. Was. Hooked. The first half of the book I was completely engrossed in the story.

The world wasn’t fair. No, worse than unfair. It was cruel and cold.

Carter grew up the hard way. Constantly drowning under the pressure to be the best from his parents, who love their drugs more than their own son, he knows that pain will be his consequence. Ballet is his escape, it’s what he loves, and he works his ass off for it. Until one night when everything changes, when the mistakes of his parents catch up with him in a devastating hit that changes his life and his plans for a career in ballet forever. It is also the night that Carter finally loses his control on his darker side; a side that has been brewing throughout his entire childhood. A side that he did his damnedest to keep hidden and at bay. It’s dark and violent and when he gives it free reign, there’s no more going back.


Inside of me, curled around and swimming in my warm blood, there was a creature as awful and deadly as cyanide.

When his dream of attending the elite ballet school of his dream is shattered, he gets offered a semblance of hope from one of his instructors. So he accepts the offer to teach at a ballet school in Paris. It may not be what he wants, but what other choice does he have. And that’s where he meets her…


Noel Addison was twisting in my mind, sinking into the cracks of my brain. The only thing in my life I’d obsessed about like this was dancing.

After losing her mother to cancer, Noel only wants one thing; to attend the ballet school that her mother has such fond memories of. A talented ballerina, she has her choice of schools, and even though this one may not be the best, it’s a piece of her mother that she needs in the dark time after her passing.

Automatically catching the eye of the dark and broody instructor, Carter, her skill stands out. After all, the school is slowly dying and is the choice for those dancers that simply couldn’t make it anywhere else. Carter notices her skills right away, and he’s drawn to them and to the beautiful woman…but he knows that he is too dark for her. Too bad she tempts him until all reason fades away.


My ability to control myself was waning. She was a harsh ice storm, grinding way at my granite and polishing into infinity.

Their attraction is undeniable, though Carter attempts to fight it. The author did a great job of building a slow mounting sexual tension until the moment when it all combusts and let me tell you…when it does? It was SCORCHING.


Noel didn’t taste like cherries or sugar. This woman was gun powder and arsenic.

Watch Me Fall dances on the edge of darkness, though it never fully fell into it completely.

There are some dark elements; rough sex, erotic asphyxiation, and a domineering hero. But I felt it could have really grown from that into something much more. As a matter of fact I kept waiting for it.

Yes, the sex was scorching hot and at times almost borderline violent in it’s need. Unfortunately, Carter was a character I kept wanting to fully understand yet never truly did.

While I got his dark and violent urges from his past, it didn’t fully translate into his present. Maybe what was missing was a little more development in that part for me to really get invested in him as a hero? He constantly talks about his inner monster, but it just wasn’t something I connected to. I honestly can’t pinpoint what it was exactly, but it just didn’t quite work for me.

I also struggled to full understand Noel’s attraction to the pain and that side of Carter. Maybe she was just a masochist? I dunno. For whatever reason, while I felt the chemistry between them, I never really connected to the “romance” aspect of it.

All that said, this still was a solid 4 star read. I really loved the Nora’s writing style, she truly has a gift for weaving her words together beautifully. The best part? No naive and innocent virgins were to be found anywhere in this book. Unfortunately the ending felt rushed and it just all resolved so quickly and nicely that it didn’t match the rest of the book. I needed more from that. The epilogue was great, but it was like Carter flipped a complete 180 with his personality to me. Maybe it was just me, as I do tend to be extremely picky with my dark reads.


You have no idea what too far is! God, did no one teach you to be scared of monsters?”
“I was taught not to run from the things I want.”

I can’t say I would classify this as a dark romance, it was more gray for me. If you’re looking to dabble in the genre but scared of fully diving in, this may be the perfect book for you to start with. Fans of dark romance may not find it as intense as the blurb implies. Though it was still a highly enjoyable read, and I would definitely recommend it.

ARC very generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Review: ☆Hot Shot☆ by @LynnRayeHarris

Cool under pressure… Until now.

Hostile Operations Team sniper Jack “Hawk” Hunter is cool, methodical, and utterly lethal. Nothing rattles Jack’s calm. But that was before he learned he fathered a child three years ago—a child who has just been kidnapped.

