Review: Rough Canvas by Joey W. Hill

February 8, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

 

When his father dies, Thomas is forced to abandon a burgeoning art career in New York. As difficult as it was to give up his lifelong dream, it’s nothing next to walking away from the man he loves.

Marcus taught him to embrace who he is, a sexual submissive who responds to the touch of only one Master.

But why would the sophisticated Marcus need some farm kid from the South?

Then Marcus shows up and offers him a way to continue his art career and help his family.

There’s only one hitch-he asks Thomas to spend a week with him in the Berkshires. Thomas knows he should refuse.

But he’s never been able to say no to his Master.

 
 
 
No matter what happens, I can tell you this. I will always love you. No matter what you feel you need to be, where you need to go, I’ll always know you’re mine. I understand that now.

How do you go about reviewing a book that touched you on such an emotional level, you’re still trying to work through it?

Captivating
Riveting
Emotional
Erotic
Beautiful

Hands down one of THE best MM Romances I have had the pleasure of reading to date

In a word…

INCREDIBLE

Having read a few books by Joey Hill in the past, I knew going into this to expect a book that was as intense as it was well written. What I truly was not expecting was the range of emotions that this story would bring out in me.

Joey took 2 characters and painted an emotionally gripping story that will keep you reading from beginning to end completely unable to set it down.

I fell in love with Marcus in Holding The Cards. I couldn’t get enough of him; the dry wit, the potent sexuality, everything about him…just GAH

Thomas was by far one of the most endearing characters I’ve read. The way that he came off both strong and vulnerable is no small feat for an author to show.

I’m in complete awe of this book. No amount of words from me will ever do it justice. I can sit here and regurgitate the plot for you, but I won’t. I can sit here and attempt to write a lengthy review that this book deserves, but I won’t. Because this is a book that you need to experience for yourself to even begin to come close to understand why I felt about it the way that I did.

When I’ve come inside you, lain on you, felt you tremble, felt that silence between us that has everything…you don’t think God is there? If there is a God, I’ve felt It then, and I know you have too.

I was a highlight slut through the whole book. There is not one chapter that I didn’t highlight in this book. Not.A.One.

I knew that when I finally got Marcus’s full past it would break my heart. And my GOD. It did and then some. I was an emotional, hysterically sobbing mess for a large part of the book (mainly the last 15%).

Sometimes when you lose everything, the last thing you want to do is remember. And telling is remembering.

This is no light read, and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart or those never having read BDSM before. What it is, is a poignant, emotional, brilliantly written love story between 2 people that that are broken in their own way but learn to heal one another. Just beautiful.

All I can tell you is read it, read it, READ it.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to deal with what will most likely be a book hangover from hell after finishing this. And I thank you

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Review: Temporarily Yours

February 8, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

This soldier’s the perfect hoax…if she doesn’t fall for him first.

 Stats whiz Kayla Moriarity knows her way around numbers and algorithms. Men, on the other hand, are unsolvable equations. Now Kayla’s en route to her sister’s wedding—alone and without the fictional boyfriend she invented for her family. Fortunately, her plane comes complete with complimentary cocktails and a ridiculously hot ex-marine in the seat beside her. And that’s all it takes for Kayla’s inhibitions to go sailing out the airlock…

Cooper Shillings has soft spot for people in trouble, but he certainly wasn’t expecting to land in it himself—and definitely not while getting naughty mid-air with a sexy southern belle. When he hears Kayla’s predicament, however, he offers his services as a stand-in boyfriend. After all, he’s heading overseas soon…and how could he refuse a little no-strings wickedness?

It’s the perfect plan. And all Kayla has to do is ensure her family falls for the ultimate bluff, without falling for it—and Cooper—in the process…

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She might think this was the end of their time together, but if he had anything to say about it… it was only the beginning.
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It’s not secret that I’m a total Brazen junky. Whenever I need a fix for something sexy and steamy, they’re my go to books. Add into that me being a fan of Diane Alberts, and I just had to snatch this up. Did I like it? Sure. I got my fix. But I was still left feeling like I wanted more. Guess I’m a greedy hussy that way.

This was a quick and sexy little read about 2 people that meet on a flight, have a scorching affair that shockingly leaves them both feeling like they need more even when neither one was looking for it.

Kayla Moriarity is an actuary that can recite the percentage and probability of something happening at the drop of a hat. Sitting at the airport waiting for her plane to take her to see her family for her sister’s wedding, she can’t help but feel a little unease. Because while Kayla may be a wiz with numbers, she happens to have 2 teensy weensy little problems; she lied to her family about having a boyfriend so they would get off her back about settling down and she’s deathly afraid of flying.

