Review: ★Hard Beat★ by K. Bromberg

November 5, 2015 by Lana ·

Hard Beat
Series: Driven #7
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: K. Bromberg
Release Date: November 3, 2015

From the New York Times bestselling author of Sweet Ache comes a blistering new novel filled with danger, secrecy, and a desire that can’t be sated…

Foreign war correspondent Tanner Thomas is addicted to living on the edge. Needing the adrenaline rush of his job to help him cope with a personal loss, he throws himself back into the game, concentrating all his energy on getting the next big story.

But when he meets his new photojournalist, Beaux Croslyn, he can’t help but feel like he’s losing his focus—and maybe risking more…

With secrets she won’t address, Beaux is far from your ordinary woman. Determined to keep her distance, she’s willing to pull Tanner in closer and hide behind the sparks flying between them. But as Beaux’s past begins to put their relationship—and their lives—at risk, Tanner’s determination to find the truth puts them both in jeopardy.

He’s ready to chase her to the ends of the earth to find out if what they had was real, or if the danger surrounding them was just an exquisite heat fated to burn out…

Amazon / B&N / iBooks

She’s my little piece of Heaven in the land full of Hell.

It’s been quite a while since I read an all male POV that was this engrossing. Hard Beat was simply unputdownable from beginning to end. It was everything I love, and I really do mean everything. It managed to tick all my boxes.
A reedemable asshole hero.

Guilt is a goddamn vise squeezing out of me every ounce of emotion I never wanted to feel.

You may remember Tanner as Rylee Thomas’s older brother. Well now it’s his turn for a HEA and it’s going to be one bumpy road. Tanner is a famous foreign war correspondent. Now back to doing what he does best after a tragic loss that absolutely gutted him, he’s interested in one thing and one thing only; his career. No woman, especially not some newbie photographer that’s still green behind her ears will deter him from that. So when a dark haired beauty approaches him at a bar, he rejects her. But her appeal is just too much for him to fight, so when her flirtation turns into sarcastic insults after his treatment, a few heated words turn into something much hotter

You’re arrogant and-”
“You don’t have to like me to fuck me,” I say, cutting her off. “You just have to want me.”
“Fuck you!”

I chuckle against her lips before pulling back and looking straight into her desire-laden eyes. “That’s the plan.”
…. until he figures out that she’s his new photographer.

I think that had this been written in dual POV the effect would have been lost. I absolutely LOVED being in Tanner’s head. You get to experience every single emotion right along with him. So even when he’s being a downright asshole, your heart still breaks for him because you know what’s behind every word.

She wants to be a bitch? Well, I can be a grade A asshole. She has no idea who she’s messing with. We already started this relationship with a bang, so why not keep it going that way, right?

Utterly delicious hate to love trope
The relationship development here was phenomenal. The rocky start, the hate lust, all of which leads to inevitable feelings. But man oh man was it done well. I couldn’t get enough of Tanner and Beaux. These two seriously burn up the pages together. So much so that the tension between them sizzle and crackles so much it practically vibrates your finger with every turn of the page. Ugh. It was perfection.
A sassy and sharp witted heroine that gives as good as she gets
Beaux Croslyn is a mystery for a large portion of the book, but in that lies her appeal. You’re figuring out the puzzle that is her right along side Tanner. But what you do know, is this is a woman that doesn’t give in easily. For every asshole remark Tanner has, she gives it right back. She’s no pushover and she sure has a smart mouth on her.

Like I said, fuck off.”
“It seems to me your mouth needs to be washed out with soap. Not real classy for a lady to keep repeating words like that.”
“Oh, I’m a whole lot of classy. I just reserve all my fucks for assholes like you who deserve them.”

I simply couldn’t envision a better match for Tanner.
An unputdownable story filled with twists and turns
While the romance is emotional, erotic and oh so satisfying, what truly made this a 5 star read for me was the plot that tied it all together. It was fantastic! Then that last 30% happened and I was completely blown away. The twists and turns I never saw coming kept me riveted to the pages. I couldn’t put it down until I finished.

There’s not a single part about this book that I didn’t love. Quick paced, filled with action and even a little suspense, erotic, and emotionally charged made this the absolute perfect read. A must read!

Read the series in order

Driven (Driven, #1)

Fueled (Driven, #2)

Crashed (Driven, #3)

Raced (Driven, #4)

Slow Burn (Driven, #5)

Sweet Ache (Driven, #6)

Hard Beat (Driven, #7)

Coming 1/11/16

Aced (Driven, #8)

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance, DGR Favorites · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 5 stars, DGR Fave, K Bromberg

Review: ★Raze★ by Tillie Cole

November 4, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Raze
Series: Scarred Souls #1
Genre: Dark, Erotic Romance
Author: Tillie Cole
Release Date: December 29, 2014

To take back life, one must first face death…

One man stripped of his freedom, his morals…his life.

Conditioned in captivity to maim, to kill and to slaughter, prisoner 818 becomes an unremorseful, unrivaled and unstoppable fighter in the ring. Violence is all he knows. Death and brutality are the masters of his fate.

After years of incarceration in an underground hell, only one thought occupies his mind: revenge…bloody, slow and violent revenge.

Revenge on the man who lied.

Revenge on the man who wronged him.

Revenge on the man who condemned him and turned him into this: a rage-fueled killing machine. A monster void of humanity; a monster filled with hate.

And no one will stand in the way of getting what he wants.

One woman stripped of her freedom, her morals…her life.