Gina Domenico is a superstar, a pop sensation with a string of hit records. But deep inside, she’s still the lonely girl she’s always been. When Jack saved her from an arms dealer, they spent three unforgettable days together waiting for rescue—and Gina fell hard for the sexy soldier before he walked away forever.

But now she needs his help and she’ll do anything to get it. Though Jack can never forgive Gina for keeping his child from him, he’ll do everything in his power—and HOT’s—to bring their son home safely.

Nothing is what it seems, however, and their fates hang in the balance as someone else pulls the strings…and brings them ever closer to an explosive confrontation that could either save their son—or cost them everything.

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Review
4 stars

Even if you were thinking about something other than my gun, I’m not interested,” he told her. “Not ever again. You’re gorgeous and you know it. But you’re a fucking liar- and I can’t stand a liar.”

Three years ago pop sensation, Gina Domenico, was at the wrong place at a very wrong time. Caught on the wrong side of flying bullets during a mission, she’s rescued by the sexy HOT operator and sniper, Jack “Hawk” Hunter. Jack knows he has no business with the beauty, especially since her fame can cost them their carefully planned op. But that doesn’t stop them from sharing three passionate days together…to never hear from each other again.

Three years later the last person that Jacks expects to get a phone call from is Gina when her son is kidnapped. But what he expects even less is to find out that he fathered that child. To say he’s furious is an understatement. He may never forgive Gina for keeping his son from him, but he will stop at nothing from getting him back.

Jack was one of those heroes that no matter how much of an asshole he may have been to Gina at times, you can’t help but to feel for him. Having lost his wife all those years ago changed him and he know’s he’ll never be able to replace that one time love.

I really appreciated that the author never downplayed Jack’s love for his wife while at the same time never making it feel like Gina was a consolation prize. Miss Harris did a fantastic job painting the picture of a man that lost a young love and struggles when he begins to develop feelings for a different woman. That’s not to say that he didn’t have his asshole moments, because he certainly did…a lot of them. (But then again, I’m into that sort of thing)

Gina was sassy and take charge, while also dealing with her own painful past and not so smooth present. That doesn’t mean that she lets Jack walk all over her. She gave as good as she got, and then some.

Sex sells, baby. Or haven’t you heard.”
“Then you’re doing a fine job of selling it.”
“You’re an asshole, you know that? You don’t get to judge me or make assumptions about my business just because I’m wearing a dress that makes you hard. Jerk off tonight if you must, but blame yourself, not me.”

The chemistry between these two was positively sizzling. As hard as they try to fight their attractions, it is pretty much inevitable that eventually they’ll give in. Gina knows that Jack will never forgive her, but that doesn’t stop her heart from falling for a man that may never feel anything other than lust for her.

Hot Shot was another sexy and action packed installment in the HOT series that you are not going to want to put down for a second. I especially loved the banter between Jack and Gina…

This thing won’t go off, will it?”
“No. But don’t pull it no matter what. It’s for me, not you.”
“The damn thing is between MY legs.”
“I know. Guns and pussy. Two of my favorite things on earth.”

The author gives us a perfectly built romance in the midst of high action ops and suspense.

Each book only continues to get better, and I cannot wait to read Victoria and Nick’s book next. That set up sounds utterly delicious. If you’re a fan of sexy romantic suspense, I can’t recommend this series enough.

Don’t miss the rest of the series!

Hot Pursuit (Hostile Operations Team #1)
Hot Mess (Hostile Operations Team #2)

 


 

 

Review: ☆Dangerously Hot☆ by @LynnRayeHarris

 

The world’s most wanted man is back from the dead. And only one woman can stop him… 

Former Army linguist Lucky San Ramos escaped with her life, but the scars an evil terrorist leader left on her skin are a constant reminder of her captivity. Now her tormentor is back—and so is the sexy Special Operations soldier she once loved.

HOT operator Kevin “Big Mac” MacDonald rescued Lucky the last time. And then he walked away when he couldn’t be what she needed. When Lucky married his teammate, Kev knew it was for the best. But now Marco is dead and Lucky is no longer safe.

When Kev and Lucky team up to capture a terrorist, they’ll have to pretend to be man and wife on an explosive military mission to a war-torn nation. With time running out and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Kev and Lucky play a perilous game of cat and mouse with a madman during the day.