Just a tad.

Cooper Shillings is an ex marine that is adjusting to life after leaving the service due to an event that marked him. Feeling a bit off himself, especially since he’s question the new job offer he accepted, he’s not looking for permanence himself.

When he spots the beautiful brunette and strikes up a conversation they both may find the answer to their problems. So what happens?

Some mile high action. Some car action. Some hotel action. In short?

I’m not complaining, trust me. It was hot and Cooper definitely didn’t disappoint in the dirty talk department.

They get to slake their lust, and Kayla gets a temporary boyfriend to appease her family. It’s a win win right? Until feelings get involved…

This was too quick paced for me. I’m not big on the H/h getting together so quickly after meeting. I want to feel the sexual tension, that burn. When it happens too quickly, I find that my interest tends to wane and it was no exception with this one. While it is a novella length and could have easily been a one-sitting read, it took me over 2 days to finish. I kept getting bored and putting it back down. I never really grew invested in the story or the characters.

So in short, this was a cute and sexy read, just not anything I would really go back to.

 

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Review: Hostile Takeover by Joey W. Hill

January 19, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

Book V of the Knights of the Board Room series (can be read as standalone)

Ben is the last unattached member of the five-man executive team of K&A Associates. The other four, all Masters, have found the submissive of their dreams. That’s fine. The sharp-edged lawyer knows he’s the most hardcore of all of them, with extreme tastes as a Master he satisfies physically through experienced club submissives. He doesn’t really need anything more than that.

Marcie has loved Ben since she was sixteen. He’s never behaved as anything more than a protective big brother, a family friend. But now she’s twenty three and starting her career as a corporate investigator. She may be a blood-and-bone deep submissive, but she won’t hesitate to use her aggressive talents to prove she’s meant to be his. With a Master as tough as Ben, she’ll have to take whatever measures are needed—even if her deepest desire isn’t a hostile takeover of his heart, but an unconditional surrender to it.

Reader Advisory: Marcie’s sexual journey contains a group scene of female/female sexual exploration. The Masters also share her in a brief group scene.


She’d heard rumors about his size, but if that was a partial erection, there were monsters in Japan who would run screaming.

INTENSE

That’s the best word I can come up with here to describe the experience that was this book. As much as I love this author’s writing and as hot as most of the scenes in this book were…this was not my favorite book by her. The series has been a little hit or miss for me, with Peter’s book still continuing to be my favorite.

If you’ve never read BDSM books, this is not the one you pop your BDSM cherry with. Seriously. And before you meet Ben and his monster cock, might I suggest working on your stamina a bit


Because the man’s cock has the recovery time of 1.5 seconds. It’s like the BDSM energizer bunny…it just keeps fucking, and fucking, and fucking…

If you’ve read this series, then you’re familiar that every man in the group has his own particular kink. Now personally, if I had to pick, I’d stick with Lucas and his kink. Why? I’ll give you a hint.


Ben is the most intense of the ‘knights’. So you may be curious what his particular kink is.


Now I gotta admit, as delicious as Ben is, his penchant for anal in combination with his monster cock…I’d be a bit intimidated. Oh who am I kidding. I’d be a whole lot of

But Marcie handled it like a champ.

I’m not typically a fan of extremely forward heroines in my books, but Marcie was just awesome. She had the lady balls of steel. To be able to handle Ben and his very dark past, she’d have to be.

But somewhere along the line, this book lost some of its fizzle for me. I knew what I was walking into reading it after seeing some reviews, so I wasn’t too surprised. But there were a few scenes that left me a bit

1. highlight to view spoiler: There is a FF scene in the book. Doesn’t really bother me, though I mainly prefer cock on cock action. My problem with this particular scene is that I didn’t quite get the necessity of it. Marcy is coming down from a very intense fight with Ben so the women comfort her. Somehow this goes from having drinks, to getting a message, to oral sex from Dana. Huh? It wasn’t meant to be sexual, more of a comforting thing. I think that’s why I really didn’t connect with this. Dunno.(end spoiler)

2. There is a CNC scene in the book. Consensual non-consent. Didn’t bother me, but I thought I’d put the warning out there.

3. highlight to view spoiler: I understand the bond that these men share, and the need to share their women with each other during scenes. I don’t have a problem with this. But the fact that Marcie is Lucas’s sister in law kinda killed my lady boner. (end spoiler)

There was not much romance in this book, so don’t really expect that here. Ben is not a hero filled with sweet words, endearments and butterflies.

