Fear For Me: A Novel of the Bayou Butcher by Cynthia Eden

A shared passion for justice first brought Baton Rouge district attorney Lauren Chandler and US marshal Anthony Ross together—when each played their part in bringing down the infamous Bayou Butcher. The sparks flying between the two made it clear they weren’t just a legal dream team. Then desire had to make way for duty, and what they had was done. But it would never be over.

Five years later, it’s none other than the Butcher who gets things started again, when his shocking jailbreak reunites the lawyer and the lawman…and reignites their love. But this time, the pair is in danger of being permanently parted—by a killer with revenge on his mind, and Lauren on the top of his list. As a new wave of terror sweeps through the streets and swamps of Baton Rouge, one man will pit his boundless passion against another’s relentless hate, for the life of the woman who obsesses them both.

Review

There is one thing I know for sure I’m going to get whenever I pick up a book by Cynthia Eden; spine-tingling suspense and chilling action filled with twists and turns, with a super steamy romance thrown flawlessly into the mix.

I have been a huge fan of Eden’s since her Deadly series, and this book is the perfect example of why. My favorite thing about her writing, is her ability to let you into the killer’s head. I love getting the bad guys POV, it always adds to the experience of the book. Fear For Me is the continuation of the Montlake Series, and I’d recommend reading Die For Me before. Although there is enough background information given that you can easily read it as a standalone.

How thin is the line that separates love from obsession?

5 years ago Lauren and Anthony had a passionate affair. They burned hot and bright, but then Anthony suddenly left, leaving Lauren’s heart in pieces.

But are things truly as they seem?

When the shocking prison escape of a brutal serial killer puts Lauren’s life in danger, they are reunited once more. But this time, Anthony knows that he will be unable to walk away and is determined to make Lauren his at all costs.

I was sucked into the story from the very first page. It kept me at the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Just as I thought I had some idea of what was going on, Eden would throw in a twist that left me not knowing which end was up anymore. I love the unpredictability of her writing.

Although the predominant part of the book was the suspense, the romance was the perfect addition. Eden always has just the right amount of steamy romance in her writing that it never takes away from the mystery and action. It’s flawlessly interwoven into the story.

Lauren, the tough as nails DA, was the perfect balance to Anthony’s dark intensity. The passion between them was explosive. When they finally get together…

Although you know who the killer is from the beginning doesn’t mean a thing. There were so many twists and turns I couldn’t get myself to put the book down until the end. Just as I thought I had nailed down what was happening, another twist was thrown in. And then another. And then another. It kept me guessing until the very end.

If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, you really can’t go wrong with a Cynthia Eden book. A chilling and suspenseful ride from beginning to end.

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

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Heaven’s Sinners by Bella Jewel

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Book Synopsis

My Review

I really wasn’t sure what I was walking into when I started this. I was not a fan of the first book. At all. And that’s putting it mildly. However, I thought that the author had potential once she worked through the kinks, and I was damn curious about Spike and his spikes.

What? The man has spikes in a certain area of his body, and rumor had it he liked his women to remove them…with their mouth. You saying you wouldn’t be curious?! Well either way, my pervy little mind was intrigued so of course I had to read it. I’m so glad to say that I was not disappointed with this one. I loved it!

Years ago, Spike and Ciara used to be friends. They weren’t just close friends, they were inseparable.

While both had feelings for the other, youthful ignorance, fear of ruining their friendship and mistakes kept them apart. Young Ciara loved Spike, but her inability to see his feelings for her drove him right into the arms of another woman…her sister. Then one night something that was already rocky, takes a turn for the worst and Chey, Ciara’s sister, gets killed in the crossfire of Spike’s mistake in crossing another MC.
Unable to work through her feelings of guilt, grief, and love, Ciara takes out her hurt on Spike and blames him for everything.

Now, having realized her mistake, Ciara is back. She wants Spike’s forgiveness but most of all she wants to get back the boy that she knew simply as Danny. And she’s willing to fight for him this time.