But at night, they battle the secrets of the past and the sizzling attraction that threatens to endanger the mission. Lucky shouldn’t want the man who abandoned her once before. But the passion between them is sinfully, sensuously, dangerously hot… and proving impossible to resist.

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Review4 stars

In Kev’s world, sex with a variety of women was easy. It was love that was impossible.

If you want an action packed and sexy romantic suspense, this is the series you really need to get acquainted with. I’ve been looking for a long time for something similar to Cindy Gerard’s Black Ops series, and I’m so happy I stumbled onto HOT. Each book only gets better and better…and did I mention sexier?

Lucinda “Lucky” San Ramos narrowly escaped death when she was captured by a terrorist during a mission. Left with a daily reminder of her torture not only through her surface scars, but internal ones too, she left active duty and moved to Hawaii…only to lose her husband during a mission 2 years later. Now a widow, she’s trying to move on and forget her past life…and everyone in it; including her husband’s best friend and current HOT operator, Kevin “Big Mac” MacDonald. Unfortunately her plans change when the man himself shows up at her doorstep telling her she’s their only hope to catch a terrorist she long thought was dead.

Mac has always been attracted to Lucky, but he knew he was no good for her, so he pushed her off to his best friend and watched her from afar. Having been the one that rescued her those years ago, he tried to stay in touch with her but she wanted nothing to do with him. Now his orders are to bring her in and convince her to go on a mission that’s just as dangerous as the one that once got her captured. But that’s not his hardest mission, that would be trying to fight his undeniable attraction to a woman that seems to be completely immune to his Southern good ole’ boy charm.

Nipples? That’s your proof? I haven’t been warm since I landed in this icebox and you think my nipples are hard for any other reason?”
Stop now, dude. Just stop. “Yeah, I do.”
She snorted. “We all want you, don’t we, Southern boy? You turn up the drawl and we fling our panties at you?” She flicked her fingers at him. “Take your drawl down to the bar and get laid so your brain will be clear again. I’m going back to sleep.”

Stuck together on a mission where they pretend to be husband and wife, forces them to confront all those long forgotten feelings; Kev’s guilt over wanting his best friend’s widow and Lucky’s never forgotten feelings to a man that didn’t want her those years ago.

…She feared Kev. The way he made her feel. Her emotions were scraped raw in this environment. There was no room for deceit or obfuscation. She feared the way the simplest touch could light her up inside and make her long for so much more. If she’d thought for one moment that a single night with him would ease this longing, she’d been very wrong.

This author has an ability to write a heroine that is endearingly fragile and yet equal parts fierce and strong. I absolutely loved that about Lucky. She survived a horror at the hands of a mad man, and she doesn’t hide her fear of this mission. She had this understated strength to her that you just can’t help but feel for her.

Miss Harris also does a fantastic job of weaving romance and suspense together effortlessly. It’s never out of place or overbalances the other. It’s this perfect combination that will have your heart pounding and then leave you panting.

Kev was a great hero as well. He’s not perfect and he has his own demons that he fights but he’s also sexy and protective all with just that right amount of damaged.

Deep inside he always wondered if his past had damaged him so badly he could never be the kind of man any woman should take a chance on.

Action packed, suspenseful, and sexy, Dangerously Hot was another fantastic addition to the HOT series. The romance, the story, everything about this book worked for me.

If you’re a fan of the genre, this is a book that’s not to be missed. While a part of a series, each book can be easily read as a standalone. You do get to meet some of the characters earlier in the series, and usually you’ll meet the future hero or heroine in the previous book. But the author does a great job reiterating any necessary information without making it sound redundant to the readers that have already read the previous books.

 

Don’t miss the rest of the series!

Hot Pursuit (Hostile Operations Team #1)
Hot Mess (Hostile Operations Team #2)

Review & Author Interview: ☆Chained by Night☆ by @LarissaIone

 THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

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Review-DGR4.5 stars

Aylin had gotten under his skin, and for all his experience fighting enemies, he had no defense against a female whose strength humbled him, whose voice soothed him, and whose touch drove him wild.

This book just reminded me all over again why I’m such a big fan of Larissa Ione’s writing. If I had any doubts about this new series after finishing Bound by Night, I don’t have a doubt in sight after reading this. As a matter of fact, I’m hooked, line and sinker, and cannot wait for the next one.