I won’t be your Master, but I will be your mentor. If you show me you can behave. Those are my terms. No revisions, no loopholes, no games. If you can’t handle that, collect your stuff, take your fuck-me-now slut attitude, and get out of this office.

There were parts where Ben was a total asshole. Now while I’m typically all into that sort of thing, what I mainly felt here was

Luckily he gets his shit together by the very end, and we do get a little bit of his softer side.

I also wanted to delve a little deeper into his past. After the many hints throughout the series of what he’s been through, I was expecting this to be a focus somewhere in his book. But I felt that ultimately it was a bit glossed over. There were hints and a few revelations, but no more so than we already knew about him.

This book is certainly not for everyone. I did enjoy it, but it is not anything I see myself ever going back to.

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Review: ★Broken Dove★ by Kristen Ashley

January 19, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

Far too young, Apollo Ulfr lost Ilsa, his wife, the love of his life and the mother of his two children. The grief of her loss does not settle in his soul, it solders to it. But when he discovers there is a parallel universe where his wife may have a twin, he feels there’s hope and sets about bringing her to his world so he can have her back.

But Ilsa Ulfr of our world is married to the parallel universe’s twin, Pol, who is not a good man. Not in any way. She’s on the run from him and the last thing she wants is to be transported to a fantastical world and be forced to take his side as his wife, even if he is not Pol. And Apollo finds the broken, bitter Ilsa nothing like his beloved and he further wants nothing to do with her.

But darkness is looming and evil is amassing. Apollo must protect his land and keep his family safe, including the new Ilsa.
Review-DGR4.5 stars
All my life, I’ve never been happy. So I never imagined even being that way. Until now.

Now THAT is what a Kristen Ashley book is supposed to be like. Are you taking notes Forever? Because you should.

Know everything that you love about KA books? Oh you know what I’m talking about; the descriptiveness, the sexual tension, the super hot Alphas, the sassy and quirky heroines, the action, the steam, the writing, the inability to put it down even though it’s crazy long. Ringing a bell? Yea, that. All of which have been missing in her recent releases through her publisher for me.

I was ready to give up after Kaleidoscope ended up being a 2 star read for me. I began to think that maybe one of my all time favorite authors may be starting to lose her touch. Then I read this book, and I realized it truly is her publisher that seems to be dimming my enjoyment of her books for me.

I loved it. While The Golden Dynasty continues to be my favorite book in this series, this book still hit the spot.

For those that are like me and have been anticipating this book hoping it lives up to the promise, rest easy, kick back, and be ready to enjoy KA at her finest.

Maddie, look at me and listen.
“Come closer,” I begged.
“I need to gag you and tie you to the bed,” he declared.
Oh God.
Awesome
“Yes,” I breathed, pressing closer to him again.

Got your attention now, didn’t I? Good.

So what can I tell you about Apollo?

8127919._SX540_Seems to sum it up quite nicely. He was the perfect combination of asshole, sweet, possessive, protective, dirty talking sex on a stick.

The one thing that I’ve grown to love in Kristen Ashley books is that level of hate/sexual tensions between the hero in heroine tend to have in the beginning. It was no smooth sailing for these two, not even close.
Apollo is still getting over the death of his wife. Ilsa is running from a past she never wants to repeat. Together they had to work through quite a bit to find their common ground.

Ilsa was such a great heroine. She was quirky, funny, endearing, and just a little bit broken.

When Apollo finally gets his head out of his ass and begins to work on their relationship…well let’s just say he did it WELL.

Why not 5 stars then? Well, I wasn’t as enthralled with this book as I was with Golden Dynasty. It was still fantastic, don’t get me wrong. Just not quite 5 star material.

Would I re-read it? Maybe…certain parts MOST DEFINITELY.

I can’t wait to get my greedy little hands on Pol’s book now. And I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more of KA’s self published awesomeness.

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ARC Review: In Bed With Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert

January 13, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

The blind date from hell is about to get hotter…

Brianne Nave is never doing her friends a favor again. When they begged her to go on a blind date, she didn’t expect someone so perfectly gorgeous. She’s a mousy librarian—totally not in this man’s league. And judging by his odd reaction when she opens the door, he knows it, too.

Air Force Pararescuer Ryan Flannery avoids his hometown at all costs. He’s not thrilled about the date until he’s shocked silent by the prickly little librarian’s sweet curves and kissable lips…and her smart mouth. But then an argument leads to a kiss that spirals out of control. How can two people have so little chemistry outside the bedroom when they fit together so perfectly in it?