You know what’s so pathetic about this situation?” I rasp, my hands shaking. “It’s that no matter how angry I am at you, no matter how many times you spit hurtful words at me, or how many times I keep telling myself to walk away, I can’t. I want to save you. I want that friend that I know is in there. I can’t walk away, Spike. I hate you, and yet I can’t walk away.”

Spike is working through regrets and grief of his own. He once loved Ciara with everything that he had, but her ignorance pushed him away, and her blame wounded him deeply. He’s no longer the boy that she once knew.

Don’t want you to fuckin’ save me, Ciara. Don’t want you in my fuckin’ life. When will you get that through your head? I don’t want to be in your life. I didn’t chose you, I chose her. You need to fuckin’ move on. I am not the same person I was before.”

But feelings from their past are not that easily forgotten, and even though Spike does everything he can to drive Ciara away, the pull between them is too strong to ignore.

This book had everything that I found lacking in the first. Emotion, great relationship development, and a story that I truly grew invested in. Spike and Ciara’s relationship was filled with angst, emotion, and so much steam I felt like I needed a cold shower and a cigarette after every single encounter.

Come for me Tom Cat, fuckin’ come around my cock.”
“God, Spike, yes.”
“Say my name baby, fuckin’ say it.”
“Spike,” I rasp.
“No, the other one. Say my real name,” he growls, thrusting harder. “Danny,” I scream, my orgasm tearing through me like liquid fire. “God, Danny.”

This story might now be for everyone. There are a few things that I can see some might be uncomfortable with. One, is Spike’s treatment of Ciara. He is incredibly cruel and callous to her at first. You can see that it stems from his hurt and grief, so it didn’t bother me too much.

There is also elements of voyeurism in this book. If that’s something that makes you uncomfortable, this might not be for you. My pervy little mind ate it right up, so you will be getting zero complaints from this girl.

This is not a story about perfect love. It’s a raw and gritty story about 2 people learning to forgive, move on, and find their way back to each other. Their road was not a smooth one. It was filled with pain, mistakes, and grief; and I devoured it in one day.

I loved that Ciara wasn’t some meek little mouse. She had her moments where I wanted to smack her, but I really loved the way that she fought for Spike and stood up to him. Spike was just sexy as sin, him and his delicious piercings.

This book turned out to be such a pleasant surprise, and I’m looking forward to Jackson’s story next. Especially with that ending…

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Mine to Hold by Cynthia Eden

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Book Synopsis

My Review

There are 2 things I am almost guaranteed when I pick up a book by Cynthia Eden: A steamy romance with a protective and possessive alpha hero that is to die for, and a suspenseful story that will keep me at the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

After being introduced to Noah and Claire back in Mine to Keep I just knew that their story would be sizzling. And I was not disappointed.

After a horrific tragedy in her teens that cost her both her parents, and the recent brutal murder of her sister, Claire is running. That’s all she knows how to do, move from place to place and make no attachments. Especially to a man. But then when she has no other choice, she finds herself turning for help to the only man that has tempted her in over 9 years.

Noah is rich and successful, but beneath his expensive suit he is a man with a dark past and even darker secrets.

He doesn’t hold on to any woman for longer than a night, but for some reason he can’t seem to get Claire off of his mind. He knows that he must have her. And when Claire’s past comes back to threaten her, he knows that he will stop at absolutely nothing to protect her.

I loved this book. Noah was the perfect combination of dark and broody, possessive, and sexy as hell.

I wanted to fuck you from the first moment we met.”
She tried to suck in a deep breath.
“You feel so good.”
“Will you scream for me again?”

I also liked that Claire wasn’t a meek little mouse. She’s been through so much in her life, and she is still vulnerable from her past but she still had this strength at the core of her. I thought she was the perfect match for Noah and his past. I loved watching their relationship develop.

One of my favorite things about Cynthia Eden’s book is that she not only gives you dual POVs, but she also give you a peak inside the villain’s head. It really spikes up the suspense of the story.

I have to admit that I had a feeling who the bad guy was around the 20% mark, so I wasn’t all that shocked when the truth was revealed. But then when you think everything is all sunshine and rainbows Ms. Eden throws in a twist and a hell of a shocking surprise at the end.

Mine to Hold was my favorite book out of the series, and I can’t wait for future installments.