Chained by Night is a sexy, action packed read that you are not going to want to miss out on.

If you’ve read any of Ione’s other series, then you know this one is a bit different, but in a very unique way. You get vampires but with a whole different Native American lore twist. While you can technically read this as a standalone, I’d highly recommend your start with book one as the story progresses throughout the series, and you really get a better grasp on the world building and the lore in Bound by Night.

As the clan chief of MoonBound and 2nd generation vampire, I just knew Hunter will be a force to be reckoned with…and he definitely was.

To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans. Too bad that the rival clan is ruthless, bloodthirsty, and his destined mate is one uber bitch, Rasha. But Rasha also happens to have an identical twin sister, that is the polar opposite of everything she is. Aylin is is sweet and caring, but also cursed. Born with a deformity and as the cursed second twin, the best her fate has to offer is a mating to a clan leader known for his brutality that far surpasses her own sadistic father.

She was an impossible combination of wary and unguarded, as if she didn’t trust others but wanted them to trust her. Her spirit seemed desperate to burst from her with an explosion of energy, but something was holding her back. She reminded him of a bird with clipped wings or a wolf on a chain, wanting to be free but unable to make it happen.

The one thing I truly love about Ione’s writing, is she can take even the most damaged heroine, but make her fierce in a perfectly understated way.

Hunter faces more than a mating he doesn’t desire to a woman that turns his blood cold. He also faces an ancient curse that can only be broken by facing a challenge of 3 tests that is also foreseen to cost him his life. Add to that his undeniable pull to his mate’s twin sister, and you got yourself some entertaining reading.

Screw the challenge and the danger and the demon.
He had a feeling that Aylin was the true menace to his future.

I found this book to be much quicker paced and more action packed than the previous one, and I devoured it in practically one sitting. The sexual chemistry and connection between Aylin and Hunter was practically palpable. I just couldn’t seem to put this book down. You really get to see Aylin grow into a fierce warrior and a force to be reckoned with of her own as the story progresses. The impending war between humans and vampires continues to progress with new discoveries and twists and turns.

I loved pretty much everything about this book, ESPECIALLY the parts with Myne. There are some revelations about his connection with Hunter here that I never saw coming. It completely blindsided me and I am absolutely dying to get my hands on his book (which luckily will be next.)

Chained by Night had it all; a fantastic heroine, a fierce, possessive, protective and sexy as hell hero, scorching sexual chemistry, fantastic world building, action and romance. What else could you possibly want? This was everything I love about PNR and I cannot wait for more from this series.


Author InterviewDGR: I am so excited to have one of my all time favorite PNR authors here today; Larissa Ione.  Having read practically her entire back list, I can safely tell you that this woman can write some of the most addicting series and swoon-worthy heroes. But I digress…
Welcome, Larissa, I’m so happy to have you here today!
 
LI: Thank you! I’m happy to be here!
DGR:  Can you tell the readers something about yourself…well…aside from the fact that you’re filled with awesome, of course J
LI: LOL – not sure about the awesome, but I do write books in an awesome genre! If your readers like paranormal romance that’s dark, gritty, and sexy, I might have just the series for them!
DGR:  Your MoonBound Clan Vampire series is very different from your other work, is there anything in particular that inspired you to create such a unique world where humans own vampires for slaves?
 