When their friends strand them in a cabin to “work things out,” Bri’s not sure whether to kill him or put the industrial-sized box of condoms they find to use. Bottom line—Ryan’s career military and hates the tiny town she loves. He’ll leave, just like everyone else in her life. And if she’s foolish enough to give him her heart, he’ll take it with him.

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Review

3.5 stars
They didn’t like each other. Couldn’t carry on a conversation without snipping at each other, and couldn’t snipe at each other without ending up in compromising positions.
This book is exactly why I’m an obsessive Brazen junky. It was the perfect recipe to a deliciously spicy little read for me. I loved it!
Now let me start with saying that I happen to have a type…for my books that is. There is nothing more that I love more than an enemies to lover trope. Something about the snarky comments, insults, and barbs flying back and forth with an thick undercurrent of lust that never ceases to just do it for me. And if that happens to be your type too, then look no further than this book.
Ryan and Bri set the pages on fire, and I loved every fiery and passionate moment of it.
When Brianne Nave agrees on a blind date as a favor to her friend, she’s not expecting much. She doesn’t exactly date much. She’s a little mousy, a little shy, and knows she’s not prime male fantasy material. But when Ryan Flannery shows up on her doorstop, she’s speechless. Until he makes it evident that she’s clearly not what he expected. And this is when the insults start flying.
Bri and Ryan couldn’t have less in common. Bri is a librarian that dreamed of living in the small town where everyone knows you and your business. Ryan is an Air Force Pararescuer, that wanted nothing more but to escape the town and leave it in the past along with his infamous reputation of being the son of the town drunk and the boy that burned the high school down.
To say that these two start off on the wrong foot would be a gross understatement. The snarky comments and insults start flying right off the bat. And let me just tell you. It is
Bri might be a mousy librarian, but she is certainly no push over. If anything I felt her to be a little harsh on Ryan at times. She never really thought twice about throwing his past in his face, even though she knew barely anything about it.
Now Ryan on the other hand was absolutely swoon worthy. I have a soft spot for military men in my books, and he was no exception. While Bri may have been running scared from their sexual chemistry, Ryan faced it head on.

One thing was certain—she thought this was over and done with between them. Well, he damn well didn’t. He wanted to know which was the real Bri—the snarling harpy from their date or the sweet, sexy thing from the porch—and the only way to do that was to see her again. They were going to talk this out, even if he had to lock her in a room to do it.

I loved the banter between these two.

You’re staring at me like you’re thinking—” She blushed and frowned harder. “Knock it off.”
“You’re projecting. I wonder why?” Could it be that you recently had your mind blown?”
“Shut up. We’re in public.”
“That didn’t bother you the last time we were together.”
“Oh my God, will you stop talking?”
“It’s not my fault someone has their panties in a twist.”
She leaned in, kissably close. “Don’t think for a second that you had more than a passing effect on my panties.”

And then when the banter would stop, the clothes would start flying. And let me just tell you, the chemistry between them? SCORCHING

A quick paced, sexy story about two very different people who find out they may have more in common than they thought. A first in a series that is already looking to be an auto-buy for me. I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on the towns bachelor/sheriff and Ryan’s brother Drew. Would it be possible that Avery might be the girl for him? Not sure. But a girl can hope 🙂

I really enjoyed this book. This was my first novel by Katee Robert, and it certainly will not be my last. It wasn’t quite the amazing 5 star book for me (I tend to be stingy with my 5 stars). But it is a book I wouldn’t think twice about re-reading, and I definitely liked it a whole heck of a lot.

If you’re a fan of witty banter, swoon worthy military heroes, sassy and sharp tongued heroines, and a steamy story that will be sure to get your own panties in a twist then this book is definitely for you. Gotta love that Brazen yumminess!

**ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**
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ARC Review: Reaper’s Legacy by Joanna Wylde

January 8, 2014 by · 4 Comments

 WELCOME TO THE CLUB

Eight years ago, Sophie gave her heart—and her virginity—to Zach Barrett on a night that couldn’t have been less romantic or more embarrassing. Zach’s step-brother, a steely-muscled, tattooed biker named Ruger, caught them in the act, getting a peep show of Sophie he’s never forgotten.