Kisa Volkova is the only daughter of Kirill ‘The Silencer’ Volkov, head of the infamous ‘Triad’ bosses of New York’s Russian Bratva. Her life is protected. In reality, it’s a virtual prison. Her father’s savage treatment of his rivals and his lucrative and coveted underground gambling ring—The Dungeon—ensures too many enemies lurk at their door.

She dreams to be set free.

Kisa has known only cruelty and loss in her short life. As manager of her father’s death match enterprise, only grief and pain fill her days. Her mafia boss father, in her world, rules absolute. And her fiancé, Alik Durov, is no better; the Dungeon’s five-time champion, a stone-cold killer, the treasured son of her father’s best friend, and her very own—and much resented—personal guard. Unrivaled in both strength and social standing, Alik controls every facet of Kisa’s life, dominates her every move; keeps her subdued and dead inside…then one night changes everything.

While working for her church—the only reprieve in her constant surveillance—Kisa stumbles across a tattooed, scarred, but stunningly beautiful homeless man on the streets. Something about him stirs feelings deep within her; familiar yet impossibly forbidden desires. He doesn’t talk. Doesn’t communicate with anyone. He’s a man beyond saving, and a man she must quickly forget…for both their sakes.

But when weeks later, out of the blue and to her complete surprise, he’s announced as the replacement fighter in The Dungeon, Kisa knows she’s in a whole lot of trouble. He’s built, ripped and lethally unforgiving to his opponents, leaving fear in his wake and the look of death in his eyes.

Kisa becomes obsessed with him. Yearns for him. Craves his touch. Needs to possess this mysterious man…this man they call Raze.

Dark Contemporary Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, excessive violence, disturbingly sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 years and up.

Amazon / iTunes

He was as cold as an arctic winter… but he was a beautiful monster…

After so many friends raved to me about how amazing this book was, I was beyond excited to be finally reading it. Given that I’ve also spent quite a few months avoiding it. Why? Because my picky Russian ass has yet to read a book with the MCs being Russian and not having it be butchered to hell and back. So I get a little touchy.

I have to say, I was very impressed with the way the author accurately portrayed the Bratva and the true brutal underbelly of it. The concept and the story were intriguing, violent, intense, and gripping. The book kept my attention the entire time reading it. But unfortunately there were too many issues that I had along with it that ultimately killed my buzz.
Be warned….nitpicking galore to follow…

The character’s names.
First we have Kisa. But here’s the thing; I’ve never heard of a name like this in Russian. Ever. It is a very common term of endearment however. It loosely translates to “pussy cat” or “kitten”. Whatever your fancy. But here’s the issue, Kisa’s fiance likes to call her “Myshka”, which translates to little mouse.

The writing.
OK look, I know I’m picky here but this just didn’t work for me in the least. I found some parts of the book to be choppy. It goes from incredibly emotional and gritty to borderline cheesy.
Like this phrase here:
“Please, sit, papas.”
Why on earth would someone say, “Please, sit, fathers”? Unless you’re in church. But again, that’s neither here nor there. My main issue came with the dialogue, internal and external. The repetitive terminology, especially within the character’s dialogue managed to frustrate me enough to take me out of the story at times.
The overuse of endearments and names within one paragraph being my main issue.
Also, in Russian culture it’s com

The heroine Nothing about Kisa worked for me. She was bland to the point of blending in with the furniture. There was nothing about her that grabbed me as a reader or endeared me. She was weak and her simple acceptance of things just being what they are and such is life did nothing for me either. Don’t get me started on her vagina’s pavlov response to the mere presence of Raze. The woman would walk into a room, see his back without knowing it’s him, and already she’s raring to go?
Taking into consideration her borderline abusive psycho of a fiancé and their relationship, I’m shocked she had no emotional or mental scars. This is especially true towards the end. She moves on from all of it without so much as a bat of a eye lash. No lingering emotional trauma…just is what it is.

The overuse of the word “channel
Perhaps this is just me, but I have never once referred to my southern region as a “channel” during internal monologue during sex. So the fact the Kisa thinks how her clenching channel wrapped around his cock made me wonder if perhaps she was a victorian maiden in her past life.

The overuse of endearments
Considering the gritty and brutal subject matter of this song, I can understand why the author would want to dilute that with a beautiful love story. However, I just can’t picture any person in their late 20s referring to the other as “my love” on a constant and consistent basis. I’m talking about multiple times during one sex scene. Perhaps it’s my inner cynic kicking in, but this was just too much cheese for me.

The graphic sex scenes with Kisa’s fiance
I’m not a reader that has an issue of a graphic sex scene with a person that’s not the main love interest in a romance. Especially not when it fits the plot as it did here. That being said, it didn’t need to be as often or as graphic as it was here. After the first time, I didn’t see a reason for it. Yes, I get it, Alik is brutal and sadisctic. He feels that Kisa is his property and he goes absolutely batshit at another man so much as looking at her. I do NOT want to be reading about this more than I need to which was for basically (view spoiler)[over half the book (hide spoiler)]. Did it fit the plot? Sure. Could it have been toned down? Absolutely.
It could have easily been fade to black or just loosely mentioned. It simply didn’t need to be as graphic as it was past the first 2 times.