On a side note:
Please please please for the love of all that’s holy, can we get a book for Drake. How can you tease me like this, Cynthia? You give me hints and peaks at a damaged and broken man and expect me to wait patiently?!! I’m dying! DYING over here! And no, I’m not exaggerating dammit! I need, must have Drake’s book.
Now I am off to internet stalk the author to find out if and how soon I can get my hands on the deliciousness that is Drake. And I thank you

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CAGE is a complete story with a HEA.

My Review

Whose pants, you ask? Well Greg Cage’s of course. No need to think about decor, as Cage has already decorated the ahem…facilities very well. And yes I mean exactly what you’re thinking about. Don’t worry about bringing refreshments, as you will be getting drunk on all his sexy Alpha-maleness. I would suggest bring a few packs of ice for those moments (and there will be quite a few) where your ovaries will feel like they are about to catch on fire.

In Axel, I got very sweet and tame vibes from Cage. Boy was I in for a surprise when we got to see what he was really like. And let me just say, mama like! The book starts off with a bang

And I do mean a bang! And what a ride it was.

Axel definitely still holds the number one spot for me (until Maddox finally gets his book. What? I happen to have a thing for the broken and broody assholes), but Greg did give him a run for his money.

What really made this book for me though, was the heroine. I love me a kick ass heroine, and Melissa had it in spades. She is still dealing with the pain of losing her sister, but she still maintains this strength about herself.

One thing I have learned is you never hide who you are. If you want something, you fight for it. When you think you have fought hard enough, fight a little more. Don’t ever let anyone or any situation make who you are.”

It was so refreshing to read about a heroine that didn’t have any insecurities about her looks, and gave as good as she got. Greg may have his way with words, but Meli definitely put him in his place and made him work for it.

Name’s Greg Cage. Most of my friends call me Greg, some call me Cage, but you can call me whatever you want.” Really? Is he for real right now?
“Does that line ever work for you? And why would I call you Cage? Sounds like something you stuff a rabid animal in.

Greg is a man that hasn’t exactly been the relationship type. That’s not to say that he doesn’t secretly long for it when he sees the love between his friends Axel and Izzy. When he first sees Meli, it’s a case of insta-lust and he is determined to do everything to make her his.

While Meli doesn’t exactly make it easy for him, Greg certainly has a way with words. And when the man has his goal in mind, he pulls no punches.

Your body wants this as bad as your mind does. I can feel how wet you are. Come on beauty, let’s get out of here.”I feel his hand slip around the front of my body, back under my skirt, and his fingertips brush against my screaming core.
“Do you taste as good as you feel? Warm and juicy? Like a ripe peach that’s mine for the picking?”

And let me just tell you, when these two finally get down to business…WOWZA!

I am not usually a fan of almost insta-love, but somehow with Greg and Meli it just worked. It was not a instant thing, but it was a fairly quick transition from lust to love, yet it felt smooth. It just worked for them.

Greg is still dealing with regrets and past pain of his own. But he is trying to work through it and make amends for his past mistakes. He still has an edge about him with his dirty talking ways, but he also had this incredible sweet side.

I can’t make you promises, Beauty. I can’t sit here and tell you that I’m worth letting those walls down for. But, I can tell you that if the way I feel for you now keeps growing, there isn’t an army strong enough to pull me out.

We also get some more glimpses at all our favorite boys, including my deliciously broody Maddox. And of course some more Axel and Izzy and their newest little addition…that apparently doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

Nate is all ‘alpha baby’.”
“He is constantly saying ‘mine’. But does he say it about normal things a one year old would claim? Noooo, not Axel Reid’s baby. His baby claims boobs, Izzy. I took him with me to the mall the other day, and when we ran into Victoria’s Secret to get some new boyshorts, because hey, they were on sale so why not? Anyway, we walk in and he starts pointing to every mannequin, every sales lady’s chest. Then when I’m checking out, he pulls my top down and screams ‘mine’. You have issues with that boy if he is already chasing tits at one.”

Then there was Mandy:

And that is all I will say on that subject.

This book was not as angsty as the first one was, but it was still filled with plenty of action, steam, and suspense. There was a super sweet epilogue, and a quick sneak peek into Beck and Dee’s book.