She may have lost her dignity that fateful night, but Sophie also gained something precious—her son Noah. Unfortunately, Zach’s a deadbeat dad, leaving Ruger to be Noah’s only male role model. When he discovers Sophie and his nephew living in near poverty, Ruger takes matters into his own hands—with the help of the Reapers Motorcycle Club—to give them a better life.

Living with outlaw bikers wasn’t Sophie’s plan for her son, but Ruger isn’t giving her a choice. He’ll be there for Noah, whether she wants him or not. But Sophie does want him, has always wanted him. Now she’ll learn that taking a biker to bed can get a girl dirty in every way…

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Review4.5 stars 
The man was like heroin – seductive, addictive and a damned good way to wake up dead.
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I have been impatiently waiting for the 2nd book in the Reapers MC series ever since Horse made my happy place tingle in Reaper’s Property. So suffice it to say I was just a wee bit excited when I got my greedy little hands on the ARC of this book.
I was also a little nervous going into this. I mean, how would Ruger measure up to the all mighty Horse? Is he going to have a Godzilla sized cock? I just had to know! So I bet you’re all curious then too, huh? Well prepare yourself for the tatted and pierced deliciousness that is Ruger, my friends. And in case you’re wondering if those piercings happen to be in the place you’re hoping it’ll be…you would be correct.

So what can I tell you after finishing this book?

It did not disappoint!

When Sophie decides to give her virginity to her high school boyfriend Zach, she doesn’t quite get the experience she hopes for. What can possibly be worse than a less than wonderful first time? Having your boyfriend’s dangerously hot brother catch you in the act. The only good thing that comes out of the experience is her son, Noah.

Now eight years later Sophie is struggling to make ends meet. Being a teenage mother wasn’t easy, but with Zach being a dead beat dad all the financial responsibility falls on her. The only male role model Noah has is Zach’s brother, Ruger. When Ruger gets wind of Sophie’s situation, he’s determined to protect her. But the last thing she wants is to be a part of his dangerous life and his MC.

I really loved Sophie. It’s great to get a tough and witty heroine with a backbone that can dish it out as well as she takes it. Ruger was growly and domineering but she never made it easy for him. The banter and sexual tension between them was utterly delicious. I devoured the first half of this book in one sitting. I simply couldn’t put it down until they finally got down to business. What? I never denied this 🙂

But I digress…

Ruger. What can I tell you about the complete deliciousness that was Ruger? He was just the kind of alpha I love; posessive, jealous, slightly (OK maybe a lot) domineering, sexy as hell, and good gawd but can the man get you all hot and bothered with the way he talks.

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 Ruger is determined to make Sophie his. He’s been feeling the combustible lust between them since day one, and he’s done fighting it. But Sophie refuses to give in. She doesn’t want to be a part of his life in the MC, especially with her son.

But you can only fight chemistry like that for so long and it’s not long before clothes start flying. The man is built and pierced for pleasure.

I found the metal bar piercing his glans- two hard, metal balls capped it, top and bottom.
“Imagine those deep inside you. Firs I’ll rub them against your clit, and then the’ll hit your G-spot the whole damned time I’m riding you. Un-fucking-believable, babe.”

What woman in her right mind can possibly turn down that?

But while the chemistry between them is undeniable, Sophie is looking for something that Ruger is not willing to give.

You want the freedom to sleep around. I’m not willing to give you that- I want more. Sounds like we have a fundamental difference of opinion here, and I’m not going to try and change you. But I’ll tell you one thing, Ruger- I deserve to be with someone who gives a shit about me, as a person. Someone who values me enough not to fuck other women. I’d rather be alone the rest of my life than settle for what you’re offering. Consider yourself a hell of a booty call, but that’s it. We clear?”

Right around the 50% mark of the book I started to get a little irritated with both Sophie and Ruger and the decisions and choices they made. There were times I wish I could reach through my kindle and shake some sense into both of them. But luckily, it didn’t end up bothering me too much by the end.

This book felt a little grittier to me than the first one. We got a much closer look at the MC life and the members, which I really enjoyed. We also got a lot more of all the side characters from the previous books.

The side characters introduced in this book were awesome. I loved Sophie’s friend Kimber. She was the comedic relief for most of the book. The banter between the women, and especially with Kimber was hilarious.

How am I supposed to live the single life vicariously if I don’t get any details?
I shook my head and shrugged mournfully.
“I’m doing my part. I tell you everything.”
“And don’t think I don’t appreciate it,” she said, tearing up slightly. We gave each other a drunken hug.

This was a sexy, gritty, and action packed ride that you will never want to end. Joanna Wylde just seems to get better with each new book. The fact that it was in dual POVs only made it that much better for me.