Having said all that, the story itself was unique and gripping enough to have me turning the pages. Sure it was a little predictable in places but I don’t think it was ever really meant to be a huge secret. I didn’t see a good part of the ending coming, so in terms of suspense and grit, it certainly fit the bill. Raze was the star of the book. I couldn’t help but fall for him right away. The violence was graphic and at times extremely difficult to read. But at the same time, it just didn’t effect me as much as some of the other gritty and dark books I read. While this may not have completely worked for me, I’m intrigued enough to continue with the series. Hopefully with the next book being traditionally published, some of the issues I had here may be ironed out.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Dark · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3 stars

New Release & Review: ★Tough Enough★ by M. Leighton

November 3, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Tough Enough
Series: Tall, Dark, and Dangerous #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: M. Leighton
Release Date: November 3, 2015

You seriously don’t want to miss MMA-champion-turned-Hollywood-superstar Rogan. Hotness!

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Bad Boys novels comes the second book in a dark, sexy contemporary trilogy.

He’s a fighter who never loses, but is he tough enough to win her heart?

There was a time when I had everything–a wonderful family, a bright future. Love. But all that was taken away in a single night, torn from me like flesh from bone. Since then, I’ve hidden away in my second-choice job as a makeup artist. But I prefer it that way, actually. I’m comfortable in the shadows, where no one can see my scars.

Kiefer Rogan literally took my breath away the moment I met him. MMA champion-turned-actor, notorious playboy, charming to a fault—he’s everything I vowed to avoid.

But he just wouldn’t stop until I opened up and let him in. Maybe I should’ve tried harder to resist him. Maybe I shouldn’t have fallen in love with him. Because I, of all people, know that everyone has secrets. Scars. And that they’re usually ugly and painful and destructive to the people we love most.

I just never guessed that they could be deadly, too.

Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo| Google Play

Get Strong Enough, the first book in the Tall, Dark, and Dangerous series
Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add Tough Enough†to your Goodreads TBR
Why me?”
He doesn’t hesitate with his answer. “Something tells me you’re worth the effort.”

Well, this was certainly…different. If you’re expecting Tough Enough to be on the same intensity level as Strong Enough, don’t. This was a complete change of pace from the first book. It’s an emotional journey that’s both beautiful and touching. The suspense element is not the predominant factor here as it was in the predecessor. As a matter of fact, it was barely present up until the very end. Which actually brings me to my minor dilemma. I’ve been waffling with my rating on this book for days now. Do I rate it on it’s own, or do I rate it based on the series it’s in? But I’ll get to that in a bit.

In true M. Leighton fashion, Tough Enough grabs the reader’s attention with just the prologue.

Katie Rydale is a woman with secrets; deep, painful secrets that she’s still learning to live with. It’s been years since the even that changed her life irrevocably, and yet she’s still just a shell of the woman she used to be. A meek kitten that hides behind the shadow of who she used to be. She’s more comfortable behind the lime light as a makeup artist to the stars that bask in it.

Kiefer Rogan is like champagne- undeniably delicious, deceptively light, and too easy to get drunk on. To lose your mind with. To make a mistake with.

Kiefer Rogan is the uber sexy MMA star turned actor and one fourth of the Delta 5 team that we were introduced to in the first book. Katie knows that men like him will only burn her. He’s just too everything; too sexy, too intense, too determined to get to know her.

We both fought to survive. But only one of us fought to live.

If you’re looking for a swoony alpha hero, you’ll certainly get that with Keifer. His slow and determined seduction of Katie was one of my favorite parts about this book. I love a slow burn romance, especially one that’s layered in ripe sexual tension. As protective as Rogan is, he understands Katie’s limits and doesn’t push them. For all his intensity, it’s so refreshing to see a hero that’s respectful of a woman’s boundaries. He was just so incredibly sweet but without ever losing that edge that he has to him.
Katie is not exactly the kind of heroine I prefer to read about. She’s very demure and tends to withdraw into herself at the slightest altercation. I would have loved to see her come into her own a little sooner than she did.

If you’ve read the first book, which I highly recommend you do, then you know there was a particular suspense element that was left in a cliffhanger. Clearly there was a story arc that would continue throughout the series. I was expecting for this book to bring some of that intensity with it as well, but it never quite went there. The main focus was the relationship between Rogan and Katie while the suspense was more of an afterthought. I don’t have a problem with this, and up until the final 10% of the book, this was a solid 4.5 star read for me. This could easily be a case of built up expectations, but I found the ending to be rushed and well…anticlimactic. After all the buildup in book 1 for everything to be resolved the way it was, it just wasn’t as satisfying as I had hoped. I would have loved for that part to be really fleshed out and not just glossed over as it had been. But then again, I don’t know what the third book will bring, so it is tough to judge without having finished the series.

For all the minor issues I may have had, this book had my full attention from beginning to finish. So while I wished it had a bit more of an edge to it like the first one in the series, I still definitely enjoyed it.

New York Times and USA Today†bestselling author M. Leighton is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction.

Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you’ll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren’t roaming in that direction, she’ll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

Sign up for her newsletter here, and be the first to know about exclusive giveaways, new books, and awesome fan-only perks! And join Michelle in her superfan Facebook group, Laid Back with Leighton, right here!

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4 stars

New Release & Review: ★The Game Plan★ by Kristen Callahan

November 1, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

The Game Plan
Series: Game On #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Kristen Callihan
Release Date: November 1, 2015

A beard-related dare and one hot-as-hell kiss changes everything.

NFL center Ethan Dexter’s focus has always been on playing football and little else. Except when it comes to one particular woman. The lovely Fiona Mackenzie might not care about his fame, but she’s also never looked at him as anything more than one of her brother-in-law’s best friend. That ends now.

Fi doesn’t know what to make of Dex. The bearded, tattooed, mountain of man-muscle looks more like a biker than a football player. Rumor has it he’s a virgin, but she finds that hard to believe. Because from the moment he decides to turn his quiet intensity on her she’s left weak at the knees and aching to see his famous control fully unleashed.