LI: As much as I love my Demonica and ACRO series (written as Sydney Croft with partner Stephanie Tyler,) those series are very fantastical. I wanted to write vampires, but with more of a contemporary feel that would appeal to a different audience. I also wanted to do something different with my vampires and give them a Native American background, something I share with them. Writing the MoonBound Clan Vampires gave me a chance to explore my Native American roots as well as explore a society that reflects both the worst – and the best – of humanity.
DGR: What is your favorite part about this particular series?
LI: I’d say that I love the underdog aspect – vampires, who SHOULD be the alpha predators on the planet, are outnumbered and outgunned by humans, but they’re starting to rally. What will it take for them to prevail? I can’t wait to see!
DGR: You gave the readers a little taste of Hunter, the leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, in the previous book, and his story sounds like it’s going to be AMAZING. Can you tell us a little more just to whet the appetite?
LI: Sure! Hunter will be faced with having to choose between duty and love. He’s fighting for his clan’s very existence and fighting battles on two fronts – with enemy clans and the humans. But he’s also going to be fighting for the female he loves…who happens to be the twin sister of the female he’s supposed to mate.
DGR:  If you could give us three words to describe this book, what would they be?
LI: Gritty, intense, sexy!
DGR:  Can you describe Hunter to us in a few words?
LI: Fairly laid-back, but deep inside he harbors is father’s monstrous DNA…something he battles with frequently. He’s honorable, fair, and leads by example. He also has a tendency to hold grudges…
DGR:  Will Myne be getting a book any time soon? I have to admit, I have a bit of a soft spot for him since he reminds me of Wraith from the Demonica series 🙂
LI: Myne is next! I can’t wait to get to work on his story. I LOVE writing him…just as I love writing Wraith!
DGR:  Any clues you can give about what you have planned next?
LI: I’m currently working on some Demonica novellas that will lead the way to a new spinoff Demonica series set 20 years in the future and focusing on the kids. I’ll also be working on Myne’s story, which will put us one step closer to dealing with the humans who have enslaved vampires for decades. Exciting times ahead!
DGR:  Anything else you’d like to leave the readers with?
LI: Just a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported my work. Without my awesome readers, I wouldn’t be here. So…thank you!!!!

About the AuthorNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Larissa Ione penned her first novel at the age of 13 and hasn’t stopped writing since. She has been a U.S. Air Force meteorologist, an EMT, and a professional dog trainer, and you never know when one of those interests will pop into her novels.She lives a nomadic existence with her U.S. Coast Guard husband and son, so her writing career has been a blessing — a job that moves easily.

She writes dark paranormal romance for Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books,) and contemporary romance for Red Sage and Samhain. Under the pen name Sydney Croft, she writes erotic action adventure romance with partner Stephanie Tyler.

 

Review: ☆Take Down☆ by @MalleryMalone


Powerful. Dominant, Unforgettable. He commands submission at all costs.

Cage fighter, Gabriel Devereaux, a man of barely leashed power, is known as the Bayou Beast.

There is one woman he will do anything , pay any amount to possess.

Karina Armistead, has come a long way from the innocent girl Gabriel used to know. An internationally known singer, she can have anything she wants. But everything tells her that getting involved with the Bayou Beast may leave her wrecked beyond repair.

Little does Karina Armistead know, but Gabriel has decided that she will be his.

He will destroy anything or anyone who stands in his way.

3.75 Stars


Back then he’d been her Gabriel, an angel who’d fallen just for her. Now he was the Bayou Beast, the ultimate fighter, the savvy entrepreneur, a predator with a barely banked rage burning in his eyes.

Even though I’ve recently grown an aversion to any book that contains the word ‘millionaire’ or ‘billionaire’ in the title, I can’t pass this series up. It’s a guilty pleasure for me. A short, well written, quick paced and sexy read that never fails to deliver. I love that each book has it’s own version of ‘lovers reunited’ trope, the heroines are fantastic, and the heroes are melt your panties off sexy. It just works for me. I’ve been waiting to finally get the story behind the broody and enigmatic Gabriel, or as he’s better known, the Bayou Beast. Gabriel may get his name from his fame as a cage fighter, but really it’s more for his penchant for illegal and underground no-holds-barred fights.


These days, only when facing possible death did he come close to feeling alive.

Women aren’t even on his radar unless it’s for a a night spent between the sheets…at least not until the one woman from his past that he never forgot comes back into his life.

Karina Armistead is an international sensation as a famous singer. In town for a charity auction that is near and dear to her heart. She’s no longer that innocent girl that Gabriel knew and then left, taking her heart with him. But that doesn’t mean Gabriel is prepared to let her go now, even if it means dropping a few million for a date with her for an auction.

The chemistry between Karina and Gabriel comes back to the blazing one that they shared over 10 years ago, only this time, Gabriel isn’t prepared to let her go.

I really liked this one, though book 2 is still my favorite in the series. I found some of the suspense/drama that went down towards the end to be just a little too OTT. Other then that, I enjoyed everything. I love that even though this is on the shorter end, Mallery Malone still gives the reader that burn of anticipation and doesn’t just throw the MCs into bed together right away. The plot is well developed, the chemistry is sizzling, and even though it’s a novella, it’s still a highly satisfying read. Most of the time when I read a novella the length is what keeps me from truly developing a real connection to the characters, but that’s never been the case for me with this series. Ms. Malone never fails to get the reader invested in the MCs and their romance. So if you’re looking for a quick and sexy read, definitely give this one a shot. While a part of a series, each book can easily be read as a standalone.