As frustrated as I was with Sophie and Ruger at times, I think the ending is what fixed it for me. I found that to be a very fitting way for things to happen.

Then there was the set up for the next book. And now to wait until June 2014?!!! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??!!!

On a side note, for those that are wondering if there is cheating in this book: (Highlight to see)
NO

Quotes were taken from the ARC version of the book and may change upon publication

**ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**

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ARC Review & Giveaway: Seven Sons by Lili St. Germain

January 4, 2014 by · 1 Comment

My father was most certainly NOT an innocent man. As the leader of the Gypsy Brothers MC, he was guilty of many things. But he died for a crime that he didn’t commit, framed by an enemy within who then stole his club and everything he had ever worked to protect.

Including my innocence.

When Dornan Ross framed my father, he set into motion a series of events that could never be undone. My father was murdered by Dornan Ross and his sons when I was fifteen years old.

Before my father died, Dornan Ross and his seven sons stole my innocence, branded my skin and in doing so, ensured that their lives would be prematurely cut short. That they would suffer.

I’ve just turned twenty-one, and I’m out for blood. I’m out for revenge.

But I didn’t expect to fall for Jase, the youngest brother in the club.

I didn’t expect that he would turn my world upside down, yank my heart out of my chest and ride away into the sunset with it.

Now, I’m faced with an impossible choice – Jase, or avenging my fathers death?

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Review
4 stars
What was born as fear and grief has long since blossomed into hatred and rage.

Damn. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around how I felt about this book. A dark and gritty debut novel, this was a quick although satisfying tease into what is planned to be a total of 7 books to be released Jan-July.

It’s difficult to review a book like this, as it is only the first book, and 100 pages long. But I can tell you this, I’m complete sucked it. Although I tend to run screaming from serials, this one gripped me enough that I will be sitting in anticipation of each book being released. Was it perfect? Well, no. There were things that left me with questions, some things I wished were made clearer. But I have a feeling Lili will be growing into her own as an author through this series, and all these questions just might get answered.

6 Years ago, Juliette suffered a brutality no 15 year old should have to live through. Raped, beaten within an inch of her life and left for dead, she barely survives. In the blink of an eye, she loses everything that has ever mattered; her innocence and her father who was not only brutally murdered but framed for a crime he did not commit.

Now 6 years later there is only one thing that drive Juliette; revenge. She will not rest until the man responsible for all her pain, along with his sons, pays for all his sins. So she concocts a plan to make them all pay. There was just one thing she did not expect, her feelings for the youngest son, Jace, to come crashing back.

If you’re expecting a romance, that’s not quite what you’ll get here…yet. There is an undercurrent of something between Jace and Juliette, but it is merely hinted at in this book. I can’t wait to get more of these two together. I can only cross all my fingers in hopes of Lili giving them a HEA.

As for the other characters…fuck. Dornan Ross is one sick fuck. I did have a hard time understanding how easily some of the things that happened between him and Juliette happened.

Highlight to view spoiler below:
She mentions how attractive he is, yet in the same breath she says how much she hates him. I gotta admit, this was a tough one for me to swallow. Considering what she went through at the hands of this man, it’s hard to believe she can appreciate his looks.
There were a few other things that I felt were a bit off…but again, this might be something that gets explained in future books, so I will not concentrate on those.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more. This was one dark, twisted, and fucked up ride. But then again, that’s how I like them. I’m a huge fan of dark and gritty, and this one is panning out to be a doozy.

If you’re worried about a cliffy, it’s not so bad. It was more of a chapter ending and ‘to be continued’ than a crazy cliffhanger, which makes it tolerable to wait for the next installment.

Pictures courtesy of author at: http://lilistgermain.blogspot.com/
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
About the Author

Stalk the Author here

 

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Review: Reaver by Larissa Ione

December 29, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

 

WARRIOR OF HEAVEN

Reaver is an angel with a past, a record, and a less-than-heavenly attitude. Powerful enough to fight alongside the fiercest battle angels-and crazy enough to risk his wings on a one-way mission to hell-he’s agreed to go where no angel has ever gone before…to steal the most seductive and dangerous prize of Satan himself.

ANGEL OF HELL

Harvester is one of the Fallen, a once-heroic angel who sacrificed her wings to work as an undercover agent in hell. But now her cover has been blown, and she’s been doomed to an eternity of agonizing torture. Even if Reaver can snatch her away from Satan’s lair, even if they can fight their way out of the underworld’s darkest depths, there is one thing Harvester can never escape-her newfound thirst for an angel’s blood…


Their relationship had been five thousand years in the making, and he wasn’t about to let it go, now or later.