Dex is looking for a forever girl, but they live vastly different lives in separate cities. Fi ought to guard her heart and walk away. But Dex has upped his game and is using all his considerable charm to convince Fi he’s her forever man.

Game On

AMAZON

I didn’t expect you, Ethan.”
His eyes search my face. “I’ve been waiting two years for you to see me.”

See that utterly pathetic pile of melted, swooning goo on the floor right now? Yep. That’s me. Who would have thought I’d meet my end at the hands of a bearded, pierced, and man-bun wearing virgin?
Because if anyone was going to make my manwhore and asshole loving self fall completely head over heals for a virgin, it had to be Kristen Callihan. Having read 2 other male virgin books before this and being mostly underwhelmed, third time was most certainly the charm for me. Because this book? I loved it. I beyond loved it. I want to marry it and have it’s babies. I want to rub myself in it and roll around basking in it’s pure awesome all day. I want to lick it. Alright, you get the point here I think.
Ethan “Dex” Dexter has always been he voice of reason. The calm and collected one. The unassuming lumbersexual. Sexy, sure. A little shy, maybe. But there was also always something clearly swimming under that calm surface and you just knew that it would come out when he got his own book. And if you haven’t? Clearly you haven’t read the Game On series yet. I suggest you rectify that immediately.

Dex has had his eye on Fionna since the first day he met her. Fionna happens to be his college teammates and best friend Drew’s sister in law. Two years ago she may have been too young for him. But now? All rules are off. As an NFL center, Dex is accustomed to assessing the defense and finding a way to run right through it. And it doesn’t matter what defenses Fi throws out at him; they don’t live in the same city, she’s not into professional athletes…because when Dex sets his eyes on her, all bets are off. Game on.

I’m insanely attracted to you. I want to fuck you. I want to know you. I want to be with you. If you want that from me too, I won’t let something as small as inconvenient living locations get in the way.

What I love particularly about this series, aside from the swoony heroes that somehow get better with each new book, is that the timeline progresses. What I mean is, with The Hook Up started when the boys were in college, and The Game Plan finds them as NFL professionals. The timeline for them progresses and isn’t just stagnant with each new couple, which makes the story that much better. Because with each new book, you always get a little more about the couples from the past ones and I will never have enough of that.

Ethan is quite easily my favorite hero in this series to date. It just doesn’t get any better than him. For once an author managed to give the readers a virgin hero, but actually have a good reason to go along with it. The character development is what makes this as good as it was. Dex is a character that you will fall for after just the first chapter, and continue to fall even harder with each new one. He’s this perfect balance of sweet and sexy. Dirty talker and romantic.

I see Ethan Dexter; he shines for me. And I burn hotter than the sun when I’m in his orbit.

Fionna was the perfect ying to his yang. She may fight anything serious with him for a hot second, but it doesn’t take Dex long to tear through all of her defenses. I really loved her personality and vulnerability. I really loved that she’s just as protective of him as he is of her. She’s not a perfect character, but she owns her imperfections. As a matter of fact she makes you like her for her imperfections.

Kristen Callihan has written yet another deliciously swoony romance in her addicting series. This book had a little of everything and all of it perfectly balanced; great story, incredibly sexy, swoon worthy romantic, all tied together with wonderful secondary characters that just bring it all together. I couldn’t get enough of it. There wasn’t one thing about this book that I didn’t love. But at the center of everything was Dex. *dreamy pervy sigh* Who would have ever thought I’d be raving this much about a male virgin. But this sweet guy had just the right amount of edge to him to appease even perverts like me. I loved him to absolute pieces.

If you haven’t yet discovered this series, you’ve been living under a rock and need to come out immediately and see the light. If sexy sports romances are your thing, it just doesn’t get better than Game On. Period. If you’ve read it and loved it, prepare to have your heart stolen by Dex. Considering each book just keeps getting better and better, I can’t wait to see what Kristen Calliahan has in store for us next.

Read the rest of the series

The Hook Up
Game On Series Book 1

The Friend Zone
Game On Series Book 2

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Sports · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4.5 stars

Review: ★The Boss: Book One★ by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott

October 30, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

The Boss: Book One
Series: The Boss #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance Serial
Authors: Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott
Release Date: October 27, 2015

I’ve always been a good girl.

I’ve only done two really bad things in my life–secretly live in the maid’s quarters of my beloved grams foreclosed beach house and lie to get a job as a personal assistant to billionaire Blake Carson.

My enemy, my lover, my savior.

He’s only two out of the three, if only I can figure out which two before I end up on the streets or in jail.

Or worse.

AMAZON

He was every sin I never knew I’d wanted.

You know that decadent kind of ice cream? The one where even if you get a small serving of it, it’s oh so satisfying yet still leaves you craving more? The Boss is that ice cream for me, and it was absolutely delicious! It’s tough to find a serial romance these days that can perfectly combine sizzling sexual tension with a plot that hooks you just the same. So of course it figures that the powerhouse writing duo that is Cari and Taryn pulled it off effortlessly!

I’d come here looking for a miracle, and I was walking away with a job.

Grace Copeland walks into the den of the enemy prepared to fight. She’s prepared to lie and do whatever it takes to get her beloved grandmother’s house back from the billionaire that probably doesn’t even care what it means to her. What’s she’s not prepared for is to walk out with a job.