Don’t miss the rest of the series!

Knock Out (Billionaire’s Club: New Orleans #1)
Power Play (Billionaire’s Club: New Orleans #2)



Review: ☆Clinging to Rapture☆ by Megan D. Martin


“I let you walk away, Julia. I let you go, but I can still take you back if I want.”
Four months ago I ran away. I left him behind. The man who stalked me, took control of my body, and claimed he loved me.

Now he’s returned. Like dripping razor blades, he has slashed his way back into my life. But everything is different.

He doesn’t want me anymore.

I expected him to come back, to be sorry. I even planned to forgive him. I should have known that he would discard me like everyone else in my life. But I’m going to change that.

My billionaire stalker has come to say goodbye…only this time I plan to keep him.

3.75 Stars


I let you walk away, Julia. I let you go, but I can still take you back if I want.

Well…hell. I devoured this book and yet I’m still left feeling…conflicted. There were parts I loved, parts that shocked me, and then there were parts that I just still don’t know how I feel about.

The ending of book 1 left me feeling unsure about Cole and his obsession with Julia. When all the cards were on the table and the truth was out, I was shocked as shit. Can an obsession that deep that leads you to stalk a woman for 2 years in your compulsive desire to have her ever lead to anything real? That was the one question I wanted an answer to in book 2, and you know what? I got it…mostly.


She’s going to destroy me. And there is nothing I could do to stop it.

Don’t expect this to be anything close to what the first book was like, because you’ll be grossly disappointed. I found this to be more story and character driven, and it sure as fuck was grittier. It definitely wasn’t as erotic as the first, but that didn’t really bother me in the least.

Clinging to Rapture is told in alternating flashbacks of past and present. It takes you back to that day 2 years ago that began an obsession that’s only burned hotter with each step that Cole got closer to Julia. The present begins with 4 months after Julia has left Cole after learning the truth behind how and why they met. She’s now barely making ends meet by working at a rundown gas station left only with memories that run hot and cold of her past life. The last person she expects to walk into the doors when she’s working is Cole…actually scratch that. Let’s make that Cole and his spawn of satan fiance.

No really. I mean what in the ever loving fuck? We go from one extreme of Cole being obsessed with Julia…to him being engaged to the bitch that he left the second Julia came on his radar 2 years ago. Seriously? SERIOUSLY?! Oh, did I mention that his men are still following Julia? Yeah.

And as much as Julia knows she should feel otherwise and tries to fight it, her feelings for Cole are a lot stronger than what she ever expected.


Cole made me weak. I seemed to be powerless when it came to him.

Readers that don’t enjoy constant flashbacks, may not like this one. Luckily, I wasn’t one of them. That actually worked for me. Big time. I needed that explanation and back story that I felt was missing in book 1. I gobbled up every little morsel of Cole’s past that Megan D. Martin threw my way. He went from an erotic enigma, to a very real, and a very broken man, with an obviously dark past.

His struggle with his obsession with Julia and trying to let her go was palpable. And he almost does it, until her life is in danger and everything else ceases to be of importance.

Now the suspense part of the book was crazy. It will leave you thinking you know who’s behind it, only to have you question it again a chapter later. Is it Julia’s psycho ex? Cole even more psycho fiance? Or Cole’s beyond psycho mother? I don’t fucking know! But I do know that some of the twists that the author throws at you left me in a disturbed state of WTF. (but that’s a good thing)

So why not 5 stars? A few things really. I don’t fully understand or connect to Cole’s reasons for going back to the fiance that he’s obviously no longer in love with and is just plain batshit cray. He constantly allowed her to degrade Julia where all I wanted him to do was kick her bitch on wheels ass out of his house. Also, considering his relationship with his mother, I just didn’t buy into his reasoning of doing anything for her. But perhaps that’s something that will be better explained in the 3rd book.

The cliffhanger here was not as bad as it was in the first book, but certainly still present. While the relationship between Cole and Julia is mostly established again, there’s still the death threat that is looming over them both. All I know? I need the 3rd book like fucking YESTERDAY! Gah.