Their relationship had been five thousand years in the making, and he wasn’t about to let it go, now or later.


He’d hated her for so long, desired her at the same time, and it was time to stop the game of Ping-Pong they were both playing with their emotions.

Oh.My.GOD!

Now that, my friends, is how you write a scorching hot PNR book.

I have been waiting for this book since we first met both Reaver and Harvester. Which each new LoD book I got more and more interested in their story. Then after the way the last book ended, I was pretty sure I would die if I didn’t get my greedy little hands on this book and soon. So let’s just say when this finally went live on Amazon
I was a tiny bit excited.

Although the LoD series wasn’t a favorite of mine by Ione, I still thoroughly enjoyed each book. I love getting more of the Sem brothers and the rest of the old and new amazing side characters that are always present in her books. But let me just say that this book blew the entire series out of the water. I LOVED IT.

The one thing that I truly love about Ione’s books is her side characters never take away from the main story, they merely make it that much better. And that is no small feat.

She is also the queen of building some of the most combustible sexual tension between the H/h.

I don’t think there was one thing about this book that I didn’t love. Non-stop action, incredible world building, scorching hot chemistry, so many twists and turns your head will spin, and a story that sucks you in from the first page are just a few of the things you can expect here.

I don’t want to give anything away, so that is all you’ll be getting from me. If you have not read the rest of the books in this series, I strongly recommend reading them before this one. While Larissa does a great job retelling their story through the series without being redundant, I think it will just not be the same without the other books.

My absolute favorite in the series.

Then there was the set up for the next book. Holeeee shit. Are you kidding me? Now to have to wait until late winter of 2014 for it? I think I just died inside. But damn! I can’t wait.

This is a book that is not to be missed. Fans of Larissa Ione will be reminded exactly why they are such big fans. And if you haven’t read this author yet, I suggest you get click happy.

Just awesome!

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ARC Review: Blue Lines by Toni Aleo

December 26, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

Opposites do more than just attract in Toni Aleo’s latest Nashville Assassins novel about a very bad boy and the good girl he can’t resist.

The instant Piper Allen sees Erik Titov, she wants him—wants his rock-hard body, sure, but the strength and mystery that lies behind that superstar hockey jock demeanor, too. So when he sidles up to her at a bar and slinks his arm around her waist, she’s lost. What follows is the wildest night of her life . . . followed by inevitable heartbreak the next morning. And then, a few weeks later, a very big surprise: two blue lines on a pregnancy test.

Only a check to the head could make Erik fall for a nice girl like Piper. But since their crazy-sexy night together, he’s been trying to forget about her alluring body by falling into bed with every woman in Nashville, and it’s not working. So when Piper shows up at his house with a baby-bomb to drop, it doesn’t take much for Erik to suggest the nuclear option: marriage. While it’s supposed to be all for show, the second they say “I do,” the ice between them starts to melt into sizzling steam.

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Review
4.5 stars
“You need someone to love you and you need to know that you deserve that love, and I want you to let me be that someone.”
I love a good sports romance, add into this mix a sexy, tatted, very man-whorish hockey player and I’m on pervy cloud 9. But this was no smooth ride for me. As much as I wanted to love Erik, I’m pretty sure I wanted to kick him in the nuts more often than not. He had so many things going for him, and then he’d open his mouth and the things he’d say to Piper just had me going

But all that aside, I spent the end of this book in tears. The last part of this book made me cry silly, crocodile tears of joy. I loved it so much.

Piper has been in love with the sexy Erik Titov for months. So when the opportunity to give into their mutual passion shows itself, she doesn’t even think twice. The last thing that she expects is for Erik to leave, and to leave her with a plus sign surprise after their night together.

Erik hasn’t been able to put the alluring Piper out of his mind since that night. But he knows that he’s not the right man for her. So he moves on the only way he knows how, between the legs of many, many, many different women.

So when Piper shows up on his door step with the shocking news that he’s to be a daddy, suffice it to say he doesn’t take it very well. I swear, the things that this man would say to Piper had me screaming

Because I wanted to kick his man-whoring ass. To say that he was a dick to her for the majority of the book would be a gross understatement. Particularly when he proposed that they get married for the sake of image. Really Erik! Way to take the romance out of things!

Piper on the other hand was an amazing heroine. I loved her from the very beginning. Her strength and the way she cared for Erik through thick and thin really got to me. She was such a likable and endearing heroine.