Blake Carson is a glass magnate that’s not exactly known for his sunny disposition. He goes through personal assistants like another man may go through socks. So why on earth does he offer Grace the job after she basically calls him on his shit? Such is the enigma of this man.

Like the storm coming off the water this morning, he was a cold front slapping into a warm. The thunder was his voice, and I was the rocks trying desperately to hold out against the waves.
And the water was rising.

The sexual tension between these two is instant and so deliciously thick you can almost taste it. There’s nothing I love more than a good buildup and this book serves that up perfectly. Cari and Taryn know exactly what they’re doing and these two sure know how to tease and entice.
Volume One is written solely in Grace’s POV which only serves to entice the reader with everything that is or isn’t Blake. He’s enticing, magnetic, and an all out mystery. Then again all this does is whet your appetite for more.

Grace is exactly the kind of heroine I love to read about. She’s sassy and smart mouthed. This is a woman that gets knocked down and comes right back up swinging. I can already tell these two are going to be absolutely delicious together and I’m absolutely dying for more!

I was swept into the breath-stealing undertow that was Blake Carson and the force of his kiss.

After that ending, I’m not sure whether to rock myself in a corner somewhere in my wait for the next installment or to hunt down Cari and Taryn and beat them until they give it to me. All I know, is I’m hooked and I want it. I need it. I have to have it.

If you’re looking for a deliciously sexy read that you’ll devour in one sitting, guaranteed, look no further than The Boss. Trust me on this. You’ll thank me when you meet Blake Carson. I have 3 words for you: Suit. Beard. Tattoos. You’re welcome.

Don’t miss the next installment in this scorching hot series!

Releasing November 19

Available for PRE-ORDER

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 5 stars

Review: ★Darkest Before Dawn★ by Maya Banks

October 30, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Darkest Before Dawn
Series: KGI #10
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Maya Banks
Release Date: October 27, 2015

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they’ve known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock’s true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.

But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he’s been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She’s the only woman who’s ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he’s spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.”

Amazon / B&N / iBooks / BAM / IndieBound / Google

I’ve been such a huge fan of Maya Banks, but I’m finding that most of her recent releases have been slightly less than lackluster for me lately. While I loved the first five books in the KGI series, since book six it’s been taking a significant decline for me. The story lines are just OTT out there, the characters not quite what they used to be. But still I was holding out hope for Hancock to finally bring this series back to what it used to be. I’ve been eagerly anticipating his book for years, so I was beyond excited to get my hands on Darkest Before Dawn….only to be disappointed.

The first 25% of the book I struggled to get into it. It was repetitive to the point of redundancy. Hancock’s internal musings of him being the bad guy but for good intentions was repeated ad nauseam. I suppose this is good for readers coming into the series without having read the previous books. But for fans of the series that have been up to date? Well, let’s just say you’ll get a bit of a refresher.

The story really took off after the 25% mark and I found I couldn’t put the book down. The action and suspense really picked up. The budding romance begin…and then it all crashed down after the 60% mark.

The heroine was idealistic and naive to the point of being OTT about it. It’s almost cheesy for me to say that Honor was just too honorable, but that’s what it is. While I really liked her in the beginning, her internal monologue and reasoning after the 60% mark was just beyond anything I could wrap my mind around. I don’t care how much you want the bad guys to get caught, no person in their right mind will reason with themselves that they’re OK with being betrayed and sacrificed for the greater good because it’s the “right” thing to do. She’s not a soldier. She’s a relief aid volunteer. When she finds out Hancock’s plans on using her, she’s not mad, crying, trying to escape. Nope. She accepts it all with the calmness of a woman that was just told that the purse she wanted isn’t in stock. Ah well, it is what it is. In Hancock’s defense, he never lies to her. Unless you consider lie by omission. He never confirms that he’s there to save her and doesn’t give her false hope. But he never point blank admits it either. This was just the beginning of the end for me. His epiphany came a little too late for me to sympathize with him or even like him.

Add into the mix that Honor is a (highlight to view spoiler)virgin (end spoiler), because it’s not enough with her personality fitting her name. Nope. You have to add the cherry on top. Pun intended.

But not only does she accept everything with an unbelievable sort of calm, she asks Hancock to (highlight to view spoiler)take her virginity (end spoiler). Why?(highlight to view spoiler) Because she doesn’t want her first time to be a rape, since that is inevitably what would happen to her once she’s handed over to the man that hired Hancock. Rape. Torture. Death. (end spoiler)
A man with the intentions of sacrificing me for the greater good does not exactly make me go all tingly in the nether regions. Add into the fact that she knows what she has in store for her and how horrific her (highlight to view spoiler) death(end spoiler) will be, and yet her line of thinking is (highlight to view spoiler)Oh, Hanckcock. You’re so brave and honorable for making such a hard decision. Please take my virginity. I want you to be the one. Yep. Not only does she forgive him, but she rationalizes it and praises him for it. (end spoiler)

After 60% the book just spiraled down faster than a junky on a bender. Hancock flipped a switch and pulled a complete 180; going from badass to p*ssy in 0 to 6 seconds. It was great to finally get the entire KGI crew, but unfortunately it was a case of too little too late. For all the hopes I had for this book, sadly after finishing it, I think I’m done with this series. I kept hoping that it will come back to what it once was, but after 4 books in a row that left me underwhelmed, I just don’t have it in me to continue.

I know what Maya Banks is capable of, and her earlier books are a true testament to that. Her Sweet series was one of my favorites. But sadly the releases she’s had lately seem to be missing a certain edge that her earlier work had. I’m still holding out hope, but not with this series.