And don’t miss the first book in the trilogy


Review: ☆Mine to Have☆ by @cynthiaeden


New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden continues her sexy “Mine” romantic suspense series with…MINE TO HAVE.

Is he a hero…or the villain?

When Elizabeth Ward sees Saxon Black rushing into the backroom of The Blade—a low end bar in Miami—she isn’t sure if he’s there to save the day…or just to raise some hell. But she’s being held hostage, and he’s her best hope of survival. Within minutes, she’s away from the jerks with the guns and riding fast and hard on the back of Saxon’s motorcycle.

Death stalks them.

Saxon has been working undercover for far too long. When he finds sexy Elizabeth—with a gun to her head—he knows he will do anything to keep her safe. But once he gets her away from her abductors, the threat to her isn’t over. Someone has put a price on Elizabeth’s head, and if Saxon can’t keep her safe from the danger stalking her, then she’ll be dead.

Their lives are both on the line.

As their enemies close in, Elizabeth and Saxon must go on the run. And the longer they are together, the hotter their attraction for one another seems to burn. Saxon vows not to let anyone hurt her, no matter what he has to do, because he’s falling fast for Elizabeth. He’ll stop the killers on her trail, and then he’ll have her. Forever.

 
4.25 Stars


You’re in my blood, sweetheart, and I can’t get out out. I want you, more that I’ve ever wanted anything.”

No one writes a sexy, keep you on the edge of your seat and action filled romantic suspense quite like Cynthia Eden. She’s become my go-to author when I want a sensual story with a possessive hero, a likeable heroine, and a plot that is guaranteed to suck me in from the very first page. I haven’t read a book by hers I haven’t loved yet, and this was no exception.

If you remember Jasmine Bennett’s 2 highly over protective brothers that were first introduced in Mine to Crave, you get to know them both much better here…starting with the dark and mysterious Saxon Black.

Saxon has been deep undercover for so long, he almost struggles to remember himself who he is. Forced to work too long with the criminal dregs of society, all he wants is to be done with it and finally live the life that he’s been dreaming about. But before he can do that, he accepts one small job as a favor to his brother, Victor. Little does he know that that job will change everything for him when he comes face to face with a green eyed beauty that’s in a world of trouble.


She was the one thing he’d found that he would fight for. No matter what.

Elizabeth Ward has no idea why she was grabbed off the streets and is now facing the barrel of a gun, tied to a chair in a seedy Miami bar. So when a dangerous looking stranger suddenly kicks down the door and rescues her from her captors, she’s not sure if he may be even more dangerous himself. One thing she does know is that his raw magnetism draws to her for a reason that she can’t begin to understand. When she finds out that he’s one of the good guys and her life is in even more danger than she originally thought, she has no other choice but to trust him with her life.

Saxon wants a lot more than her trust though…


You need to remember,” he told her, staring straight into her eyes, “I’m not some safe guy you can play around with while you’re biding your time until you get to return to your real life. When I said I wanted you more than breath, I meant it.” His gaze glittered.
“Next time, I’ll take you instead of that breath.”

Know what I love the most about Cynthia Eden’s writing? The unpredictability of it. Even when you know who the bad guy is somewhat early, she’ll still manage to throw in a twist that you will never see coming…and keep them coming until the very end. Mine to Have will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing yet never knowing what’s to come until the last page.

While the connection between Saxon and Elizabeth is fairly quick, there’s no insta-anything here…not really. The sexual chemistry between them, like any other couple from Eden’s writing, is palpable and explosive. Saxon is possessive and protective. Elizabeth is smart and caring with an understated core of strength that I really enjoyed. Saxon and Elizabeth together is just all sorts of hot.

The suspense and action is non-stop and made for one unputdownable read. If you’re a fan of Eden’s writing, you really don’t want to miss this book. And if you’ve never read her before, I highly suggest you get acquainted. While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but I’d strongly recommend reading all the books in the series simply because they’re fantastic.

I’m really hoping we will get Victor’s book next because the set up for that here has me itching to get my hands on his story. It’s bound to be a verra interesting one.

Don’t miss the rest of the MINE series

(Free on Amazon at time of posting)
Copyright © 2015 · Dirty Girl Romance

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