Now as much as I wanted to hate Erik, there were moments where his vulnerability would shine through and we got to see the real man behind the facade. And little by little I began to warm up to him. When the truth behind his childhood all came to light, I can definitely say I understood exactly why he was so hesitant to fall for Piper.

Their story was filled with many bumps, but it was also filled with sweet and steamy moments. I lived for the times where Erik’s sweet side would shine through. And then that ending; perfection!

So as frustrating as some parts of this book were, and as much as I wanted to throttle Erik, I still really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next installment of the Assasins series.

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Review: ★Louder Than Love★ by Jessica Topper

November 29, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

In this powerful debut novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband…and discovers a love that defies classification.

It’s been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth…the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.

Recluse rocker Adrian “Digger” Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library—not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids’ TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.

Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it’s unclear whose past looms larger: the widow’s or the rocker’s. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart?

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Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Review

5 stars

“You’ve got all this…this love – no, it’s louder than love. It’s passion and beauty built up inside you that deserves to burst out.”

So if you’re anything like me, you probably took a look at that book cover and synopsis and thought you’d be getting an angst filled NA story with a somewhat shy and mousy heroine and a tatted and tortured hero, right? Well you, my friend, couldn’t be further from the truth because this book was not that at all. It was so much more. It was a beautiful, lovely, emotional, and captivating story of love lost and learning to move on again. It was in a word, wonderful.

I’ll be honest, this is not my typical read. But I am so glad that I misjudged that cover and read it, because I would have missed out on an amazing book and a fantastic new author. This is NOT a New Adult novel. I’m not really sure why that genre even appears by this book. This is a contemporary romance with grown and mature MCs.

3 years ago Katrina Lewis lost her husband in a devastating train accident, leaving her a widow and a single mother to her young daughter Abbey.
Seeking solace sends her to the one place that still makes sense to her, her childhood home in Lauder Lake.

When a character and song behind her daughter’s beloved cartoon leads Kat to the idea of inviting the singer of the jingle to perform at the library she works in, her life takes a surprising turn. Through a case of mistaken identity, she meets recluse rocker Adrian.
I can’t help it, this is the image that burned itself into my mind when I read about Adrian. Just give him lighter hair and blue eyes, and yup!

To say that I loved Jessica Topper’s writing would be a gross understatement. I adored the realism with which she portrayed both of these characters. Kat and Adrian were written in such an endearing and pragmatic way, it was hard not to fall in love with them. The way their relationship developed was lovely and realistic. There was no insta-lust, insta-love, insta-anything.

Do you believe in love at first sight?”
“Hmmm, no. I don’t. I believe love involves the commitment of many senses, as well as your head and your heart, so I wouldn’t just rely on my eyesight.”

Jessica managed to write a love story for Kat and Adrian without taking away any of Kat’s love for her husband that passed away. It wasn’t downplayed at all. Kat loved her husband and grieved his loss every day. Yet you can completely understand what makes her fall for Adrian.

When I first read the blurb and saw Kat was a librarian, I imagined yet another somewhat awkward, slightly geeky, introverted heroine. She was not that at all.

I wasn’t sheltered. I was orderly.

She was such an endearing heroine, you can’t help but immediately like her.

Adrian was just amazing. He has battled a multitude of demons in his life, drugs being one of the biggest. Yet the way he is with Kat is not at all what you might expect. He was tender and romantic, but it didn’t seem contrived or fake. It was just perfect.

That’s not to say that this book didn’t have it’s level of steam. It did. But it was written in this understated way that it never took away from the romance.
There was no unnecessary angst thrown into the mix. I honestly can’t think of anything I didn’t like in this book. It was so refreshing to read about 2 grown and mature MCs without any unnecessary drama thrown in to take away from their story.

Kat was an amazing heroine. Your heart broke for her and what she went through. Her pain wasn’t sugar coated or glossed over. I particularly loved the way that her relationship with her daughter was written. I know I’ve said it a multitude of times already in my review, but it was so real, you feel everything right along with her. She had her good moments and her bad moments and I found myself tearing up reading about her struggles.

Kat’s daughter Abbey was the perfect addition to the characters. She was the third character that rounded out the book. I particularly loved the way Adrian was with her. Their relationship was adorable; the way Adrian fell in love with her as much as he did with Kat.

I really cannot write enough praise for this book. It’s a must read. A wonderful, romantic story about a second chance at love. I can’t recommend it enough.

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