Read the rest of the series

(KGI, #1)

(KGI, #2)

(KGI, #3)

(KGI, #4)

(KGI, #5)

(KGI, #5.5)

(KGI, #6)

(KGI, #7)

(KGI, #8)

(KGI, #9)

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Romantic Suspense · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 2 Stars

Review: ★Friction★ by Sawyer Bennett

October 29, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Friction
Series: Legal Affairs #8
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: October 27, 2015

At the powerhouse law firm of Knight & Payne, winning comes first and ethics a distant second. Leary Michaels uses her female charms to daze opponents, and it’s always worked well—until now. On her most personal case yet, she finds herself going up against a defense attorney just as skilled, shameless, and seductive as she is.

Reeve Holloway has never met a woman as sure of her own sexuality, or as ruthless in wielding it, as Leary is. But he won’t be toyed with. What Leary starts, he’ll finish—in the courtroom, the bedroom, or any-damn-place he wants. The sex is uninhibited, electrifying, and absolutely against the rules. Reeve’s job is to ruin Leary’s case…even if it destroys her in the process and costs him the woman he’s come to love.

Amazon

…you, Leary Michaels, have no idea the beast you’ve awoken with your antics. You’ve invited me to come out and play, and I’m ready to play.”

I have a little secret…*whispers* I have an unhealthy addiction to legal dramas…comedies….romances…whatever. You name it, if legal procedures and trials are involved, odds are I’ve watched it or read it. So when I saw a new Legal Affairs book from Sawyer Bennett, it was a no brainer to read. This is only my third book by this author, and admittedly the other two I’ve read by her left me a bit underwhelmed. But having heard so many amazing things about her Legal Affairs series, I decided to bite the bullet and give it a go. And boy am I glad that I did, because Friction was absolutely fantastic!.

Leary Michaels gets the chance of a lifetime when she’s hired to work at one of the biggest powerhouse firms, Knight & Payne. Coming from trailer park beginnings and sporting a polyester suit from Walmart she feels out of place, until the main partner and her idol gives her the advise that changes everything.

Make men notice you, and when you’ve fogged their senses with lust, slap them with your brains. Make women want to be like you, but be so confident in your abilities that they will inevitably fall flat on their face.”

And so awkward, shy trailer trash Leary becomes sexy powerhouse Leary; using all her feminine wiles to win her cases. But she’s not just sexy and sassy, there’s a brain on her and that just made her that much more fun to read about. Now she’s handling the biggest case of her life; not so much in the form of money, but meaning. It means everything to her to win, and she needs to crush her opponent. Too bad her opponent is the sexy Reeve Holloway, a defense attorney working for the client that hers is suing…and determined to give as good as he gets.

How can one man be so vastly different from the others I’ve had? How can he bring me so quickly to dizzying heights? How can he fully entertain and annoy me at the same time? And how can I actually be starting to have feelings for a man who should be my sworn enemy?

Friction is a hot little legal romp that was entertaining from beginning to finish. Intertwined with humor and with incredibly endearing characters, there wasn’t one page that I didn’t enjoy.

Leary and Reeve burn up the pages together. I loved the enemy lust thing they had going on along with their banter. Reeve is every bit the alpha to Leary’s sassy and together they were this perfect dynamic. They’re stolen kisses along with much more risqué endeavors during the case was utterly delicious. They’re on opposite sides in the courtroom but they sure set off some fireworks outside the courthouse too.

I possessed her and she consumed me.”

While I loved the romance, I think what ultimately made me enjoy this as much as I did was all the legal proceedings. You can clearly tell that Miss Bennett is in her element writing about this and it jumps off from the pages. The last 20% of the book was easily my favorite part. I loved reading about the case proceedings and how it all resolves. And I loved the way that Leary and Reeve handle themselves in the case that changes everything for them.

Tell me you adore me.”
“You know I do,” I say from a place deep within my heart.
“Tell me you’re going to fuck me silly after you finish working tonight,” he says, now grinning big.
“You know I will,” I say as warmth spreads through me.

A highly recommended read!

P.S.

This is a standalone in a series. The previous books were part of an erotic series! Check it out below

Read the rest of the series

Legal Affairs Boxed Set: Volumes 1-6

Confessions of a Litigation God
(Legal Affairs, #7)

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance, Dirty Talkers · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 4 stars

Review: ★Filthy Rich★ by Virna DePaul

October 29, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

Filthy Rich
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Virna DePaul
Release Date: October 27, 2015

High finance and a sizzling office affair raise desire and passion to the boiling point in Virna DePaul’s seductive new contemporary romance—perfect for fans of Carly Phillips, Lori Foster, and Molly O’Keefe.

Cara Michal has had to fight every step of the way to earn her place in the glittering seven-figure world of Wall Street. Years ago her hardworking father, a small-time investment adviser, was humiliated and wrongfully accused of fraud. Now Cara is at the top of her game, trying to support not only herself but her mother and brother. The occasional night out dancing soothes Cara’s soul, even as a bitter need for revenge against the man who destroyed her father makes inner peace elusive.

Then, in a moment of heat, Cara kisses a sexy stranger at a party—only later to discover that the man is Branden Duke, her new boss, an infamous operator with a wicked reputation in bed and on the Street. Branden is a man who seemingly has it all—except a woman who connects with him on a physical and emotional level. Now that he’s found Cara, he’s not sure he can let her go, even if he should.

In spite of herself, Cara is drawn to this charismatic guy. He is a challenge like none she has ever faced in her life. Their passion for each other is unquenchable, surprising them both with its ferocity. Even as Cara wonders if she can trust this man with her heart and soul, the ecstasy of their love cannot be denied. But when the past threatens the present, the two are faced with a truth from which they may never recover.