This series has become an auto-buy favorite for me. Harper Sloan really knows how to write one hell of a sexy Alpha hero. And Greg Cage was no exception. I am now a little spoiled. I will be expecting every hero I read from now on to have the “trifecta of vaginal bliss.”

Now that is all the ramblings you will be getting from this girl. I am off to pout about the fact that I have to wait until book 5 to read about my beloved Maddox. And I thank you!

About the Author

Email: authorharpersloan@gmail.com

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Love Plus One by Andrea Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 I want Taz to call ME his ‘baby girl’ STARS

“I’m not looking to get hurt, Taz. I’m just looking to get laid.”

She was a fucking contradiction in terms. She was soft and sweet; lusty and sexy; reserved and abandoned at the same time.

Well, it’s official my friends; Andrea Smith has a new stalker auto-buy fan in me. While I really enjoyed her Baby Lite series, this book pretty much blew it out of the water for me. I thought I knew what I was in for, I though I was prepared for what was coming, boy was I fucking wrong! But before I get into all that, let’s talk about a few other things.

While I have not yet read the first book in this series (something I will be rectifying immediately), I had no issues understanding what was going on. I knew right away when I began reading that this book was going to be right up my alley.

I mean let’s see…
Sexy bad-boy, slightly assholish and manwhoring hero:
Said hero also having tattoos:
He was a sexy as hell FBI agent:
Heroine that I didn’t want to strangle:
A fantastic plot:
And enough steam to feel like my reader was going to catch on fire: YUP!

A year ago, Lindsey Dennison’s life changed irrevocably. Her father turned out to be not quite the man she always thought him to be. She had to deal with the fact that her father’s criminal activity led to federal bust, and his ultimate run from the law. Her parent’s marriage is over, and her mother is now married to the man responsible for the the bust.
Her mother never even hinting to the problems that she was having in her marriage certainly hasn’t helped with the shock that Lindsey has been dealt. But she’s trying to deal with it, to move on with her life. So she focuses all her energy on her first year of college. She’s not looking for happily ever after, she just wants to finish school and begin her career. There’s just one pesky little issue that she’d like to deal with before all that; losing her virginity.

But Lindsey doesn’t feel that way. She’s not looking for rainbows and unicorns and a happily ever after. She just wants to get it over with, and who’s better fit for the job that her step-father’s sexy partner, Trace “Taz” Matthews.

Taz is not into relationships. He likes his sex hot and dirty, and he likes his women disposable. But he’s 10 years older than Lindsey and he knows that his partner and best friend’s virginal step daughter is definitely off limits.

But there’s just one problem to his plan to stay away from her; he can’t seem to stop thinking about the little spitfire.

So they come to an arrangement. Taz will help Lindsey learn all she needs to about sex, and then they will both move on without looking back.

But things never quite work out the way you plan them, and Taz and Lindsey find themselves dealing with what looks to be a budding relationship.

I really liked that the progression of Lindsey and Taz’s relationship didn’t feel rushed or forced. Even though it might have been lust at first sight, both Taz and Lindsey struggled with their feelings, and it took them some time to deal with things.

As I’ve come to associate with Andrea Smith’s books, the story was filled with steam, action, suspense, and twist and turns. Just when I thought I was OK with how things were developing, and thought I knew what was coming Andrea went and swept the rug right out from under me. HOLY FUCKING HELL! When I got to the 80% mark of this book…I have no words. I’m pretty sure it was just

Shortly followed by

And after just left me

Please be warned that the book has a very brutal and graphic rape scene. If you are not comfortable reading that, I would advise against reading this book. The last 20% will leave you reeling.

Was this book perfect? No. There were times where I wanted to slap some sense into Lindsey, and times where Taz did or said some things that had me shaking my head. But something about it just worked for me. I loved it. And now I am eagerly anticipating the 3rd book’s release in December 2013.

But that is all the ramblings you’ll be getting from this girl for now. I’m gonna go read me a sunshine and rainbows book next to deal with the HOLY HELL DID THAT JUST HAPPEN last 20% of this book. And I thank you