Amazon / iBooks / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Google Play

I’ve loved everything else I’ve ever read from this author, so I was excited to see she had a new book coming out. The synopsis intrigued me and it sounded like I’d be in for another steamy read from the fabulous Virna Depaul. Unfortunately, there were just too many things working against this book for me to ever truly enjoy it.

I struggled with my rating, but I figure per GR’s explanation; it was just OK, so 2 stars it is.

Cara Michal is a hard hitter on Wall Street. After her father’s death, she’s been the main bread winner for her family; supporting not only her mother but her brother as well. Her career is everything to her and she won’t let anything or any one jeopardize it. But then a sexy stranger she meets at a party tilts her carefully conducted life on it’s axis.

When it turns out that the stranger isn’t some stranger after all; but is in fact the new owner of the financial institution that Cara works for, their brewing sexual chemistry becomes even more inconvenient.

Now the premise for this book was great. I loved the set and where I though the story was going. My main issue is I found a good chunk of the book to be pure filler; unnecessary information that did nothing to drive the actual plot. It was draining to read and often took me completely out of the story. I think this could have easily been trimmed by almost 30-40% if I’m being perfectly honest.

My second issue was with Cara. Her indecisiveness drove me nuts. She wants him, but she can’t have him, she’ll cave in, but it won’t go further than that. Rinse, lather, and repeat ad nauseam. Ultimately though, here’s a woman that refuses to be “kept” and struggles to be seen as an equal in a mainly male dominated profession, yet she’s taking risks by having sexual encounters with her boss at work. It just seemed like she’d cave in too easily that all her internal arguments for her profession were moot.

Then there were the sex scenes. Perhaps I’m just desensitized to erotic books that I’ve become picky, but personally the word “penis” in a sex scene does absolutely nothing for me. Particularly in an explicit one.

When she felt his fingers there she sucked them into her mouth, making love to them the same way she’d made love to his penis just a little while ago.”

Making love to his penis? Are we actually waxing on poetic about a blow job here?

I want you inside me.”
“My fingers are inside you.”
“No! I want your penis inside me.”

Le sigh.

Then add in a random stalker to throw in some suspense and I was altogether underwhelmed.

I did love Braden’s intensity. Virna DePaul definitely knows how to write a super sexy alpha. Unfortunately while there were parts that I did enjoy, the negatives simply outweighed the enjoyment for me. I’m still a huge fan of this author and will gladly read any of her future releases. We simply can’t love them all, and this was just that case for me. I recommend you read it and judge for yourself. I tend to be a highly critical and picky reader; so you never know, it just may work for you.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Contemporary Romance · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 2 Stars

Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: ★The Fall Up★ by @AlyMartinezAuth

October 27, 2015 by Lana · Leave a Comment

The Fall Up
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Aly Martinez
Release Date: October 26, 2015

I wanted to jump.

He made me fall.

As a celebrity, I lived in the public eye, but somewhere along the way, I’d lost myself in the spotlight.

Until he found me.

Sam Rivers was a gorgeous, tattooed stranger who saved my life with nothing more than a simple conversation.

But we were both standing on that bridge for a reason the night we met. The secrets of our pasts brought us together—and then tore us apart.

Could we find a reason to hold on as life constantly pulled us down?

Or maybe there’s only one direction to go when two people fall in love at rock bottom—up.

Amazon / iBooks / Kobo

My career was soaring while, personally, I was plummeting. Every single day felt like a terrifying free fall in no particular direction. I was stuck in the middle with no way up- or down.

It’s not secret that I love all things Aly Martinez. The woman can do no wrong in my eyes. Between her emotional stories, captivating multi-dimensional characters, and incredible romances, I will never get enough of her books. But this one? This wonderful, beautiful, unforgettable book? She simply outdid herself with this one. It’s not often where I’ll read about a hero that’s neither a manwhore or an asshole, and fall completely head over heels in love. But that’s precisely what happened here. Sam Rivers may very well be one of my favorite heroes this year.
The Fall Up is wonderfully swoony romance about two broken souls that find each other at the worst and best times of their lives and help each other heal. It was as emotional as it was romantic and I couldn’t bear to put it down for even a second. There was no crazy drama. No overwhelming angst. No unnecessary twists. Just a beautiful romance about healing, forgiveness, and an imperfectly perfect love. It was interspersed with just the right amount of humor to make it one of my favorite books from this year.

Have you considered that maybe I’m the one who’s in over her head here?”
“Excellent point. I’m going to need you to try really hard to keep it together, Levee. You haven’t even seen my six-pack and huge cock, yet.”
“You brought beer and chicken?”

Levee Williams is a famous pop star that seemingly has it all. Yet every night she’s been finding herself on top of the Golden Gate Bridge…contemplating. Buried by grief from her past and trying to live with it has been systematically sending her deeper down into a dark spiral that she ultimately doesn’t see a way out from.
But then on one of the darker days of her life, she meets a man that changes everything for her; Sam Rivers. Sam is a sexy, tattooed stranger with some dark secrets of his own. But in his dark times he manages to bring Levee on her fall down…back up. Together they were absolute perfection.
The man also happens to have piercings in the most delicious of places. But that’s neither here nor there.

Between the secondary characters, the swoony and sexy romance, and the captivating writing, I fell completely in love with this story. Both Sam and Levee have issues of their own but I loved the way that they dealt with them. There’s no silly misunderstandings. I can’t say enough about this couple and the way that the author wrote them. It was perfect. Just. Perfect. One of my favorite things about The Fall Up was one of the secondary characters, Henry. The banter between him and Levee never failed to put a goofy grin on my face. I couldn’t get enough of him.

This is so not fair. Why would you flaunt this fine specimen of a straight man in front of me and not even let me nibble. Do you not love me at all?” He pouted.
“No one is nibbling anything,” Sam quickly added.
Henry winked. “Yet.”
“Jesus, I need a cigarette.”
“Oh, me too. Let’s go outside,” Henry agreed…
“Don’t you dare! First of all, you don’t smoke. Second of all, Sam is completely off-limits to you.”
“You’re so selfish,” he whined….”Maybe if you quit your bitching, we could watch him walk away together. His ass is insane.”

And the best news is that Aly will be giving Henry the book that he so rightfully deserves. As charismatic as he was as a secondary character, I can’t wait to see what he’ll have to offer in his own book.

If you’ve read any of this author’s books, then you already know how fantastic she is. But if you haven’t? This is the perfect standalone to start with.

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. Currently living in South Carolina, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. Five books later, she shows no signs of slowing. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: All Reviews, Blog Tours, Contemporary Romance, DGR Favorites, Giveaways · Tagged With: Aly Martinez, Book Reviews: 5 stars

Review: ★Pretty When You Cry★ by Skye Warren

October 23, 2015 by Lana ·

Pretty When You Cry
Series: Stripped #3
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance
Author: Skye Warren
Release Date: October 16, 2015

A new dark romance novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Prisoner…

I came from a place of dirt floors and holy scriptures. They told me the world outside was full of sin, and the first night I escape, I find out it’s true. Ivan saves me, but he does more than that. He takes me. He makes me his own girl.

My conditioning runs too deep. Ivan sees what I am.

That’s the thing about showing a mouse to a cat. He wants to play. And it’s terrifying, even for me. Because the only thing darker than my past is his.

****************

Author’s Note: Pretty When You Cry is a STANDALONE dark romance novel. It’s set in the sexy Stripped series world but can be read alone. Not intended for those uncomfortable with the subject matter or under eighteen.

Amazon / iBooks

I never wanted to be pretty. I never wanted to drive men to sin- until that was all I had left.

Let’s talk dark erotic taboo. This depraved pervert can’t get enough of it. Take a look at my read shelves and you’ll see what I mean. I loves me some kink. But here’s the thing, even my perviness has it’s limit, and it doesn’t matter who writes it or how amazing the book is, it is guaranteed to deflate my enjoyment quicker than whisky dick: The “Daddy/Little One” kink. Can I look past it to finish a book where I’m loving the story, as was the case here? Absolutely. Does it tickle my particular fancy?
True story.

Having not read the previous books in this series (yet), I had no issues at all reading this as a standalone even though it’s book 4. I am planning on going back and rectifying this immediately though because I do Skye Warren’s writing. The story is intense, captivating, deliciously depraved, and with Skye’s signature grit added into the mix. As a matter of fact, I read the book cover to cover in one sitting. So that really goes to show you that the story alone is worth it.

Ivan wants to put me in a cage, but what I really want is to fly.

Now I would not classify this as dark romance, but really dark erotica with a touch of taboo. Why? While Ivan and Candy have one intense relationship, this is not a story where I felt their undying devotion to one another. It was a depraved relationship; one of mutual need and kinks. Ivan needs to control and dominate, while Candy may be more take-charge in her life but is completely subservient with Ivan.

That’s how we are together- depraved and beautiful.

Candice met Ivan when she had nothing. Leaving behind everyone she knows and everything she has, she was running and desperate. Ivan fed on her need but not in a sexual way. At least not at first. After all, when they first meet she’s only 16 years old. The sexual aspect of their relationship only comes into play three years later. I never did pick up on Ivan’s age. Perhaps this was mentioned in the previous books, but I’m left to believe that he was considerably older and so the Daddy thing icked me out even more.
There’s the added element of suspense that weaved into the plot flawlessly and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. Unfortunately as much as I loved Ivan and Candy individually, together they were just OK for me and I blame that entirely on the “daddy” thing.

Please, Ivan. Please…Daddy. I’m sorry I ran away. I won’t do it again.”
“Don’t lie to me, little one.”
“Please let me come. I…I need to. It hurts in my private place.”

Hurts in your private place?
Honestly, between Candy’s inexperience, Ivan’s domineering personality and need to “take care” of her, the sexual aspect of this book did absolutely nothing for me. At all. I didn’t find it hot or erotic. It just was.

What kept me turning the pages was the suspense element, and I was highly underwhelmed with how everything resolved. I got almost no answers for anything. Except for one minor resolution everything else was left hanging in the air. I’m not sure if this is something that will be addressed in the future books, but I was disappointed with it in this one. It felt like a very quick resolution to a slow build up.

Skye Warren’s writing is captivating enough to carry the book for me even though the daddy thing fizzled it, so it wasn’t a dislike. While I can’t say I loved it, I can’t tell you I hated it either. I’m definitely hooked enough to read the rest of the series; previous and future books. Hopefully there will be no more Daddys in the next ones for my ovaries’ sake anyway.

READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

Tough Love
Stripped #0.5

FREE on Amazon

Love The Way You Lie
Stripped #1

Better When It Hurts
Stripped #2

Even Better
Stripped #2.5

· Filed Under: All Reviews, Dark · Tagged With: Book Reviews: 3 stars

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